The International Society of Automation (ISA) recently announced publication of the fourth edition of A Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge.

The newly updated work is the only officially authorized book covering ISA’s body of knowledge core competencies. This revised guide provides an overview of important automation concepts and processes, while also describing the technical skills required to implement them in today’s industrial environment. The book enables readers to effectively study for the ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP®), ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST®) and/or Professional Engineer (PE) Control Systems Engineer (CSE) exams.

Edited and written by nearly 30 leading experts from all aspects of automation, the guide includes information on:

Process and analytical instrumentation, discrete control, continuous and batch control, control valves and final control elements

Basic discrete, sequencing and manufacturing control, advanced control, process modeling and digital twins, digital and analog communications and data management and system software

Networking and cybersecurity, safety and reliability, system checkout, testing, start-up, troubleshooting and project management

Manufacturing operations management, automation justification and performance analysis, motors and drives, electrical systems, asset management and maintenance, motion control and vision systems and control systems including PLCs, DCSs and SCADA

"What makes this guide so valuable is its focus on the fundamentals — the core concepts and skills that every automation professional needs to master, regardless of how quickly technology trends shift,” said Rick Zabel, managing director of ISA publications. “This edition ensures that grounding remains strong, giving professionals a lasting foundation they can build on throughout their careers."

The fourth edition of the guide is now available for purchase through ISA’s publishing partner, Wiley, as an e-book as well as a print version.