What software do I need?
The short answer
Each course page lists its software and hardware. It is usually the maker's free or trial version with a simulator, and you never need real hardware. Some courses start with no software at all.
Find a course's software
Free courses
- Click Choose a course
- Click Software
- Click Hardware
What to install, if anything
Each course page lists Software and Hardware in its facts. For example, a Siemens TIA Portal course uses the TIA Portal trial with a simulator, and needs no hardware because everything runs in simulation.
- You do not need a real PLC or any other hardware to take a free course.
- In some courses the first modules need no software, so you can start before you install anything.
- LADX Mini in your portal lets you draw and run ladder logic in the browser, with nothing to install: see What is LADX Mini?
Trial licences are the maker's, with the maker's time limits, so install the software when you reach the modules that need it.
The vendors' software that many courses use installs on a Windows computer, not on a phone. You can still watch the lessons on your phone and do the practical steps on a computer later.
The courses teach in simulation. They do not qualify anyone to work on live equipment.
What you need
None
Real hardware
Free or trial
The maker's software
In the browser
LADX Mini
Updated 22 October 2026
Related answers
- How do I enrol on a course?On the course page choose Enrol now, then Place order, free at checkout. No money is taken, you get a receipt, and the course appears in your portal under My Courses.
- What is LADX Mini?LADX Mini is a ladder-logic simulator built into your portal. Draw ladder logic, press Simulate and watch power flow through the rungs. It is free, needs no install, and saves your projects to your account.
- A video will not playIf the player keeps loading, your network is probably blocking YouTube: try another network or your phone's data. If the player shows an error, use Open it on YouTube.
- Which browsers and devices work?Any up-to-date Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari, on a computer, tablet or phone. Keep cookies on so you stay signed in.
- How does a module count as complete?Watch every lesson in the module to 90% or the end, or tick it yourself: Lesson done for one lesson, Mark as done for the whole module. Modules are not locked.
- Does my progress save?Yes. While you watch, your progress saves to your account every 30 seconds, and module completion is saved straight away, so it follows you to any device where you sign in.
Still stuck?
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