Coating Inspector Program – Level 3

Senior Certified Coatings Inspector

The AMPP Senior Certified Coatings Inspector credential is equivalent to the NACE CIP Level 3, and SSPC PCI Level 3 certification. This certification is for coating inspectors who aim to be recognized as leaders in the Coatings Inspection field. Senior Certified Coatings Inspectors are:

  • Highly experienced in surface preparation, cleanliness, environmental conditions, test instruments, coating mixtures, and safety concerns
  • Capable of undertaking non-destructive and destructive inspections of liquid and non-liquid coatings applied to any substrate without supervision
  • Skilled and possess technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities to address issues that arise on the job site and are capable of supervising Basic Coatings Inspectors and Certified Coatings Inspectors

After completing requirements, a Senior Certified Coatings Inspector can undertake unsupervised non‐destructive and destructive inspections of liquid and non‐liquid coatings applied to any substrate. They have proven technical knowledge and the ability to communicate issues that may arise on site and are capable of supervising basic and intermediate inspectors.

Who should pursue and apply?

Certified Coatings Inspectors wanting to become leaders in their field. The Senior Certified Coatings Inspector certification is the highest level of Coating Inspector certification.

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Certification information  |  Job roles, credentials, and supervisory guidelines

How to achieve the Senior Certified Coatings Inspector certification

  1. Meet work experience requirements

    5 years corrosion work experience in coatings.

    Note: Please review the Accepted Work Experience Requirements

  2. Achieve certification requirements

    Active certified Coatings Inspector Certification

    Approved Senior Certified Coatings Inspector Application

    Note: Application must be submitted at least 60 days prior to oral exam. Certification candidates must apply for this certification by submitting an on-line application which is subject to approval.

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

  3. Sit for the oral exam

    Certification Exam - CIP Level 3 Oral Exam NACE-CIP3-001

    Oral Exam Preparation Guide

Schedule Peer Review

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.

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.

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.