Certified Coatings Inspector Certification (CIP Level 2)

COURSE + CERTIFICATION

Certified Coatings Inspector Certification (CIP Level 2)

Build on your basic inspection foundation with advanced nondestructive and destructive testing, expanded surface and non‑liquid coating inspection skills, and real‑world case‑based training — all in one program that includes the training and exams required to validate your competency as a Certified Coatings Inspector.

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Certified Coatings Inspector Certification (CIP 2)
Duration

5 Day Course*

Course Delivery

In-Person

CEUs/PDHs

5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Languages

English, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Turkish, and Korean*

Certification

Valid for 3 years

*Please note that the language and length of the course may vary based on geographic location.

Overview

The CIP Level 2 course provides advanced instruction in documenting and performing nondestructive and destructive inspections of liquid and non‑liquid coatings on a wide range of substrates. Classroom lectures, hands‑on labs, group exercises, and real‑life case studies help you master higher‑level inspection techniques, specialized application methods, and inspection concerns for complex coatings systems.

Who it's for

  • Basic Coatings Inspectors
  • Coating Inspectors
  • QA / QC Personnel
  • Maintenance / Project Engineer
  • Contractors
  • Applicators

Skills you'll gain

  • Enviromental Controls
  • Inspection
  • Job Site Specifications
  • Centrifugal Blast Cleaning
  • Waterjetting
  • Surface Preparation
  • Liquid-Applied Coatings
  • Destructive Testing

What you should know

Foundational knowledge you're expected to have before day one.

Steps to CIP Level 2 certification

Four steps to earn your CIP Level 2 credential — check eligibility, attend a course, prepare, and sit for the exam.
1
Check eligibility

Review the requirements and recommendations

2
Register for the course

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

3
Schedule and prepare for your exam

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

4
Take the certification exam

Sit for the written CIP Level 2 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

2 years verifiable coatings related work experience

Note: Please review the Accepted Work Experience Requirements

TRAINING

Successful completion of the CIP Level 2 course

PREREQUISITE

Basic Coatings Inspector (CIP Level 1) Certification

Ethics for the Corrosion Professional course or an equivalent training.

STEP 2

Register for the course

Go to our course schedule page to find a location and date to take the CP2 course. 

Register
STEP 3

Schedule and prepare for your exam

Find information about the certification exam as well as helpful study guides and resources to excel on your certification exam. You will also need to submit your Certified Coatings Inspector Application.

FORMAT

2 Exams | Theory (Written) and Practical 

The practical exam is administered on the final day of the course. 

LANGUAGES

English, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Turkish, and Korean

ADDITIONAL GUIDES

CIP Job Duties - (pdf 104k)

CIP Supervision Guidelines

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

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.

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!

Email customer support

Send us an email and one of our friendly Customer Support team members will connect with you soon.

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

Email customer support

Give us a call

We are available Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. US Central Standard Time (CST) and Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. US Central Standard Time (CST).

US: +1-281-228-6200
International: 1-800-797-6223

Looking for something specific, please visit the AMPP Knowledge Base.