Top 11 Aircraft Painter Certifications

Certifications are important for aircraft painters because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge. They provide employers with an assurance that the painter has the necessary skills to complete the job correctly and safely. Certifications also give aircraft painters an advantage in the job market, as they can be used to differentiate one applicant from another when competing for open positions. Finally, certifications can help aircraft painters gain access to higher-paying jobs and opportunities for advancement.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Aircraft Painters and explain how they can help advance an aircraft painter's career.

What are Aircraft Painter Certifications?

Aircraft painter certification is a professional training and certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills necessary to safely and effectively paint aircraft. This type of certification is offered by many aviation organizations, such as the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) and the Aircraft Maintenance Technician Certification Board (AMTCB).

The certification program covers topics such as aircraft painting techniques, safety procedures, environmental regulations, and best practices. It also includes hands-on training in aircraft painting, including proper preparation of surfaces prior to painting, application of primer and basecoat layers, blending techniques, color matching, decal application, masking techniques and more. The program also provides instruction on finishing techniques such as polishing and buffing.

Having an aircraft painter certification can be beneficial to both employers and employees alike. For employers, it demonstrates that employees are knowledgeable about safe practices when it comes to aircraft painting. This can help reduce the risk of injury or accidents in the workplace due to improper use of equipment or materials. Additionally, having certified personnel may also help reduce insurance costs associated with operating an aviation business. For employees, a certificate can demonstrate their knowledge and experience in this specialized field which can lead to better job opportunities in the industry.

Pro tip: Make sure you have the necessary certifications before applying for an aircraft painter position. Many employers require applicants to be certified in both general painting and aircraft painting. Additionally, consider obtaining a certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) as this can help demonstrate your knowledge of aircraft painting to employers.

Related: What does an Aircraft Painter do?

Top 11 Aircraft Painter Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Aircraft Painters today.

1. Aircraft Painter Certification from the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies (NCATT)

The Aircraft Painter Certification from the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies (NCATT) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in aircraft painting. The certification is awarded to those who pass an examination that covers topics such as paint application, safety, and environmental regulations.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete. During this time, applicants must complete an online course that covers the fundamentals of aircraft painting. After completing the course, applicants must then take a written exam to demonstrate their knowledge of aircraft painting techniques and safety practices. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their NCATT Aircraft Painter Certification.

To get started on the path to becoming an NCATT certified aircraft painter, applicants should first contact their local NCATT office or visit the organization's website for more information about the certification process and requirements. Applicants should also contact their local FAA office for any additional requirements they may need to meet before taking the exam.

The cost of obtaining an NCATT Aircraft Painter Certification varies depending on where you live and what type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $200-$1,000 USD depending on your location and type of certification sought.

2. Aircraft Painting and Finishing Certification from the International Aerospace Coatings Association (IACA)

The International Aerospace Coatings Association (IACA) Aircraft Painting and Finishing Certification is a program designed to provide standards for the professional application of aircraft coatings. This certification is intended to ensure that aircraft coatings are applied with quality, safety, and efficiency. The certification is valid for three years and requires re-certification every three years.

To become certified, applicants must complete an IACA approved training course which covers topics such as surface preparation, coating selection, application methods, curing processes, troubleshooting techniques and more. Upon completion of the course, applicants must pass a written exam in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$3000 USD. The cost of the exam also varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $100-$200 USD.

In addition to completing the training course and passing the exam, applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge of proper safety protocols when working with hazardous materials such as paints and solvents.

Overall, obtaining IACA Aircraft Painting and Finishing Certification can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on how quickly you complete the required training courses and pass your exams.

3. Certified Aircraft Painter (CAP) from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

The Certified Aircraft Painter (CAP) program from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is a certification program designed to recognize professional aircraft painters who demonstrate a high level of skill, knowledge, and experience in aircraft painting. The CAP program provides an industry-recognized standard for aircraft painting.

To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of experience in aircraft painting or refinishing and pass an exam administered by AOPA. The exam covers topics such as safety, preparation, paint application techniques, troubleshooting, and quality control.

The cost of the CAP certification is $100 USD per person. This fee covers the cost of the exam and any associated materials.

It typically takes between 2-4 weeks to complete the certification process once all required materials have been submitted to AOPA. After successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official CAP certificate from AOPA.

4. Aircraft Paint and Refinishing Certificate from the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM)

The Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) offers an Aircraft Paint and Refinishing Certificate program. This program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a professional aircraft painter and refinisher. The program consists of four courses that cover topics such as surface preparation, painting techniques, aircraft coatings, and safety practices.

It typically takes about six months to complete the Aircraft Paint and Refinishing Certificate program at AIM. During this time, students will attend classes on campus or online, participate in hands-on activities in the lab, and take exams to demonstrate their understanding of the material. Upon successful completion of all four courses, students will receive their certificate from AIM.

