25 Best Free PLC Programming Courses & Training Resources (2026)
Curated list of the best free PLC programming courses, YouTube channels, simulators, and self-study resources. From complete beginner to advanced — every resource reviewed and rated.
Best overall free resource in 2026: The Siemens SCE TIA Portal course package combined with CODESYS eLearning gives you a complete, vendor-backed, standards-compliant PLC education at zero cost — it is the closest thing to a structured degree program you will find for free.
Learning PLC programming without spending thousands of dollars on formal training is entirely possible in 2026. The landscape has genuinely improved: vendor eLearning platforms have matured, YouTube channels have published hundreds of hours of structured content, and free simulation software has reached a quality level where you can practice realistic ladder logic without touching physical hardware.
This is not a list scraped together for SEO. Every resource here has been evaluated for content depth, accuracy, up-to-date coverage, and whether the "free" label actually holds when you start clicking through. Some resources that rank well in search results did not make this list because they gate practical exercises behind a paywall after the first module. Others are just outdated — still covering RSLogix 500 in 2026 as if ControlLogix never happened.
What you will find here: 25 resources that deliver real learning value, organized by category, with an honest assessment of each one.
Table of Contents
- How We Evaluated These Resources
- Vendor-Official Free Training
- YouTube Channels
- Free Simulators and Software
- University and Open Courseware
- Self-Study Books and Documentation
- Recommended 6-Month Learning Path
- Free vs Paid: When Should You Pay?
- Complete Resource Comparison Table
- Frequently Asked Questions
How We Evaluated These Resources
Before diving into the list, here is the criteria used to assess every resource. This matters because "free PLC training" as a search term surfaces a lot of content that is technically free but practically useless.
Content Quality: Does the instruction reflect how PLCs are actually used in industry? Are the examples realistic? Is the IEC 61131-3 standard addressed, or does the content treat ladder logic as the only language that exists?
Up-to-Date Coverage: PLC software changes. TIA Portal V19, Studio 5000 v36, CODESYS 3.5 — content that still shows V14 screenshots or RSLogix 500 as the primary Allen-Bradley platform is not serving learners well in 2026.
Practical Exercises: Reading about PLC programming and writing rungs are two different skills. Resources that include exercises, projects, or simulation integration score significantly higher than lecture-only content.
No Hidden Paywalls: Some platforms front-load free content and lock the practical sections. Where this pattern exists, it is noted explicitly.
Instructor Credibility: Anyone can post PLC videos. Resources reviewed here come from vendor education programs, credentialed engineers, or channels with documented industry backgrounds.
Vendor-Official Free Training
Vendor training programs are often overlooked because people assume manufacturer education costs money. In most cases the introductory and intermediate tiers are completely free, and the quality is high because the vendor has a direct interest in ensuring you can use their platform.
1. Siemens SCE (Siemens Cooperates with Education)
Rating: 9.5/10
Siemens SCE is the single best free PLC training program available in 2026, and it is not particularly close. The program was built specifically for educational institutions and self-learners, covering TIA Portal programming from first principles through advanced motion control and safety systems.
What is included:
- 50+ structured learning modules covering SIMATIC S7-1200 and S7-1500
- Exercises in all five IEC 61131-3 languages (Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text, Instruction List, Sequential Function Chart)
- PDF workbooks with step-by-step exercises (downloadable, no account required for the documentation)
- Separate modules for PROFINET, HMI programming with WinCC, and process automation
- Exercises can be completed with TIA Portal trial software
Platform coverage: Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500, TIA Portal V17 through V19
Quality assessment: Genuinely excellent. The module structure is logical, the exercises build on each other correctly, and the content is updated alongside TIA Portal releases. This is not marketing material dressed up as education.
Limitation: Siemens-only. If your target environment is Allen-Bradley or Schneider, you will need to supplement with other resources.
Access: Search "Siemens SCE Learning Path" — the curriculum documents and exercise packages are available through the Siemens SCE portal. An account is required to access all materials but registration is free.
Pair this with our TIA Portal programming tutorial for a complete Siemens learning path.
2. Rockwell Automation Free eLearning
Rating: 7.0/10
Rockwell offers a free tier through the Rockwell Automation training portal. The honest assessment: the free content is useful as an orientation to Studio 5000 and ControlLogix architecture, but it is heavily truncated compared to the paid curriculum.
