AMPP CIP Level 2 study plan
AMPP CIP Level 2 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.