Fundamentals of Fluid Power
Come to this class to learn how to do the real heavy lifting – using the principles of hydraulics and pneumatics! Power up a system that will take a human design and multiply the force to perform incredible feats. Fluid Power (Hydraulics and Pneumatics) are widely used methods of energy transmission used extensively on industrial, construction and agricultural machinery. Learn the building blocks of advanced systems: air compressors, power units, filters, pressure control valves, directional control valves, speed control valves, linear and rotary actuators, and more. It is recommended that students take the Electricity course or have fundamental knowledge of alternating and direct current (AC/DC). Gain stackable credentials and add to your skill set by earning two Festo / NC3 credentials.
Certifications:
- NC3 / Festo – Fundamentals of Fluid Power – Pneumatics
- NC3 / Festo – Fundamentals of Fluid Power – Hydraulics
Learn the Skills
- Interpret and draw pneumatic symbols
- Construct and troubleshoot pneumatic circuits
- Determine root cause of component failure
- Make speed adjustments to actuators
- Explain the force/pressure/area relationship
- Describe the different states an actuator can assume and the importance of each
- Identify/explain function of pneumatic components
- Design, assemble, test, and troubleshoot basic hydraulic circuits
- Identify and describe the construction, design features, and operation of hydraulic components
- Interpret technical specifications and data relating to hydraulic components and systems
- Identify and explain graphical symbols for hydraulic components
- Describe fundamentals of oil flow
Tuition Includes
- Online learning resources
- Lab equipment
- Credentialing exam
Applied Fluid Power
Applied Fluid Power: This industry recognized certification adds on to the Basic Pneumatics course. Learners will gain experience for how to read and interpret electro-pneumatic circuits and dive deeper into how to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair pneumatic systems, and will extend knowledge of complex pneumatic systems to improve troubleshooting skills. Practical exercises for equipment setup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and fault elimination facilitate the transfer of knowledge to real world industrial applications.
Vacuum Technology: The use of suction grippers to handle workpieces has become an integral part of handling technology as they offer advantages such as the ease of construction and the gentleness of the grippers. Suction grippers also enable rapid cycle times, and this course focuses on handling technology using a vacuum.
Taken together, by successfully completing this course, learners will be able to design, install, troubleshoot, and maintain advanced pneumatic/electro-pneumatic systems, integrate PLCs, and apply vacuum technology in real-world automation contexts.
Certifications:
- NC3 / Festo – Applied Fluid Power: Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Program Cost & Length
Fundamentals of Fluid Power
Est. Tuition*: $1,497
Program Length: 1 week
*If you qualify for tuition assistance, your cost could be:
FastForward: $499
G3: $0
Applied Fluid Power
Est. Tuition*: $2,397
Program Length: 6 weeks
*If you qualify for tuition assistance, your cost could be:
FastForward: $799
G3: $0
More Information & Funding Assistance
Have Questions? Contact Us
enroll@virginiawestern.eduChapman Hall
855-874-6690
School of STEM &
Workforce Solutions
DID YOU KNOW?
This program is eligible for G3 funding assistance! Click here for more information and to contact an advisor.

