AMPP Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS) Certification

AMPP Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS) Certification

AMPP Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS) Certification

The AMPP Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS) certification recognizes those that have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to implement measures to design coating projects that protect the assets, environment, and public from adverse effects of corrosion, and coating failure over a projected service life.  

PCS certification holders bridge the training and knowledge differences between contractors, engineers, owners, design specifiers, and other stakeholders by considering technical aspects of coatings, failure analysis, design, project management, specification review & modification, application, and inspection throughout the lifecycle of the coating project.

The certified individual contributes to maximizing the coating performance, function, and cost effectiveness through proper project oversight and management processes.

Application procedure

Applications are filled out and submitted through the My Certification Portal. Applications must be filled out prior to registering and taking the exam to allow time for AMPP to verify work experience requirements.

    Apply for Certification

    How to achieve the Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS) Certification

    1. Work experience and education requirements

      Seven (7) years of verifiable industrial coatings experience

      Bachelor's degree in science or engineering

      OR

      Ten (10) years of verifiable industrial coatings experience

      Note: All work experience and education requirements should be added to your certification application in your My Certification Portal.

    2. Certification, course, and application requirements

      Active Certified Coatings Inspector (CIP Level 2) Certification or higher certification

      Successful completion of Fundamentals of Protective Coatings (C1) Course

      Successful completion of Planning and Specifying Coatings Projects (C2) Course

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

    3. Core exam requirements

      Certification Exam – AMPP PCS Certification Exam

      Note: This exam should be registered for through your My Certification Portal where you will be connected to a Computer Based Testing (CBT) testing center with our exam provider, Pearson Virtual University Experience (VUE).

    Apply for Certification

    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.