Coating Inspector

Career pathway
  1. Basic Coatings Inspector
  2. Certified Coatings Inspector
  3. Senior Certified Coatings Inspector

About the Coatings Inspector Program

The newly revised, AMPP Coatings Inspector Program is the result of over 30 years of coating inspection certification excellence from NACE and SSPC. Organizations worldwide recognize and specify its predecessors — NACE Coatings Inspector Certification Program (CIP) and SSPC Protective Coatings Inspector® (PCI) programs. The curriculum is still extensive under AMPP and continues to provide a solid coatings foundation that strengthens the industry's inspectors and their practices by combining classroom study, discussion, and hands-on practice.

Who is the Coatings Inspector Program for?

This program is designed for anyone interested in a career in coatings inspection or who wants to learn more about protective coatings for a variety of assets (pipelines, storage tanks, key infrastructure, and more).

  • Coatings Inspectors (see roles and responsibilities)
  • Coatings Applicators and Blasters
  • Specifiers, Owner’s representatives, and Technical salesmen 

The AMPP Coatings Inspector Program will eventually take the place of NACE CIP and SSPC PCI in standards and requirements.

Find out how you can update your CIP or PCI certification to the latest AMPP CIP certification here
See more information about job roles, credentials, and supervisory guidelines
CIP 1 Training

Basic Coatings Inspector

CIP Level 1

The technical and practical fundamentals of coating inspection work are covered in this program. Students will be equipped to conduct basic coating inspections using non-destructive techniques and instrumentation.

Get Started

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

CIP 2 Training

Certified Coatings Inspector

CIP Level 2

Advanced inspection techniques and specialized application methods for steel and non-steel substrates, including concrete, are the primary focus of the level 2 program. These skillsets ensure you are well prepared as a Certified Coatings Inspector.

Get Started

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

CIP 3 Training

Senior Certified Coatings Inspector

CIP Level 3

Candidates for certification must be experts in all aspects of coating inspection, including surface preparation, coating types, inspection criteria, lab testing, and failure modes for various coatings, including specialized coatings and linings.

Get Started

Coatings Inspector Specialties

Thermal Spray Inspector Training (THERMAL INSP)
Bridge Coating Specialty

How to achieve certification

Thermal Spray Inspector Training (THERMAL INSP)
Thermal Spray Inspection Specialty

How to achieve certification

Pipeline Coating Inspector (PIPE INSP)
Pipeline Coating Inspection Specialty

How to achieve certification

Fireproofing Inspector (FIRE INSP)
Fireproofing Inspection Specialty

How to achieve certification

Marine CIP Specialty
Marine Coating Inspection Specialty

How to achieve certification

Nuclear CIP Specialty
Nuclear Coating Inspection Specialty

How to achieve certification

Corrosion Under Insulation
Corrosion Under Insulation Inspection Specialty

How to achieve certification

Are you a current NACE CIP or SSPC PCI cardholder?

Current NACE CIP and SSPC PCI cardholders have been moved into the new AMPP Coatings Inspector Program. To receive your AMPP Coatings Inspector credential, you will need to login to My Certification Portal and accept the new terms and conditions.

Going forward, you will only need to maintain your AMPP credential. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Support.​