AMPP CCI-2 study guide
AMPP CCI-2 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The AMPP Coating Inspector Certification program is administered by AMPP, The Association for Materials Protection and Performance, which describes itself as the largest global community for corrosion and coatings expertise. Within that program, the CCI Level 2 credential (also written CCI-2) is the second tier of coating inspector certification, positioned beyond the entry level for inspectors who already have field or shop experience and want their competence formally recognized. The AMPP CCI-2 study guide has 4 sections and about 1,225 words.
01Coating Inspection Fundamentals and Surface Preparation
Inspection begins before a single abrasive bag is opened. Understand the specification hierarchy (contract, project specification, referenced standards, manufacturer's product data sheet) and the inspector's role as a verifier, not a decision-maker who overrides the spec.
320 words, about 2 min02Coating Application and Inspection Techniques
Application inspection covers mixing, induction time, pot life, application method, and the wet-to-dry film relationship. Understand WFT (wet film thickness) measured with a comb or wheel gauge, DFT (dry film thickness) measured with magnetic or eddy-current gauges, and how volume solids link them: DFT = WFT × volume solids fraction (plus thinning effects).
319 words, about 2 min03Coating Types, Selection, and Specification
Know the major generic coating families and their service niches: epoxies (good chemical/immersion resistance, chalk in UV), polyurethanes (UV-stable topcoats), zinc-rich primers (galvanic protection, inorganic vs organic), alkyds (economical, limited chemical resistance), and high-performance systems for immersion or severe environments. Understand the role of a coating system: primer for adhesion and corrosion protection, intermediate for barrier, topcoat for environment and appearance.
290 words, about 1 min04Inspection Reporting, Standards, and Ethics
Inspection is only as good as its records. Understand what a daily report should capture: date, weather/ambient conditions, surface temperature and dew point, prep grade achieved, profile readings, product/lot, batch and thinning, WFT/DFT readings, defects, and corrective actions.
296 words, about 1 min