AMPP CIP Level 2 study materials
AMPP CIP Level 2 study resources

AMPP CIP Level 2 study plan

AMPP CIP Level 2 · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Coating Types, Formulation, and Selection

  • Classify the major generic coating families (epoxy, polyurethane, alkyd, zinc-rich, polysiloxane, fluoropolymer, novolac) by binder chemistry and cure mechanism, producing a one-page comparison table.

  • Break down the role of binder, pigment, solvent, and additive in a coating formulation and state which component governs each of five listed performance properties (adhesion, gloss retention, corrosion resistance, flexibility, cure speed).

  • Interpret a coating technical data sheet to extract volume solids, VOC, mix ratio, induction time, pot life, recoat window, and dry-film thickness range.

  • Select and justify a coating system for five given service scenarios (immersion, UV exposure, chemical splash, high temperature, potable water) using at least two formulation-based reasons per choice.

  • Calculate theoretical coverage and material quantity from volume solids and a specified DFT for three worked examples.

Your checkpoint

A five-scenario coating selection worksheet with written justifications plus a completed TDS extraction sheet, verified by scoring 80% or higher on a 25-question self-quiz on coating types and selection.

Week 2

Surface Preparation Methods and Standards

  • Compare abrasive blast cleaning standards (SSPC/NACE and ISO 8501-1 visual grades) and build a cross-reference showing equivalent cleanliness levels between the two systems.

  • Determine the surface profile range required by a given coating and specify abrasive type, size, and blast parameters needed to reach it.

  • Distinguish hand tool, power tool, and water jetting preparation standards and state at least one job condition where each is the appropriate choice.

  • Identify soluble salt contamination limits, describe the conductivity and test-patch measurement methods, and write an acceptance/rejection criterion for a sample specification.

  • Sequence the pre-cleaning, masking, and environmental checks that must be verified before blasting begins.

Your checkpoint

A one-page SSPC/NACE-to-ISO surface preparation cross-reference chart plus a written surface preparation specification (abrasive, profile, cleanliness grade, salt limit) for a sample steel structure.

Week 3

Surface Preparation Methods and Standards & Advanced Coating Inspection and Role of the Inspector

  • Map the full inspection hold-point sequence for a blast-and-coat job from pre-cleaning through final cure, naming the acceptance criterion at each point.

  • Define the inspector's authority, documentation duties, and ethical obligations, and explain how inspection differs from the contractor's quality control function.

  • Evaluate ambient conditions against a specification by computing dew point, dew point spread, and steel temperature from given readings, and decide pass or hold.

  • Explain how the inspector verifies surface preparation and profile results without performing the work, including what to record and when to reject.

  • Describe verification of coating storage, shelf life, and batch traceability before application.

Your checkpoint

A 12-point hold-point checklist with acceptance criteria and a documented pass/hold decision for three worked ambient-condition scenarios, including dew point calculations.

Week 4

Advanced Coating Inspection and Role of the Inspector & Coating Application and Application Equipment

  • Verify each application stage (mixing, induction, thinning limits, stripe coating, spray passes, recoat timing) against the technical data sheet requirements for a specified product.

  • Compare conventional, airless, and plural-component spray equipment and match each to a coating type and viscosity range with a stated reason.

  • Diagnose at least ten common application defects (orange peel, sag, dry spray, pinholing, blistering, mud cracking, and others) by tracing each to root cause and prevention measure.

  • Explain the inspector's role in witnessing equipment setup, including pump ratio verification and pressure/ orifice checks for plural-component systems.

  • Evaluate an application plan for stripe coat sequencing and edge/ weld treatment compliance.

Your checkpoint

A defect-cause-prevention matrix covering ten application defects plus a written hold-point walkthrough narrative for one simulated application shift.

Week 5

Inspection Instruments and Test Methods

  • Calibrate and operate Type 1 and Type 2 dry film thickness gauges and apply the SSPC-PA 2 measurement and acceptance rules to calculate an average and determine conformance.

  • Perform and interpret adhesion testing using pull-off and cross-cut methods against the applicable acceptance criteria.

  • Set and apply holiday detection voltage for a given coating thickness using a high-voltage detector, and explain when low-voltage testing is appropriate.

  • Measure ambient conditions and surface profile with the correct instruments and record readings in a format suitable for a client report.

  • Compare destructive and non-destructive test methods and state when each is permitted by specification.

Your checkpoint

A completed instrument lab sheet recording three mock test sets (DFT, adhesion, holiday detection) with raw readings, calculations, and written pass/fail conclusions.

Week 6

Documentation, Reporting, and Inspection Records & Safety, Environment, and Jobsite Practices

  • Draft a daily inspection report containing all required fields (date, conditions, batch data, readings, hold points, personnel, conclusions).

  • Write a nonconformance report and corrective action trail for a simulated spec deviation, including the verification-of-closeout step.

  • Compile the records package that must accompany a completed coating job, including traceability from batch to location.

  • Identify jobsite hazards associated with blasting and coating (confined space, ventilation, abrasive dust, solvent vapor, fall exposure) and match each to its control and required PPE.

  • Explain environmental controls for containment, waste abrasive, and solvent handling applicable to a coating project.

Your checkpoint

A complete simulated inspection report package containing a daily log, one nonconformance report with corrective action closeout, and a hazard-control sheet.

Week 7

Coating Types, Formulation, and Selection & Surface Preparation Methods and Standards & Coating Application and Application Equipment & Inspection Instruments and Test Methods

  • Re-work the two weakest domains identified by prior quiz results, re-answering every missed question and writing the reasoning for each corrected answer.

  • Build condensed summary sheets that connect surface preparation grade to coating selection to application method to test method for three coating systems.

  • Complete a timed second practice examination under exam-like conditions and log every missed item by domain and error type (knowledge gap, misread, calculation).

  • Recite from memory the key numbers and acceptance criteria (DFT rules, profile ranges, salt limits, recoat windows) without reference.

Your checkpoint

Two rewritten summary sheets for the weakest domains plus a scored second practice examination with a written error log and remediation notes for every missed item.

Week 8

Advanced Coating Inspection and Role of the Inspector & Coating Types, Formulation, and Selection & Surface Preparation Methods and Standards & Coating Application and Application Equipment & Inspection Instruments and Test Methods & Documentation, Reporting, and Inspection Records & Safety, Environment, and Jobsite Practices

  • Complete a full-length timed practice examination covering all seven domains and score at or above the target threshold.

  • Review every remaining flagged item and confirm each is resolved before the exam date.

  • Finalize a one-page quick-reference card of standards, formulas, and acceptance criteria for last-minute review.

  • Rehearse explaining the inspector's role in a full project lifecycle from pre-job meeting to final report sign-off.

Your checkpoint

A third full-length practice examination scored at 85% or higher, plus a finalized one-page standards and formula quick-reference card.

Milestones

Week 2: Complete the surface preparation cross-reference chart and score 80% or higher on a 20-question quiz combining coating selection and surface preparation standards.

Week 4: Score 80% or higher on a 40-question cumulative quiz covering domains 2, 3, 1, and 4, and submit the defect matrix and hold-point checklist completed in weeks 3 and 4.

Week 6: Score 75% or higher on a full-length 60-question practice examination and submit the complete simulated inspection report package.

Week 8: Score 85% or higher on a final timed practice examination with all missed items resolved and the quick-reference card finished.