Top 10 Coating Inspector Certifications

Certifications are important for a coating inspector in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge, skills, and competency in their field. Certification can also help to differentiate candidates from other applicants, as it shows employers that the individual is committed to the profession and has achieved a certain level of expertise. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers or clients, making them essential for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a coating inspector. Finally, certification can increase an individual’s earning potential and job opportunities.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Coating Inspectors and explain how they can contribute to a coating inspector's career.

What are Coating Inspector Certifications?

Coating inspector certification is a type of professional certification that verifies an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of coatings inspection. This certification is issued by a number of organizations, such as the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC).

The purpose of coating inspector certification is to ensure that an individual has the proper training and qualifications necessary to properly inspect coatings on various surfaces. These surfaces can include metal, wood, concrete, and other materials. The certification also helps verify that an individual has the required experience in order to make accurate decisions regarding coatings and their application.

By obtaining coating inspector certification, individuals can demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in this field. This can help them gain employment in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, engineering, construction, oil & gas production, maintenance & repair services, etc. In addition to helping secure employment opportunities, the certification can also be beneficial when it comes to negotiating salaries or promotions with employers. Furthermore, having this type of certification may also help individuals obtain contracts from government agencies or private companies who require certified personnel for certain projects.

Pro Tip: If you are considering getting certified as a coating inspector, make sure to check the requirements of the certification body you are interested in. Different certification bodies may have different prerequisites and qualifications that need to be met in order to be eligible for certification.

Related: What does a Coating Inspector do?

Top 10 Coating Inspector Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Coating Inspectors today.

1. NACE Coating Inspector Program (Levels 1, 2 and 3)

The NACE Coating Inspector Program (Levels 1, 2 and 3) is a certification program developed by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE). It is designed to provide training and certification in the inspection of protective coatings on steel structures.

Level 1: The Level 1 Coating Inspector Program provides basic knowledge and skills necessary to inspect coatings on steel structures. It includes classroom instruction, hands-on activities, and an online exam. The course typically takes two days to complete and costs $1,250. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, participants will receive a certificate from NACE International.

Level 2: The Level 2 Coating Inspector Program provides advanced knowledge and skills necessary to inspect coatings on steel structures. It includes classroom instruction, hands-on activities, and an online exam. The course typically takes four days to complete and costs $2,500. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, participants will receive a certificate from NACE International.

Level 3: The Level 3 Coating Inspector Program provides expert knowledge and skills necessary to inspect coatings on steel structures. It includes classroom instruction, hands-on activities, field projects, case studies, an online exam and a final written report. The course typically takes five days to complete and costs $3,000. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, participants will receive a certificate from NACE International as well as a Level 3 Coating Inspector Certificate issued by the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT).

To become certified as a NACE Coating Inspector at any level requires that applicants meet certain prerequisites including having prior experience in coating inspection or related fields such as painting or construction management; passing background checks; completing all required courses; successfully passing all exams; submitting proof of professional references; meeting continuing education requirements; maintaining professional liability insurance; adhering to ethical standards set forth by NACE International; participating in ongoing training activities; maintaining up-to-date records of inspections performed; submitting annual renewal fees; submitting required documentation for recertification every three years; meeting any additional requirements set forth by NACE International or other applicable organizations or agencies.

2. SSPC Coating Inspector Certification

SSPC Coating Inspector Certification is a certification awarded by the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the inspection of protective coatings. The certification is based on a comprehensive examination and requires a minimum of two years of verifiable experience in the field.

In order to obtain SSPC Coating Inspector Certification, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Successfully complete an approved SSPC training course

2. Pass an open book exam with a score of 75% or higher

3. Have two years of verifiable experience in coating inspection, application, or related activities

4. Submit a completed application form with all required documents and fees

The cost to obtain SSPC Coating Inspector Certification varies depending on the type of course taken and other factors such as location and duration. Generally, it can range from $500-$2000 USD depending on the level of certification desired. The process typically takes up to 8 weeks from the time the application is submitted until results are received.

3. FROSIO Coating Inspector Certification

FROSIO Coating Inspector Certification is a certification program offered by the Danish Institute of Technology (Danish: Teknologisk Institut) that certifies individuals as qualified to inspect, evaluate and report on industrial coating systems. The certification is recognized internationally and provides an assurance of quality for employers and customers.

The FROSIO Coating Inspector Certification requires a minimum of two years experience in the field of industrial coatings, as well as successful completion of a written examination. The exam covers topics such as surface preparation, coating application methods, corrosion protection principles, safety regulations and inspection procedures.