What is included (free tier):
- Introduction modules for Studio 5000 Logix Designer
- Basic ladder logic fundamentals specific to Allen-Bradley syntax
- Virtual lab simulations for some introductory exercises
- Allen-Bradley hardware overview and architecture content
Quality assessment: The production quality is high — Rockwell clearly invested in their platform. The frustration is the paywall structure: you get enough to understand the platform, but not enough to actually program one independently. Consider this a structured orientation, not a complete course.
Best used as: An introduction to Allen-Bradley specific conventions before moving to deeper practice with RSLogix Emulate 5000 (free 90-day trial) or the community resources at PLCS.net.
Limitation: Most applied content requires a paid subscription. Free modules cover roughly 20% of what you need for entry-level proficiency.
See also: our RSLogix 5000 programming guide covers the Studio 5000 programming workflow in practical detail.
3. Schneider Electric Exchange
Rating: 7.5/10
Schneider Electric's Exchange platform includes a learning section with free courses covering EcoStruxure Machine Expert (formerly SoMachine), Modicon M221, M241, and M340 PLCs. The content is organized by product family and skill level.
What is included:
- Getting started courses for EcoStruxure Machine Expert
- Function block programming tutorials for Modicon platforms
- Short video modules covering specific programming tasks
- Application notes and configuration guides for communication protocols
Quality assessment: Solid intermediate content for Schneider-specific platforms. The video modules are concise and practical. The weakness is depth: the courses are good for getting oriented but rarely go beyond basic programming patterns. Advanced motion, safety, and process applications require paid courses.
Best for: Engineers inheriting Schneider systems or targeting facilities that run Modicon hardware.
Platform coverage: Modicon M221, M241, M340, M580; EcoStruxure Machine Expert
4. CODESYS eLearning
Rating: 8.5/10
CODESYS publishes a structured eLearning curriculum through the CODESYS Store. The free tier covers fundamental concepts in genuine depth, which matters because CODESYS underpins PLCs from over 500 manufacturers — learning CODESYS is effectively learning IEC 61131-3 in its purest implementation.
What is included (free):
- CODESYS Fundamentals course (full access, no paywall on core modules)
- Hands-on exercises using the CODESYS Development System (free download)
- Structured Text, Ladder Diagram, and Function Block Diagram exercises
- Object-oriented programming concepts for IEC 61131-3
Quality assessment: Excellent for standards-based learning. Because CODESYS is vendor-neutral, what you learn here transfers directly to Wago, Beckhoff, Phoenix Contact, and dozens of other platforms that run CODESYS under the hood. The instruction is dry but technically precise — exactly what you want from a standards-focused course.
Limitation: The SoftPLC simulation is free but some advanced modules (motion, visualization) require paid course licenses.
Platform coverage: Any CODESYS-based PLC (Wago, Beckhoff TwinCAT has CODESYS origins, Phoenix Contact, many others)
Pair this with our CODESYS tutorial guide for installation and hands-on exercises.
YouTube Channels
YouTube has become a legitimate PLC education platform. The best channels have hundreds of hours of structured content, are free indefinitely, and allow you to pause, rewatch, and practice at your own pace. The worst channels publish vague overviews that look educational but leave you unable to actually write a rung. Here are the channels worth your time.
5. RealPars
Rating: 9.0/10
Subscriber range: 500K–600K
RealPars is the most professionally produced PLC education channel on YouTube and one of the most comprehensive. The team publishes structured video courses covering PLC fundamentals, ladder logic, SCADA, HMI, and industrial networking — each video is tightly edited, uses professional graphics, and stays focused on practical concepts.
Content focus: Platform-agnostic fundamentals, Allen-Bradley specific deep dives, Siemens content, industrial communications (Modbus, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP), SCADA basics
Best for: Beginners through intermediate learners. The fundamentals series is the best free introduction to PLC programming logic that exists on YouTube.
Teaching style: Clear, visual, step-by-step. The graphics-heavy approach works well for explaining scan cycles, memory addressing, and timing logic where abstract concepts need visual grounding.
What to watch first: The "PLC Programming for Beginners" playlist — it sequences concepts correctly and does not assume prior knowledge.
Honest note: RealPars also sells a paid platform. The YouTube content is complete and useful without paying. The paid courses offer deeper exercises, but you can get substantial value from the free channel alone.
6. PLC Professor
Rating: 8.5/10
Subscriber range: 100K–150K
PLC Professor (run by Tim Wilborne) focuses heavily on Allen-Bradley platforms with exceptional depth. The content goes significantly further than most free resources — you will find videos on structured text, add-on instructions, advanced timer and counter applications, and real troubleshooting scenarios.
