AMPP PCS study plan
AMPP PCS · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Protective Coatings
Define the four coating components (resin, pigment, solvent, additives) and state the function of each from memory
Classify coating types (epoxy, polyurethane, zinc-rich, alkyd, inorganic zinc) by chemistry and typical service environment
Explain the corrosion cell and identify how a barrier, inhibitive, or sacrificial coating interrupts it
Build a one-page comparison table of coating families versus strengths, weaknesses, and recommended use
Your checkpoint
Completed one-page coating-family comparison table with at least six families and a written justification for each use case
Protective Coatings
Sequence the steps of surface preparation and state the purpose of each
Distinguish SSPC/NACE surface preparation standards by visual and cleanliness criteria
Relate anchor profile and surface cleanliness to adhesion and long-term performance
Identify common surface contaminants and select an appropriate detection or removal method for each
Your checkpoint
Written 10-item surface preparation decision guide mapping substrate condition to preparation method and standard
Protective Coatings
Describe application methods (brush, roller, conventional and airless spray) and their effect on film build and finish
Explain the environmental envelope for application: temperature, humidity, dew point, and steel temperature relationships
Calculate dew point margin and mixing/induction/pot-life constraints for a given scenario
Identify coating defects arising from application error and trace each to its root cause
Your checkpoint
Worked set of five dew-point and recoat-window calculations with a defect-to-cause mapping for each
Protective Coatings & Coatings Inspection
Summarize specification content: surface prep, primer, intermediate, topcoat, DFT targets, and hold points
Define acceptance criteria for film thickness, adhesion, and holiday detection
Explain the inspector's role relative to the applicator and the specifier
List the documentation an inspector must produce and retain
Your checkpoint
Annotated mock specification excerpt with at least eight inspection hold points and their acceptance criteria flagged
Coatings Inspection
Describe ambient conditions measurement instruments and record readings correctly
Perform and interpret wet-film and dry-film thickness measurements including the 80/20 rule logic
Select and apply holiday/pinhole detection methods appropriate to coating and substrate
State calibration and verification requirements for each instrument used
Your checkpoint
Completed inspection data sheet template covering conditions, WFT, DFT, and holiday results with calibration fields
Coatings Inspection
Explain adhesion test methods (pull-off, cross-cut) and interpret pass/fail results
Identify and describe at least eight coating defects by appearance, cause, and remedy
Distinguish inspection findings that are cosmetic from those that are structurally significant
Draft nonconformance language that is specific, objective, and actionable
Your checkpoint
Defect catalog of eight defects with photo-free written descriptions, causes, and a sample nonconformance report
Protective Coatings & Coatings Inspection
Trace a full coating project lifecycle from specification through final inspection and sign-off
Integrate prep, application, and inspection knowledge into a single workflow narrative
Resolve ambiguous inspection scenarios using specification precedence and standards
Practice explaining technical decisions concisely in writing
Your checkpoint
Two-page end-to-end case narrative tying prep, application, and inspection decisions to standards and spec clauses
Protective Coatings & Coatings Inspection
Complete timed practice sets weighted 50/50 across both domains
Review every missed item and write the underlying principle it tested
Rehearse recall of standards designations, acceptance criteria, and defect causes
Identify remaining weak areas and schedule targeted review before exam day
Your checkpoint
Error log of at least 25 reviewed missed items with the corrected principle and a final weak-area review list
Milestones
Week 2: Can explain coating chemistry and surface preparation standards without notes, scoring 80% or better on a self-made 20-question recall quiz
Week 4: Can read a specification and correctly identify all inspection hold points and acceptance criteria; domain 1 self-assessment at 75% or better
Week 6: Can perform DFT, WFT, and holiday measurement procedures and interpret adhesion results correctly in a written walkthrough; domain 2 self-assessment at 75% or better
Week 8: Scores 80% or better on a full-length timed mixed practice exam with balanced domain weighting