Certification Best Practices

Certification best practices

Our certification holders are a part of a network of trusted certified professionals that strive to protect people, assets, and the environment from the adverse effects of corrosion. Our legacy NACE and SSPC credentials are specified and respected across the globe.

Obtaining our certifications demonstrates that the certification holder is qualified and dedicated to getting the job done correctly the first time. The recertification process also proves that the skills of certification holders are up-to-date.

To ensure that our certification holders are well qualified to perform their daily jobs in line with current industry expectations and that our programs remain the most respected in the industry, we continually takes steps to ensure that our programs are of the utmost quality.

As AMPP transitions from NACE and SSPC credentials to AMPP credentials, these programs will be reviewed and in some cases combined, always with the consideration of industry adoption and specifications.

What sets AMPP certifications apart from other certifications

1. We use active, certified field practitioners throughout the exam development process. Volunteers from all over the world, with varying years of field experience, and from across multiple industries help validate testing criteria within a defined job scope. Their experiences help guide the development of exams as they draw on first-hand knowledge to:

write exam questions
validate test questions
translate exams and supporting materials
select question types
ensure the reading level of the questions match the audience
ensure the exam meets the needs of multiple industries
ensure the exam measures what is required of the job

The engagement of a wide range of individuals currently working in the field who contribute to and write the exams validates that the testing criteria covers the defined scope of the job.

2. Computer-based testing (CBT) – our pen-and-paper exams will be moving to a CBT format.

This offers the following benefits:

Certification exams will be available globally at more than 6,000 testing centers, making it easier to find a testing location.
Those taking the exams will experience a similar testing experience regardless of where they take the exam; similar security rules and regulations will apply at all testing locations.
Students will receive results immediately as well as a score report detailing areas of strengths and weaknesses.
Our staff will be provided with in-depth data for statistical analysis, which will help in monitoring the exam performance, accuracy, and fairness.

3. We have implemented an exam development process that aligns with industry standards. This includes conducting a formal job task analysis that defines the knowledge skills and abilities required to perform a specific job role.

Why was this change needed to the exam development process?

Traditionally, instructors wrote exams based on related education courses. This method was very effective for an end of course exam that ensured individuals understood the course material. However, for validation of an individual’s ability to perform high-quality work in the field, the exam needed to reflect what is required of the field work.
Exams need to validate understanding of theory and real-life skills needed to apply that knowledge in the field. Our standardized development model now ensures the certification exams are based on knowledge from multiple sources — including professionals with years of theoretical knowledge and on-the-job knowledge.

4. We are accrediting our certifications to ISO 17024. This standard affirms that our programs reflect certification best practices and are recognized by a governing body. By measuring adherence to corrosion industry standards, we are holding ourselves accountable to recognized standards.

5. We take ethics extremely seriously. Our goal is simple: To hold the integrity of our certifications and card holders to the highest standards. In addition to signing a non-disclosure agreement, those seeking certification must acknowledge the rules of their certification and its ethics with an attestation form, as well as the new ethics requirement for certification holders .

In the unfortunate event of an ethics violation, we use independent committees, separate from the board of directors, to investigate any complaints received. Consequences of ethics violations can range from loss of job, damage to personal reputation, loss of certification, or banishment from receiving future certifications.

Our ethics standards are core to our program. We acknowledge the effort certified professionals have applied to achieve certification — and the damage done to your reputation and to AMPP if these standards are not met.

Ethics requirement for certification holders