In this article, we will explore what a VLSI certification is, why it is important, and how you can go about getting certified in VLSI by Sanfoundry for free.
What is a VLSI certification?
A VLSI certification is a professional credential demonstrating an individual’s proficiency in VLSI. The certified professional has in-depth knowledge of topics such as:
- concepts of digital building blocks using MOS transistor.
- design of combinational MOS circuits and power strategies.
- designing and constructing sequential circuits and timing systems.
- design of arithmetic building blocks and memory subsystems.
- applying and implementing FPGA design flow and its testing.
- fundamentals of CMOS circuits and its characteristics.
- design of the combinational & sequential digital circuits.
- awareness of architectural choices and performance tradeoffs involved in designing and realizing the circuits in CMOS technology.
- FPGA architectures and testability of VLSI circuits.
- identification of the CMOS layout levels, and the design layers used in the process sequence.
- describing the general steps required for processing of CMOS integrated circuits.
- design of static CMOS combinational and sequential logic at the transistor level.
- usage of different logic styles such as complementary CMOS logic, pass-transistor Logic, dynamic logic, etc.
Which certification is best to work in the field of VLSI?
Sanfoundry offers free Certification in the field of VLSI. Other certifications include Certified VLSI Design Professional (CVDP), Certified VLSI Design Expert (CVDE), Certified VLSI System Designer (CVSD) and Certified ASIC/FPGA Designer (CAFD).
What type of job can I get with a VLSI certification?
There are many types of jobs that can be obtained with VLSI certification. You could work as AMS (Analog Mixed Signal) designer, AMS verification engineer., layout design engineer, ASIC front-end designer, physical design engineer, FPGA back-end verification engineer, front-end verification engineer, DFT engineer and application engineer technical support.
What topics are covered in the VLSI certification course exam?
Here’s the complete syllabus of the exam.
| VLSI Certification Syllabus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to MOS | nMOS and CMOS Fabrication | Electrical Properties of MOS Circuits |
| Characteristics of npn Bipolar Transistors | Electrical Properties of BiCMOS Circuits | MOS & BiCMOS Circuit Design Processes |
| Design Rules and Layout | Basic Circuit Concepts | Capacitive Loads & Wiring Capacitances |
| Scaling of MOS Circuits | Subsystem Design and Layout | Phase Locked Loops |
| Illustration of the Design Process-Computational Elements | Design of ALU Subsystem | Memory, Registers |
| Aspects of System Timing | Practical Aspects | Testability |
| Cellular Automata | Ultra-Fast VLSI Circuits and Systems-GaAS Technology | MESFET |
| Transconductance and Voltage Swing | MOS Transistor Theory | nMOS & Complementary MOS (CMOS) |
Sanfoundry VLSI Certification
Sanfoundry offers online certification in VLSI for free. The certification exam is divided into two parts: Qualifier Test and Certification Test.First step is to take the "Qualifier Test". If you have scored at least a B grade in the "Qualifier Test", then only you would be eligible to take part in the online "Certification Test". If you have scored an A* (Genius) or A (Excellent) grade in the certification test, then you will be awarded a “Certificate of Merit” in VLSI from Sanfoundry.
VLSI Certification Exam Overview:
Here are the details and format of the Certification Exam:
- Format: Online & Multiple Choice
- Prerequisite: Yes (Qualifier Test)
- Total Questions: 50
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Negative Marking: Yes
- Fee: Free
In the online certification test, you will be given 2 points for every correct answer. There will also be negative marking of -1 for every wrong answer. So, you have to be more careful in your test. If needed, you should skip to the next question and come back to that question later so that you can manage the time more effectively during the test.
Grading:
Based on your score, you would be given one of the following Grades:
Grade A* – Genius (You scored 100%)
Grade A – Excellent (Your score is in the range of 80% to 99%)
Grade B – Good (Your score is in the range of 60% to 80%)
Grade C – Average (Your score is in the range of 40% to 60%)
Grade D – Poor (Your score is in the range of 0% to 40%)
Steps to get the Free VLSI Certificate
How to prepare for VLSI Certification Exam?Before you start taking the certification test, it is important to study and practice our collection of 1000 VLSI MCQs and check your progress by taking this subject specific Practice & Mock Tests.
Once you are ready, follow the below mentioned steps:
- Sign up with Sanfoundry.
- Take this VLSI Qualifier Test.
- Score at least B Grade in the Qualifier test in order to be qualified to take the certification exam.
- Once you have qualified, you can take this VLSI Certification Test anytime (24×7).
- If you have scored either A* Grade (Genius) or A Grade (Excellent) in the test, then you are eligible for a "Certificate of Merit".
- Fill this feedback form and download your certificate of merit from here. Kindly note that we issue certificate-of-merit on a monthly basis only i.e., on 5th of the next month.
- Check your name in the list of top-rankers live here.
VLSI Certification FAQs
1. Is a certification required to work in VLSI? Will it get me a job?A certification is not mandatory, but it demonstrates your expertise in this field. So the benefit of a certification is that it can help make the process easier by showing employers that you have the skills necessary for the given job.
2. Can I do VLSI certification if I am a beginner?
Yes, but you should prepare the subject thoroughly by studying all the chapters and topics.
3. Is the VLSI exam hard?
This subject is not difficult to learn, but it's not an easy subject either. If you've practiced VLSI in-depth, then the test might be a little easier for you.
4. How long does it take to earn a VLSI certification?
The amount of time it takes to earn the certification varies depending on individual circumstances and level of experience. It typically takes several months of studying and practice to prepare for the certification exam.
5. Can I earn a college credit for my VLSI course if I am certified?
It depends on your college. There are few colleges and institutions which prefer the students to be certified by external institutions for a credit course. So, kindly check with your college.
6. Can I get certified in VLSI online?
Yes, Sanfoundry offers free online certificate in VLSI.
7. Which online VLSI Certification Course is the best?
Each online certification course has a specific focus and it prepares you for different skillset. So, there is no single best course on VLSI. The best you can do is to get a free certificate on this from Sanfoundry. If you are doing a self-study, you can learn the basics in the free VLSI Certification Course.
8. Can I get VLSI certification for free? How much it cost?
Yes, you can get the certification for free. A Certificate by Sanfoundry is 100% free for everyone.
9. How long is VLSI certification valid? Does it expire?
The certificate is valid for life. There is no need to renew your certificate or take any further steps to keep your certification active.
10. Who is eligible to take the VLSI certification exam?
Anyone who has been "working" or "studying" the subject can take the certification exam.
11. What is the format of the certification exam?
It is MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) based.
12. Is there any negative marking in the online certification exam?
In the Certification exam, you will be given 2 points for every correct answer. There will also be a negative marking of -1 for every wrong answer.
13. How many times can I take the certification exam?
You can attempt the certification exam 2 times a month.
14. Are there any resources or materials available to help me prepare for the VLSI Certification exam?
You should practice Sanfoundry VLSI MCQs. Additionally, you can refer to the collection of best VLSI Books.
15. Are there any prerequisites for VLSI certification?
Yes, there is one prerequisite. You have to complete the qualifier test before taking the certification test.
16. How do I get certified in VLSI?
Take the Sanfoundry test, get either an A* Grade (Genius) or an A Grade (Excellent) in the VLSI certification exam, and earn a free certificate of merit from us.
17. How do I register for the certification exam? How to get started?
Simply signup with Sanfoundry and take the test as mentioned here.
