Ultimate Inspector Challenge

AMPP Ultimate Inspector Challenge

A first for AMPP. A challenge designed to test real inspection expertise.

This is not a classroom quiz or a race against the clock. This is the main stage where elite inspectors step forward and prove they can perform when it matters most.

This is where expertise speaks. Be recognized!

The Ultimate Inspector Challenge brings top inspection talent together in a high-stakes, progressive elimination competition built around real-world scenarios. Over four escalating rounds, competitors are tested on specification review, surface evaluation, instrument-based inspection, and senior-level technical decision making.

Inspired by AMPP CIP Levels 1 and 2, FROSIO fundamentals, and ISO standards, each round demands sharp judgment, technical confidence, and professional integrity.

This is where inspectors show not just what they know, but how they think, decide, and defend every call they make.

Just competence, leadership, and confidence under pressure.

Step up. Stand out. Show the industry what excellence looks like.

Submit Your Application
The Ultimate Inspector Challenge

Challenge timeline

Tuesday, March 17
Finalists will be announced at the Pipeline Safety Forum during AMPP Annual Conference & Expo at GRB Houston, TX. - Booth #2146

Wednesday, March 18
Winners will be announced

Hosted by the AMPP Houston Chapter & AMPP Monterrey Chapter

Official Rules & Regulations

Eligibility
  • The competition is open to coating inspectors and industry professionals with knowledge aligned to AMPP CIP Level 1 & 2 and/or FROSIO fundamentals.
  • Participants must register in advance and meet all event registration requirements.
  • By registering, participants confirm they are physically and professionally able to participate in written, visual, and hands-on inspection activities.
Competition Structure
  • The Ultimate Inspector Challenge consists of four (4) progressive stages.
  • Each stage is an elimination round, and only qualified competitors will advance to the next stage.
  • Difficulty increases at each stage, emphasizing real-world inspection judgment, decision-making, and technical competence, not memorization.
Stage Timing & Specifications
  • Each stage has a maximum duration of 20 minutes.
  • Competitors must complete four (4) assigned tests within the allotted time.
  • A written technical specification will be provided for each stage and serves as the sole reference for acceptance criteria, limits, and evaluation requirements.
  • Failure to follow the provided specification may result in loss of points or disqualification for that specific test.
Evaluation Criteria
  • Participants are evaluated on:
    • Technical accuracy
    • Correct interpretation of standards
    • Inspection judgment and decision-making
    • Ability to justify inspection decisions
    • Proper use and interpretation of inspection instruments (where applicable)
  • Correct reasoning and defensible decisions are prioritized over speed or rote answers.
Equipment & Testing
  • Inspection instruments and testing materials will be provided unless otherwise stated.
  • Participants must use equipment according to instructions and applicable standards.
  • Improper use of instruments or unsafe behavior may result in disqualification.
Conduct & Professional Behavior
  • All competitors must conduct themselves in a professional, respectful, and ethical manner.
  • Communication with judges must be clear, concise, and technically defensible.
  • Any form of cheating, collaboration during individual assessments, or interference with other competitors will result in immediate disqualification.
Advancement & Elimination
  • Advancement is determined solely by performance in each stage.
  • A live elimination board will display competitor advancement in real time and serves as the official reference for competition status.
  • Judges’ decisions are final and non-appealable.
Tie-Breaking
  • In the event of a tie, the competitor who completes the stage in the shortest total time will be ranked higher and advance.
Safety
  • Participants must follow all safety instructions provided during the competition.
  • Unsafe acts or disregard for safety requirements may result in removal from the competition.
Final Stage & Winner Determination
  • The final stage evaluates senior-level inspection competence, including system selection, risk assessment, and technical defense.
  • The winner is determined based on overall technical strength, judgment, and justification, not speed.
Acceptance of Rules
  • By registering for the Ultimate Inspector Challenge, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with all rules and regulations.
  • The organizers reserve the right to modify procedures for safety or operational reasons while maintaining fairness and transparency.

Contributing partners

DeFelsko

Sponsorship offerings

For sponsorship opportunities or additional information, please contact: Alina.Blanco@ampp.org

Supporting Sponsor – $150

Benefits include:

  • Company name and link displayed on the conference website
  • Company acknowledgment under the “Thank You Sponsors” section in all promotional emails
  • Opportunity to provide a giveaway item* to each competitor (40 total)

* Sponsor is responsible for providing the giveaway item. All items must be approved by AMPP. Sponsors may bring items to the competition for distribution.

Station Sponsor (4 Available) – $350

Benefits include:

  • Opportunity to display company logo on the assigned competition station table or branded tablecloth
  • Company name and link displayed on the conference “Welcome” webpage
  • Company acknowledgment under the “Thank You Sponsors” section in all promotional emails
  • Opportunity to provide a giveaway item* to each competitor (40 total)

* Sponsor is responsible for providing the giveaway item. All items must be approved by AMPP. Sponsors may bring items to the competition for distribution.

1st Place Cash Prize Sponsor – $850

Benefits include:

  • $750 gift card and presents the prize to the 1st place winner
  • Opportunity to display company logo at the sign-in table
  • Company name and link displayed on the conference “Welcome” webpage
  • Company acknowledgment under the “Thank You Sponsors” section in all promotional emails and during winner announcements
  • Opportunity to provide a giveaway item* to each competitor (40 total)

* Sponsor is responsible for providing the giveaway item. All items must be approved by AMPP. Sponsors may bring items to the competition for distribution.

2nd Place Cash Prize Sponsor – $600

Benefits include:

  • $500 gift card and presents the prize to the 2nd place winner
  • Opportunity to display company logo at the sign-in table
  • Company name and link displayed on the conference “Welcome” webpage
  • Company acknowledgment under the “Thank You Sponsors” section in all promotional emails and during winner announcements
  • Opportunity to provide a giveaway item* to each competitor (40 total)

* Sponsor is responsible for providing the giveaway item. All items must be approved by AMPP. Sponsors may bring items to the competition for distribution.

3rd Place Cash Prize Sponsor – $350

Benefits include:

  • $250 gift card and presents the prize to the 3rd place winner
  • Company name and link displayed on the conference “Welcome” webpage
  • Company acknowledgment under the “Thank You Sponsors” section in all promotional emails and during winner announcements
  • Opportunity to provide a giveaway item* to each competitor (40 total)

* Sponsor is responsible for providing the giveaway item. All items must be approved by AMPP. Sponsors may bring items to the competition for distribution.

Proceeds from this competition support the hosting AMPP Chapter’s mission to advance education, training, and professional development within the corrosion and coatings industry.