AMPP Coating Inspectors
Need an AMPP coating inspector for industrial equipment, structural steel, marine assets, tanks, piping or other protective coating work?
Dilenza identifies coating inspector profiles according to the required AMPP level, asset, substrate, coating system, project specification, inspection responsibilities, location and schedule.
Depending on the project, requirements may include:
- CIP Level 1
- CIP Level 2
- CIP Level 3
Specification · ITP · Coating System · Data Sheets · Drawings accepted
- AMPP CIP
- Asset-Specific Experience
- Global Project Support
What Is an AMPP Coating Inspector?
AMPP's Coating Inspector Program provides a structured qualification system for personnel involved in protective coating inspection.
The current program includes three principal levels:
CIP Level 1
Basic Coatings Inspector
CIP Level 2
Certified Coatings Inspector
CIP Level 3
Senior Certified Coatings Inspector
The appropriate level depends on the inspection responsibility, project risk, complexity and requirements defined by the client or specification.
Certification is important, but it is not the only selection criterion.
A coating inspector should also have relevant experience with the asset, coating system, substrate and operating environment involved.
The AMPP level defines the qualification. The coating project defines the right inspector.
Which AMPP Coating Inspector Do You Need?
CIP Level 1
Basic Coatings Inspector
CIP Level 1 provides the foundation for protective coating inspection.
Profiles may be relevant for defined coating inspection activities where the level of responsibility and supervision permitted by the project are appropriate.
Typical project activities can involve:
- Environmental Conditions
- Surface Preparation Checks
- Inspection Instrumentation
- Coating Application Monitoring
- Basic Documentation
The client specification should determine whether Level 1 is suitable for the assignment.
CIP Level 2
Certified Coatings Inspector
CIP Level 2 represents a more advanced coating inspection level.
AMPP's current Level 2 program covers advanced inspection of liquid and non-liquid coatings across different substrates and includes both nondestructive and destructive inspection techniques.
CIP Level 2 profiles may therefore be relevant to broader independent inspection responsibilities involving:
- Surface Preparation
- Environmental Conditions
- Coating Application
- Inspection Testing
- Coating Defects
- Documentation
CIP Level 3
Senior Certified Coatings Inspector
CIP Level 3 is the senior level within the AMPP Coating Inspector Program.
Senior Certified Coatings Inspectors are intended for more complex inspection responsibilities and can undertake coating inspection without supervision within their certification scope.
Projects may request Level 3 where they require:
- Senior Technical Oversight
- Complex Coating Systems
- Inspector Supervision
- Problem Solving
- Higher-Risk Assets
- Senior Inspection Responsibility
For technically demanding projects, relevant asset and coating experience should still be reviewed alongside the Level 3 qualification.
Do You Need Level 1, 2 or 3?
Do not automatically request the highest certification level.
The correct inspector level should reflect the actual project requirement.
Consider Level 1 when:
The inspection activities are defined and the project permits a Basic Coatings Inspector working within the required supervision framework.
Consider Level 2 when:
The project requires a Certified Coatings Inspector capable of broader coating inspection responsibilities and testing.
Consider Level 3 when:
The project specification requires senior certification or the assignment involves complex assets, higher technical responsibility or supervision of other coating inspectors.
If the required level is already defined in the specification, include it in your request.
If it is unclear, send the available coating specification and ITP.
What Can an AMPP Coating Inspector Support?
The exact responsibilities depend on the inspector level and controlled project scope. Depending on the assignment, inspection may cover several stages of the coating process.
Before Surface Preparation
Inspection can include:
- Specification Review
- Substrate Condition
- Surface Contamination
- Environmental Conditions
- Equipment Readiness
Surface Preparation
Depending on project requirements:
- Surface Cleanliness
- Surface Profile
- Dust
- Soluble Salt Testing
- Abrasive Condition
- Preparation Method
The applicable preparation standard and acceptance criteria should come from the coating specification.
During Coating Application
Inspection may involve:
- Ambient Conditions
- Steel Temperature
- Relative Humidity
- Dew Point
- Coating Mixing
- Application Conditions
- Recoat Intervals
- Wet Film Thickness
After Application
Inspection can include:
- Dry Film Thickness
- Visual Condition
- Coating Defects
- Holiday Testing Where Required
- Adhesion or Other Specified Tests
- Repair Areas
- Final Documentation
The applicable tests depend on the coating system and controlled project requirements.
Not Every AMPP Inspector Has the Same Experience
Two inspectors holding the same AMPP qualification may have very different project backgrounds.
One may specialize in: Shipbuilding & Marine Coatings
another in: Tanks · Piping · Process Equipment
and another in: Structural Steel · Offshore Structures · Industrial Facilities
The correct profile can also depend on the coating system and exposure environment.
