Top 10 Corrosion Technician Certifications

Certifications for corrosion technicians are very important in the job market. A corrosion technician certification is an industry-recognized credential that can demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the area of corrosion control and prevention, as well as provide an additional level of credibility when applying for jobs. Certification also indicates that a technician has received specialized training in corrosion control and prevention, which employers value highly. In addition to showing potential employers that a technician is qualified and knowledgeable, certifications can also give technicians access to job opportunities they may not otherwise have had access to. Finally, certifications can also help corrosion technicians stay current with the most up-to-date methods and technologies used in the field of corrosion control and prevention.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Corrosion Technicians and explain how they can enhance a corrosion technician's career.

What are Corrosion Technician Certifications?

Corrosion Technician Certification is an industry certification that recognizes a technician’s knowledge and experience in the field of corrosion engineering. This certification is offered through the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) and requires technicians to complete both a written exam and practical assessment. The certification provides assurance that individuals have demonstrated their ability to work safely, accurately, and effectively when dealing with corrosion-related problems.

The certification helps employers identify qualified personnel who can help prevent, detect, contain, or control corrosion-related risks. It also helps ensure that technicians are properly trained and knowledgeable about the latest techniques used to protect assets from corrosion damage. Additionally, it helps employers reduce their liability by ensuring that technicians are aware of safety protocols and regulations related to corrosion engineering. Finally, having certified technicians on staff may help companies qualify for certain grants or incentives offered by public or private organizations.

Pro Tip: Make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest corrosion technician certification requirements and standards. This will help ensure that you are meeting industry standards and providing the best possible service to your clients.

Related: What does a Corrosion Technician do?

Top 10 Corrosion Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Corrosion Technicians today.

1. Certified Corrosion Technologist (CCT)

Certified Corrosion Technologist (CCT) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE). The CCT certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in corrosion control and prevention. It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence in the field of corrosion engineering.

The CCT exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as corrosion principles, materials selection and protection, inspection and monitoring, coating application, cathodic protection, environmental regulations, and other related topics. To be eligible for the CCT exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience working in corrosion engineering or related fields.

It typically takes about two months to prepare for the CCT exam. Candidates should review NACE's study guide and take practice exams to help prepare for the actual test. Additionally, some employers may offer courses or seminars on corrosion control and prevention that can help candidates prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the CCT exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of NACE International. For members, it costs $350; for non-members it costs $500.

2. NACE Certified Coating Inspector (NCCI)

NACE Certified Coating Inspector (NCCI) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE). It is designed to help individuals learn the skills and knowledge needed to inspect, evaluate, and report on protective coatings for steel structures. The NCCI certification is highly sought after by many employers in the corrosion engineering industry as it demonstrates an individual’s expertise in coating inspection.

The NCCI certification requires applicants to complete a four-day training course followed by a written examination. Upon successful completion of both the training course and exam, applicants will become certified as a NACE Certified Coating Inspector. The training course covers topics such as coating selection, application methods, surface preparation, inspection techniques, and reporting requirements.

To become certified as a NACE Certified Coating Inspector (NCCI), applicants must meet certain prerequisites including having at least two years of experience in coating inspection or related field. Additionally, applicants must be sponsored by an employer or organization that has agreed to provide them with practical experience in coating inspection prior to taking the written exam.

The cost of becoming a NACE Certified Coating Inspector varies depending on where you take the training course and how long it takes you to complete the program. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,500 - $4,000 USD for tuition fees alone. This does not include any additional costs associated with travel or lodging expenses if you are attending an out-of-town training course.

3. NACE Certified Cathodic Protection Tester (NCPT)

NACE Certified Cathodic Protection Tester (NCPT) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of cathodic protection. The NCPT certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as corrosion fundamentals, cathodic protection principles and practices, and testing techniques.

The NCPT exam takes about four hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. To be eligible for the NCPT certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field of cathodic protection or related areas.

