Bridge Coating Inspector (BCI) Level 1

BCI Level 1
5 Day Course
4 Year Certification Term

Bridge Coating Inspector (BCI) Level 1

The BCI course covers the fundamentals of how to inspect surface preparation and application of protective coatings on bridge steel. These fundamentals are applicable to those who inspect coating work both in the shop and in the field. The course covers unique situations that will affect inspection in the field (e.g. containment, field safety hazards, changing weather conditions), as well as the fundamental inspection skills required to inspect new, bridge steel painted in the shop, in the field, or maintenance systems applied in the field.

Upcoming Courses Recertification Information

Who should apply  |  Course learning objectives

How to achieve certification

  1. Enroll and complete course requirements

    Register for a Bridge Coating Inspector (BCI) Level 1 Course offering

    Note: Registering for this course includes written and practical certification exam

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Course prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to this course

Related courses

Coating Inspection Program Level 1

Bridge Coatings Inspector Level 2

Coating Inspector Program Bridge eCourse

Recertification

Bridge Coatings Inspector (BCI) Level 1

Who should attend

Transportation agency coating inspectors, consulting engineer coating inspectors, fabrication shop coating inspectors, contractor coating inspectors, those who want to become bridge coatings inspectors, material and equipment supplier technical representatives, program and project managers, resident engineers, and others who wish to learn more about the craft of the bridge coatings inspector.

Benefits of attending

After attending this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe thermal spray coating (TSC) and its application and uses
  • Identify the roles and responsibilities of the bridge coatings inspector
  • Explain the differences between QC and QA
  • Recognize the importance of specification documents
  • Describe appropriate hold and check points for bridge coatings inspection
  • Identify typical elements of bridges
  • Recognize potential safety hazards associated with bridge coatings inspection
  • Ensure compliance of equipment placement and job site layout with the project specification
  • Recognize the importance of containment and emissions control throughout the course of the project
  • Identify key inspection concerns for each coating type
  • Inspect surface preparation and coating application for bridge coatings projects

Course content

  • Unit 1 – Roles and Responsibilities
  • Unit 2 – Terminology and Methods
  • Unit 3 – Safety
  • Unit 4 – Jobsite Layout
  • Unit 5 – Containment
  • Unit 6 – Surface Preparation
  • Unit 7 – Coating Types and Characteristics
  • Unit 8 – Coating Handling and Application
  • Unit 9 – Coating Inspection and Defects
  • Unit 10 – Preparation Before Beginning Work

Course format

The first four days of the program are devoted to classroom lectures about bridge coatings inspection planning, substrate repair prior to surface preparation, surface preparation itself, coating surveys, specifications, and documentation requirements with ample time allotted to hands-on exercises and instrument practice. Lectures are supplemented by quizzes, group exercises, and hands-on workshops.

On Day 5, the Level 1 Course Exam is given. Students have 4 hours to complete the 100-question, multiple-choice test and hands-on, practical exam.

Each participant will receive a comprehensive manual with copies of relevant standards. AMPP recommends that candidates take the classroom portion of this course before the course exam and certification exam.

Additional information

State Accreditation Specs

The BCI Program is specified in the following states:

-FL DOT Specifies: BCI Level 2

-KY DOT Recognizes: BCI Level 1

-NJ DOT Specifies: BCI Level 1

-CT DOT Specifies: BCI Level 2

-MASS DOT Specifies: BCI

-TX DOT Specifies: BCI Level 2

-OH DOT Specifies: BCI Level 2

-WV DOT Specifies: BCI Level 2

Example Specification Language:
Connecticut Consulting Engineer personnel performing the inspection of bridge painting projects must be either NACE or SSPC - Bridge Coating Inspector (BCI) certified in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.3 – Qualifications, of the CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND INSPECTION INFORMATION PAMPHLET FOR CONSULTING ENGINEERS CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.

Florida FLDOT CHAPTER 8 - STRUCTURES TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION PROGRAM. 8.8.2 Bridge Coating Inspector Training Course FLDOT - Lead coating inspectors must successfully complete the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) course entitled "Bridge Coating Inspection" which is designated as SSPC course "BCI". This is a four (5) day course and includes an examination that must be passed in order for SSPC to issue a successful completion certificate.

Kentucky KYDOT accepts the BCI Level 1 Course.

FBPE SSPC is an accredited training provider for the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE). PEs in Florida can now submit SSPC training course CEUs to the FBPE for continuing education credit.

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