To get started in the Aircraft Paint and Refinishing Certificate program at AIM, prospective students must complete an application form and submit it along with any required documents such as transcripts or proof of identity. Once accepted into the program, students can register for classes either online or on campus.

The cost of the Aircraft Paint and Refinishing Certificate program varies depending on whether you are taking classes online or on campus. Online courses typically cost around $3,000 for tuition plus additional fees for materials and supplies; however, on-campus courses may be more expensive due to additional costs such as housing and meals.

5. FAA-approved Aircraft Painting Technician Certificate from the Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics Academy (APMA)

The FAA-approved Aircraft Painting Technician Certificate from the Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics Academy (APMA) is a certificate program that provides students with the necessary skills to become an aircraft painter. The certificate program consists of two courses: Aircraft Painting and Finishing and Aircraft Paint Application. The coursework covers topics such as safety, surface preparation, masking, priming, painting techniques, and more.

The program takes approximately four weeks to complete. During this time, students will attend classes at the APMA facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Classes are held Monday through Friday for eight hours per day.

To get the certificate, students must first complete both courses successfully and pass a final exam. After completing the program, they will receive their FAA-approved Aircraft Painting Technician Certificate from APMA.

The cost of the program varies depending on whether or not you need to purchase textbooks or other materials for the courses. Generally speaking, the cost of tuition ranges between $1,000-$2,000 USD.

6. Certified Aircraft Painter Program from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

The Certified Aircraft Painter Program from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a certification program that provides aircraft painters with the knowledge and skills needed to perform aircraft painting tasks safely and effectively. The program consists of two parts: an online course and a hands-on practical exam.

The online course covers topics such as preparation, application, surface preparation, primers, topcoats, sealers, and troubleshooting. The course also includes information on safety procedures and regulations related to aircraft painting. Upon successful completion of the online course, candidates are eligible to take the hands-on practical exam at an approved ASE testing center.

The practical exam consists of eight tasks which must be completed in order to receive certification. These tasks involve surface preparation, masking and taping off areas of the aircraft for painting, applying primer coats, applying topcoats, and cleaning up after painting is complete.

It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the online portion of the Certified Aircraft Painter Program from ASE. The cost of the program is $200 USD. To get certified through this program you must first register for the online course through ASE's website or by calling their customer service line at 800-390-6789. Once registered you will need to pass both parts of the program in order to become certified as an aircraft painter by ASE.

7. Certified Professional Painter (CPP) from the Society of Protective Coatings (SSPC)

The Certified Professional Painter (CPP) from the Society of Protective Coatings (SSPC) is a certification program designed to recognize experienced and qualified individuals in the protective coatings industry. The CPP certification is awarded to those who demonstrate knowledge and experience in surface preparation, coating application, and inspection techniques.

It typically takes around three months to complete the requirements for the CPP certification. To become certified, applicants must first pass an online exam that tests their knowledge of protective coatings. After passing the exam, applicants must then submit a portfolio demonstrating their work experience and skillset in the field. This portfolio should include photos of completed projects, detailed descriptions of each project, and any other relevant information that showcases your expertise in protective coatings.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants will be notified if they have been approved for certification. The cost of obtaining the CPP certification varies depending on which type of membership you choose with SSPC. The basic membership fee is $150 for one year or $300 for three years; however, additional fees may apply depending on what type of services you require from SSPC during your certification process.

8. Certified Aviation Painter Program from the National Aviation Maintenance Association (NAMA)

The Certified Aviation Painter Program (CAPP) from the National Aviation Maintenance Association (NAMA) is a comprehensive certification program designed to provide aviation painters with the knowledge and skills they need to perform their job safely, accurately, and efficiently. The program consists of both classroom instruction and hands-on training, and upon completion, participants receive a CAPP certificate.

The program is divided into two parts: the first part is a two-day classroom course that covers topics such as aircraft painting techniques, safety practices, environmental regulations, and painting materials. The second part is an eight-hour practical exercise in which participants apply what they have learned in the classroom setting to actual aircraft surfaces. Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, participants receive a CAPP certificate.

To get certified through NAMA’s CAPP program, individuals must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license or other government-issued identification card. They must also complete an application form and pay the applicable fees. The cost of the program varies depending on location but typically ranges between $250-$500 USD.

The entire process takes approximately 3 weeks to complete; however, some locations may require additional time for processing applications and paperwork before certification can be issued.

9. Aircraft Painting Certification from the National Air Transportation Association (NATA)

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Aircraft Painting Certification is a program designed to help ensure the highest quality of aircraft painting. The certification is designed to provide assurance that an aircraft paint shop meets the necessary safety and quality standards, as well as providing a measure of accountability for the work performed.

To obtain NATA Aircraft Painting Certification, a business must meet certain criteria including having at least one certified painter on staff, having all applicable licenses and permits, and providing proof of training in aircraft painting techniques. A detailed application must be submitted along with supporting documentation such as insurance certificates, photos of the facility, and other required documents.