To get certified, applicants must first register with NACE and pay a fee. Once registered, they can then purchase a study guide and take the exam at any approved testing center. The cost of the NCPT certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam online or in person, but it typically ranges from $400-$500 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official NACE Certified Cathodic Protection Tester certificate. This certificate is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

4. American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

The American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to inspect welded assemblies. The CWI certification is one of the most respected credentials in the welding industry and is highly sought after by employers.

It typically takes between three and six months to prepare for the exam, depending on prior experience. Preparation includes studying AWS standards, reading reference materials, completing practice tests, and attending seminars or workshops. There are also online courses available that can help with preparation.

To become certified, an individual must pass a written exam administered by AWS. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as welding processes, inspection techniques, quality control principles, safety regulations, and metallurgical properties of metals. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on the location but generally ranges from $400-$700.

In addition to passing the written exam, applicants must also have at least two years of welding experience or four years of related work experience in order to be eligible for certification. Once certified, CWIs must complete continuing education requirements every five years in order to maintain their certification status.

5. International Association for Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Corrosion Technician Level I & II

The International Association for Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Corrosion Technician Level I & II is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of corrosion technicians. It is an internationally recognized, voluntary certification program that provides a way for employers to identify qualified corrosion technicians.

The NACE Corrosion Technician Level I & II certification consists of two levels: Level I and Level II. To obtain the NACE Corrosion Technician Level I & II certification, applicants must pass both levels of the exam.

Level I of the exam focuses on basic corrosion principles and techniques, while Level II covers more advanced topics such as corrosion control, materials selection and failure analysis. The exams are offered in both English and Spanish languages.

It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete the NACE Corrosion Technician Level I & II certification program. This includes studying for the exams, taking practice tests, and completing any required field experience hours.

To get certified, applicants must first submit an application form to NACE along with payment of the applicable fee. After submitting their application, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exams online or by mail. Once registered, applicants can take either level of the exam at any approved testing center in their area or online from home.

The cost of obtaining a NACE Corrosion Technician Level I & II certification varies depending on which country you are located in and which level you are taking. In general, it costs around $200-400 USD per level of the exam plus any applicable taxes or fees.

6. American Petroleum Institute (API) 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector

The American Petroleum Institute (API) 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to inspect, repair, and alter pressure vessels in accordance with safety regulations. This certification is intended for individuals who are employed by companies that design, fabricate, install, or inspect pressure vessels.

It typically takes around three months to complete the API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector Certification program. The first step is to obtain an application form from the American Petroleum Institute (API). Once you have completed the application form and submitted it along with the required documents and fees, you will be assigned an examination date. You must then attend a preparatory course prior to taking the exam.

The cost of the API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector Certification program varies depending on your location and training provider. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000 - $4,000 USD for the entire program including all materials and exams.

Once you have passed both parts of the exam successfully, you will receive your official API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector Certification card which is valid for five years from the date of issue.

7. National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors Certified Inspector

The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI) Certified Inspector Program is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform inspections on boilers, pressure vessels, and other related equipment. The NBBI Certified Inspector Program is based on the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

It typically takes about three years for an individual to become certified as an NBBI Certified Inspector. During this time, applicants must complete a minimum of 80 hours of classroom training in topics such as welding inspection, metallurgy, safety codes, non-destructive testing methods, and more. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive written exam that covers all aspects of boiler and pressure vessel inspection.

To become an NBBI Certified Inspector, applicants must first submit an application to the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. The application fee is $200 USD. Once accepted into the program, applicants must then complete the required training courses and pass the written exam with a score of at least 70%. Upon successful completion of these requirements, applicants will receive their certification from the National Board.

The cost for becoming an NBBI Certified Inspector varies depending on where you take your training courses; however, it typically costs between $2,000-$3,000 USD to become certified.

8. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Training Course

The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Training Course is a comprehensive safety and health training program designed to provide workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, avoid, and prevent workplace hazards. The course covers a variety of topics including hazard identification, personal protective equipment, fire prevention, machine guarding, ergonomics, and more.

The course typically takes 10 hours to complete. It is offered in both online and classroom formats. The online version can be completed at your own pace within a certain time frame while the classroom version is usually held over two days.

