Cathodic Protection Tester (CP1) Certification

Cathodic Protection Tester (CP1) Certification

The Cathodic Protection Tester certification is designed for individuals responsible for observing, recording, or measuring the effectiveness of cathodic protection (CP) systems. It also addresses field personnel functions and is an entry into the cathodic protection profession.

To achieve certification, candidates need 6 months of work experience and should have entry-level knowledge of galvanic and impressed current systems CP systems.

Who should pursue and apply?

This program benefits anyone responsible for supervising CP systems, measuring the effectiveness of CP systems, and/or recording this data, including:

  • CP field personnel
  • Technicians
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Course description  |  Certification information  |  Job roles, credentials, and supervisory guidelines

CP1 Cathodic Protection Tester course

The Cathodic Protection Tester course provides both theoretical knowledge and practical techniques for testing and evaluating data to determine the effectiveness of both galvanic and impressed current systems and to gather design data. Classroom instruction is comprised of lectures and hands-on training, including using equipment and instruments for CP testing.

Course learning objectives

  • Recall the basics of electricity, electrical laws, electrochemistry, corrosion, and CP theory
  • Define how polarity is related to current flow and metal corrosion activity
  • Conduct tests to identify shorts and continuity tests in CP systems
  • Use test instruments to perform a variety of field tests such as structure-to-soil potentials, voltage and current measurements, soil resistivity, pipe/cable locating, and rectifier readings
  • Define CP components including impressed current systems, galvanic anodes, and test stations
  • Read shunts and recognize their use in rectifiers, bonds, and anodes
  • Perform periodic surveys to confirm the effectiveness of a CP system
  • Recall the use, maintenance, and precautions for reference cells
  • Utilize basic location mapping, report preparation, and record keeping
  • Recognize safety issues specific to CP
  • Recall code requirements related to CP

Course completion

To receive a training Certificate of Completion and continuing education units (CEUs) students must attend the entire course and successfully pass each learning assessment, including the hands-on practical exam given on the last day of class.

Take the Course
CP1 Tester Manual
5 Day Course
English, Spanish and Chinese
4.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Course prerequisites

There are no required prerequisites for this course.

Recommended
High school diploma or GED

6 months’ CP work experience

Ability to perform basic math calculations (simple algebra, fractions, and conversions)

Basic Corrosion or Basic Corrosion eCourse

Cathodic Protection Fundamentals: Math and Electricity eCourse


How to achieve the CP1 Cathodic Protection Tester Certification

  1. Fulfill work experience requirements

    6 months of CP related work experience

  2. Meet course requirements

    CP1 - Cathodic Protection Tester Course - Strongly Recommended

    Successful completion of the Ethics for the Corrosion Professional course or an equivalent training

  3. Take required exams

    Certification Exam - CP1 - Cathodic Protection Tester Practical Exam

    Note: This exam is delivered as part of the CP 1 - Cathodic Protection Tester Course

    Certification Exam - CP1 - Cathodic Protection Tester - Theory (Written) Exam

    Theory (Written) Exam Preparation Guide

    Note: This exam is available on CBT at Pearson Vue

  4. Agree to AMPP terms of service

    AMPP Terms of Service, Candidate Agreement, and Code of Professional Conduct

Start Your Journey

Certification candidates have four (4) years to complete all requirements, including successful completion of the exam, and an approved application with the required work experience and education requirements.

Certification exams

Certification requirements include the practical exam administered at the end of course.

The multiple-choice CBT exam is scheduled separately from the course and delivered via Pearson VUE. The initial CBT exam is included with the course registration. Any Exam retake will incur additional cost to the applicant.

Renewal requirements

An approved recertification application is required every 3 years. The work experience requirement for renewals for all certifications is one and half (1.5) years for the most recent three (3) year period. Additionally, some certifications have other requirements related to responsibility in charge.

As you prepare for renewal, please visit My Certification Portal to log and manage your work experience and Professional Development Hours (PDH's) needed. Your work experience and PDH's will be submitted as part of your renewal application but you can input PDH's at any time. See the certification renewal guide for PDH's requirements, our sample training PDH guide, and our PDH how-to videos.

Certification holders are required to pay a non-refundable processing fee for renewal.

NOTE: AMPP reserves the right to return any incomplete applications or those that do not meet the requirements. All application fees are non-refundable. To avoid processing delays or forfeiture of fees, please ensure that the application is complete, meets all the requirements and payment has been received.