The process typically takes several weeks to complete and can be expedited by paying an additional fee. The cost of certification varies depending on the size of the business and complexity of the application but typically ranges from $500-$1,000.

Once certified, businesses are required to maintain their certification through regular inspections and audits by NATA representatives. The certification must also be renewed every two years in order to remain valid.

10. Certified Professional Aircraft Painter Program from the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS)

The Certified Professional Aircraft Painter (CPAP) Program from the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) is an industry-recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive training and certification program for aircraft painters. The CPAP program is designed to provide professional aircraft painters with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become certified as a professional aircraft painter.

The CPAP program consists of three levels of certification: Basic Level, Intermediate Level, and Advanced Level. Each level requires completion of a series of courses and exams in order to obtain certification. The Basic Level includes introductory topics such as surface preparation, masking techniques, paint application methods, and safety practices. The Intermediate Level covers more advanced topics such as airbrush techniques, color theory, and painting techniques for different types of aircraft surfaces. Finally, the Advanced Level covers topics such as custom painting techniques and advanced airbrush techniques.

In order to obtain the CPAP certification, individuals must complete all three levels of the program within two years from their initial enrollment date. After completing all three levels of the program, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their CPAP certificate.

The cost for enrolling in the CPAP program varies depending on which level you are enrolling in. The cost for enrolling in the Basic Level is $395 USD; the cost for enrolling in the Intermediate Level is $495 USD; and the cost for enrolling in the Advanced Level is $595 USD.

Overall, obtaining a CPAP certification through ICAS can be beneficial for those looking to gain recognition as a professional aircraft painter or who want to increase their knowledge and skills related to aircraft painting.

11. Certified Professional Paint Inspector Program from SSPC

The Certified Professional Paint Inspector Program (CPPI) from SSPC is a comprehensive training and certification program designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to inspect coatings applied to steel surfaces. This program is intended for individuals who are responsible for inspecting surface preparation and coating application on steel structures.

The CPPI program consists of two parts: a self-study course and a written exam. The self-study course includes five modules that cover topics such as surface preparation, coating selection, inspection techniques, safety, and documentation. The written examination tests the candidate’s knowledge of these topics.

To become certified, candidates must complete the self-study course and pass the written exam with a score of 80% or higher. The entire process typically takes between 6-8 weeks to complete depending on the individual’s schedule.

The cost of the CPPI program is $1,495 USD for members of SSPC or $1,695 USD for non-members. This fee covers all materials needed for the self-study course as well as the written exam fee.

Do You Really Need a Aircraft Painter Certificate?

Aircraft painter certificates are important qualifications for those wishing to work in the aircraft painting industry. Aircraft painters are responsible for applying protective coatings to the exterior of airplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. This job requires a great deal of skill and knowledge in order to ensure that the paint is applied correctly and will last a long time. A certificate from an accredited institution is one way to demonstrate proficiency in this field.

The answer to whether you need an aircraft painter certificate depends on the requirements of your employer. Some employers may have specific requirements for certification, while others may not. It also depends on which type of aircraft you plan to work with. If you plan to specialize in painting military aircraft or commercial airliners, then it is likely that certification will be required by most employers. On the other hand, if you plan to paint smaller recreational aircraft, then certification may not be necessary.

Regardless of whether or not certification is required, having a certificate can help make you stand out from other applicants when seeking employment as an aircraft painter. It shows potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to gain additional qualifications beyond what would normally be expected for someone in this line of work. In addition, having a certificate could give you access to higher paying jobs than those without one might be able to attain.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an aircraft painter certificate depends largely on your job prospects and employer's requirements. However, having a certificate can certainly help make you more attractive as a job candidate and could potentially open doors for higher paying positions in the field.

Related: Aircraft Painter Resume Examples

FAQs About Aircraft Painter Certifications

1. What certifications are available for aircraft painters?

Aircraft painter certifications vary by country, but typically include a Certificate of Competency (COC) or equivalent issued by the relevant aviation authority. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues an Aircraft Paint Certification to aircraft painters who have completed an approved course and passed an examination.

2. How do I become certified as an aircraft painter?

In order to become certified as an aircraft painter, you must complete an approved training course and pass a written examination. You may also need to provide proof of experience or other documentation depending on the requirements of your local aviation authority.

3. What qualifications do I need to become certified as an aircraft painter?

In most cases, no specific qualifications are required to become certified as an aircraft painter; however, it is recommended that you have some basic knowledge of painting techniques and safety procedures.

4. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Your certification must be renewed every two years in order to remain valid. This is typically done through taking a refresher course or passing a recertification examination administered by your local aviation authority.

5. Are there any special safety considerations for aircraft painters?

Yes, there are several safety considerations that must be taken into account when painting aircrafts such as proper ventilation, protective clothing and equipment, proper disposal of hazardous materials, and ensuring that all chemicals used during the painting process are compatible with each other and with the material being painted.