SSPC PCI Level 1, 2 & 3 (Protective Coating Inspector Training & Certification)

The objective of this course is to thoroughly train individuals in the proper methods of inspecting surface preparation and installation of industrial and marine protective coatings and lining systems on an array of industrial structures and facilities.

Course Content (SSPC PCI Level 1 & 2)

After attending this course, you will be able to:

• Recognize the common duties, responsibilities, and the role of an industrial coatings inspector
• Recognize the role of the coating manufacturer on a coatings project
• Describe the authority of a coatings inspector
• Explain the importance of thorough documentation
• Identify the differences between quality assurance and quality control and the common duties of quality assurance and quality control personnel
• Describe the purpose and content of a pre-job or preconstruction conference
• Explain the importance of ethics of inspection personnel
• Describe methods used to evaluate coating performance prior to full-scale installation
• Describe the unique aspects of performing coatings inspection on an overcoating project, and on projects employing thermal spray coatings, powder coatings, and duplex coating systems
• Describe how coatings inspection can help prevent premature coating failure
• List potential safety hazards associated with coatings inspection
• Prepare an inspection plan/procedure
• Perform coatings inspection on industrial projects
• Compare inspection results to specification requirements

Course Format

PCI Level 1: The course provides participants five days of intensive training and includes multiple workshops and problem-solving exercises. The participants may immediately apply the learning in a classroom setting without the pressures of production and project schedules. In order to enhance the learning environment and illustrate the importance of teamwork, the workshops and exercises will be done in small teams. The PCI Level 1 course is completed with a comprehensive written examination and a practical (instrument use) examination.

PCI Level 2: Students passing both components of the basic course exam at 70% or higher and meeting the prerequisites for PCI Level 2 certification can take the written and hands-on certification exams on Day 6. A passing grade of 80% or higher on the written and hands-on certification exam is required to become an SSPC Certified Level 2 Coating Inspector.

What is the Next Step After I Complete the PCI Level 1 & 2 Exams?

Students passing the Level 1 & Level 2 exams and meeting the prerequisites for Level 3 Certification can take the Level 3 exams.

What is the Next Step After I Complete the PCI Level 1 & 2 Exams?

Students passing the Level 1 & Level 2 exams and meeting the prerequisites for Level 3 Certification can take the Level 3 exams.

Who Should Attend

Coatings project managers, quality managers, inspectors, contractor supervisory level personnel, coating specification writers or coatings or equipment suppliers, coating consultants, or technical service representatives involved in the steel protective coatings industry.

The program also employs a Disciplinary Action Criteria (DAC) and administrative procedures establishing rules for:

• issuing warnings to inspectors;
• placing inspectors on probation; 
• suspending, revoking, or denying certification of inspectors who are cited for critical faults in safety, workmanship, ethical practice, and criminal law, that have been reported and verified.