Top 11 Industrial Painter Certifications

Industrial painters are highly sought after in the job market due to the fact that they are able to work with a variety of materials, and can apply protective coatings to surfaces. Having certifications can help an industrial painter stand out from other applicants and demonstrate their expertise in the field. Certifications provide proof that an individual has met certain standards and requirements for their job, which is especially important for industrial painting jobs. They also show employers that the painter has experience working with hazardous materials and can adhere to safety protocols and regulations. Additionally, certifications can help open up more job opportunities as some employers may require them for certain positions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications available to industrial painters and explains how they can enhance an industrial painter's career.

What are Industrial Painter Certifications?

Industrial painter certification is a qualification that demonstrates an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and effectively perform the duties of a professional industrial painter. This certification can be obtained through accredited training programs that provide hands-on instruction in painting techniques, safety procedures, and other related topics. With this certification, industrial painters are able to demonstrate their expertise to potential employers and clients, increasing their chances of securing employment opportunities or contracts. Having this certification also helps established painters maintain their competitive edge in the industry by keeping them up to date on the latest trends in painting technology and safety regulations. In addition, many companies require industrial painters to have this certification before they are allowed to work on their premises, making it an invaluable asset for any aspiring or experienced painter.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have all the necessary certifications and training before attempting to work as an industrial painter. Depending on the type of industrial painting job, there may be specific certifications or courses that need to be completed in order to be considered qualified for the position. Researching local regulations and requirements ahead of time can save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run.

Related: What does an Industrial Painter do?

Top 11 Industrial Painter Certifications

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

1. NACE Certified Coatings Inspector

NACE Certified Coatings Inspector (CIP Level 1) is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to inspect, evaluate, and report on coatings applied to steel surfaces. It is an internationally recognized certification that validates a person’s expertise in the field of coatings inspection.

The NACE Certified Coatings Inspector program consists of two parts: a written examination and practical training. The written exam covers topics such as coating materials, surface preparation, application techniques, inspection methods, and reporting requirements. The practical training component involves hands-on experience in the field or laboratory under the supervision of a qualified instructor.

To become certified as a NACE Certified Coatings Inspector, you must first complete an approved training course from an accredited provider. Once you have successfully completed the course, you can then take the written exam which is administered by NACE International. Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded your CIP Level 1 certification.

The cost for taking the NACE Certified Coatings Inspector program varies depending on your chosen provider. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 USD for both parts of the program (written exam and practical training).

2. SSPC Protective Coatings Specialist

SSPC Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS) is a certification program developed by the Steel Structures Painting Council (SSPC). The program is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in the selection, application, inspection, and management of protective coatings for steel structures.

To become certified as an SSPC Protective Coatings Specialist, candidates must first pass an online exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as coating types, surface preparation, environmental regulations, and safety. Candidates must also have at least two years of experience in the protective coatings industry.

The online exam takes about three hours to complete and costs $250 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their SSPC PCS certification. This certification is valid for five years from the date of issuance. After five years, recertification is required to maintain the certification status.

Additionally, SSPC offers continuing education courses that can be taken to keep up with changing industry standards and practices. These courses are available both online and in person and typically cost between $100-200 USD per course.

3. NACE Certified Protective Coating Specialist

NACE Certified Protective Coating Specialist (CPCS) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a level of knowledge and experience in the application, inspection, and maintenance of protective coatings. The CPCS certification is administered by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE).

It typically takes around 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CPCS certification. To become certified, you must pass an examination that covers topics such as coating selection, surface preparation, application techniques, inspection methods, and maintenance procedures. You must also submit proof of at least two years of experience in the field of protective coatings.

To get started on your journey to becoming a CPCS certified specialist, you will need to create an account with NACE and pay a registration fee. Once your account is created, you can purchase study materials from NACE or other sources that are tailored to help you prepare for the exam. After studying and passing the exam, you will be required to submit proof of two years’ experience in protective coatings before receiving your official certification.

The cost for becoming a CPCS certified specialist varies depending on whether or not you choose to purchase study materials from NACE or another source. The registration fee for creating an account with NACE is $50 USD and the cost of taking the exam is $400 USD. If you choose to purchase study materials from NACE or another source, those costs can vary depending on which materials are purchased.

4. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Certified Industrial Painter

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Certified Industrial Painter is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of industrial painting. This certification is designed to provide an assurance of quality workmanship to customers, employers, and other stakeholders in the industrial painting industry.

To become ASTM Certified Industrial Painter, individuals must first complete an approved training program from an accredited institution. The training program typically includes topics such as safety, surface preparation, coating application techniques, and inspection procedures. Once the training program has been completed, applicants must pass a written examination administered by ASTM International.

The cost of the ASTM Certified Industrial Painter certification varies depending on the provider and may include fees for materials or other services. In general, it can cost anywhere between $500 and $1,000 to become certified. The process usually takes anywhere from two weeks to two months to complete depending on the individual's availability and commitment to studying for the exam.

To get started on becoming ASTM Certified Industrial Painter, you should contact your local accredited institution or ASTM International directly for more information about their requirements and fees associated with obtaining this certification.

5. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level I and II Industrial Painter Certifications

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level I and II Industrial Painter Certifications are nationally recognized certifications that demonstrate a painter’s knowledge and skill in the industrial painting field. The certification is designed to help employers identify qualified painters who have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform industrial painting jobs safely and effectively.

The Level I certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in industrial painting, while the Level II certification requires at least four years of experience. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as safety regulations, surface preparation, coating application techniques, and troubleshooting.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the certification process. Applicants must first register with NICET and pay a fee before taking the exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on which level you are applying for; Level I costs $350 and Level II costs $500. Once registered, applicants can take the exam at one of NICET’s authorized testing centers or online through their website. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from NICET.

6. OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry Outreach Training Program

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry Outreach Training Program is an educational program designed to provide workers in the construction industry with safety and health training. The program is intended to help employers and employees reduce the number of workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities by teaching them how to recognize, avoid, and prevent hazards on the job.

The 10-hour course takes approximately 10 hours to complete. It can be taken in either a classroom setting or online. The classroom version consists of two 5-hour classes taught by an authorized OSHA instructor. The online version includes interactive lessons, quizzes, and a final exam that must be passed with at least 70% accuracy in order to receive certification.

In order to get the 10-hour card, individuals must successfully complete the course and pass the final exam. Once completed, they will receive their official OSHA 10-Hour Card in the mail within 4 weeks of completion.

The cost for the 10-hour course varies depending on where it is taken and who is providing it. Generally speaking, it costs around $150-$200 for the online version and $250-$300 for the classroom version.

7. International Paint and Printing Ink Council (IPPIC) Certified Industrial Painter

The International Paint and Printing Ink Council (IPPIC) Certified Industrial Painter is a certification program designed to recognize experienced industrial painters who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in their profession. This certification is available to individuals who have at least three years of experience as an industrial painter, and who have successfully completed the IPPIC-approved training courses.

To become certified, applicants must submit a portfolio of their work, including photographs of completed projects, along with a resume detailing their experience and qualifications. Applicants must also pass a written exam that covers topics such as safety practices, paint application techniques, surface preparation, and other related topics.

The process typically takes about six weeks from the time of submission to when you receive your certificate. The cost for the certification varies depending on the country you are located in but typically ranges from $200-$500 USD.

8. Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Painting and Decorating Certificate

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Painting and Decorating Certificate is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform painting and decorating work in a safe, efficient, and effective manner. It is designed for those who are employed or seeking employment as painters and decorators.

The certificate program consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site assessment. The online course covers topics such as safety, tools, materials, techniques, and regulations. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the course. After completing the online course, students must take an on-site assessment at one of AGC’s approved training centers. During this assessment, students will be tested on their knowledge of the material covered in the online course.

To obtain the AGC Painting and Decorating Certificate, applicants must successfully complete both the online course and on-site assessment with a passing grade of 80% or higher. The cost for the program is $250 USD which includes access to the online course as well as registration fees for the on-site assessment.

9. National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Certified Industrial Painter

The National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Certified Industrial Painter (CIP) program is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of industrial painters. It is an internationally recognized standard for industrial painting professionals.

To become NACE CIP certified, individuals must have at least three years of experience in industrial painting or related field. In addition, they must pass a written exam that covers topics such as surface preparation, coating selection and application techniques, inspection procedures, safety practices, and environmental regulations. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours to complete.

