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3 Levels of education and certification courses

About the Coating Inspector Program

For over 30 years, the NACE and SSPC coating inspection certifications have set the global standard for inspectors in the protective coatings industry. Organizations recognize and specify the NACE Coating Inspector Certification Program (CIP) and SSPC Protective Coatings Inspector (PCI) programs due to its comprehensive, hands-on practical testing methods which validate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience and elevate the skills of those in the industry.

Who is the Coating Inspector Program for?

This program is designed for anyone pursuing a career in coatings inspection or that want to have a greater knowledge of protective coatings for any number of assets (pipelines, storage tanks, key infrastructure, and more). The curriculum is comprehensive and combines classroom study, discussion, and hands-on practice, the program provides a solid coatings foundation that strengthens the industry’s inspectors and their practices.

This program is designed for:

Coatings Inspectors
Coatings Applicators and Blasters
Specifiers, Owner’s representatives, and Technical salesmen

CIP Level 1

The level 1 course covers the technical and practical fundamentals of coating inspection work. Students will be prepared to perform basic coating inspections using non-destructive techniques and instrumentation.

CIP Level 1 - Certification

After completion of the level 1 course, become certified with a CIP Level 1 certification. A level 1 certification grants you the backing of the coating inspection program companies ask for by name.

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Take the course online and in-person with our blended learning program..

CIP Level 2

The level 2 course focuses on advanced inspection techniques and specialized application methods for both steel and non-steel substrates including concrete.

CIP Level 2 - Certification

Continue your education after taking the Level 2 course by obtaining a level 2 certification. A CIP Level 2 certification sets you apart from your peers and puts you ahead of the level 1 certified professionals.

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Take the course online and in-person with our blended learning program..

CIP Level 3

The level 3 course is for experienced CIP Level 2 Inspectors looking to attain recognition as a Level 3 Coating Inspector. Candidates must have expert knowledge in all areas of coating inspection including: surface preparation, coating types, inspection criteria, lab testing, and failure modes for various coatings, including specialized coatings and linings.

CIP Level 3 - Certification

CIP Level 3 Certified professionals are recognized as experts in their field.

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Updates about the CIP and PCI programs

Current NACE Institute CIP and SSPC PCI card holders will be moved into the new AMPP CIP (Coatings Inspector Program) later this year. The program will have many of the same attributes as the CIP and PCI programs. As part of this combination, a descriptive naming convention will be adopted to help simplify communication to the industry:

Basic Coatings Inspector (formally Level 1)
Certified Coatings Inspector (formally Level 2)
Senior Certified Coatings Inspector (formally Level 3)

All current and active card holders will receive new certification digital badges and certificates in 2022, but the exact timing is not yet available. To receive your future AMPP CIP credential, you must maintain your current CIP or PCI certification using the current renewal processes. If you hold both CIP and PCI certifications, you will only need to pay for a single renewal but will need to complete requirements for each respective program until the new AMPP CIP program is launched. Once the new AMPP program is launched, you will only need to maintain that credential. If you have any questions, please visit our FAQ page or contact Customer Support.

Specialty Coating Inspection Programs

Bridge Coatings Inspector Program (BCI) Level 1

The BCI course covers the fundamentals of how to inspect surface preparation and application of protective coatings on bridge steel. These fundamentals are applicable to those who inspect coating work both in the shop and in the field.

Course Description | Upcoming Courses

Bridge Coatings Inspector Program (BCI) Level 2

The BCI Level 2 Exam course covers the fundamentals of how to inspect surface preparation and application of protective coatings on bridge steel. These fundamentals are applicable to those who inspect coating work both in the shop and in the field.

Course Description | Upcoming Courses

Coast Guard Basic Paint Inspector Course (COAST GUARD)

This is a 5-day inspection course that was developed to train coatings inspectors in those duties and responsibilities involved in inspecting surface preparation and application for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Course Description

Concrete Coating Inspector Program (CCI) Level 1

The objective of this course is to thoroughly train and certify individuals in the proper methods of inspecting surface preparation and installation of protective coatings on industrial concrete structures and facilities.

Course Description | Upcomign Courses

Concrete Coating Inspector Program (CCI) Level 2

The CCI Level 2 Exam course covers the proper methods of inspecting surface preparation and installation of protective coatings on industrial concrete structures and facilities.

Course description | Upcoming Courses

NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector (NBPI)

The NBPI course is a 5 day inspection course that was developed by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to train coatings inspectors to inspect critical coated areas as defined by US Navy policy documents.

Course Description | Upcoming Courses

Thermal Spray Inspector Training (THERMAL INSP)

As thermal spray coatings become more widely used in the protective coatings industry, it becomes more important to ensure these coating systems are applied properly. Be an expert in thermal spray inspection by learning how to navigate the NAVSEA standard on thermal spray and a Department of Transportation (DOT) specification.

Course Description | Upcoming Courses

Additional Coating Inspection Courses

CIP Bridge Specialty
The CIP bridge specialty program provides specialized training related to coating inspection of bridges and is an add-on to your CIP certification.

Become Certified | Upcoming Courses

Marine Coating Specialty
The marine coating program covers the fundamental issues that are specific to coatings in the marine industry and is an add-on to your CIP certification.

Course Description | Upcoming Courses

Nuclear Power Plant Coating Specialty
This program is designed specifically to train coating inspectors to conduct inspections in nuclear power plants (NPPs) and is an add-on to your CIP certification. The course is also used as a primer to familiarize non CIP-certified personnel with NPP coating requirements.

Become Certified | Upcoming Courses

Marine Coating Technology
This course covers the fundamental issues that are specific to coatings in the marine industry.

Course Description | Upcoming Courses

Marine Coating Technology - Virtual
This course covers the fundamental issues that are specific to coatings in the marine industry, only virtually.

Course Description | Upcoming Courses

Math for the Coatings Professional eCourse
Choose between imperial and metric versions to brush up on critical math skills needed to succeed in the coatings industry.

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Nuclear Power Plant Training for Coating Inspectors
This course is designed specifically to train coating inspectors to conduct inspections in nuclear power plants (NPPs), and is also used as a primer to familiarize non CIP-certified personnel with NPP coating requirements.

Course Description | Upcoming Courses

Using SSPC PA 2 Effectively eCourse (PA 2)

Using SSPC-PA 2 Effectively SSPC-PA 2 is one of the most frequently specified standards for frequency and acceptability of dry film thickness measurements. This 90-minute eCourse demonstrates how to complete the measurements described in the SSPC-PA 2 standard.

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Navigating NAVSEA Standard Item 009-32 eCourse (009-32)

Before coating a surface even begins, it must be cleaned and prepared. Taking this class will supply you with a better understanding of NAVSEA, Navy specified requirements, and system application criteria in order to produce a quality product.

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Concrete Coating Basics eCourse (CCB)

Concrete Coating Basics eCourse (CCB) Concrete is one of the most widely used materials in the world, making well-protected concrete the foundation for most of the industrial industry.

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Fireproofing Inspector eCourse (FIRE INSP)

The Fireproofing Inspector eCourse is an online course that creates an increased awareness of fireproofing and proper inspection of applied protective coatings.

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Pipeline Coating Inspector eCourse (PIPE INSP)

Pipelines are our energy lifeline, making almost every daily activity possible. Pipelines play a huge role in everyday lives and are essential to the worlds industries. This training course looks at the corrosion protection of steel pipelines with the use of protective coatings and cathodic protection and the duties and responsibilities of the pipeline coatings inspector.

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