SCADA Training Course

Lesson 1 • Key Standards and Regulatory Frameworks

Introduces functional safety, cybersecurity, and interoperability standards governing SCADA deployments. Prepares students to evaluate compliance requirements in their sector.

Lesson 2 • Core SCADA System Architecture

Explains the layered structure of a SCADA system including field devices, communication networks, and control centres. Establishes vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • SCADA in Industrial Sectors

Surveys SCADA applications across utilities, oil and gas, water treatment, and manufacturing. Helps students map generic concepts to real operational environments.

Lesson 1 • Signal Types and Wiring Standards

Distinguishes analog, discrete, and digital signal types used in field wiring. Ensures students can read loop diagrams and troubleshoot wiring faults.

Lesson 2 • Actuators and Final Control Elements

Examines control valves, motor drives, and relay outputs that execute SCADA commands. Links actuator selection to process response and safety requirements.

Lesson 3 • Sensors and Measurement Principles

Covers physical measurement principles for temperature, pressure, flow, and level. Grounds students in how raw process variables become digital signals.

Lesson 1 • Intelligent Electronic Devices

Introduces IEDs used in power systems for protection, metering, and control. Connects IED data output to SCADA integration via standard communication protocols.

Lesson 2 • Controller Diagnostics and Troubleshooting

Develops systematic fault-finding skills using status LEDs, diagnostic registers, and online monitoring tools. Prepares students to restore controller operation under time pressure.

Lesson 3 • PLC Architecture and Operation

Explains CPU, memory, I/O modules, and scan cycle of a programmable logic controller. Establishes the processing model underlying all ladder and function-block programmes.

Lesson 4 • IEC 61131-3 Programming Languages

Teaches the five standard PLC programming languages: ladder diagram, function block, structured text, instruction list, and sequential function chart. Students write and test basic programmes.

Lesson 1 • DNP3 Protocol for SCADA

Explains DNP3 data link, transport, and application layers with emphasis on unsolicited reporting and time synchronisation. Targets utility and water sector deployments.

Lesson 2 • Serial Communication Fundamentals

Reviews RS-232, RS-485, and RS-422 electrical standards and framing parameters. Provides the physical-layer foundation for Modbus and DNP3 serial implementations.

Lesson 3 • Modbus Protocol Deep Dive

Covers Modbus RTU, ASCII, and TCP variants including function codes, register maps, and exception responses. Students configure master-slave exchanges and verify data integrity.

Lesson 4 • OPC Standards and Data Exchange

Covers OPC DA, OPC HDA, and OPC UA for vendor-neutral data exchange between SCADA components. Students configure an OPC UA server and browse its address space.

Lesson 1 • HMI Security and Access Control

Configures role-based access, audit logging, and session timeout policies within the HMI application. Prevents unauthorised control actions and supports incident investigation.

Lesson 2 • Building Process Mimics and Graphics

Teaches construction of process flow diagrams, dynamic objects, and trend displays within HMI software. Students create a functional mimic for a sample process.

Lesson 3 • Alarm Management in HMI

Implements alarm rationalisation, priority assignment, shelving, and suppression within the HMI platform. Addresses alarm flood prevention and regulatory alarm management guidance.

Lesson 4 • HMI Design Principles

Applies high-performance HMI guidelines covering colour, hierarchy, and situational awareness. Connects display design directly to operator error reduction and response time.

Lesson 1 • Process Data Historian Setup

Configures tag compression, storage rates, and retention policies in a process historian. Enables long-term trend analysis and regulatory data archiving.

Lesson 2 • Master Station Architecture

Describes server roles, redundancy topologies, and database structures within a SCADA master station. Connects architecture choices to availability and scalability requirements.

Lesson 3 • Data Acquisition and Polling Configuration

Sets up communication drivers, scan rates, and exception reporting to optimise data throughput and network load. Balances data freshness against bandwidth constraints.

Lesson 1 • Identity and Access Management

Configures multi-factor authentication, privileged access management, and Active Directory integration for SCADA systems. Enforces least-privilege principles across all user roles.

Lesson 2 • Industrial Cybersecurity Threat Landscape

Profiles threat actors, attack vectors, and notable ICS incidents relevant to SCADA environments. Motivates the security controls introduced in subsequent sections.

Lesson 3 • Endpoint Hardening for ICS

Applies OS hardening, application whitelisting, and patch management to SCADA servers and HMI workstations. Balances security controls with operational availability requirements.

Lesson 4 • Network Segmentation and Zones

Implements the Purdue model and ISA/IEC 62443 zone-and-conduit approach to isolate SCADA networks. Reduces attack surface through firewall rules and DMZ design.

Lesson 1 • Factory Acceptance Testing

Develops FAT test scripts, executes hardware and software checks, and documents results before site delivery. Reduces commissioning risk by resolving defects in a controlled environment.

Lesson 2 • Site Installation and Commissioning

Covers cable installation, panel termination, loop checking, and live commissioning sequences. Connects field activities to the SCADA configuration completed in earlier chapters.

Lesson 3 • Change Management and Lifecycle Support

Implements management-of-change procedures, version control, and long-term support planning for operational SCADA systems. Sustains system integrity throughout the asset lifecycle.

Lesson 4 • Site Acceptance Testing and Handover

Executes SAT scripts with the client, resolves punch-list items, and completes as-built documentation. Formally transfers system ownership and establishes support arrangements.