As the global authority on materials protection and performance, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) recently launched its new Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS) certification.
This program consolidates legacy certification pathways into a comprehensive credential, recognizing professionals who design and oversee coating projects that protect critical assets, the environment, and the public from corrosion and coating failures. Ultimately, the certification shows that a person possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to implement those measures.
Bridging Gaps Between Stakeholders
According to AMPP, the new certification combines the best elements of legacy programs from SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings and NACE International by focusing on industry needs while providing a path forward for current and future PCS-certified professionals.
The updated certification program aims to bridge training and knowledge gaps between coatings industry stakeholders such as contractors, engineers, owners, and specifiers. These gaps can be bridged, according to AMPP, by considering the technical aspects of coatings, failure analysis, design, project management, specification reviews and modifications, application, and inspection throughout the lifecycle of a coating project.
Certification holders will have shown proficiency in the technical aspects of coatings, failure analysis, project management, specification review, application, and inspection — all to ensure the optimal performance of a coating system throughout its projected service life.
In the field, a certified individual can contribute to maximizing the coating system’s performance, function, and cost effectiveness through proper project oversight and management processes.
PCS Certification Qualifications
To qualify for the new PCS certification, applicants must meet rigorous work experience and educational requirements. These include holding an active Certified Coatings Inspector (CIP Level 2) Certification or higher; completing a series of essential courses; and passing the AMPP PCS Certification Exam.
“We are excited to offer a certification that addresses the evolving needs of the protective coatings industry,” said Keenan Loubser, senior director of credentialing and operations at AMPP.
“The new AMPP PCS certification combines the best elements of the legacy SSPC and NACE PCS programs, focusing on industry needs while providing a path forward for current and future PCS-certified professionals,” Loubser added. “This certification will help individuals advance their careers and set a new standard of excellence by promoting best practices in corrosion prevention and asset protection.”
Experience and education requirements include seven years of verifiable industrial coatings experience and a bachelor's degree in science or engineering, or 10 years of verifiable experience without such a degree.
How to Apply, Track Progress, and Register
The PCS certification is available now through AMPP’s My Certification Portal, where candidates can apply, track their progress, and register for required exams. Users can log in and manage their required work experience and professional development hours (PDHs).
An approved recertification application is required every three years, with the work experience requirement for renewals at one-and-a-half years from the most recent three-year period. Some certifications have other requirements related to responsibility in charge.
In the grand scheme, an approved PCS certification is expected to enhance the value that professionals bring to their organizations by equipping them with the skills necessary to ensure project success and longevity. For more information, visit the AMPP Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS) Certification web page.
About AMPP
As a global community of professionals focused on the protection of assets and the performance of industrial and natural materials, AMPP was established in 2021 following a merger between NACE International and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings. The new association unites 145 years of corrosion control and protective coatings expertise and service to industry and members worldwide.
Today, AMPP is the world’s largest corrosion control and protective coatings organization, serving more than 35,000 members in over 140 countries. AMPP is headquartered in the United States with offices in Houston and Pittsburgh, along with additional offices in Brazil, Canada, China, Dubai (training center), Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.
For more information, contact: AMPP, (800) 797-6223, www.ampp.org