In order to get the NACE CIP certification, applicants must first register with NACE International. They then need to pay the applicable fee (currently $395 USD). Once registered and payment has been received, applicants can schedule their exam by contacting their local testing center or by visiting the NACE website.

Once the exam is completed successfully, applicants will receive their official NACE CIP certificate in the mail within four weeks. The certification is valid for three years from the date of successful completion of the exam.

10. American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder/Painter

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder/Painter is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of welders and painters who meet the AWS standards. The certification program is designed to ensure that welders and painters have the necessary skills to produce quality work.

It typically takes two to four weeks to complete the certification process, depending on how much experience you have in welding or painting. To become certified, you must first pass a written exam covering welding and painting fundamentals, safety practices, and applicable codes. After passing the written exam, you must then demonstrate your welding or painting skills in an open-book practical examination.

To get certified as an AWS Certified Welder/Painter, you will need to register with AWS and pay a fee of $250 for each certification level. You will also need to purchase any required textbooks or other materials related to the certification process. Once registered, you will be able to access online study materials and practice tests that can help prepare you for the written exam.

The cost of becoming an AWS Certified Welder/Painter may vary depending on your location and any additional training courses you may take prior to taking the exams. In addition, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exams such as proctoring fees or travel expenses if you are taking them at a remote testing center.

11. International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Journeyman Painter Certification

The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Journeyman Painter Certification is a professional certification that is recognized by employers and government agencies in the painting industry. It is issued to individuals who have completed an apprenticeship program or other training program, and have passed a written exam administered by IUPAT.

To become certified as a Journeyman Painter, you must first complete an apprenticeship program or other training program approved by IUPAT. The length of the apprenticeship or training program can vary depending on the type of painting work you are doing, but typically takes two to four years to complete. After completing the program, you must pass a written exam administered by IUPAT. This exam covers topics such as safety regulations, proper techniques for applying paint, and knowledge of tools and materials used in the trade.

The cost of becoming certified as a Journeyman Painter varies depending on your location and the type of training program you choose. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for tuition and fees associated with completing an apprenticeship or other training program. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the written exam administered by IUPAT.

Once you have successfully completed all requirements for certification as a Journeyman Painter, you will receive an official certificate from IUPAT verifying your status as a certified professional painter. This certificate is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires proof of continuing education credits earned through workshops or seminars related to painting techniques and safety regulations in order to maintain your certification status with IUPAT.

Do You Really Need a Industrial Painter Certificate?

Whether or not you need an industrial painter certificate depends on the job you are applying for. In most cases, having a certificate is beneficial for those looking to pursue a career in industrial painting. It proves that you have the necessary skills and knowledge required to do the job safely and efficiently.

Having a certificate also shows employers that you are serious about your career and are willing to take the necessary steps to acquire additional qualifications. It can also give potential employers more confidence in your abilities as an industrial painter.

However, it is important to note that some jobs may not require a specific certificate, but may require relevant experience in order to be considered for the position. In these cases, it is important to demonstrate your knowledge and skills through interviews and work samples, rather than relying solely on a certificate.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an industrial painter certificate will depend on the particular job you are applying for. It can be beneficial in some cases, but it is important to assess each situation individually before making any decisions.

Related: Industrial Painter Resume Examples

FAQs About Industrial Painter Certifications

1. What Qualifications Do I Need to Become an Industrial Painter?

Answer: To become an industrial painter, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. You may also need to complete a formal apprenticeship program in order to gain the necessary skills and experience for the job.

2. Does Having an Industrial Painter Certification Increase My Chances of Getting Hired?

Answer: Yes! Having an industrial painter certification can demonstrate your level of expertise and commitment to the profession, which can make you more attractive to employers.

3. How Can I Obtain an Industrial Painter Certification?

Answer: To obtain an industrial painter certification, you must first complete a formal apprenticeship program. After completing the program, you will need to take and pass a series of exams in order to receive your certification.

4. Is There a Cost Associated With Obtaining an Industrial Painter Certification?

Answer: Yes, there is typically a cost associated with obtaining an industrial painter certification. The exact cost will depend on the type of program you choose and any additional requirements that may apply in your area.

5. How Long Does It Take to Earn an Industrial Painter Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to earn an industrial painter certification will vary depending on the specific program that you choose and any additional requirements that may apply in your area. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one year up to three years or more depending on the complexity of the program.