Senior Certified Coatings Inspector Certification (CIP Level 3)

CERTIFICATION

Senior Certified Coatings Inspector Certification (CIP Level 3)

Earn recognition as an expert coatings inspector through the CIP Peer Review process — the oral exam component of the Senior Certified Coatings Inspector (CIP Level 3) credential. This in‑person interview‑style assessment challenges your practical and theoretical coatings inspection knowledge and confirms your readiness to lead inspection programs across complex assets and environments.

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Senior Certified Coatings Inspector Certification (CIP Level 3)
Course Delivery

In-Person

Languages

English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese

Certification

Valid for 3 years

Overview

The AMPP Senior Certified Coatings Inspector credential is equivalent to the NACE CIP Level 3, and SSPC PCI Level 3 certification. This certification is for coating inspectors who aim to be recognized as leaders in the Coatings Inspection field. Senior Certified Coatings Inspectors are:

  • Highly experienced in surface preparation, cleanliness, environmental conditions, test instruments, coating mixtures, and safety concerns
  • Capable of undertaking non-destructive and destructive inspections of liquid and non-liquid coatings applied to any substrate without supervision
  • Skilled and possess technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities to address issues that arise on the job site and are capable of supervising Basic Coatings Inspectors and Certified Coatings Inspector

After completing requirements, a Senior Certified Coatings Inspector can undertake unsupervised non‐destructive and destructive inspections of liquid and non‐liquid coatings applied to any substrate. They have proven technical knowledge and the ability to communicate issues that may arise on site and are capable of supervising basic and intermediate inspectors.

Who it's for

  • Certified Coatings Inspectors
  • Coatings Inspectors
  • QA / QC Personnel

Steps to CIP Level 3 certification

Four steps to earn your CIP Level 3 credential — check eligibility, schedule, prepare, and take the exam.
1
Check eligibility

Review the requirements and recommendations.

2
Schedule your exam

Browse our course schedule page to find an offering in your area to purchase.

3
Prepare for your certification exam

Submit any required documents and review exam prep guides to prepare for your exam.

4
Take the certification exam

Take the oral certification exam at the location you’ve selected.

STEP 1

Check your eligibility

Review the eligibility requirements to see if you’re qualified to become certified.

EXPERIENCE

5 years corrosion work experience in coatings.

Note: Please review the Accepted Work Experience Requirements

TRAINING

Successful completion of CIP Level 1 and CIP Level 2 courses

PREREQUISITE

Active Certified Coatings Inspector (CIP Level 2) certification

Ethics for the Corrosion Professional course or an equivalent training.

STEP 2

Schedule your exam

Go to our course schedule page to find a location and date to take the CIP Level 3 exam. 

Please Note: Candidates wishing to take the exam in Spanish or Simplified Chinese must notify AMPP before scheduling their exam by emailing peerreviewsupport@ampp.org.

Register
STEP 3

Prepare for your certification exam

Find information about the certification exam as well as helpful study guides and resources to excel on your certification exam. 

FORMAT

1 Exam | Oral Exam

LANGUAGES

English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese

Please Note: Candidates wishing to take the exam in Spanish or Simplified Chinese must notify AMPP before scheduling their exam by emailing peerreviewsupport@ampp.org.

PREP MATERIALS

Oral Exam Preparation Guide

RE-CERTIFICATION

Every 3 years

Looking to renew your certification? Get started here. 

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

Schedule Exam In Certification Portal

Related courses

Certified Coatings Inspector Certification (CIP Level 2)

Basic Coatings Inspector Certification (CIP Level 1)

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Need help finding something?

Can’t find the course you’re looking for, or have questions, you can connect with our Customer Support team via email or phone to get dedicated help!

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Please note that we have a limited number of Spanish/Chinese-speaking representatives.

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International: 1-800-797-6223

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