>When I assembled one of my prototype boards, I took it around
>and showed it off.  One of the guys at the bar who hires solder
>technicians said I am doing work near a "NASA Level 3"
>Where does one get such training, or certification?

In the UK there is a guy at Portsmouth College who does certification to ESA
standards. The ESA standards are very similar to NASA, and I believe are
cross accredited.

There is nothing special about the training. More a case of being aware of
what is required, and what should not be done. The soldering itself requires
using rosin and tinning before making the joint, and de-golding connector
and component pins before making the joint. There is also awareness of what
should not be done in the way of lead clinching, and how far around a pin to
wind a wire before soldering it. Much of this side of things is related to
how to rework things and maintain maximum reliability.

You can find the ESA publications here (IIRC you need to register)
http://esapub.esrin.esa.it/

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