Top 11 Journeyman Painter Certifications

Certifications are important for a journeyman painter in the job market because they demonstrate to potential employers that a painter has the necessary skills and knowledge to complete painting jobs safely and accurately. Certifications also give employers assurance that the journeyman painter is qualified to handle any situation that may arise during the course of a job. They provide proof that a painter has received specialized training and understands the correct procedures for handling hazardous materials, using proper safety gear, and other important aspects of their profession. Additionally, certifications can be used as an indicator of quality workmanship, which is highly sought after in today’s competitive job market.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain the importance of journeyman painter certifications in order to help advance a journeyman painter's career.

What are Journeyman Painter Certifications?

Journeyman painter certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their mastery of the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the painting trade. The program is administered by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and is recognized by many employers as a symbol of excellence for those in the trade.

The Journeyman Painter Certification program consists of both classroom work and hands-on training. Individuals must first complete a basic level of coursework before being eligible for the journeyman certification exam. This coursework includes topics such as safety, surface preparation, paint application, tools and techniques, and more. Once an individual has successfully completed this coursework, they can then take the two-part journeyman painter certification exam which tests their knowledge on all aspects of painting. Those who pass this exam will receive their journeyman painter certification card which is valid for five years, at which point they can renew it by taking a renewal exam.

Having a Journeyman Painter Certification can help individuals stand out from other job candidates when applying for positions in the painting trade. It also provides them with additional credibility when working with customers as it demonstrates that they have invested time in learning about proper safety practices, paint application techniques, and other related topics. Having this certificate may also give them access to more job opportunities as many employers prefer to hire certified professionals over those without any certifications or qualifications.

Pro Tip: When considering journeyman painter certification, make sure you have a broad understanding of the painting process and the proper tools needed to complete the job. This will help ensure that you are able to provide quality work and stay up-to-date on industry standards.

Related: What does a Journeyman Painter do?

Top 11 Journeyman Painter Certifications

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

1. Journeyman Painter Certification from the National Association of Professional Paint Contractors (NAPPC)

The Journeyman Painter Certification from the National Association of Professional Paint Contractors (NAPPC) is a certification program that recognizes professional painters who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their trade. This certification is designed to demonstrate a painter’s commitment to excellence and to provide the highest quality services to customers.

In order to become certified, a painter must first meet the NAPPC’s criteria for experience and training. The minimum requirements include at least three years of painting experience and completion of an approved apprenticeship program. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of safety practices, materials, tools, techniques, and other aspects of the painting trade.

Once these requirements are met, the painter can apply for Journeyman Painter Certification through the NAPPC website. The application fee is $100 and includes access to online study materials as well as an exam voucher. After submitting the application, applicants will be sent an email with instructions on how to schedule their exam appointment. The exam itself takes two hours and consists of multiple-choice questions about painting techniques, safety procedures, and other topics related to the profession.

Once all requirements are completed successfully, applicants will receive their Journeyman Painter Certification from the NAPPC via mail or email within four weeks after passing their exam. This certification is valid for five years before it needs to be renewed. Renewal requires proof of continuing education credits or re-examination by NAPPC standards.

Overall, obtaining Journeyman Painter Certification from the National Association of Professional Paint Contractors (NAPPC) requires meeting certain criteria in terms of experience and training as well as passing an exam that tests knowledge related to painting techniques and safety procedures. The cost for applying for this certification is $100 which includes access to study materials and an exam voucher. Upon successful completion of all requirements, applicants will receive their certification within four weeks after passing their examination which is valid for five years before renewal is required.

2. Journeyman Painter Certification from the American Institute of Painting and Decorating (AIPD)

The American Institute of Painting and Decorating (AIPD) Journeyman Painter Certification is a nationally recognized certification program for professional painters. This certification recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the painting and decorating industry.

To qualify for the AIPD Journeyman Painter Certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the painting and decorating field. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as safety, tools, materials, techniques, and regulations. The exam is administered by the AIPD and can be taken online or in person at designated testing centers.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they will receive their Journeyman Painter Certification from the AIPD. This certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by taking additional courses or continuing education classes offered by the AIPD.

The cost to obtain the AIPD Journeyman Painter Certification varies depending on where you take the exam and other factors such as membership fees or course costs. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$400 to obtain this certification.

3. Journeyman Painter Certification from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)

The Journeyman Painter Certification from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the painting trade. This certification is earned by completing a series of training courses and passing a written examination.

In order to become certified as a Journeyman Painter, individuals must first join the IUPAT. Once they are members, they can then enroll in the Journeyman Painter Training Program. This program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires completion of several courses which cover topics such as safety, tools and materials, surface preparation and application techniques. Upon successful completion of all three levels, individuals will be eligible to take the Journeyman Painter Certification Exam.