Content focus: Studio 5000 / Logix Designer, RSLogix 500, Allen-Bradley hardware architecture, ladder logic to structured text conversion
Best for: Intermediate learners targeting Allen-Bradley environments. Not the right starting point for absolute beginners — assumes some familiarity with PLC concepts.
Teaching style: Practical, project-oriented. Tim works through real programming problems rather than abstract examples, which mirrors actual on-the-job learning.
Standout content: The "Studio 5000 for Beginners" series and the structured text programming series are both thorough and accurate by current software standards.
7. Automation Direct Training Videos
Rating: 7.5/10
Subscriber range: 50K–80K
AutomationDirect publishes product-specific training videos covering their DirectLogic PLC line, C-more HMI series, and communication modules. The content is functional and accurate, but it is transparently product training rather than platform-agnostic education.
Content focus: DirectLogic PLCs, Do-more Designer software, C-more HMI programming, AutomationDirect hardware configuration
Best for: Anyone working with or planning to purchase AutomationDirect hardware. Their PLCs are genuinely popular in smaller manufacturing and educational lab settings, and the software (Do-more Designer) is free.
Honest assessment: Strong if you are targeting AutomationDirect systems specifically. Limited transferability to the broader Allen-Bradley or Siemens market.
8. SolisPLC
Rating: 8.0/10
Subscriber range: 80K–120K
SolisPLC covers a wider platform range than most channels, including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and general IEC 61131-3 concepts. The production quality is solid, and the content is well-organized into playlists that function as structured mini-courses.
Content focus: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix, Siemens S7-1200 and S7-1500, PLC fundamentals, communication protocols, HMI basics
Best for: Learners who want to cover multiple platforms without finding separate resources for each. Good mid-level content that bridges beginner fundamentals and real application work.
Teaching style: Methodical and clear. The presenter works through software interfaces in real time, which is useful for following along with your own software open.
Standout content: The Siemens S7-1200 getting started series and the ControlLogix structured text series.
9. PLCS.net Community
Rating: 7.5/10
PLCS.net is not a YouTube channel — it is a long-running forum community that also publishes tutorial content. It deserves a place here because the community knowledge base contains answers to extremely specific PLC programming questions that no formal course covers.
Content focus: Community Q&A across all platforms, troubleshooting discussions, application-specific programming questions
Best for: Intermediate to advanced learners who have hit a specific wall. When you cannot figure out why your compare instruction is behaving unexpectedly or how to structure a state machine for your application, this community has likely encountered the same problem.
Limitation: Not a structured learning path. The forum format requires you to already have enough knowledge to ask the right question.
10. Electrical Classroom
Rating: 7.0/10
Subscriber range: 200K–300K
Electrical Classroom covers electrical fundamentals, instrumentation, and PLC basics. The PLC content is introductory level — useful for someone coming from an electrical background who needs to understand how PLCs fit into control systems.
Content focus: Electrical fundamentals, relay logic to ladder logic transition, basic PLC architecture, instrumentation and sensors
Best for: Electricians and instrumentation technicians transitioning into PLC work. The relay logic comparison content is particularly good for this audience.
Limitation: Does not go deep on programming. More conceptual than practical.
11. TheEngineeringMindset
Rating: 7.5/10
Subscriber range: 1M+
Engineering Mindset covers industrial automation concepts with excellent visual production, including SCADA, control loops, and PLC fundamentals. The channel does not specialize in PLC programming specifically, but the control systems and automation context content is among the best explained on YouTube.
Best for: Understanding the engineering context around PLC systems — why PLCs exist, how they interact with sensors and actuators, process control fundamentals. Less useful for learning to write actual programs.
Free Simulators and Software
The single best thing that has happened for self-taught PLC engineers in the past decade is the availability of free simulation software. You can now practice ladder logic, structure text, and function block programming on your PC without physical hardware. Here is what is worth using.
12. OpenPLC Runtime and Editor
Rating: 9.5/10
OpenPLC is the definitive free, open-source PLC platform. The OpenPLC Editor allows you to write programs in all five IEC 61131-3 languages, simulate them on your PC, and optionally deploy to physical hardware including Raspberry Pi and Arduino.
