Industry News

AMPP Launches New PCS Certification for Coatings

As the global authority on materials protection and performance, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) has officially launched the 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 failure.

New Program Bridges Gaps

The PCS certification is designed to bridge the gap between stakeholders in the protective coatings industry, including contractors, engineers, owners, and specifiers. According to AMPP, its new PCS certification combines the best elements of the legacy programs of SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings and NACE International, focusing on industry needs while providing a path forward for current and future PCS-certified professionals.

Certification holders will demonstrate proficiency in technical aspects of coatings, failure analysis, project management, specification review, application, and inspection to ensure optimal performance of coating systems throughout their projected service life.

Qualifications for PCS Certification

To qualify for the 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,” Louber adds. “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.”

Learn More About PCS

The PCS certification is now available through AMPP’s My Certification Portal, where candidates can apply, track their progress, and register for required exams. This certification is aimed at enhancing the value that professionals bring to their organizations by equipping them with the skills necessary to ensure project success and longevity.

For more information on the PCS certification, visit the AMPP Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS) Certification web page.

Background of 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