Nace Cip Level 1 May 2026

NACE International, now merged with SSPC (The Society for Protective Coatings) to form the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), developed the CIP to standardize the quality of coating inspection worldwide. Level 1 of this program is officially titled "CIP Level 1 – Coating Inspector Training and Certification." It is designed for entry-level inspectors, quality control personnel, and even applicators who wish to understand what constitutes a pass or fail. Unlike higher levels that focus on complex reporting or specialized environments, Level 1 concentrates on the

Third, the program covers . An inspector must know if it is too humid or too cold to apply paint. Level 1 candidates become proficient with a "whirling hygrometer" (sling psychrometer) to calculate relative humidity and dew point. They also learn to measure wet film thickness (WFT), dry film thickness (DFT) using magnetic gauges, and perform adhesion tests (pull-off or cross-hatch). The hallmark of the Level 1 exam is the "practicum," where students must correctly use these gauges on live test panels. nace cip level 1

However, it is important to note the limitations of Level 1. A Level 1 inspector is trained to report data, not interpret complex failures or write advanced reports unsupervised. They work under the direction of a Level 2 or Level 3 inspector. The certification requires renewal every three years via continuing education units (CEUs), ensuring that inspectors stay current with evolving standards. NACE International, now merged with SSPC (The Society

Second, the course dives deep into . Industry veterans often say, "A coating fails or succeeds based on what is underneath it." Level 1 inspectors are trained to evaluate surface cleanliness using visual standards (ISO 8501 or SSPC-VIS 1). They learn to identify mill scale, rust grades, and contamination from oil, grease, or soluble salts. Crucially, they are taught how to use physical instruments: the Bresle patch for salts, surface comparators for anchor profile, and inspection of abrasive blasting to achieve Near-White Metal (SSPC-SP 10/NACE No. 2) standards. An inspector must know if it is too