AMPP CAS-2 study plan
AMPP CAS-2 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Surface Preparation
Map the surface preparation domain into a checklist of sub-topics (abrasive blasting, hand/power tool cleaning, solvent cleaning, water jetting) and rate your confidence per sub-topic
Define the standard cleanliness grades used for abrasive blast cleaning and explain in your own words what each grade visually requires
List the common abrasive types and state which substrates and conditions each suits
Identify the environmental factors (temperature, humidity, dew point, substrate condition) that affect preparation quality
Your checkpoint
A one-page surface preparation sub-topic matrix with a 1-5 confidence score per item and written definitions of each blast cleanliness grade
Surface Preparation
Describe the sequence of steps for a typical abrasive blast preparation job from pre-cleaning to post-blast inspection
Explain how surface profile (anchor pattern) is created, measured, and why it matters for adhesion
Compare hand/power tool cleaning to abrasive blasting in terms of achievable cleanliness and when each is appropriate
Diagnose five written scenarios describing preparation defects (embedded abrasive, oil contamination, flash rust, excessive profile) and propose a correction
Your checkpoint
Five written defect scenarios with diagnosis and corrective action, plus a step-by-step blast preparation procedure outline
Coating Application
Break the coating application domain into sub-topics (mixing, thinning, application methods, stripe coats, recoat windows, cure) and rate confidence per sub-topic
Explain the purpose and procedure for mixing multi-component coatings, including induction time
Compare brush, roller, conventional spray, and airless spray in terms of finish, transfer efficiency, and suitable situations
Describe how stripe coating is performed and why edges, welds, and back sides need it
Explain recoat windows and what happens if a coating is recoated too early or too late
Your checkpoint
A coating application sub-topic matrix with confidence scores and a written comparison table of four application methods
Coating Application & Surface Preparation
Integrate preparation and application into a single written workflow for a steel structure from bare substrate to cured film
Explain how surface preparation choices constrain application choices (e.g., profile vs. coating thickness, cleanliness vs. adhesion)
Identify the effects of ambient conditions on both preparation and application and state the decision points
Practice applying combined prep/application knowledge to ten written exam-style scenarios
Your checkpoint
A combined prep-to-application workflow document plus a scored set of ten practice scenarios (target 80% or better)
Coating Inspection and Quality Control
Map the inspection and QC domain into sub-topics (ambient conditions, DFT, holiday detection, adhesion, visual standards) and rate confidence per sub-topic
Explain how to measure and interpret wet film thickness and dry film thickness, including the relationship between them
Describe holiday (pinhole) detection methods and when each is used
State the acceptance criteria typically applied to DFT, holidays, and visual appearance
Explain the inspector's role in documentation and hold points
Your checkpoint
An inspection and QC sub-topic matrix with confidence scores and a written summary of acceptance criteria for DFT, holidays, and visual inspection
Coating Inspection and Quality Control & Safety and Environmental Compliance
Explain how ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, dew point, steel temperature) are measured and recorded during inspection
Describe the safety hazards of abrasive blasting, coating application, and confined spaces and the controls for each
Explain environmental compliance concerns including containment, waste handling, and volatile emissions
Practice applying inspection and safety knowledge to ten written exam-style scenarios
Your checkpoint
A safety and inspection reference sheet covering hazards, controls, and measurement procedures, plus a scored set of ten practice scenarios (target 80% or better)
Safety and Environmental Compliance & Coating Application
Review and correct weak areas identified in the week 6 practice set
Explain the safety requirements specific to coating application equipment (spray equipment, solvents, ventilation)
Describe environmental controls for coating application including containment and spill response
Re-test the two lowest-confidence sub-topics from weeks 1 through 6
Your checkpoint
A corrected weak-area log documenting each missed item, the correct reasoning, and a re-test score for the two lowest-confidence sub-topics
Coating Application & Surface Preparation & Coating Inspection and Quality Control & Safety and Environmental Compliance
Take a full-length timed practice exam spanning all four domains and score it by domain
Identify the two domains with the lowest scores and review their weakest sub-topics
Re-take the weakest sub-topics as a focused set and confirm improvement
Write a final one-page summary of key facts, standards references, and decision rules for each domain
Your checkpoint
A scored full-length practice exam with a per-domain breakdown, plus a final one-page summary sheet covering all four domains
Milestones
Week 2: Surface preparation matrix complete with all sub-topics rated, and five defect scenarios answered correctly
Week 4: Combined prep-to-application workflow written and ten practice scenarios scored at 80% or better
Week 6: Inspection and safety reference sheet complete and ten practice scenarios scored at 80% or better
Week 8: Full-length practice exam completed with per-domain scores recorded and all four domains at or above 80%