To get certified, applicants must submit their CV, relevant certificates and diplomas to the Danish Institute of Technology. Once accepted into the program, applicants must attend a three-day course at one of the institute's approved training centers. After completing the course successfully, applicants must pass an examination in order to receive their certificate.

The cost for the FROSIO Coating Inspector Certification varies depending on location but typically costs around €2 000 - €3 500 (approx. $2 300 - $4 000).

4. ICORR Coating Inspector Certification

ICORR Coating Inspector Certification is an internationally recognized qualification for coating inspectors. It is a comprehensive program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills required to inspect protective coatings in industrial and marine environments. The certification covers all aspects of coating inspection, including surface preparation, application methods, inspection techniques, and quality control.

The ICORR Coating Inspector Certification program consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as safety regulations, corrosion principles, coating system selection, and other related topics. The practical assessment involves hands-on inspection of various types of coatings in different conditions.

To obtain the ICORR Coating Inspector Certification, applicants must first complete the online training program offered by ICORR or one of its approved providers. This course typically takes around 40 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the online training program, applicants must then pass both the written examination and practical assessment in order to be certified.

The cost of obtaining the ICORR Coating Inspector Certification varies depending on which provider you choose to take your training from; however, it typically ranges between $500-$1500 USD.

5. AWS Certified Coating Inspector

AWS Certified Coating Inspector (CWI) is a certification program offered by the American Welding Society (AWS). It is designed to provide qualified individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to inspect and evaluate the quality of coatings applied to steel structures. The program consists of three levels: Basic, Advanced, and Master.

The Basic level covers topics such as coating systems, surface preparation, inspection techniques, and safety considerations. The Advanced level focuses on more advanced topics such as failure analysis, defect recognition, and reporting. The Master level covers topics such as project management, contract administration, and quality assurance procedures.

It takes approximately one year to complete all three levels of the AWS Certified Coating Inspector program. Candidates must attend training courses for each level and pass an exam at the end of each course. The cost of training depends on the provider but typically ranges from $2,500 - $3,500 USD per level. Additionally, candidates must pay a fee for the exams which range from $250 - $400 USD per exam depending on the level taken.

6. NACE CIP Level 1 & 2

NACE CIP Level 1 & 2 are professional certifications for corrosion technicians and engineers. The NACE CIP (Certified Infrastructure Professional) program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, analyze, and mitigate corrosion-related problems in infrastructure systems.

The NACE CIP Level 1 certification is the entry-level certification for corrosion professionals. It focuses on basic principles of corrosion science, inspection techniques, and mitigation strategies. To become certified at this level, candidates must pass an online exam that covers topics such as materials selection, environmental factors, inspection methods, and mitigation strategies. This exam typically takes two hours to complete and costs $200 USD.

The NACE CIP Level 2 certification is a more advanced certification that builds upon the knowledge gained in the Level 1 exam. It focuses on advanced topics such as risk assessment, failure analysis, materials performance optimization, cathodic protection systems design and installation, and corrosion control strategies. To become certified at this level, candidates must pass an online exam that covers these topics as well as a practical demonstration of their skills in a laboratory setting. This process typically takes four to six weeks to complete and costs $400 USD.

7. ISO/IEC 17024 Accredited Coating Inspector

ISO/IEC 17024 Accredited Coating Inspector is a certification program that provides an internationally recognized standard of excellence for coating inspectors. It is designed to ensure that those who are certified have the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to inspect coatings on industrial structures and equipment.

The certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete and requires passing a written exam as well as completing a practical assessment. The exam covers topics such as surface preparation, coating application, inspection techniques, safety procedures and more.

To obtain ISO/IEC 17024 Accredited Coating Inspector certification, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the certifying body. This includes having at least three years of experience in the industry or completing an approved training program. Once these requirements are met, applicants can apply for the certification online or through their local certifying body.

The cost of obtaining ISO/IEC 17024 Accredited Coating Inspector certification varies depending on the certifying body and the country in which it is obtained. Generally speaking, costs range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

8. NACE CIP Level 3

NACE CIP Level 3 is a certification program for corrosion technicians. It is offered by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE). The program provides an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of corrosion control and prevention.

The program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as corrosion fundamentals, materials selection, inspection techniques, coatings, cathodic protection, and environmental regulations. The practical assessment tests the candidate's ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

The NACE CIP Level 3 certification requires approximately 180 hours of study time. Candidates must also complete two courses: Introduction to Corrosion Control (ICC) and Corrosion Control Technician (CCT). These courses are offered online or in person at NACE training facilities around the world.

To become certified, candidates must pass both the written and practical exams with a score of 70% or higher. Once certified, candidates will receive an official certificate from NACE International that is valid for five years.

