AMPP Corrosion Technician study plan
AMPP Corrosion Technician · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Cathodic Protection
Define the electrochemical basis of cathodic protection and explain how it stops corrosion
Distinguish galvanic (sacrificial anode) systems from impressed current systems by component and application
Identify anode materials and list the properties that make each suitable for a given environment
Calculate the driving voltage of a galvanic couple from a galvanic series you build yourself
Your checkpoint
A one-page comparison table of galvanic vs. impressed current systems covering components, power source, typical applications, and anode materials, with a worked driving-voltage calculation
Cathodic Protection
Explain the criteria used to judge whether a structure is adequately protected
Describe how reference electrodes are used and list common sources of measurement error
Interpret pipe-to-soil potential readings and state what each reading implies about protection status
Outline the safety hazards of working around impressed current systems and anodes
Your checkpoint
A set of 10 practice potential readings with a written interpretation of protection status and likely error source for each
Cathodic Protection & General Corrosion
Explain how stray currents cause interference and describe mitigation approaches
Describe the purpose and method of a close-interval survey
Define the eight recognized forms of corrosion and give one field example of each
Match each corrosion form to the environment and material conditions that promote it
Your checkpoint
A corrosion-form identification sheet: for each of the eight forms, one example, the conditions that cause it, and the control method
General Corrosion & Materials/Metallurgy
Explain the thermodynamics and kinetics behind a corrosion cell (anode, cathode, electrolyte, metallic path)
Interpret a simple polarization diagram to explain how current flows in a corrosion cell
Describe how environment variables (oxygen, pH, temperature, chloride, velocity) shift corrosion rate
Explain galvanic corrosion in terms of the galvanic series and area ratio effects
Your checkpoint
A written explanation of a corrosion cell with a labeled polarization sketch and a paragraph on why area ratio matters, checked against your week-1 table
Materials/Metallurgy
Classify common engineering alloys (carbon steel, stainless steels, copper alloys, nickel alloys) by composition and corrosion behavior
Explain how alloying and microstructure influence corrosion resistance
Describe the mechanism and control of sensitization and intergranular corrosion in stainless steel
Select a material for a stated service environment and justify the choice
Your checkpoint
A material selection memo for three hypothetical service environments, each with a chosen alloy, the corrosion risks, and the justification
Protective Coatings
Explain how a barrier coating protects metal and list the failure modes of coatings
Describe surface preparation requirements and why cleanliness and profile matter
Compare coating types (epoxy, polyurethane, zinc-rich, fusion-bonded epoxy) by service use
Explain the interaction between coatings and cathodic protection, including coating conductance and shielding
Your checkpoint
A coating specification summary for one buried pipeline and one atmospheric tank, listing surface prep, coating system, and inspection points
Chemical Treatment (Inhibitors)
Classify inhibitor types (anodic, cathodic, mixed, volatile, oxygen scavengers) by mechanism
Explain how inhibitor selection depends on system chemistry, temperature, and flow
Describe how to monitor inhibitor effectiveness and recognize when a program is failing
Identify environmental and compatibility concerns when applying inhibitors
Your checkpoint
An inhibitor program outline for a closed cooling system: selected inhibitor class, dosage rationale, monitoring method, and failure indicators
Cathodic Protection & Protective Coatings & Materials/Metallurgy & Chemical Treatment (Inhibitors) & General Corrosion
Synthesize the five domains into an integrated corrosion control strategy for one asset
Rehearse timed multiple-choice practice sets and review every missed item back to first principles
Identify and close your two weakest domains using targeted review
Write a concise, defensible rationale for each control decision you make
Your checkpoint
A two-page integrated corrosion control plan for a single buried pipeline or storage tank covering CP, coating, material, and chemical treatment, plus a scored practice-set log with remediation notes
Milestones
Week 2: Can interpret any pipe-to-soil potential reading and state protection status without referring to notes
Week 4: Can draw and explain a corrosion cell and polarization diagram from memory, and identify all eight corrosion forms by description
Week 6: Can justify a coating system and a material selection for a stated environment in under five minutes each
Week 8: Scores 80% or higher on a full-length timed practice set and has closed both identified weak domains