Spray Application Certification (C12)

COURSE + CERTIFICATION

Spray Application Certification (C12)

Validate your expertise in airless and conventional spray coating with AMPP’s Spray Application Certification (C12). This in‑person certification assesses your hands‑on ability to operate spray equipment and apply protective coatings in demanding industrial or marine environments — combining written and practical exams to confirm your readiness and professional competence.

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Spray Application Certification (C12)
Duration

3 Day Course

Delivery

In-Person

CEUs/PDHs

1.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Languages

English

Certification

Valid for 4 years

Overview

The C12 program evaluates experienced sprayers with a minimum of 800 documented hours applying protective coatings using airless or conventional spray equipment in industrial or marine settings. Participants complete a written certification exam and a hands‑on practical assessment that demonstrates proficiency in mixing, equipment setup, proper spray technique, and troubleshooting. 

Your registration includes both exams — and upon passing the written exam (70%) and the hands‑on evaluation (90%), you become a certified individual.

Who it's for

  • Painting Contractors
  • Applicators
  • Facility Owners
  • Contractors
  • Shipyard and Marine Industry Workers

Skills you'll gain

  • Airless / Conventional Spray
  • Technology
  • Mixing Procedures
  • Coating Application Basics

Prerequisites

Students wishing to achieve the C12 Certification must pass the written and hands-on exams.

Each student must also obtain written confirmation from his or her employer's human resource manager that the student has done a minimum of 800 documented hours experience applying protective coatings with airless spray in an industrial or marine environment prior to qualifying for the C12 Certification.

The written multiple-choice exam is worth a maximum of 100 points. The hands-on evaluation is also worth a maximum of 100 points. Candidates wishing to achieve the C12 Certification and CEU's must attend all 16 hours of the certification and pass the written exam with a score of 70% and the hands-on exam with a score of 90%.

The following items must be submitted to AMPP no later than two weeks before the scheduled course:

What happens to students that do not meet the prerequisites?

The student without the 800 hours of spraying experience is allowed to take the C12 Training and exams.

The student would be sent a letter after the training stating that they took 16 hours of training.

If the student without the experience passed the C12 test, they would be allowed to submit a new experience form in the future (i.e., after they get the required hours of experience). This new experience form must be submitted within 1 year of the class date.

Before they have the C12 Certification, the student would not be considered airless spray certified, but would be allowed to work under supervision of an individual with a C12 certification to gain the required experience.

If they take the C12 Training and fails the exam, they would have to retake the class.

Steps to certification

  1. Enroll and complete course requirements

    Register for a Spray Application Certification (C12) Course offering
    Note: Registering for this course includes the written and practical certification exams

  2. Ensure all prerequisite forms are filled out and returned to AMPP

    C12 Prerequisite Form

  3. Complete in-course exams

Looking to renew your certification?

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.

View Renewal Guide  |  My Certification Portal

Guides and resources

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Frequently asked questions

Each AMPP course includes expert-led instruction, course materials, and, when applicable, access to the related certification exam. Specific inclusions are listed on each course’s registration page.

Any prerequisites for a course or certification exam will be outlined on the course page or during registration. Some programs may require relevant work experience or prior coursework. All requirements will be clearly stated before you register.

Payment can be made online by credit card at checkout, by wire transfer, or through an invoice request for company or group payments.

Please ensure all required details are included with wire transfers; incomplete submissions may result in a refund if the payment cannot be properly applied. Full payment is required before the course begins.

If you are unable to attend your scheduled course, contact AMPP Customer Support as soon as possible. You may be eligible to transfer to another course date or location, depending on availability and AMPP’s cancellation policy.

For full details, view our Cancellation and Transfer Policy.

Yes. Upon successful completion of your course, AMPP provides a Certificate of Course Completion.

If your course is part of a certification program, you must also meet all certification requirements outlined for that program. Your registration confirmation email will include details on scheduling exams and completing any additional steps needed for certification.

Course materials are provided at the start of your training to ensure you receive the most current content. Some programs may include optional pre-reading materials after registration—check your confirmation email for details.

If you wish to purchase additional study resources before your course begins, please contact Customer Support for pricing and availability.

You may be eligible for a complimentary one-year AMPP membership depending on the course purchased. Eligibility varies by course tier and delivery partner. Most courses offered through an AMPP Licensee or partner include this benefit; some restrictions may apply.

Yes. AMPP certifications are globally recognized and respected across industries such as oil and gas, infrastructure, coatings, corrosion control, and defense.

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