Inquire: Call 0086-755-23203480, or reach out via the form below/your sales contact to discuss our design, manufacturing, and assembly capabilities.
Quote: Email your PCB files to Sales@pcbsync.com (Preferred for large files) or submit online. We will contact you promptly. Please ensure your email is correct.
Notes: For PCB fabrication, we require PCB design file in Gerber RS-274X format (most preferred), *.PCB/DDB (Protel, inform your program version) format or *.BRD (Eagle) format. For PCB assembly, we require PCB design file in above mentioned format, drilling file and BOM. Click to download BOM template To avoid file missing, please include all files into one folder and compress it into .zip or .rar format.
IPC 1791 Standard: Everything You Need to Know About Trusted PCB Certification
If you’ve been working in defense, aerospace, or medical electronics manufacturing, you’ve probably come across IPC 1791 in recent conversations with customers or during supplier qualification discussions. As someone who has navigated the certification landscape for years, I can tell you that understanding this standard isn’t just about checking a compliance box—it’s becoming essential for winning contracts and building customer trust.
So what exactly is IPC 1791, and why should your organization care? Let me break it down based on what I’ve learned from working with certified facilities and helping companies prepare for their audits.
IPC 1791, officially titled “Trusted Electronic Designer, Fabricator and Assembler Requirements,” is an industry standard developed by IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense. First published in 2018, this standard establishes minimum requirements for PCB design houses, fabricators, and assembly companies to become recognized as “trusted sources.”
The core purpose is straightforward: give customers confidence that their supplier can protect sensitive information, maintain product integrity, and manage supply chain risks effectively. This matters enormously when you’re building circuit boards for fighter jets, medical implants, or satellite systems.
Unlike general quality certifications, IPC 1791 specifically addresses four critical pillars that customers in high-integrity markets demand:
Pillar
What It Covers
Quality
Product and process quality systems (AS9100, IPC-A-610, etc.)
Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM)
Policies to identify and mitigate supply disruptions
Traceability and control of materials, data, and products
Who Needs IPC 1791 Certification?
The short answer: any PCB-related company serving defense, aerospace, medical, or other high-reliability markets where customers need assurance that their intellectual property and product integrity are protected.
Industries That Commonly Require IPC 1791
Defense and Military: Prime contractors increasingly ask about IPC 1791 status during supplier qualification
Aerospace: Both commercial and government aerospace programs value trusted suppliers
Medical Devices: Particularly Class III devices requiring stringent supply chain controls
Automotive: ADAS and safety-critical systems benefit from trusted supplier relationships
Industrial Controls: Critical infrastructure applications where failure isn’t an option
The reality is that even if your customers aren’t explicitly requiring IPC 1791 today, the landscape is shifting. The DoD has adopted the standard, and Section 841 of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act mandated development of trusted supply chain standards for PCBs. It’s only a matter of time before more contracts start specifying this certification.
The Three Types of IPC 1791 Certification
One of the practical aspects of IPC 1791 is its flexibility. The standard recognizes that not every company does design, fabrication, AND assembly—so it offers three certification types that you can pursue individually or in combination.
Type 1: Trusted Designer
For organizations focused on PCB and assembly design services. If your company handles schematic capture, layout, or design for manufacturing (DFM) for sensitive programs, this is your certification path.
Type 2: Trusted Fabricator
For PCB fabrication facilities. This covers your board shops that take Gerber files and produce bare circuit boards. Most of the currently certified companies fall into this category.
Type 3: Trusted Assembler
For electronics manufacturing services (EMS) companies and assembly operations. If you’re placing components on boards and building complete assemblies, this certification demonstrates your trusted status.
Many facilities pursue multiple types. For instance, a vertically integrated operation might hold Type 2 and Type 3 certifications for the same location.
Key Requirements of IPC 1791
Let me walk through what the standard actually requires. Having helped prepare for these audits, I can tell you the documentation and systems effort is significant—but manageable if you approach it systematically.
Quality System Requirements
Your existing quality management system forms the foundation. The standard assumes you already maintain certifications like:
AS9100 (aerospace quality)
ISO 9001 (general quality)
IPC-A-610 (acceptability of electronic assemblies)
IPC-A-600 (acceptability of printed boards)
MIL-PRF-31032 (military PCB performance)
If you’re already serving defense customers, you likely have most of this in place.
Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM)
This is where many companies need to build new capabilities. You need documented policies and procedures for:
Identifying critical suppliers and single-source risks
Evaluating supplier security and quality practices
Managing disruption scenarios and contingency planning
Counterfeit part prevention and detection
Security Requirements
The security pillar has multiple dimensions that companies often underestimate:
Cybersecurity (NIST SP 800-171)
Your IT systems handling controlled unclassified information (CUI) must comply with NIST SP 800-171. This includes 110 security controls covering access management, audit trails, incident response, and more. The latest revision of IPC 1791 (Revision D) also references CMMC alignment.
Export Control Compliance
If you handle ITAR-controlled or EAR-regulated items, your export compliance program must be robust. This means:
Technology control plans
Foreign person access procedures
Proper licensing and documentation
Employee training programs
Physical and Personnel Security
Facilities must demonstrate:
Controlled access to production areas
Visitor management procedures
Personnel security requirements (background checks where appropriate)
Secure handling of customer data and designs
Chain of Custody (ChoC)
Traceability is fundamental to the trusted supplier concept. You need systems to:
Track materials from receipt through shipment
Maintain lot traceability for components and materials
Document handling and storage of customer IP
Provide audit trails for product history
The IPC 1791 Certification Process
Here’s what to expect if your company decides to pursue certification:
Step 1: Gap Analysis and Preparation
Before engaging IPC Validation Services, conduct an honest assessment of your current state against the standard requirements. Many companies bring in consultants or use the IPC self-audit checklist. Expect this phase to take 3-12 months depending on your starting point—particularly if you need to implement NIST SP 800-171 controls from scratch.
Step 2: Documentation and Implementation
You’ll need to develop or update policies, procedures, and work instructions across all four pillars. This isn’t a paper exercise—auditors will verify that you’re actually following your documented processes.
Step 3: Internal Audit
Conduct a thorough internal audit using the IPC checklist. Fix any gaps before requesting the official audit.
Step 4: IPC Validation Services Audit
Contact IPC to schedule your audit. The on-site assessment typically takes 2-3 days, depending on facility size and scope. Auditors will:
Review documentation
Interview personnel
Observe processes
Verify implementation of controls
Step 5: Certification and QML Listing
Upon successful completion, you receive your IPC 1791 certification and get listed on the IPC Qualified Manufacturers List (QML). Certification is valid for three years, after which requalification is required.
Beyond the obvious compliance benefit, certified companies report several tangible advantages:
Competitive Differentiation
With fewer than 50 certified facilities in North America, IPC 1791 QML status sets you apart from competitors. Defense primes are increasingly using trusted supplier status as a differentiator when selecting partners.
Reduced Customer Audits
Many customers accept IPC 1791 certification as evidence of supply chain security, reducing the burden of individual customer audits. This saves time and resources for both parties.
DFARS 252.204-7012 Validation
The IPC 1791 QML program is the only independent validation specifically addressing the DFARS clause for safeguarding covered defense information. This matters enormously for DoD contract compliance.
Risk Mitigation
The discipline required to achieve and maintain certification genuinely improves your security posture and operational resilience. These aren’t just checkbox requirements—they represent real protection for your business and customers.
IPC 1791 vs. Other Trusted Supplier Programs
One common source of confusion: how does IPC 1791 relate to other “trusted” programs?
IPC 1791 vs. DMEA Trusted Supplier
These are different programs with different scopes:
Aspect
IPC 1791
DMEA Trusted Supplier
Focus
PCBs and assemblies
Integrated circuits (ASICs)
Administering Body
IPC Validation Services
Defense Microelectronics Activity
Scope
Design, fabrication, assembly
IC design, foundry, packaging, test
Mandate Status
DoD adopted (not mandated)
DoD mandated for applicable ICs
IPC 1791 explicitly states that it should not be confused with DMEA accreditation. They address different parts of the electronics supply chain.
IPC 1791 vs. CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and IPC 1791 have overlapping cybersecurity requirements, but different scopes:
CMMC focuses specifically on cybersecurity maturity across all defense contractors
IPC 1791 addresses broader supply chain trust including quality, SCRM, security, and chain of custody
The latest IPC 1791 Revision D includes clarification on the relationship between CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 requirements. Companies pursuing both certifications will find significant overlap in the cybersecurity domain.
