Score each item from 0 to 3: 0 = cannot explain; 1 = understand conceptually; 2 = can perform with notes or supervision; 3 = can demonstrate independently on a training system. A junior candidate does not need 3 in every category. The scorecard exists to expose gaps and create a learning plan.
| Area | Evidence | Your Score (0–3) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical fundamentals | Measure basic 24 VDC circuits safely; explain fuses, breakers, relays, contactors, overloads, and commons. | |
| Schematics | Trace a field input and motor output across an industrial drawing. | |
| Digital I/O | Diagnose missing inputs and outputs from device to controller and load. | |
| Ladder logic | Read and write start/stop, permissive, interlock, alarm, and basic sequence logic. | |
| Timers/counters/state | Use timing, one-shots, counters, and state intentionally. | |
| Analog | Explain 4–20 mA, scaling, and basic analog fault checks. | |
| Sensors | Diagnose common proximity, photoelectric, pressure, and feedback issues. | |
| Motors/VFDs | Trace motor commands and interpret basic drive status/fault conditions. | |
| HMI | Trace an operator command from screen to PLC and back to displayed status. | |
| Networking | Explain basic industrial Ethernet addressing and troubleshoot simple connectivity faults. | |
| Safety awareness | Recognize safety functions and know when not to bypass or modify them. | |
| Troubleshooting | Use a repeatable method based on expected state and first missing condition. | |
| Backups/changes | Create as-found backups, make bounded changes, compare versions, and record work. | |
| Portfolio | Present at least three projects with diagrams, tests, and fault handling. | |
| Interview communication | Explain technical decisions clearly and admit limits without becoming vague. |
Interpretation
- Below 20: focus on fundamentals and hands-on practice before targeting programming-heavy roles.
- 20–30: begin applying selectively to technician and junior controls roles while closing obvious gaps.
- 31–38: you have a credible junior-level evidence base if your scores reflect real demonstrations, not self-confidence alone.
- 39+: continue applying, but remember that scores do not replace supervised experience on real production systems.