By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor, ICMA

As print technologies, materials and standards continue to advance, keeping technical knowledge current is increasingly important for professionals across the global card industry. Fogra’s 2026/27 Web Academy offers an opportunity to strengthen that expertise through 30 live online sessions spanning the fundamentals of print and media technology as well as advanced, future-oriented topics.

The English-language program runs through May 2027, with one-hour sessions held Mondays at 9 a.m. CET/CEST. Led by Fogra experts, the curriculum centers on four areas, color, print, post press and standardization, and participants can join discussions during the live sessions or access recordings afterward. Those who complete the required tests can also earn Fogra Graduate certification.

Topics range from color perception, measurement and proofing to substrates, inks, digital printing, flexographic printing, metallic effects, print finishing, energy efficiency and evolving international standards.

Several sessions have direct applications for card manufacturers. On April 12, 2027, a session dedicated to ID card testing will examine ISO-based methods for evaluating whether cards meet quality standards. Participants will learn about the aging of plastic cards, bending tests and methods for predicting edge delamination.

Another session on April 19 will examine how surface finishing affects color appearance and how manufacturers can properly measure and manage coated print products. The course specifically addresses applying these techniques to ID cards, including proofing, data separation workflows and varnish simulation.

Past participants point to the combination of technical depth and practical accessibility as a strength of the program. Axel Robert of Ubisoft said he has followed the Web Academy for several years and described the sessions as “invaluable, up-to-date knowledge” for professionals looking to deepen their expertise.

Dr. Katja Klump of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG praised the range of subject matter and the ability to revisit the material. She said the topics provided “a good introduction as well as deeper insights” into printing issues and noted that recordings were particularly valuable for catching up on missed sessions or reviewing subjects in greater depth.

The program has also attracted professionals directly connected to the card and payments ecosystem. Miguel Avellaneda of Giesecke + Devrient Mobile ePayments Iberia S.A. said the Web Academy helps participants “add science to production processes” while staying current with developments from a global perspective. He added that learning more about materials, processes and production techniques can help companies achieve better results and operate more sustainably.

For card manufacturers navigating changing materials, production requirements, quality expectations and standards, the Fogra Web Academy provides a flexible way to build technical knowledge while connecting that learning to real-world production challenges.

For more information, visit fogra.org/web-academy.

Complement your training: Fogra Web Academy provides broad print and media technology education, while ICMA’s ACE program offers specialized training and professional accreditation for the card manufacturing industry. Learn more about ICMA ACE Accreditation.