AMPP Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS) Certification

CERTIFICATION

AMPP Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS) Certification

Elevate your coatings career with the AMPP Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS) Certification. Gain the knowledge to design, manage, and inspect coating projects — and get recognized for keeping assets protected over their entire lifecycle.

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AMPP Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS)
Delivery

In-Person

Languages

English

Certification

Valid for 3 years

Overview

The AMPP Protective Coatings Specialist (PCS) certification recognizes those that have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to implement measures to design coating projects that protect the assets, environment, and public from adverse effects of corrosion, and coating failure over a projected service life.  

The certified individual contributes to maximizing the coating performance, function, and cost effectiveness through proper project oversight and management processes.

Who it's for

  • Engineers
  • Contractors
  • Inspectors
  • Maintenance and Quality Assurance / Control (QA/QC) Personnel
  • Project Managers

Steps to certification

  1. Work experience and education requirements

    Seven (7) years of verifiable industrial coatings experience

    Bachelor's degree in science or engineering

    OR

    Ten (10) years of verifiable industrial coatings experience

    Note: All work experience and education requirements should be added to your certification application in your My Certification Portal.

  2. Certification, course, and application requirements

    Active Certified Coatings Inspector (CIP Level 2) Certification or higher certification

    Successful completion of Planning and Specifying Coatings Projects (C2) Course

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

  3. Core exam requirements

    Certification Exam – AMPP PCS Certification Exam

    Note: This exam should be registered for through your My Certification Portal where you will be connected to a Computer Based Testing (CBT) testing center with our exam provider, Pearson Virtual University Experience (VUE).

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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