To get the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Training Course you must register for it through an approved provider or instructor. A list of approved providers can be found on the OSHA website.

The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $50-$100 per person.

9. API 570 Piping Inspection Certification

API 570 Piping Inspection Certification is a certification program for inspectors who examine and certify in-service metallic piping systems. This certification is designed to ensure that the inspector has the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to properly inspect piping systems.

To get API 570 certification, an individual must pass a written exam administered by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as corrosion, welding, inspection techniques, materials selection, and safety practices. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the API 570 exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in piping inspection or related work experience. Applicants must also have completed an approved training course in piping inspection or have completed an apprenticeship program.

The cost of taking the API 570 exam varies depending on the provider administering the exam. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD per person.

Once an individual passes the API 570 exam they will receive their official certification card and will be listed on the API website as a certified inspector. The certification is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed with continuing education credits or re-examination.

10. ASNT Level II Visual Testing Certification

ASNT Level II Visual Testing Certification is a certification program that provides formal recognition of an individual’s knowledge and experience in visual testing. It is designed to evaluate the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals who inspect objects using only their eyes. The certification requires individuals to demonstrate proficiency in the areas of visual inspection, including basic principles, methods, techniques and equipment used for visual testing.

The ASNT Level II Visual Testing Certification is valid for three years from the date of successful completion. To obtain this certification, applicants must pass an examination administered by ASNT (American Society for Nondestructive Testing). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as basic principles and techniques of visual testing, safety considerations, defect recognition and evaluation criteria.

To prepare for the exam, applicants should review materials available from ASNT or other sources related to visual testing. They should also gain practical experience in performing visual inspections on various objects prior to taking the exam.

The cost of obtaining ASNT Level II Visual Testing Certification varies depending on the country where it is taken. In some countries, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or travel expenses. Generally speaking, however, the cost ranges from $100-$500 USD depending on the country.

Do You Really Need a Corrosion Technician Certificate?

Corrosion technician certification can be beneficial for those who are looking to enter the field of corrosion engineering. A corrosion technician certificate can demonstrate a level of knowledge and experience in the field, which can be beneficial for job seekers. It may also provide a competitive edge when competing for positions.

At the same time, depending on the type of position you are seeking, having a corrosion technician certificate may not be necessary. For example, if you are looking to work as an assistant in a laboratory or research environment that requires minimal technical skills, having such a certificate may not be essential. On the other hand, if you are looking to become a corrosion engineer or inspector at an industrial facility, then having such certification could help give you an advantage over other applicants.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a corrosion technician certificate depends largely on what type of position you are applying for and how much experience and knowledge is required for that role. If it is necessary for your desired job role then obtaining such certification would likely be beneficial; however, if it is not required then it may not necessarily be necessary to attain such certification.

Related: Corrosion Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Corrosion Technician Certifications

Q1. What is a corrosion technician certification?

A1. A corrosion technician certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and skills in the field of corrosion control. It is designed to help technicians become more knowledgeable and better prepared for their jobs, as well as provide employers with assurance that their workers have the necessary training to properly perform their duties.

Q2. How do I get certified as a corrosion technician?

A2. To become certified as a corrosion technician, you must first complete an approved course of study from an accredited institution such as NACE International or SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings. After completing the course, you will then need to pass an examination administered by either NACE or SSPC in order to receive your certification.

Q3. How long does it take to become certified?

A3. The amount of time it takes to become certified varies depending on the program you choose and how much time you are able to devote to studying for the exam. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed in less than 6 months if you are able to devote enough time and attention to studying for the exam.

Q4. What type of jobs can I apply for with my certification?

A4. With your certification, you should be eligible for positions such as corrosion inspector/technician, coatings inspector/technician, quality control inspector/technician, or any other job that requires knowledge and expertise in the areas of materials selection and performance testing related to corrosion control systems or protective coatings systems.

Q5. Is there any way I can renew my certification after it has expired?

A5: Yes! You can renew your certification by taking continuing education courses offered through organizations like NACE or SSPC or by participating in workshops related to corrosion control technology and techniques offered by various vendors or organizations throughout the year.