The exam is administered by the IUPAT at designated locations throughout the United States. It consists of both a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as estimating costs, reading blueprints/specifications, surface preparation and painting techniques. The practical portion involves demonstrating various painting techniques on sample surfaces provided by IUPAT examiners.

The cost for taking the Journeyman Painter Certification Exam varies depending on location but typically ranges between $150-$250 USD per person. In addition to this fee there may also be additional charges for any required course materials or textbooks needed to complete training courses prior to taking the exam.

Once an individual has successfully passed both portions of the exam they will receive their official Journeyman Painter Certification from IUPAT which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed or re-certified.

4. Journeyman Painter Certification from the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA)

The Journeyman Painter Certification from the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in the painting and decorating trade. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of painting and decorating.

To obtain the Journeyman Painter Certification, individuals must complete a rigorous application process which includes: providing proof of at least four years of verifiable experience as a painter or decorator; completing an online application; passing a written exam; submitting two letters of recommendation from employers or colleagues; and paying an application fee. Upon successful completion of the application process, applicants will receive their Journeyman Painter Certification.

The cost for obtaining the Journeyman Painter Certification varies depending on whether you are an existing PDCA member or not. For non-members, there is an initial $150 application fee plus $50 for each additional year of experience verified by your employer. For current PDCA members, there is no initial fee but there is still a $50 charge for each additional year of experience verified by your employer.

In addition to the initial fees, applicants must also pay for any materials needed to take the written exam such as textbooks or study guides. The total cost can range anywhere from $200-$500 depending on how much experience you have and what materials you need to purchase for the exam.

Once all requirements have been met and fees paid, it typically takes around 4-6 weeks to receive your Journeyman Painter Certification.

5. Journeyman Painter Certification from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)

The Journeyman Painter Certification from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of experienced painters. It is designed to demonstrate a painter’s expertise in the field of interior painting, and it is a valuable credential for those who are looking to advance their careers.

To become certified, individuals must first meet certain prerequisites, including having at least four years of experience as a journeyman painter or two years of experience as an apprentice. They must also complete an approved training program and pass the NCIDQ examination. The exam consists of three parts: Practicum (a hands-on assessment), Professional Practice (an essay-style test), and Theory (multiple choice).

It typically takes between one to two years to complete all requirements for the Journeyman Painter Certification. The cost of the certification varies depending on the applicant’s location, but it typically ranges from $350-$500 USD.

6. Journeyman Painter Certification from the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) Journeyman Painter Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the painting trade. It is designed to provide a standard of excellence for painting professionals and ensure they are knowledgeable in their field.

To become certified, an individual must first complete a minimum of four years of documented experience in the painting trade, including at least two years as a journeyman painter. This experience must be verified by employers or other qualified individuals. After this experience has been documented, the individual must then pass the CSI Journeyman Painter Certification exam.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as surface preparation, application techniques, safety procedures, and industry regulations. The exam can be taken at any Prometric testing center and costs $150 to take. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their Journeyman Painter Certification from CSI.

The certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by completing continuing education courses or retaking the exam every three years.

7. Journeyman Painter Certification from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)

The Journeyman Painter Certification from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of interior painting. This certification is designed to help ensure that qualified professionals are providing quality services to their clients.

In order to become certified, an individual must complete an approved course of study and pass a comprehensive exam. The course of study typically consists of topics such as color theory, surface preparation, and application techniques. The exam covers all aspects of interior painting including safety, materials selection, and proper application techniques.

The Journeyman Painter Certification requires approximately 200 hours of instruction and takes approximately six months to complete. The cost for the program varies depending on the provider but can range from $500-$1000 USD.

To obtain the certification, individuals must submit an application form along with proof of completion of the required coursework and passing grade on the exam. Once approved by ASID, individuals will receive a certificate verifying their status as a Journeyman Painter.

8. Journeyman Painter Certification from the National Academy of Painting and Decorating (NAPD)

The National Academy of Painting and Decorating (NAPD) Journeyman Painter Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of knowledge and skill in the field of painting and decorating.

To be eligible for the NAPD Journeyman Painter Certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the painting and decorating industry, including two years as a journeyman painter. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the NAPD to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in this field. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety, materials, tools, techniques, and regulations.

It typically takes about six months to complete the application process for the NAPD Journeyman Painter Certification. During this time, applicants must submit proof of their work experience and pay an application fee. Once approved, they will receive their certification card within four to six weeks.

The cost of the NAPD Journeyman Painter Certification varies depending on the applicant’s location. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 USD to apply for this certification.

9. Journeyman Painter Certification from the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)

The Journeyman Painter Certification from the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skill and experience in the painting industry. The program is open to both experienced and new painters who are interested in advancing their careers.

