AMPP Senior Corrosion Technologist study plan
AMPP Senior Corrosion Technologist · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Metallurgy & Cathodic Protection
Classify the four primary corrosion mechanisms (uniform, galvanic, pitting, crevice) and match each to a metallurgical driving force
Explain the galvanic series and predict anode/cathode behavior for at least six common metal couples
Define the electrochemical basis of cathodic protection (potential shift, current requirement) in your own words
Identify the three CP criteria categories (structure-to-electrolyte potential, current interruption, 100 mV polarization) and state what each proves
Your checkpoint
One-page comparison table of corrosion mechanisms vs. CP applicability, plus a written definition of each CP criterion with the measurement that demonstrates it
Metallurgy & Cathodic Protection
Differentiate sacrificial anode and impressed current CP systems by current output, driving voltage, and application range
Calculate anode output and life for a magnesium or zinc anode given mass, consumption rate, and utilization factor
Describe how soil resistivity and electrolyte chemistry influence CP system selection
Interpret a structure-to-electrolyte potential survey and flag readings that fail criteria
Your checkpoint
Worked problem set (5 calculations) on anode output/life and a graded interpretation of a 10-reading potential survey
Cathodic Protection & Internal Corrosion
Explain stray current interference mechanisms and mitigation approaches (bonding, drainage, shielding)
Describe internal corrosion mechanisms in pipelines and tanks (CO2, H2S, oxygen, microbiologically influenced corrosion)
Relate CP design to external corrosion control and distinguish it from internal chemical treatment
List the standard monitoring methods for internal corrosion (coupons, probes, ILI) and state what each detects
Your checkpoint
Cause-and-effect diagram linking stray current and internal corrosion threats to their monitoring and mitigation methods
Internal Corrosion & Chemical Treatment
Characterize sweet vs. sour service corrosion and the role of partial pressure of CO2 and H2S
Explain how pH, temperature, flow regime, and shear stress shift internal corrosion rate
Match chemical treatment categories (corrosion inhibitor, biocide, oxygen scavenger, pH adjuster) to the threat they address
Describe inhibitor film formation, partitioning, and the concept of residual concentration
Your checkpoint
Threat-to-treatment matrix covering at least eight internal corrosion scenarios with the recommended chemical program and monitoring check
Chemical Treatment & Coating Systems
Explain dosage calculation and treat-rate determination for a chemical injection program
Identify chemical compatibility, over-treatment, and under-treatment failure modes
Describe coating system components (surface prep, primer, intermediate, topcoat) and the function of each layer
Relate surface preparation standard (e.g., near-white blast) to coating adhesion and expected service life
Your checkpoint
Two-part write-up: a chemical dosing calculation with over/under-treatment risk note, and a coating system stack diagram explaining each layer's role
Coating Systems & Safety Planning
Compare coating failure modes (blistering, disbondment, undercutting) and their root causes
Select an appropriate coating system for a given service environment and justify the choice
Identify the safety hazards of coating application (solvent vapor, confined space, surface prep dust) and their controls
Draft a job hazard analysis outline for a coating or chemical handling task
Your checkpoint
Coating selection justification memo plus a one-page JHA outline with hazards, controls, and PPE for a representative field task
Safety Planning & Metallurgy & Internal Corrosion
Explain the hierarchy of controls and apply it to a CP or chemical treatment job
Describe confined space entry, lockout/tagout, and electrical safety requirements relevant to CP work
Integrate metallurgy and internal corrosion knowledge into a risk-based inspection plan
Identify when a task requires a permit and what the permit must specify
Your checkpoint
Integrated risk register for a hypothetical asset listing at least six hazards, their controls, and the permit or procedure required
Metallurgy & Chemical Treatment & Coating Systems & Internal Corrosion & Cathodic Protection & Safety Planning
Synthesize all six domains into an asset-integrity narrative from threat identification to mitigation and safety
Resolve weak areas flagged in prior weeks by targeted re-review
Practice timed decision-making on mixed-domain scenarios
Verify you can state each domain's core criteria, calculations, and safety controls without notes
Your checkpoint
Full-length mixed-domain practice exam scored by domain, plus a one-page weak-area remediation list with a re-test date
Milestones
Week 2: Can independently calculate anode output and life and correctly interpret a potential survey against CP criteria
Week 4: Can explain internal corrosion threats and match each to a chemical treatment and monitoring method without notes
Week 6: Can justify a coating selection and produce a compliant JHA outline for a field task
Week 8: Scores at or above target on the mixed-domain practice exam and has a written remediation plan for any domain below target