Platform: Windows, Linux, macOS (editor); Raspberry Pi, Arduino, industrial PC (runtime)
What you can learn: Complete IEC 61131-3 programming across all five languages, Modbus communication, real I/O integration with low-cost hardware, PLC architecture concepts
Limitations of free version: No limitations — OpenPLC is fully open-source under the Apache 2.0 license. The entire platform is free.
Why it is rated so highly: The combination of standards compliance (IEC 61131-3), multi-language support, hardware deployment capability, and zero cost makes this the most powerful learning tool available. You can write a ladder logic program, simulate it, download it to a $35 Raspberry Pi, and connect real sensors and actuators.
See our complete OpenPLC tutorial for step-by-step installation and programming exercises.
13. CODESYS Development System
Rating: 9.0/10
CODESYS is the professional IEC 61131-3 development environment used by hundreds of PLC manufacturers. The Development System (the IDE) is free to download and includes a SoftPLC that runs on your Windows PC for simulation.
Platform: Windows
What you can learn: All five IEC 61131-3 languages at professional depth, object-oriented PLC programming, visualization and HMI development, communication configuration
Limitations of free version: The SoftPLC simulation runs in the free development environment without hardware. Some advanced runtime features (motion control, specific communication drivers) require a license for deployment on real hardware, but for learning purposes the free tier is complete.
Why it matters: CODESYS is what industrial PLCs actually run. Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 is built on CODESYS. Wago e!COCKPIT is CODESYS. Learning CODESYS programming transfers directly to these professional platforms.
See our CODESYS tutorial guide for a complete walkthrough.
14. LogixPro PLC Simulator
Rating: 7.0/10
LogixPro is a standalone Allen-Bradley ladder logic simulator that mimics the RSLogix interface. It includes simulated I/O panels — conveyor systems, traffic lights, process tanks — allowing you to write ladder logic and see it control a simulated process.
Platform: Windows only
What you can learn: Allen-Bradley ladder logic syntax, basic process simulation, troubleshooting ladder logic with visual I/O feedback
Limitations: LogixPro offers a free trial that covers the introductory exercises. Full access requires a license (~$49). The simulation is also based on RSLogix 500 conventions, not Studio 5000, so it is somewhat dated relative to current Allen-Bradley practice.
Honest assessment: Useful for a beginner who specifically needs to get comfortable with Allen-Bradley ladder logic syntax and cannot afford Studio 5000 Emulate. Not the first recommendation given the better free alternatives above.
15. TIA Portal Trial (STEP 7 Trial)
Rating: 8.0/10
Siemens provides a free 21-day trial of TIA Portal, including the SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM virtual PLC. After the trial period, the software can be purchased, but critically — you can reset the trial or use the free TIA Portal Education version which Siemens provides to academic users upon request.
Platform: Windows
What you can learn: Full TIA Portal programming across all IEC 61131-3 languages, PLCSIM simulation, hardware configuration for S7-1200 and S7-1500, HMI programming with WinCC
Limitation: The trial period requires management. The Education version requires institutional affiliation in theory, though Siemens is reasonably accessible to self-learners through the SCE program.
Recommendation: Use the 21-day trial strategically. Complete the Siemens SCE modules while the trial is active, focusing on the hands-on exercises that require the software. The conceptual content can be covered beforehand using the PDF workbooks.
16. Factory I/O (Free Trial)
Rating: 7.5/10
Factory I/O is a 3D industrial simulation environment that connects to real PLC software. The free trial is limited but demonstrates the concept: you write ladder logic in your PLC IDE and it controls a realistic 3D factory simulation.
Platform: Windows
What you can learn: Connecting PLC programs to realistic process simulations, I/O mapping, control logic testing in a visual environment
Limitation: The free trial includes a limited set of scenes. Full access requires a subscription ($20–35/month). This is not a free tool — it is mentioned here because the free trial is long enough to understand the concept and use it alongside other learning resources for a few projects.
Honest assessment: The simulation quality is genuinely impressive and motivating for beginners. If you can tolerate the subscription cost for one or two months, the realistic feedback is valuable.
17. PLCSIM (Siemens S7-PLCSIM Advanced Trial)
Rating: 8.0/10
PLCSIM Advanced extends the basic PLCSIM included with TIA Portal trial, adding network simulation capability. This allows you to connect HMI software, SCADA systems, and OPC UA clients to your simulated PLC.
What you can learn: Realistic PLC-HMI integration, OPC UA server configuration, PROFINET simulation in a networked environment
Platform: Windows (requires TIA Portal)
Limitation: Included in TIA Portal trial period only. After trial, requires a paid license.