To become certified as an ASHI Journeyman Painter, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least five years of experience in the painting industry;
• Pass an online exam covering topics such as safety, preparation, application techniques, and customer service;
• Complete a hands-on practical exam;
• Submit three letters of recommendation from previous employers or clients.

The online exam typically takes two hours to complete and can be taken at any time. The practical exam is conducted by an ASHI Certified Inspector and covers topics such as surface preparation, brushwork, roller technique, spray technique, and cleanup. It usually takes about four hours to complete.

The cost for the Journeyman Painter Certification program is $425 USD plus applicable taxes. This fee includes the cost of the online exam, practical exam, and certification materials. Once applicants have successfully completed all requirements they will receive their official ASHI Journeyman Painter Certificate.

10. Journeyman Painter Certification from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

The Journeyman Painter Certification from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an industry-recognized certification program that verifies a painter’s knowledge and skills in the painting trade. This certification is designed to help employers identify qualified professionals who are knowledgeable in the areas of surface preparation, coating application, and safety procedures.

To become certified as a Journeyman Painter, applicants must first complete an ASTM-approved training course. The training course consists of classroom instruction on topics such as safety procedures, surface preparation, and coating application. Upon successful completion of the training course, applicants must then pass an examination administered by ASTM International. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that cover topics related to painting techniques, safety regulations, and surface preparation.

The cost of obtaining the Journeyman Painter Certification varies depending on the provider offering the training course and exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more for both the training course and exam. Additionally, some providers may also charge additional fees for materials or other services associated with obtaining the certification.

In order to maintain their certification status, Journeyman Painters must renew their credentials every three years by completing continuing education courses approved by ASTM International.

11. Journeyman Painter Certification from The Painting Industry Association of America (PIAA).

The Journeyman Painter Certification from The Painting Industry Association of America (PIAA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the painting industry. It is open to any painter who has at least three years of experience in the field.

To become certified, applicants must first complete an online application and submit it with a fee. Applicants must also provide proof of their work experience and pass a written exam. The exam covers topics such as safety, estimating, surface preparation, application techniques, maintenance, and repair. Once the application is approved and the exam is passed, candidates will receive their Journeyman Painter Certification.

The cost for the Journeyman Painter Certification depends on the type of applicant: professionals or students/apprentices. For professionals, there is an initial application fee of $50 plus $100 for the exam fee. For students/apprentices, there is an initial application fee of $25 plus $50 for the exam fee.

Overall, obtaining a Journeyman Painter Certification from PIAA typically takes about two months from start to finish.

Do You Really Need a Journeyman Painter Certificate?

The answer to whether or not you need a journeyman painter certificate depends on your particular career goals as a painter. If you are looking to become a professional painter and take on larger painting projects, then obtaining a journeyman painter certificate is an important step. It demonstrates that you have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience required for this kind of work.

A journeyman painter certificate is typically issued after completing an apprenticeship program in the field of painting. The program typically includes both classroom instruction and hands-on learning experiences. During the apprenticeship program, you would learn about different types of paints, tools and techniques used in painting, safety protocols, customer service best practices, and other related topics. Once completed, you would receive your journeyman painter certificate which confirms that you have successfully completed the program and are now qualified to work as a professional painter.

Having a journeyman painter certificate can also open up more job opportunities for you. Many employers will require their painters to have this type of certification before they will hire them. Additionally, having such a certification can make it easier for you to find higher paying jobs or gain access to better job opportunities in general. It can also demonstrate to potential employers that you are serious about your career and have taken steps towards becoming an experienced professional in the field of painting.

In conclusion, if you are looking to become a professional painter then obtaining a journeyman painter certificate is likely something worth considering doing as it demonstrates your commitment to the profession and also opens up more job opportunities for you down the line.

Related: Journeyman Painter Resume Examples

FAQs About Journeyman Painter Certifications

Q1. What is a Journeyman Painter Certification?

A1. A Journeyman Painter Certification is a professional certification that indicates an individual has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to perform painting and finishing work safely, efficiently, and effectively. The certification is granted by the National Association of Professional Paint Contractors (NAPPC).

Q2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Journeyman Painter Certification?

A2. To obtain a Journeyman Painter Certification, individuals must have at least five years of experience in painting and finishing work, plus successfully pass an exam administered by NAPPC.

Q3. How long does it take to get a Journeyman Painter Certification?

A3. It can take up to 12 weeks from the time an application is submitted until the certification is issued.

Q4. What benefits are associated with having a Journeyman Painter Certification?

A4: There are several benefits associated with holding a Journeyman Painter Certification, including increased job opportunities, higher wages, and recognition as an experienced professional painter and finisher in the field.

Q5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining a Journeyman Painter Certification?

A5: Yes, individuals who hold a Journeyman Painter Certification must complete 8 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their certification status.