Cathodic Protection Specialist (CP4) Certification

Cathodic Protection Specialist (CP4) Certification

The Cathodic Protection Specialist certification covers the theoretical concepts behind the design and considerations that influence the design and calculations (including attenuation) of a cathodic protection system. It is for individuals who are responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of cathodic protection systems.

Who should pursue and apply?

This program is intended for persons with extensive CP work experience and technical knowledge. Those who achieve this certification are leaders in the field of CP concepts, design, and systems.

Upcoming Courses Exam Preparation Guides

Course description  |  Certification information  |  Job roles, credentials, and supervisory guidelines

CP4 Cathodic Protection Specialist course

The Cathodic Protection Specialist course focuses on the principles and procedures for CP design on a variety of structures for both galvanic and impressed current systems. The course discusses theoretical design concepts, considerations that influence the design (environment, structure type/materials of construction, coatings), design factors, and calculations (including attenuation).

Classroom instruction is comprised of lecture, in-class discussion, and practice with design calculations on various structures (i.e., pipelines, tanks and well casings, offshore applications, and steel reinforcing in concrete structures).

Course learning objectives

  • Design complete CP systems in a variety of industry applications including water tanks, aboveground and underground storage tanks, and pipelines
  • Demonstrate knowledge of rectifier and ground bed installation, along with source code calculations and protective coatings
  • Perform corrosion analysis on the job site
  • Manage and direct field tests
  • Apply new technologies to existing CP programs
  • Provide formal training to understudies on basic and advanced CP concepts
  • Recall and comply with codes, regulations, reporting procedures, and standard practices

Course completion

Successful completion of the course is required to earn a certificate of course completion. Requirements are specific to each course and may include a combination of attendance, daily assessments, activities, quizzes, or knowledge checks.

Take the Course

Prerequisites

Required
There are no prerequisites for this course.

Recommended

Cathodic Protection 3 – Technologist or equivalent training

To be successful in this course, it is strongly recommended that students have completed college or university-level courses in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, and have significant practical experience in CP design.


How to achieve the Cathodic Protection Specialist (CP4) certification

  1. Fulfill work experience and education requirements

    Bachelor's degree in physical sciences or engineering

    6 years of verifiable work experience in advanced Cathodic Protection, including 4 years in responsible charge**

    ** Responsible charge refers to work experience that is at a level of responsibility requiring initiative, technical ability, and independent judgement.

  2. Meet course requirements

    CP4 - Cathodic Protection Specialist Course - Strongly Recommended

    Successful completion of the Ethics for the Corrosion Professional course or an equivalent training

  3. Take required exams

    Case-Based and Theory Exam Preparation Guide

    Note: These exams will be available in English at select Pearson VUE testing centers globally. The upcoming available times are:

    February 3-16, 2025

    August 4-17, 2025

    February 2-15, 2026

    August 3-16, 2026

  4. Complete application requirements

    Approved CP4 - Cathodic Protection Specialist Application

Start Your Journey

Certification candidates have four (4) years to complete all requirements, including successful completion of the exam, and an approved application with the required work experience and education requirements.

To take the exam-only option, access My Certification Portal and select Schedule/Manage Exams to add both exams to your cart and purchase. Get more details in the Scheduling Your Pearson VUE Exam document.

  1. Fulfill work experience and education requirements

    2 years post high school training from math or science technical/trade school

    12 years of verifiable work experience in advanced Cathodic Protection, including 4 years in responsible charge**

    ** Responsible charge refers to work experience that is at a level of responsibility requiring initiative, technical ability, and independent judgement.

  2. Meet course requirements

    CP 4-Cathodic Protection Specialist Course - Strongly Recommended

    Successful completion of the Ethics for the Corrosion Professional course or an equivalent training

  3. Take required exams

    Case-Based and Theory Exam Preparation Guide

    Note: These exams will be available in English at select Pearson VUE testing centers globally. The upcoming available times are:

    February 3-16, 2025

    August 4-17, 2025

    February 2-15, 2026

    August 3-16, 2026

  4. Complete application requirements

    Approved CP4 - Cathodic Protection Specialist Application

Apply for Certification
  1. Fulfill work experience and education requirements

    Bachelor’s degree in either physical science or engineering and an advanced degree in physical sciences or engineering that required an exam

    Engineering-in-Training registration or equivalent

    Professional engineer’s license

    AND

    4 years of verifiable work experience in advanced Cathodic Protection, including 4 years in responsible charge**

    ** Responsible charge refers to work experience that is at a level of responsibility requiring initiative, technical ability, and independent judgement.

  2. Meet course requirements

    CP4 - Cathodic Protection Specialist Course - Strongly Recommended

    Successful completion of the Ethics for the Corrosion Professional course or an equivalent training

  3. Take required exams

    Case-Based and Theory Exam Preparation Guide

    Note: These exams will be available in English at select Pearson VUE testing centers globally. The upcoming available times are:

    February 3-16, 2025

    August 4-17, 2025

    February 2-15, 2026

    August 3-16, 2026

  4. Complete application requirements

    Approved CP4 - Cathodic Protection Specialist Application

Apply for Certification

Certification exams

Certification requirements include case-based and theory exams delivered via computer-based testing (CBT).

The multiple-choice CBT exam is scheduled separately from the course and delivered via Pearson VUE. The initial CBT exam is included with the course registration. Any Exam retake will incur additional cost to the applicant.

To take the exam-only option, access My Certification Portal and select Schedule/Manage Exams to add both exams to your cart and purchase. Get more details in the Scheduling Your Pearson VUE Exam document.

Renewal requirements

Certification requirements include case-based and theory exams delivered via computer-based testing (CBT).

The multiple-choice CBT exam is scheduled separately from the course and delivered via Pearson VUE. The initial CBT exam is included with the course registration. Any Exam retake will incur additional cost to the applicant.

Renewal requirements

An approved recertification application is required every 3 years. The work experience requirement for renewals for all certifications is one and half (1.5) years for the most recent three (3) year period. Additionally, some certifications have other requirements related to responsibility in charge.

As you prepare for renewal, please visit My Certification Portal to log and manage your work experience and Professional Development Hours (PDH's) needed. Your work experience and PDH's will be submitted as part of your renewal application but you can input PDH's at any time. See the certification renewal guide for PDH's requirements, our sample training PDH guide, and our PDH how-to videos.

Certification holders are required to pay a non-refundable processing fee for renewal.

NOTE: AMPP reserves the right to return any incomplete applications or those that do not meet the requirements. All application fees are non-refundable. To avoid processing delays or forfeiture of fees, please ensure that the application is complete, meets all the requirements and payment has been received.