University and Open Courseware
Formal academic courses are an underutilized free resource. Several institutions have published substantial PLC and industrial automation content through open courseware platforms.
18. Coursera / edX Free Audit Options
Rating: 6.5/10
Several universities offer industrial automation and PLC-adjacent courses on Coursera and edX. The free audit option gives you access to video lectures and reading materials — typically without graded assignments or certificates.
Relevant courses:
- University of California, Irvine: "Specialization in Automation and Industrial IoT" (various modules can be audited free)
- Georgia Tech (edX): Control of Mobile Robots — not PLC-specific but excellent for control systems foundations
- Various providers: Programmable Logic Controllers modules within broader industrial automation specializations
Quality assessment: Highly variable. Some modules are excellent on control theory and automation concepts. The PLC-specific content is often surface-level because universities are cautious about teaching vendor-specific tools. Use these courses for the engineering and systems thinking foundation, not for platform-specific programming.
Best for: Engineers from non-automation backgrounds who need the control systems and process automation framework before PLC programming makes full sense.
19. MIT OpenCourseWare — Control Systems
Rating: 7.5/10
MIT OCW does not publish a dedicated PLC programming course, but the control systems and signals processing content provides the mathematical and conceptual foundation that separates good PLC programmers from great ones.
Relevant MIT OCW content:
- 6.302: Feedback Systems
- 6.011: Introduction to Communication, Control, and Signal Processing
- 2.14: Analysis and Design of Feedback Control Systems
Quality assessment: This is graduate-level material. If you can work through MIT OCW control systems content alongside practical PLC programming, you will understand PID tuning, process dynamics, and control loop design at a level that most self-taught PLC programmers never reach.
Best for: Engineers with a technical degree background who want theoretical depth to complement practical training.
20. Community College Open Course Materials
Rating: 7.0/10
A number of community colleges with strong industrial technology programs have published their PLC course materials publicly. These are inconsistently organized but occasionally excellent.
Where to find them: Search for "[community college name] PLC programming course materials" or look for .edu PDFs covering ladder logic and PLC fundamentals. Programs at schools with active industrial technology departments (particularly in the US Midwest and Southeast) often publish lab manuals.
Quality assessment: Inconsistent. When you find a good one — a full semester lab manual with 15 structured exercises — it is genuinely valuable. The hit rate is low enough that this should be a supplemental search, not a primary strategy.
Self-Study Books and Documentation
The most underused free resource in PLC education is manufacturer documentation. Every major PLC vendor publishes complete programming manuals, system descriptions, and application notes. These are not light reading, but they are authoritative.
21. Siemens SIMATIC Manuals (Free Download)
Rating: 9.0/10
Siemens publishes all SIMATIC system and programming documentation through the Siemens Industry Online Support portal. This includes:
- TIA Portal programming guides (Ladder Diagram, FBD, Structured Text, SFC)
- S7-1200 and S7-1500 system manuals
- PROFINET engineering guides
- Communication module configuration references
Quality assessment: These are the definitive references for TIA Portal programming. When the SCE course exercises do not cover a specific instruction or configuration detail, the system manual does. Learning to navigate Siemens documentation is itself a professional skill.
Access: Search "Siemens Industry Online Support" and navigate to product documentation. All system manuals are freely downloadable with a free account.
22. Allen-Bradley Knowledgebase and Programming Manuals
Rating: 8.5/10
Rockwell Automation publishes programming reference manuals through their Literature Library and Knowledgebase. The Logix 5000 instruction reference is particularly comprehensive — it documents every instruction available in Studio 5000, including syntax, data types, and application examples.
Key documents:
- Logix 5000 Controllers General Instruction Set Reference Manual (1756-RM003)
- Logix 5000 Controllers Common Procedures Programming Manual
- ControlLogix System User Manual
Quality assessment: Dense but complete. The instruction reference manual is something every Allen-Bradley programmer keeps bookmarked. The programming procedure manuals include task configuration, module setup, and communication configuration in practical detail.
Access: Rockwell Literature Library — all documents are freely downloadable without an account.
23. CODESYS Online Help and IEC 61131-3 Resources
Rating: 8.0/10
The CODESYS online help documentation covers the complete IEC 61131-3 standard as implemented in CODESYS, including all programming languages, data types, function block libraries, and configuration options.
What makes it useful: Because CODESYS implements the standard closely, the documentation serves as a practical guide to IEC 61131-3 programming more broadly — not just CODESYS-specific behavior.
