Yes—Arduino Academy offers course-based ACE badges and certificates, including courses in PLC programming, HMI integration and embedded prototyping. They document completion of Arduino’s learning program; the available course information does not establish them as accredited engineering qualifications, professional licenses or university degrees.
What Arduino Academy’s ACE qualification means
Arduino introduced Academy on October 30, 2024, as a self-paced learning platform with hands-on labs, quizzes, multimedia, discussion, progress tracking and badges or certificates. The launch announcement called ACE-100 free: “Last but not least, ACE-100 is free!” The current catalog has since expanded to three ACE courses. Arduino’s launch announcement and current Academy catalog describe the program.
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In this context, “Arduino Certified Engineer” is the name Arduino uses for its course credential program. The course pages describe badges or certificates associated with completing specific courses. They do not establish that an ACE credential is a regulated engineering license, a university qualification or an independently accredited professional certification. Nor do they provide independent evidence that earning one guarantees a job or promotion.
Which ACE courses are available?
The catalog covers three different subject areas. The durations and module counts below are estimates and listings on the course pages, accessed September 28, 2026.
#1 Best Overall
- 35+ Guided Electronics Projects: Progress from LEDs and buttons to RFID access, real-time clocks, motion and distance sensing, environmental monitoring, motor control and interactive displays for STEM learning, coding clubs and maker projects
- More I/O and Memory for Larger Builds: The MEGA 2560 R3 provides 54 digital I/O pins, including 15 PWM outputs, 16 analog inputs, 4 hardware serial ports and 256 KB flash for projects that combine more sensors, controls and displays
- 200+ Components for Prototyping: Includes LCD1602, RC522 RFID, RTC, DHT11, HC-SR501 PIR, ultrasonic and water-level sensors, GY-521, MAX7219, keypad, joystick, rotary encoder, relay, SG90 servo, stepper motor, DC motor, breadboard and more
- Learn, Modify and Create: Follow 35+ guided lessons with example code, then adjust sensor thresholds, timing, display text, motor behavior and control logic to turn structured exercises into access systems, monitors, alarms and interactive projects
- Organized for Repeatable Learning: Pre-soldered modules, a solderless breadboard, storage case and small-parts box reduce setup time and keep sensors, LEDs, ICs, wires and other components easy to find between projects
| Course | Focus | Listed structure | Prerequisite or requirements | Credential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACE-100: Arduino Opta Essentials | Beginner PLC programming with Arduino Opta: Ladder Diagram, Arduino sketches and C++, Arduino PLC IDE, Arduino IDE and Arduino Cloud. | Five modules; estimated 16 hours. | Windows, Arduino IDE and Arduino PLC IDE are listed. An approved Opta Trainer Kit is required for full course access. | ACE-100 badge/certificate. |
| ACE-120: HMI Essentials with Arduino Opta | Beginner HMI programming and HMI-to-PLC integration using Weintek cMT2078X, EasyBuilder Pro and Arduino Opta. | Five modules; estimated eight hours. | ACE-100 completion is listed as a prerequisite. | ACE-120 badge/certificate. |
| ACE-220: Enterprise Prototyping with Arduino Portenta Proto Kit | Beginner-to-intermediate embedded prototyping. | Eight modules; estimated eight hours. | Portenta Proto Kit ME or VE hardware; Arduino IDE and Arduino Cloud access are listed. | ACE-220 badge/certificate. |
Course-page details can change; check the linked page for current requirements and access terms before enrolling.
Is Arduino Academy free, and do you need hardware?
The Academy catalog describes its courses as free, and ACE-100’s page says the course itself is free. However, that page says an approved Opta Trainer Kit is required for full ACE-100 access. A standalone Opta controller should not be assumed to meet that requirement. First-time ACE-100 enrollment offers the first two modules as a preview, according to the course page.
Rank #2
- TURN CODE INTO REAL-WORLD RESULTS — Follow 22+ guided lessons to make LEDs blink, read temperature and distance, move servo and stepper motors, control an LCD and respond to joystick or IR input; ideal for a family weekend build, homeschool unit, coding club or STEM classroom
- MORE PROJECT VARIETY IN ONE ORGANIZED KIT — Includes the UNO R3 controller, LCD1602 with pre-soldered header, breadboard power module, ultrasonic and DHT11 sensors, joystick, IR receiver and remote, SG90 servo, stepper motor, relay, DC motor, fan blade, displays, LEDs, buttons, resistors and jumper wires
- START WITHOUT SOLDERING — Plug-in modules, a solderless breadboard and the pre-soldered LCD help beginners focus on wiring, code and testing; the illustrated component list makes it easier to find each part and move from one lesson to the next
- LEARN THE LOGIC, THEN CREATE YOUR OWN — Use Arduino IDE and the included example code to understand digital input and output, analog sensing, timing, motor control and display functions, then change thresholds, speeds and sequences for alarms, environmental monitors, reaction games and motion projects
- CLEAR SETUP SUPPORT FOR FIRST-TIME BUILDERS — Download the latest tutorial and code, select the UNO board and correct computer port, check component polarity and breadboard rows, and keep power-module input at 9V or below; younger learners should work with an experienced adult
ACE-100 names two approved trainer-kit options: PLC Cables sells a pre-wired, plug-and-play kit, while DigiKey offers an unwired kit with pre-cut, ferrule-ended wires for learners who want to practice wiring and troubleshooting. The course page says learners who already own an Opta can use the DigiKey kit without the Opta. Its displayed trainer-kit range is €340 / $350 to below €970 / $999; those are page-reported figures, not verified current checkout prices. Regional pricing, taxes, stock and kit configurations may differ.