Dilenza therefore considers:
- AMPP Level
- Asset
- Substrate
- Coating System
- Exposure Environment
- Industry
- Inspection Responsibilities
- Relevant Experience
Certification confirms competence. Asset experience makes it relevant.
AMPP Inspectors for Industrial Coating Projects
Structural Steel
- Steel Structures
- Modules
- Platforms
- Frames
- Bridges
- Heavy Fabrication
Inspection can support surface preparation, coating application and final coating verification according to project requirements.
Shipbuilding & Marine
- Vessels
- Hull Structures
- Ballast Areas
- Marine Equipment
- Offshore Structures
Marine coating systems can involve demanding exposure conditions and project-specific requirements. Relevant marine experience can therefore form an important part of inspector selection.
Tanks & Process Equipment
- Storage Tanks
- Pressure Equipment
- Process Vessels
- Piping
- Skids
Inspection can support external or internal protective coating systems according to the specification and asset requirements.
Oil, Gas & Energy Equipment
- Piping
- Structures
- Tanks
- Modules
- Mechanical Packages
- Energy Assets
Coating requirements can vary significantly according to environment, operating conditions and asset type.
Industrial Equipment & Heavy Fabrication
- Machinery
- Fabricated Assemblies
- Steel Equipment
- Project Packages
AMPP inspector profiles can be matched to the equipment and specified protective coating system.
Experience With the Actual Coating System Matters
The inspector's background may need to reflect the coating technology involved.
Depending on the project, this can include experience with:
- Epoxy Systems
- Polyurethane
- Zinc-Rich Primers
- High-Build Systems
- Tank Linings
- Marine Coatings
- Pipeline Coatings
- Thermal Spray
- Other Project-Specified Systems
Substrate experience may also matter:
- Carbon Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Galvanized Steel
- Concrete
- Other Specified Substrates
Not every inspector needs experience with every system. The requirement should match the actual asset and specification.
Some Projects Require More Than General CIP Certification
AMPP also maintains coating-inspection specialties for specific applications.
Depending on the project, additional requirements may relate to areas such as:
- Marine Coatings
- Pipeline Coatings
- Bridge Coatings
- Thermal Spray
- Nuclear Coatings
- Fireproofing
- Other Specialist Applications
A general CIP qualification should not automatically be assumed to satisfy a project-specific specialty requirement.
If the specification identifies an AMPP specialty, include it in the inspection request.
What About NACE Coating Inspectors?
NACE and SSPC combined to form AMPP, and AMPP's current Coating Inspector Program brings together the former NACE CIP and SSPC PCI certification programs.
Many existing specifications and project documents still use terms such as:
- NACE CIP Level 1
- NACE CIP Level 2
- NACE CIP Level 3
These requirements should not simply be rewritten or assumed.
Where a project specifically references a legacy NACE credential, the credential requirement should be reviewed against the current AMPP framework and the project's contractual requirements.
This separation allows the AMPP page to address current AMPP certification intent while the NACE page supports legacy project terminology.
Qualification Does Not Replace the Coating Specification
AMPP certification identifies inspector competence.
It does not determine which coating system, preparation grade or acceptance criteria apply.
Projects may reference requirements such as:
- AMPP
- SSPC
- NACE Legacy Standards
- ISO
- Client Specifications
- Coating Manufacturer Requirements
- EPC Specifications
Depending on the project, requirements may address:
- Surface Cleanliness
- Surface Profile
- Environmental Conditions
- Dry Film Thickness
- Holiday Testing
- Adhesion
- Repair Procedures
The correct:
- Standard
- Edition
- Inspection Method
- Acceptance Criteria
- Inspector Responsibility
must come from the controlled project documentation.
Qualification does not replace the coating specification.
Review the Coating Inspector Before Deployment
Where appropriate, Dilenza can submit relevant inspector information for client technical assessment before confirmation.
This can include:
- AMPP qualification
- CIP level
- CV
- Coating inspection experience
- Asset experience
- Coating-system experience
- Industry background
- Additional specialties
- Availability
If your project requires experience with a specific system such as marine coatings, tank linings, pipelines or thermal spray, include it in the request.
AMPP Inspectors Where Your Project Needs Them
Protective coating work takes place across global manufacturing and industrial supply chains.
Dilenza can review AMPP inspector requirements across major industrial regions worldwide.
Assignments may take place at:
- Fabrication Facilities
- Shipyards
- Equipment Manufacturers
- Steel Fabricators
- Industrial Plants
- Project Sites
Inspector matching considers both:
Technical Fit
- AMPP Level
- Asset
- Coating System
- Experience
Project Fit
- Location
- Availability
- Date
- Duration
- Assignment Model
AMPP Coating Assignment Models
One Visit
Suitable for a specific coating activity or inspection stage.