Supplementary resource: The PLCopen organization publishes function block library specifications that are publicly accessible and describe standardized PLC programming patterns used across the industry. These are reference documents rather than tutorials, but they define how motion control, communication, and process function blocks should be implemented.
24. PLC Programming Books for Beginners (Our Curated List)
Rating: 8.5/10
Several books covering PLC programming fundamentals are available cheaply or through library systems. Our curated recommendations — including titles covering ladder logic, IEC 61131-3, and platform-specific programming — are organized in our complete PLC programming books guide.
The standout recommendation for free access: many of these titles are available through public library systems that provide digital borrowing through platforms like Libby/OverDrive. "Programmable Logic Controllers" by Frank Petruzella is a standard textbook that covers fundamentals thoroughly and is commonly available through library systems.
25. PLC Programming Forum Communities
Rating: 7.5/10
Beyond PLCS.net mentioned earlier, several forums and communities provide ongoing free learning through discussion:
- Reddit r/PLC: Active community with beginner-friendly questions and answers. Good for getting oriented and understanding what to prioritize learning.
- Automation.com Community: More professional tone, useful for industry context.
- Siemens Industry Forum: Official Siemens community forum where engineers share solutions and Siemens technical staff occasionally participate.
- Rockwell Automation Community: Similar to Siemens forum, useful for platform-specific questions.
These communities are most valuable for troubleshooting and intermediate-to-advanced questions. Beginners often get directed to read the manual, which is fair but occasionally discouraging — have some context from other resources before leaning on forums.
Recommended 6-Month Learning Path
The resources above are most useful when combined into a structured sequence. Here is a realistic 6-month plan using only free resources that takes you from no PLC background to demonstrable programming ability.
Month 1-2: Fundamentals
Goal: Understand what PLCs do, how scan cycles work, basic ladder logic, and the IEC 61131-3 programming language framework.
Primary resources:
- RealPars "PLC Programming for Beginners" playlist on YouTube (watch one to two videos per day)
- Siemens SCE introductory modules (read and follow along with the PDF workbooks)
- Install OpenPLC Editor — work through the basic examples in the documentation
Milestones:
- Understand the PLC scan cycle and how inputs, logic, and outputs relate
- Write a basic ladder logic program with contacts, coils, timers, and counters
- Understand the difference between Ladder Diagram, FBD, and Structured Text at a conceptual level
- Complete three to five OpenPLC simulator exercises
Supporting reading: Our PLC programming for beginners guide and PLC programming basics fundamentals guide cover the conceptual foundation in detail.
Month 3-4: Platform-Specific Training
Goal: Go deep on one PLC platform — either Siemens or Allen-Bradley depending on your target industry — and begin working in real software.
For Siemens track:
- Activate TIA Portal 21-day trial
- Complete Siemens SCE exercises through at least the intermediate modules
- SolisPLC Siemens S7-1200 series on YouTube
- Read relevant sections of the S7-1200 system manual as exercises raise questions
For Allen-Bradley track:
- PLC Professor Studio 5000 series on YouTube
- Rockwell Automation free eLearning orientation modules
- Practice with RSLogix Emulate or Studio 5000 trial software
- Work through the Logix 5000 instruction reference for instructions you encounter
Milestones:
- Write a complete ladder logic program for a realistic application (conveyor control, traffic light sequence, pump control)
- Understand hardware configuration and I/O addressing for your chosen platform
- Navigate the manufacturer documentation independently
- Complete at least two structured exercises from the vendor training materials
Supporting reading: TIA Portal programming tutorial or RSLogix 5000 programming guide based on your platform.
Month 5-6: Projects and Practice
Goal: Build a portfolio of working programs that demonstrate real competency. Apply the language knowledge from months 1-4 to non-trivial problems.
Activities:
- Build three to five complete PLC programs from scratch in OpenPLC or your platform's simulator
- Expand into a second IEC 61131-3 language (if you started with ladder logic, add structured text — see our structured text programming guide)
- Work through community forum discussions to see how experienced engineers approach problems
- Write code that you would not be embarrassed to show an employer
Suggested projects:
- Batch mixing system with multiple stages and interlocks
- Conveyor sorting system with sensor inputs and multiple actuator outputs
- PID temperature control loop (conceptually and in code)
- Alarm management system with acknowledgment logic
Supporting reading: PLC programming examples guide covers practical programming patterns. PLC ladder logic examples provides specific code patterns to study and adapt.