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Rank #3
- 30+ Guided Electronics Projects: Start with LEDs and build toward LCD1602 displays, RFID access, motion detection, distance sensing, motor control and environmental monitoring for STEM learning, coding clubs, classrooms and hobby projects
- 200+ Components Across 63 Types: Includes an ELEGOO UNO R3 controller, LCD1602, RC522 RFID, RTC, HC-SR501 PIR sensor, ultrasonic sensor, DHT11, GY-521, MAX7219, keypad, joystick, relay, SG90 servo, stepper motor, breadboard and more
- Begin Without Soldering: Pre-soldered modules, a solderless breadboard, organized storage case and small-parts box reduce setup time and help beginners move from lesson to lesson while keeping LEDs, ICs, wires and sensors easy to find
- Learn, Modify and Create: Program the ELEGOO UNO R3 board with Arduino IDE using the included PDF tutorial and example code, then adjust sensor thresholds, timing, display text and motor behavior to turn guided lessons into original projects
- Flexible Power and Project Setup: Includes a 9 V, 1 A power supply, breadboard power module, 9 V battery and USB cable to support controller, breadboard and module experiments without sourcing basic setup accessories separately
How ACE differs from Arduino Certification
Arduino also offers a separate exam-based credential called Arduino Certification. It is not the ACE Academy course badge. The exam page lists 36 randomized questions, a 75-minute limit, immediate pass/fail results and seven languages: English, Spanish, German, Chinese, Greek, Bengali and Italian. Passing grants an Arduino Certification certificate. See the exam page and certifications overview.
The overview describes the exam as suited to learners aged 16 or older with about a year of Arduino use, and Junior Certification as aimed at ages 14 and older. The exam support page says an activation code is valid for one attempt and can be purchased individually or in a bundle. Those age guidance and attempt terms apply to the separate exam path, not to Academy’s ACE courses. Arduino exam activation help explains the code terms.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The most economical kit comes with everything compatible with Arduino to starting programming for beginners .
- This is the upgraded starter kits come with a 9V 1A Power Adapter (At least $5.99 on amazon) to replace a 9V Battery , and the Lcd1602 module come with pin header(not need to be soldered by yourself).
- Include High Quality Base Board base on Arduino UNO R3 compatible with Arduino IED and Sensors, Servo, Motor, ULN2003 driver board, lcds, etc.
- Free PDF Tutorial and Datasheet are available to download from our official website or you can contact our customer service.
- All of the Components and Integrated Circuits are individually packaged and labeled, and packing in a plastic box which is bigger enough for you.
Rank #4
- All-in-One Starter Kit for Beginners: Part of the Powered by Arduino program, this kit includes an original Arduino UNO R4 WiFi, 300+ high-quality components, 50+ hands-on projects (30 basic, 13 fun, and 8 IoT), and 100+ free video lessons co-created with renowned educator Paul McWhorter. Designed for beginners ages 8+, it provides a complete, step-by-step path to learn Arduino, electronics, coding, and IoT. RoHS compliant for added safety and quality, it also makes a thoughtful gift for tech enthusiasts, students, and aspiring makers for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions
- Powerful Arduino Uno R4 WiFi Board: Upgraded from the Arduino Uno R3, the Arduino Uno R4 WiFi features a 32-bit processor, more memory, and built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, enabling connection to third-party apps for more interactive and practical projects.
- 300+ Components for Endless Possibilities: With 300+ components and sensors, this kit is perfect for portable projects. It features step-by-step tutorials, open-source code, and compatibility with other Arduino boards like Uno R3 and Nano, offering endless customization and learning opportunities.
- Engaging Projects for Every Skill Level: Featuring 50 projects (30 basic, 13 fun, 8 IoT) with IoT app integration like Arduino IoT Cloud , this kit supports Arduino C++ programming, making it perfect for students, teachers, and engineers to learn, code, and create at any skill level.
- Dedicated Support for Beginners: Alongside online resources and video tutorials, SunFounder provides technical support and troubleshooting forums to help beginners solve programming challenges with ease.
How to choose an ACE course
- Choose ACE-100 if you want a foundation in PLC programming with Opta and can meet its approved trainer-kit requirement for full access.
- Choose ACE-120 for HMI programming and PLC integration, noting its stated ACE-100 prerequisite.
- Choose ACE-220 for embedded prototyping with the Portenta Proto Kit ME or VE.
- If you need a credential for regulated engineering work, university credit or a particular employer’s hiring requirements, confirm recognition with that regulator, institution or employer; the ACE course pages do not establish those forms of recognition.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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