- Surface Preparation
- Coating Application
- DFT Verification
- Final Coating Inspection
Recurring Inspection
Repeated attendance throughout the coating process. Useful where independent inspection is required across:
- Surface Preparation · Primer · Intermediate Coats · Final Coat · Repairs
Resident Inspection
Frequent or continuous coating inspection for longer fabrication or construction programs.
Rotational Inspection
Structured inspector coverage for extended coating programs.
Multi-Site Inspection
Coating inspection coordinated across several suppliers or fabrication locations.
More Than an AMPP Certificate
Correct Certification Level
We review whether the project requires CIP Level 1, 2 or 3.
Asset Experience
Inspector matching considers what is actually being coated.
Coating-System Experience
The protective system, substrate and environment can form part of profile selection.
Project-Specific Review
Specifications, inspection responsibilities and acceptance criteria are considered before deployment.
Profile Review
Relevant CVs, qualifications and experience can be submitted for client assessment where appropriate.
Global Coverage
Requirements can be reviewed across major manufacturing and project regions worldwide.
AMPP Coating Inspector FAQ
- What is an AMPP coating inspector?
- An AMPP coating inspector is a professional qualified through AMPP's Coating Inspector Program for protective coating inspection activities according to the applicable certification level.
- What are the AMPP CIP levels?
- The current program includes: CIP Level 1 — Basic Coatings Inspector, CIP Level 2 — Certified Coatings Inspector, CIP Level 3 — Senior Certified Coatings Inspector.
- Can Dilenza provide AMPP coating inspectors?
- Yes. Requirements can be reviewed according to the required CIP level, asset, coating system, specification, location, dates and suitable profile availability.
- Should we always request CIP Level 3?
- No. The certification level should match the project requirement and assigned responsibilities. Requesting a higher level unnecessarily can restrict available profiles.
- Can an AMPP inspector check surface preparation?
- Yes, where this forms part of the assigned inspection scope and is appropriate to the inspector's certification level.
- Can an AMPP inspector measure dry film thickness?
- Yes, where DFT verification forms part of the project scope and the inspector is appropriately qualified for the assigned responsibility.
- Can AMPP inspectors perform holiday testing?
- Where required by the specification and within the assigned inspector's competence, holiday testing or verification can form part of the coating inspection scope.
- Can Dilenza provide AMPP inspectors for shipyards?
- Yes. For shipbuilding and marine projects, profiles with relevant marine coating experience can be prioritized.
- Can Dilenza provide AMPP inspectors for tanks or process equipment?
- Yes. Profiles can be reviewed according to relevant tank, lining, piping or process-equipment coating experience.
- Is AMPP the same as NACE?
- AMPP was formed through the combination of NACE International and SSPC. AMPP's current Coating Inspector Program brings together the former NACE CIP and SSPC PCI programs.
- Are legacy NACE CIP credentials still relevant?
- Many project specifications continue to reference NACE terminology. Where a legacy NACE credential is specified, the exact contractual requirement should be reviewed rather than assumed.
- Can we review the inspector's certificate and CV before confirmation?
- Where appropriate, relevant qualifications, CVs and coating experience can be submitted for client technical review before assignment confirmation.
- What should we send when requesting an AMPP inspector?
- Send the location, asset, coating system, inspection scope, required CIP level, project specification, date and expected duration. If available, attach the coating specification, ITP and coating manufacturer's technical data sheets.
Need an AMPP Coating Inspector?
Send us the project requirement.
Location
Where is the manufacturer, fabrication facility, shipyard or project site?
Asset
What is being coated?
Coating System
If known.
Required AMPP Level
CIP Level 1 · CIP Level 2 · CIP Level 3 · Not Sure
Inspection Scope
Surface Preparation · Environmental Conditions · Application · DFT · Testing · Repairs · Final Inspection
Specification
Which coating standard or project specification applies?
Date & Duration
When and for how long is inspection required?
Upload Documents
ITP · Coating Specification · Technical Data Sheets · PO · Drawings
Not sure which AMPP level is required? Send the coating specification, asset and available project documentation and we can review the requirement before profiles are considered.
Need a welding or coating inspector?
Tell us what your project requires. We will review the scope and identify the most suitable inspector profile for the assignment.
Whether you require a certified welding inspector for one day, a coating inspector for a defined project stage or a resident inspector for a long-term site position, Dilenza can support your request.
AMPP Qualification. Experience With the Actual Coating System.
Dilenza matches coating inspectors according to the required certification level, asset, coating system and project responsibilities—not the credential alone.