Free vs Paid: When Should You Pay?
This guide is titled "best free PLC courses" and it delivers on that. But a complete honest assessment includes telling you where free resources have genuine gaps.
Free gets you to roughly 80% of entry-level competency. The fundamentals — ladder logic, basic structured text, IEC 61131-3 concepts, platform orientation — are well covered by the resources above. A motivated self-learner who works through the 6-month plan will have demonstrable skills.
Where free falls short:
Structured feedback. Free resources cannot tell you that your program structure is a maintenance nightmare, that your naming conventions are non-standard, or that your safety logic has a gap. A good instructor or structured course with project review provides this feedback.
Hardware time. Simulators are excellent but not identical to physical hardware. Timing edge cases, I/O noise, and hardware-specific quirks require physical experience. Many paid programs include hardware lab access.
Certification. No free resource produces employer-recognized certification. Rockwell's ControlLogix certification and Siemens' automation certifications require passing proctored exams and typically require paid coursework for adequate preparation.
Advanced topics. Safety PLC programming (IEC 62061, SIL requirements), motion control (servo tuning, electronic camming), and process control (PID tuning, cascade loops) are poorly covered by free resources. These require either paid instruction or significant hands-on time.
The honest recommendation: Free resources are sufficient to get your first entry-level PLC position if you combine them with the structured 6-month plan above. Once you are employed, invest in manufacturer certification through employer-sponsored training — the ROI is clear and most automation employers support it.
If you want to evaluate whether structured paid training makes sense, our best PLC training programs comparison covers the major options with honest cost-benefit analysis.
Complete Resource Comparison Table
| # | Resource | Type | Platform Coverage | Level | Time Commitment | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Siemens SCE | Vendor eLearning | Siemens only | Beginner–Advanced | 40–80 hours | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Rockwell Free eLearning | Vendor eLearning | Allen-Bradley | Beginner | 5–10 hours (free tier) | 7.0/10 |
| 3 | Schneider Exchange | Vendor eLearning | Schneider/Modicon | Beginner–Intermediate | 15–30 hours | 7.5/10 |
| 4 | CODESYS eLearning | Vendor eLearning | CODESYS-based PLCs | Beginner–Advanced | 30–60 hours | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | RealPars (YouTube) | Video Channel | Multi-platform | Beginner–Intermediate | Self-paced | 9.0/10 |
| 6 | PLC Professor (YouTube) | Video Channel | Allen-Bradley focus | Intermediate–Advanced | Self-paced | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | AutomationDirect Videos | Video Channel | DirectLogic/Do-more | Beginner | Self-paced | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | SolisPLC (YouTube) | Video Channel | Multi-platform | Beginner–Intermediate | Self-paced | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | PLCS.net Forum | Community | All platforms | Intermediate–Advanced | On-demand | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Electrical Classroom (YouTube) | Video Channel | Platform-agnostic | Beginner | Self-paced | 7.0/10 |
| 11 | TheEngineeringMindset | Video Channel | Platform-agnostic | Beginner | Self-paced | 7.5/10 |
| 12 | OpenPLC | Simulator/Software | IEC 61131-3 | All levels | Unlimited | 9.5/10 |
| 13 | CODESYS Dev System | Simulator/Software | CODESYS platforms | All levels | Unlimited | 9.0/10 |
| 14 | LogixPro | Simulator | Allen-Bradley | Beginner | Free trial only | 7.0/10 |
| 15 | TIA Portal Trial | Software | Siemens | All levels | 21-day trial | 8.0/10 |
| 16 | Factory I/O Trial | Simulator | Multi-platform | Intermediate | Free trial limited | 7.5/10 |
| 17 | PLCSIM Advanced Trial | Simulator | Siemens | Intermediate | Trial period | 8.0/10 |
| 18 | Coursera/edX Audit | University Courses | Platform-agnostic | Varies | 20–50 hours/course | 6.5/10 |
| 19 | MIT OCW Control Systems | University Courses | Platform-agnostic | Advanced | 40–80 hours | 7.5/10 |
| 20 | Community College Materials | Course Materials | Varies | Beginner–Intermediate | Varies | 7.0/10 |
| 21 | Siemens SIMATIC Manuals | Documentation | Siemens | All levels | Reference | 9.0/10 |
| 22 | Allen-Bradley Knowledgebase | Documentation | Allen-Bradley | All levels | Reference | 8.5/10 |
| 23 | CODESYS Online Help | Documentation | CODESYS/IEC 61131-3 | All levels | Reference | 8.0/10 |
| 24 | PLC Programming Books | Books | Multi-platform | Beginner–Intermediate | 20–40 hours | 8.5/10 |
| 25 | PLC Forum Communities | Community | All platforms | Intermediate–Advanced | On-demand | 7.5/10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I learn PLC programming for free?
