Bridge Coating Inspector (BCI) Level 1

BCI Level 1
How to get this certification
  1. Enroll and complete course requirements
  2. Take required exams
  3. Agree to AMPP terms of service

Bridge Coatings Inspector (BCI) Level 1

The Bridge Coatings Inspector (BCI) Level 1 Inspector understands the fundamentals of surface preparation and application of protective coatings on bridge steel. Other areas of understanding include containment, field safety hazards, and adapting to changing weather conditions. The BCI Level 1 Inspector also has the skills required to inspect new bridge steel painted in the shop, in the field, or maintenance systems applied in the field.

Who should pursue and apply?

Although specifically designed for bridge coating inspector trainees, this program benefits anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of bridge coatings and inspection including:

  • Project managers, supervisors/foreman and engineers
  • Material and equipment supplier personnel
  • Maintenance and quality assurance/control (QA/QC) personnel
  • Transportation agency personnel
  • Contractors and specification writers
  • Coating manufacturers and technical sales representatives
  • Fabricators and welders
  • Bridge applicators and blasters
Upcoming Courses Recertification Information

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Bridge Coatings Inspector (BCI) Level 1 Course

Classroom instruction is comprised of lectures, group exercises, case studies and hands-on practical labs. Students will also participate in exercises designed to apply course concepts to the job site.

Course format

The first four days of the program are devoted to classroom lectures about bridge coatings inspection planning, substrate repair prior to surface preparation, surface preparation itself, coating surveys, specifications, and documentation requirements with ample time allotted to hands-on exercises and instrument practice. Lectures are supplemented by quizzes, group exercises, and hands-on workshops.

On Day 5, the hands-on practical exam is given to test knowledge of relevant inspection instruments and tools.

Each participant will receive a comprehensive manual with copies of relevant standards. AMPP recommends that candidates take the classroom portion of this course before the course exam and certification exam.

Course content

  • Unit 1 – Roles and Responsibilities
  • Unit 2 – Terminology and Methods
  • Unit 3 – Safety
  • Unit 4 – Jobsite Layout
  • Unit 5 – Containment
  • Unit 6 – Surface Preparation
  • Unit 7 – Coating Types and Characteristics
  • Unit 8 – Coating Handling and Application
  • Unit 9 – Coating Inspection and Defects
  • Unit 10 – Preparation Before Beginning Work

Why attend - benefits of attending

After attending this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe thermal spray coating (TSC) and its application and uses
  • Identify the roles and responsibilities of the bridge coatings inspector
  • Explain the differences between QC and QA
  • Recognize the importance of specification documents
  • Describe appropriate hold and check points for bridge coatings inspection
  • Identify typical elements of bridges
  • Recognize potential safety hazards associated with bridge coatings inspection
  • Ensure compliance of equipment placement and job site layout with the project specification
  • Recognize the importance of containment and emissions control throughout the course of the project
  • Identify key inspection concerns for each coating type
  • Inspect surface preparation and coating application for bridge coatings projects
5 Day Course
English
3.8 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Course prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to this course


How to achieve certification

  1. Enroll and complete course requirements

    Register for a Bridge Coatings Inspector (BCI) Level 1 Course offering.

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

    Note: Registering for this course includes initial written and practical certification exams (additional attempts are an extra charge).

    Prerequisite forms for this certification are no longer required.

  2. Take required exams

    Certification Exam - Bridge Coatings Inspector Level 1 Practical exam (administered in the classroom).

    Note: This exam is delivered as part of the BCI1 Bridge Coatings Inspector Level 1 Course.

    Certification Exam - Bridge Coatings Inspector Level 1 Written/Theory exam

    Note: This exam is available on Computer Based Testing (CBT) at Pearson Virtual University Enterprises (VUE).

    AMPP offers exam preparation guides to help you prepare for your written exam.

    Written/Theory Exam Preparation Guide

  3. Agree to AMPP terms of service

    AMPP Terms of Service, Candidate Agreement, and Code of Professional Conduct are accessed through My Certification Portal

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Recertification

My Certification Portal

Additional information

State Accreditation Specs

The BCI Program is specified in the following states:

-FL DOT Specifies: BCI Level 2

-KY DOT Recognizes: BCI Level 1

-NJ DOT Specifies: BCI Level 1

-CT DOT Specifies: BCI Level 2

-MASS DOT Specifies: BCI

-TX DOT Specifies: BCI Level 2

-OH DOT Specifies: BCI Level 2

-WV DOT Specifies: BCI Level 2

Example Specification Language:
Connecticut Consulting Engineer personnel performing the inspection of bridge painting projects must be either NACE or SSPC - Bridge Coating Inspector (BCI) certified in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.3 – Qualifications, of the CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND INSPECTION INFORMATION PAMPHLET FOR CONSULTING ENGINEERS CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.

Florida FLDOT CHAPTER 8 - STRUCTURES TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION PROGRAM. 8.8.2 Bridge Coating Inspector Training Course FLDOT - Lead coating inspectors must successfully complete the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) course entitled "Bridge Coating Inspection" which is designated as SSPC course "BCI". This is a four (5) day course and includes an examination that must be passed in order for SSPC to issue a successful completion certificate.

Kentucky KYDOT accepts the BCI Level 1 Course.

FBPE SSPC is an accredited training provider for the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE). PEs in Florida can now submit SSPC training course CEUs to the FBPE for continuing education credit.