The cost for the NACE CIP Level 3 certification varies depending on where you take the courses and exams. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,500 - $2,500 USD to become certified.

9. PCS (Paint and Coatings Specialist) Certification

PCS (Paint and Coatings Specialist) Certification is a certification program for individuals who are involved in the painting and coatings industry. The program is designed to provide professionals with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to work effectively in the field of paint and coatings.

The PCS Certification Program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as surface preparation, coating selection, application techniques, inspection methods, safety practices, and more. The practical exam requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply various types of coatings correctly.

It usually takes about six months to complete the certification process. To get started, applicants must first register with the Professional Paint & Coatings Specialists Association (PPCSA). Once registered, they will receive an information packet containing all the necessary materials needed to complete the program. After completing the registration process, applicants can begin studying for the written exam.

The cost of PCS Certification varies depending on where you live but typically ranges from $300 - $500 USD. This includes registration fees, study materials, and any other associated costs. Additionally, some employers may offer tuition reimbursement for employees who pursue PCS Certification.

10. ICorr International Corrosion Technologist (ICT)

ICorr International Corrosion Technologist (ICT) is an internationally recognized certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of corrosion professionals. It is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of corrosion, from materials selection to corrosion prevention and control. The ICorr International Corrosion Technologist (ICT) certification is awarded by the Institute of Corrosion, a professional body in the United Kingdom.

The ICorr International Corrosion Technologist (ICT) certification requires successful completion of a three-part examination. The first part consists of multiple-choice questions on general corrosion topics, the second part consists of open-ended questions on corrosion engineering concepts and practices, and the third part consists of practical problems related to corrosion engineering. In order to be eligible for the ICorr International Corrosion Technologist (ICT) certification, candidates must have at least five years' experience as a practicing corrosion engineer or technologist.

The ICorr International Corrosion Technologist (ICT) examination can be taken either online or in person at one of the Institute's approved test centers around the world. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on location and whether you take it online or in person, but typically ranges from $200-$500 USD. The exam typically takes around two hours to complete, although this may vary depending on how many questions you answer correctly.

Once you have successfully completed all three parts of the ICorr International Corrosion Technologist (ICT) examination, you will receive your certificate within four weeks after submitting your application form and payment information. Upon receiving your certificate, you will become an officially certified ICorr International Corrosion Technologist (ICT).

Do You Really Need a Coating Inspector Certificate?

The answer to this question is it depends. A coating inspector certificate can be a valuable asset for those looking to work in the field of industrial coatings and corrosion prevention. It is important to understand the requirements and qualifications needed for a successful career in this industry before deciding if a certification is necessary or not.

For those who are new to the field, a coating inspector certification can provide an advantage over other applicants. It demonstrates that you have the necessary knowledge and skills required to perform inspections, as well as having been trained in safety protocols, product specifications, and quality standards. This could make you more competitive when applying for jobs or when bidding on projects.

However, for those with experience in the field, a certificate may not be necessary. Many employers recognize experience as being just as valuable as formal training and certification. If you have been working in the field for several years without obtaining certification, employers may take your experience into consideration when considering your candidacy for a job or project.

Ultimately, whether or not you need to obtain a coating inspector certificate depends on what type of position you are seeking and how much experience you have in the industry. For those who are just starting out, it may be beneficial to obtain a certificate since it may give them an edge over other applicants. However, experienced professionals should assess their current level of expertise before deciding whether or not they need to obtain additional certifications.

Related: Coating Inspector Resume Examples

FAQs About Coating Inspector Certifications

Q1: What is a Coating Inspector Certification?

A1: Coating Inspector Certifications are certifications that demonstrate a coating inspector’s knowledge and proficiency in the inspection and evaluation of protective coatings. The certification is awarded by independent organizations such as NACE International and SSPC.

Q2: How do I become a Certified Coating Inspector?

A2: To become certified, you must meet the prerequisites established by the certifying body. Generally these include work experience, education, and passing an exam. Additionally, you may be required to complete specific training courses or demonstrate field experience.

Q3: How long does my Coating Inspector Certification last?

A3: Most Certifications last for five years before needing to be renewed. Renewal typically requires demonstrating continuing education and/or re-testing.

Q4: What type of work can I do with a Coating Inspector Certification?

A4: A Certified Coating Inspector can perform inspections of protective coatings on industrial structures such as bridges, tanks, pipelines, etc., recommend appropriate coating systems, evaluate existing coatings for compliance with industry standards, develop coating specifications and more.

Q5: Does having a Coating Inspector Certification guarantee employment?

A5: No – having a certification does not guarantee employment; however it can make you more competitive in the job market since employers seek candidates with specialized expertise in this field.