Revision History of IPC 1791
Understanding the standard’s evolution helps you ensure you’re working with current requirements:
The certification audit fees vary based on facility size and scope, but expect to budget $15,000-$30,000 for the IPC audit itself. The bigger investment is typically in preparation—implementing NIST SP 800-171 controls alone can require $50,000-$200,000+ depending on your IT infrastructure starting point.
How long does IPC 1791 certification take?
From decision to certification typically takes 6-18 months. Companies with mature quality systems and existing cybersecurity programs can move faster. The biggest time sink is usually cybersecurity implementation if you’re starting from scratch.
Is IPC 1791 mandatory for DoD contracts?
Not yet mandatory, but increasingly expected. The DoD has adopted (not mandated) IPC 1791, meaning it’s available for program managers to specify. Section 841 of the FY2021 NDAA directed development of trusted PCB supply chain standards, signaling future requirements. Many prime contractors already prefer or require certified suppliers.
Can non-U.S. companies get IPC 1791 certification?
Yes, but with additional requirements. Non-U.S. organizations must have a U.S. sponsor and meet the requirements in Appendix D of the standard, which addresses foreign ownership and access considerations.
How does IPC 1791 relate to ITAR registration?
They’re separate but complementary. ITAR registration is required for manufacturing defense articles, while IPC 1791 demonstrates your capability to handle controlled information securely. Most defense-focused manufacturers need both.
Preparing Your Organization for IPC 1791
Based on what I’ve seen work for companies pursuing certification, here’s my practical advice:
Start with cybersecurity. NIST SP 800-171 compliance is usually the heaviest lift. Begin this workstream early, even before you formally engage IPC.
Leverage existing certifications. If you’re AS9100 certified, you’ve got a significant head start on quality requirements. Map your existing systems to IPC 1791 requirements to identify true gaps.
Engage leadership early. Certification requires commitment across departments—IT, quality, operations, HR. This isn’t a quality department project; it needs executive sponsorship.
Consider a pre-assessment. Some companies engage IPC or consultants for an informal gap assessment before committing to the formal audit path. This can prevent expensive surprises.
Plan for the long term. Certification is valid for three years, but the systems you build need ongoing maintenance. Budget for continuous compliance, not just initial certification.
The electronics supply chain is evolving, and trusted supplier status is becoming table stakes for high-reliability markets. Whether you pursue IPC 1791 now or wait for customer mandates, understanding this standard positions your organization for the future of defense and aerospace manufacturing.
The companies that have already achieved certification consistently report that while the journey is demanding, the competitive advantage and operational improvements make it worthwhile. If your customers are asking about supply chain security—and they increasingly are—IPC 1791 provides a credible, industry-recognized answer.
Final Thoughts on IPC 1791 Certification
The electronics manufacturing industry is at an inflection point. Supply chain security concerns, counterfeit component risks, and increasing cybersecurity threats have made trusted supplier relationships more valuable than ever before.
IPC 1791 represents the industry’s response to these challenges—a comprehensive framework developed by electronics professionals for electronics professionals. Unlike government-only programs, this standard was created with input from PCB fabricators, assemblers, defense primes, and the DoD working together.
For manufacturers considering certification, my recommendation is simple: don’t wait until customers mandate it. The companies achieving certification now are building competitive advantages that will be difficult for latecomers to match. They’re winning contracts today based partly on their trusted supplier status.
The investment in IPC 1791 certification pays dividends beyond the certificate itself. The discipline of implementing robust quality systems, supply chain risk management, cybersecurity controls, and chain of custody procedures makes your organization more resilient and capable. These aren’t just audit requirements—they’re operational improvements that protect your business and your customers.
Whether you’re a design house, fabricator, or assembler, the path to IPC 1791 certification is well-defined and achievable. The resources exist, the audit process is fair, and the benefits are real. The question isn’t whether trusted supplier certification will matter in your market—it’s whether you’ll be ahead of the curve or playing catch-up.
Inquire: Call 0086-755-23203480, or reach out via the form below/your sales contact to discuss our design, manufacturing, and assembly capabilities.
Quote: Email your PCB files to Sales@pcbsync.com (Preferred for large files) or submit online. We will contact you promptly. Please ensure your email is correct.
Notes: For PCB fabrication, we require PCB design file in Gerber RS-274X format (most preferred), *.PCB/DDB (Protel, inform your program version) format or *.BRD (Eagle) format. For PCB assembly, we require PCB design file in above mentioned format, drilling file and BOM. Click to download BOM template To avoid file missing, please include all files into one folder and compress it into .zip or .rar format.
