Ufuk Unal explains the KNX NextGen programme that is bringing KNX skills to youngsters and job seekers.
As smart buildings and home automation become increasingly integral to modern life, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in this area. The KNX Basic course, introduced by KNX Association around 30 years ago, has led to thousands of certified KNX installers worldwide. Over time, additional courses such as the Advanced course, the HVAC Specialist course, and the Tutor course have been introduced. These programmes have helped to establish a strong community of professional installers.
In April 2024, to further support the training of the younger generation and those seeking work, the KNX Association launched the KNX NextGeneration programme, or ‘NextGen’ for short.
By providing education in KNX technology to young people and job seekers, this initiative helps ensure a steady flow of skilled talent, thereby future-proofing the smart home and building industry.
NextGen essentials
The NextGen course is a simplified version of the certified KNX Basic course and can only be offered in a face-to-face format. The theoretical content covers the elemental parts of the Basic course material, whilst the practical, hands-on sessions can be conducted using the KNX devices available at the schools or through KNX Virtual, which is provided free of charge by the KNX Association. KNX Virtual is a Windows-based application that simulates a KNX installation, allowing apprentices to work with virtual devices using the ETS software without the need for hardware investments such as power supplies, USB or IP interfaces or KNX devices.
The curriculum for the KNX NextGen course can be found here.
The course, including exams, lasts for a minimum of 30 hours. Upon successfully passing both the theoretical and practical exams, apprentices receive a KNX NextGen certificate and logo, which are added to their MyKNX account.
Who can offer a Nextgen course?
NextGen is a training programme designed to ‘KNX-educate’ the younger generation and job-seekers in KNX technology. Through this programme, both schools and apprentices receive the necessary KNX materials to facilitate or participate in the training. NextGen courses are now being offered by secondary schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutes that meet the following minimum requirements:
• The teacher organising the NextGen course must be a certified KNX Partner, meaning they must have successfully completed the KNX Basic course.
• The institute must possess at least one set of KNX equipment, including a KNX actuator and a KNX sensor, for demonstration purposes. KNX Virtual may also be used during practical sessions.
• NextGen courses must always be provided free of charge. Apprentices are not allowed to pay any fees for these courses.
Benefits of Nextgen
Thanks to the NextGen programme, apprentices will be introduced to, and inspired by, KNX technology at an early age. Those who wish to further develop their skills and become a KNX Partner, can enrol on an official KNX Basic course at one of the many KNX-certified training centres around the world.
By educating and certifying KNX newcomers, this programme, with support from various KNX National Groups, will contribute to the expansion of the home and building automation market. As apprentices from different countries participate in NextGen, the KNX standard will gain more global recognition and adoption, thus strengthening its position as the leading protocol in the smart home and building automation industry.
We anticipate a steadily-growing educational NextGen community, particularly in countries with limited access to physical KNX devices, due to the programme’s less stringent requirements. For a one-time fee of €250, educational institutes can train the KNX installers of tomorrow, with access to standardised training materials and the necessary ETS licenses.
More information about the NextGen programme can be found in our help articles. Educational institutes interested in joining the NextGen programme can also contact our Certification Team at certification@knx.org.
Ufuk Unal is the KNX Certification Manager for KNX Association.
