The Mission
ISA – the International Society of Automation – is a non-profit professional association of engineers, technicians, and management engaged in industrial automation and control systems worldwide. Founded in 1945, ISA is a foremost professional organization for setting global standards, educating industry professionals, and advancing the automation profession across manufacturing, energy, and life sciences. With members in over 100 countries, ISA serves as a globally trusted provider of technical resources that help professionals achieve operational excellence throughout their careers.
Whether you are an automation engineer sourcing technical standards for plant floor systems, a technician seeking professional certification, a manager navigating industrial cybersecurity, or a student entering the control systems field, ISA provides the leadership, training, and global network that keep the automation sector innovative and secure. ISA strives to build a better world through the responsible application of automation and control engineering across every major industrial segment.
ISA is globally recognized for its standards program, which addresses instrumentation, control systems, operational technology (OT) cybersecurity, and safety. These standards ensure interoperability and equipment availability across manufacturers, helping organizations align with technical requirements in diverse sectors. Developed using a consensus-based model, ISA standards involve over 3,500 volunteer professionals from more than 40 countries, ensuring they reflect real-world industrial needs.
ISA’s standards work includes the widely adopted ISA/IEC 62443 series for industrial automation and control systems security. By coordinating with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and international bodies, ISA ensures that its members operate within a consistent, well-defined technical environment. These standards, recommended practices, and technical reports are vital for protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining global manufacturing competitiveness.
The International Society of Automation serves as the unified voice for professionals working across every segment of industrial control and automation. ISA advances the interests of its members through standards development, professional certification, and industry leadership programs that strengthen technical competence on the world stage. ISA engages with global industry leaders and regulatory bodies to promote the science and engineering of automation for the benefit of society, reaching from the plant floor to advanced space exploration and defense systems.
Through the ISA Security Compliance Institute, the association designates cyber-secure products and practices for industrial suppliers and OT sites. ISA also provides extensive training, research, and technical articles that help members navigate the complex technological environment of modern industry. By hosting major global events like the ISA Automation Summit and the OT Cybersecurity Summit, ISA facilitates the sharing of knowledge and best practices that keep critical infrastructure and manufacturing processes at the forefront of innovation.
The International Society of Automation traces its origins to 1945, when it was founded as the Instrument Society of America to create a professional community for the growing field of industrial instrumentation. As automation expanded beyond traditional process industries into pharmaceuticals, energy, and advanced electronics, ISA evolved alongside the profession, adopting its current name to reflect a global scope and the broad breadth of disciplines it serves today.
Over eight decades, ISA has played a central role in shaping the policies and technical frameworks that govern the global automation base. The association has supported its members through periods of rapid digital transformation, the rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and the increasing importance of OT cybersecurity. ISA’s efforts have helped secure the reliability of modern manufacturing and the safety of critical public infrastructure worldwide. Today, ISA operates as a truly international society with sections and chapters across the world. Its reach extends to every major industrial market, reinforcing its position as the world leader in automation education and standardization.
ISA membership connects engineers, technicians, and technology providers with the full resources of the world’s most influential automation association. Members gain direct access to a global network of peers, technical articles, and industry intelligence, positioning their organizations at the center of the decisions that shape the future of automation and control systems.
Members benefit from ISA’s role as a primary hub for technical knowledge and professional networking. This access ensures that member priorities regarding industrial cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence are shared and developed. Membership provides the tools necessary to stay ahead of emerging trends and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly automated global economy. ISA membership also provides unique collaboration opportunities through local sections, technical divisions, and committee participation.
ISA supports workforce development and professional growth through targeted training courses, certification programs, and industry research. These efforts address the sector’s ongoing need for skilled automation professionals capable of managing increasingly complex industrial environments. ISA is a globally trusted provider of education covering cybersecurity, safety, and management.
Through its two main certification programs – the Certified Automation Professional (CAP) and the Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) – ISA recognizes individuals with proven expertise across the automation lifecycle. These certifications are benchmarks for quality and technical proficiency, with thousands of certified professionals worldwide sustaining the industry’s high standards.
ISA also provides diverse learning formats, including classroom-based, in-plant, and self-paced online programs. These resources keep the workforce informed on emerging technologies and industry trends, strengthening the knowledge base of the automation community and supporting continuous improvement across the global supply chain.
About ISA
What does ISA stand for?
ISA stands for the International Society of Automation, a non-profit professional association representing engineers, technicians, and managers in the field of industrial automation and control systems.
What is ISA known for?
ISA is known as a globally trusted provider of automation standards, training, and certification programs. It is particularly recognized for its work in industrial cybersecurity (ISA/IEC 62443) and its professional certifications like CAP and CCST.
What standards does ISA support?
ISA develops standards for instrumentation, control systems, and OT cybersecurity. Many of these are recognized as American National Standards (ANSI) and are used worldwide to ensure safety and interoperability in manufacturing.
What is the difference between ISA and IEEE?
While both are professional technical organizations, ISA focuses specifically on the science and engineering of automation and control systems in industrial settings. IEEE is a broader organization covering all aspects of electrical engineering, electronics, and computer science.
Is ISA a government organization?
No. ISA is an independent, non-profit professional association. It works closely with government agencies and international bodies to align standards, but it operates as a private organization driven by its global membership.
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