Siemens SITRAIN Training Comparison - PCS 7 System Course (ST-PCS7SYS) vs Advanced Certification Curriculum

The official Siemens SITRAIN curriculum for SIMATIC PCS 7 distinguishes foundational training from specialized certification courses. The SIMATIC PCS 7 System Course (ST-PCS7SYS, 10 days) provides comprehensive introductory-to-intermediate training on system architecture, hardware configuration, CFC, SFC, and WinCC OS integration. In contrast, 'PCS 7 on Tour' is a technical handbook and localized seminar summarizing complete system workflows rather than a standardized prerequisite course. For experienced STEP 7 engineers seeking official Siemens PCS 7 Engineer Certification, the required advanced courses are SIMATIC PCS 7 AS-Engineering (ST-PCS7ASE) and SIMATIC PCS 7 OS-Engineering (ST-PCS7OSE), which culminate in the formal certification examination.

Executive Summary

Control systems engineers, automation leads, and systems integrators transitioning from classic PLC/SCADA platforms (such as SIMATIC S7-300/400 and standalone WinCC) frequently evaluate Siemens SITRAIN training offerings to optimize their learning curves and achieve recognized professional credentials. Common questions revolve around the scope of the 10-day SIMATIC PCS 7 System Course (ST-PCS7SYS) versus historical 'PCS 7 on Tour' workshops, and which specific training paths are mandatory to achieve official status as a Siemens Certified PCS 7 Engineer. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of Siemens SITRAIN training modules, details course prerequisites, and maps the direct certification path for experienced automation professionals.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

SITRAIN Course Architecture and Certification Roadmap:

Foundational Track: SIMATIC PCS 7 System Course (ST-PCS7SYS):
Duration: 10 training days (often offered as two 5-day segments: Part 1 and Part 2).
Target Audience: Engineers, technicians, and project managers new to DCS methodology.
Core Curriculum: Covers end-to-end PCS 7 engineering from scratch: Multiproject creation, Plant Hierarchy (TH) modeling, S7-400 hardware configuration, Advanced Process Library (APL) fundamentals, Continuous Function Chart (CFC) design, Sequential Function Chart (SFC) sequencing, OS compilation, WinCC Graphics Designer integration, Tag Logging, Alarm Logging, and basic system diagnostics.
Objective: Establishes a complete working understanding of integrated DCS engineering.
Advanced Specialization Track: AS & OS Engineering Modules:
ST-PCS7ASE (SIMATIC PCS 7 AS-Engineering, 5 days): Deep-dive into controller automation: custom block development using SCL, SFC Types, mass data engineering via Process Object View and Import/Export Assistant (IEA), and high-availability / safety concepts.
ST-PCS7OSE (SIMATIC PCS 7 OS-Engineering, 5 days): Advanced supervisory engineering: redundant OS server architectures, multi-client topologies, custom faceplate creation following APL style guidelines, OS Project Editor internal scripting, and Process Historian / Information Server integration.
'PCS 7 on Tour' Distinction:
'PCS 7 on Tour' is a technical compendium manual, presentation series, and localized seminar delivered by Siemens technical specialists during roadshows or provided as supplementary documentation.
While highly valuable as an engineering reference, 'PCS 7 on Tour' is not a standardized prerequisite course in the official SITRAIN global learning management system.
Official Siemens Certification Requirements:
To earn the official credential Siemens Certified System Engineer - SIMATIC PCS 7, candidates must successfully complete:
1. ST-PCS7ASE (AS-Engineering)
2. ST-PCS7OSE (OS-Engineering)
3. Pass the rigorous theoretical and hands-on laboratory certification exam administered by SITRAIN.
While ST-PCS7SYS provides foundational preparation, it is not a mandatory prerequisite for experienced engineers who already possess equivalent field experience.

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Assess Existing Automation Background and Goals:
* If you have no prior experience with PCS 7 or are transitioning from non-Siemens DCS platforms, begin with the 10-day foundational course ST-PCS7SYS.
* If you already possess strong STEP 7, SCL, and WinCC experience, you can fast-track directly to ST-PCS7ASE and ST-PCS7OSE.
Access the Official Siemens SITRAIN Portal:
* Visit the official Siemens SITRAIN training website (https://www.sitrain-learning.siemens.com/).
* Search for course codes ST-PCS7SYS, ST-PCS7ASE, and ST-PCS7OSE.
* Review course syllabi, scheduled classroom dates, or Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) schedules.
Register for Certification Track Modules:
* Enroll in ST-PCS7ASE (AS-Engineering) to master advanced SCL block authoring, SFC Types, and Process Object View.
* Enroll in ST-PCS7OSE (OS-Engineering) to master redundant WinCC architectures and APL faceplate design.
Hands-on Exam Preparation:
* Review the official Siemens PCS 7 Compendium (Parts A, B, C, D, and E).
* Gain practical laboratory experience configuring S7-410 controllers, redundant OS servers, and APL logic.
* Practice diagnosing common network and module driver faults.
Complete the Formal Certification Examination:
* Register for the official Siemens Certified PCS 7 Engineer Exam at an authorized SITRAIN center.
* Successfully execute both the multiple-choice theoretical exam and the practical configuration lab to receive your digital credential and certificate.

Verification

Verify Training Completion and Certification Status:
1. Receive official Siemens SITRAIN Certificates of Participation for completed courses (ST-PCS7SYS, ST-PCS7ASE, ST-PCS7OSE).
2. Verify official certification status and digital badge credentials through the Siemens SITRAIN certification portal using your unique candidate ID.
3. Certified engineers receive formal recognition in the Siemens Partner Network database.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Professional Boundaries and Version Constraints:
- Siemens PCS 7 engineering certifications are tied to specific major software versions (e.g. PCS 7 V8.x or PCS 7 V9.x); delta upgrade workshops (ST-PCS7UP) are recommended when major platform updates are released.
- Attending foundational course ST-PCS7SYS alone does not confer certified engineer credentials; only completing the AS/OS tracks and passing the formal exam qualifies candidates.
- Course offerings, naming conventions, and pricing may vary by Siemens regional operating company; always consult with your local Siemens training representative.

Engineer FAQ

What is the difference between ST-PCS7SYS and the AS/OS engineering courses?

ST-PCS7SYS is a 10-day foundational course covering the complete DCS from start to finish. ST-PCS7ASE and ST-PCS7OSE are advanced 5-day specialization courses required for official Siemens PCS 7 certification.

Can an experienced STEP 7 engineer skip ST-PCS7SYS?

Yes. Experienced engineers with strong STEP 7, SCL, and WinCC backgrounds can enroll directly in ST-PCS7ASE and ST-PCS7OSE without taking ST-PCS7SYS first.

What is 'PCS 7 on Tour'?

'PCS 7 on Tour' is a technical handbook and workshop format summarizing PCS 7 workflows, often distributed during roadshows or certification courses. It is not a formal standalone certification course.

What courses are mandatory to become a Siemens Certified PCS 7 Engineer?

Candidates must complete ST-PCS7ASE (AS-Engineering), ST-PCS7OSE (OS-Engineering), and pass the official SITRAIN certification examination.

Does SITRAIN offer virtual instructor-led training (VILT) for PCS 7?

Yes. Siemens SITRAIN offers both in-person laboratory sessions and virtual instructor-led training (VILT) utilizing cloud-hosted PCS 7 virtual machines.