Yes, and to a higher level than most people expect. The combination of Siemens SCE vendor training, RealPars YouTube content, and the free OpenPLC or CODESYS simulation software gives you everything needed to reach entry-level programming competence without spending money. The limitations of free learning are structured feedback on your code quality and access to physical hardware — both of which can be addressed once you are employed.
Which free PLC software is best for beginners?
OpenPLC is the best free PLC software for beginners in 2026. It is completely open-source with no trial limitations, supports all five IEC 61131-3 programming languages, includes a PC-based simulator, and can deploy to Raspberry Pi for hardware practice. CODESYS is the second recommendation — it is more complex but represents professional industry practice more directly.
See our free PLC programming software guide for a complete comparison.
How long does it take to learn PLC programming with free resources?
Expect 3–6 months of consistent study (1–2 hours per day) to reach entry-level competence — enough to be hireable and to learn quickly on the job. This assumes you follow a structured path rather than randomly consuming videos. Advanced competency (motion control, safety systems, complex process applications) takes 2–3 years of combined study and hands-on work regardless of whether you use free or paid resources.
Is YouTube good enough to learn PLC programming?
YouTube alone is not sufficient. The best channels (RealPars, PLC Professor, SolisPLC) cover concepts and demonstrate software interfaces well, but they do not force you to actually write programs. You need to combine video learning with hands-on simulator practice — write the programs you watch being demonstrated, modify them, break them, and fix them. That active practice is what builds actual skill.
Do I need to buy a PLC to learn programming?
No. The free simulators covered in this guide — particularly OpenPLC and CODESYS — are sufficient for learning all five IEC 61131-3 programming languages and most application patterns. If you want hardware experience on a budget, a Raspberry Pi ($35–60) with OpenPLC Runtime is the most cost-effective approach and mirrors how many modern industrial controllers actually work.
See our PLC vs Arduino comparison for context on low-cost hardware options.
Are free PLC certifications worth anything?
The honest answer: most free "certificates of completion" from online platforms carry limited weight with employers in the automation industry. Employer-recognized certifications are the Rockwell Connected Components Professional, the Rockwell ControlLogix Specialist, and the Siemens SIMATIC certifications — none of which are free and all of which require passing proctored assessments. Free resources help you prepare for these certifications but do not replace them. See our PLC programming certification guide for a complete breakdown of which certifications are worth pursuing.
What is the best free Siemens PLC training?
Siemens SCE (Siemens Cooperates with Education) is definitively the best free Siemens training available. The curriculum covers TIA Portal from introductory through advanced levels, includes downloadable PDF workbooks with exercises, and is updated alongside TIA Portal releases. Pair the SCE curriculum with the SolisPLC and RealPars Siemens-specific YouTube playlists for video reinforcement, and use TIA Portal trial software for hands-on practice.
Can I get a PLC programming job with only free training?
Yes — with qualifications. The qualification is that you need to demonstrate actual programming ability, not just completion of courses. Employers hiring entry-level PLC programmers care about whether you can write functional ladder logic, navigate a PLC IDE, and troubleshoot basic faults. Free resources can get you to that level. What they cannot get you is formal certification, which matters more for mid-level and senior positions.
The practical path: build 3–5 complete working programs using free simulators, document them as a portfolio, target entry-level roles (controls technician, automation technician, junior controls engineer), and pursue manufacturer certification once you are employed and have hardware access.
The Fastest Way to Complement Your Free Training
Free training teaches you the concepts. Real-world code patterns teach you how professionals actually structure programs for maintainability, safety, and performance.
Get the Ladder Logic Code Pack — 20 production-ready templates for $29. The perfect companion to your training — real-world code patterns you can study and adapt. These are the kinds of programs you would encounter on your first week on a real industrial site: complete with proper naming conventions, alarm handling, interlock logic, and the structural patterns experienced engineers use automatically.
If you are going through the 6-month learning path above, working through production-grade code alongside your simulator practice is the fastest way to close the gap between "I understand the concepts" and "I write code the way the industry expects."
