ISA Updates Automation Body of Knowledge with Fourth Edition
Event summary
- ISA released the Fourth Edition of A Guide to the Automation Body of Knowledge on September 24, 2026.
- The updated guide covers core competencies for automation professionals and aligns with ISA certification exams.
- Nearly 30 experts contributed to the revised edition, which includes expanded content on digital twins, cybersecurity, and advanced control systems.
- The book is available as an e-book and print version through Wiley.
The big picture
The update reflects ISA's ongoing effort to standardize automation education as industrial digitization accelerates. With certification exams as a key differentiator, the society aims to solidify its role in shaping the skills of the next generation of automation professionals. The inclusion of emerging technologies like digital twins signals a strategic pivot toward future-proofing its educational offerings.
What we're watching
- Adoption Pace
- How quickly automation professionals integrate the updated body of knowledge into certification prep and daily practice.
- Content Relevance
- Whether the expanded focus on digital twins and cybersecurity positions the guide as a long-term industry standard.
- Market Positioning
- The extent to which ISA maintains dominance in automation education amid rising competition from digital-first platforms.