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, the Siemens TIA Portal course uses the TIA Portal trial with S7-PLCSIM, and needs no hardware because everything runs in simulation.
- You do not need a real PLC or any other hardware.
- 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.
- The 3D Lab runs in your browser too.
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 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 and the 3D Lab
Updated 22 October 2026
Related questions
- How do I enrol on a course?On the course page choose Enrol now, free, then Place order, free at checkout. Nothing is paid, you get a receipt, and the course appears in your portal under Courses.
- 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?An up-to-date Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari, on a computer, tablet or phone. Keep cookies switched 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 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.
- Are the courses available in Hindi or other languages?Not yet. The free courses, their video lessons and the notes are in English, and there is no language setting. Your browser can translate the written notes for you.
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