Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
Objectives
When this module is complete, the training
candidate will have knowledge and under-
standing of:
• NACE policy regarding logos, titles, and
certification numbers
• NACE Coating Inspector Program (CIP)
update and renewal programs
• Classroom policies
• Examinations
This module will close with classroom intro-
ductions and a team exercise.
1.1 NACE International Coating
Inspector Program
The NACE CIP is composed of two training
sessions and a peer review. The training ses-
sions must be taken in sequential order. A
minimum of two year’s work experience in
coatings, whether done prior to, during, or
after attending the training sessions, is
required before any candidate can register
for the Peer Review examination. In other
words:
• No prior knowledge is required to take the
CIP Level 1 training session
• Successful completion of each level is
required to move on to the next level
• Two year’s work experience is required
before Peer Review
Upon successful completion of CIP Level 1,
CIP Level 2, and the Peer Review, the candi-
date will become a NACE Certified Coating
Inspector─Level 3.
©NACE International 2011
July 2011
1-1
1.2 Introduction
The intended service life of a corrosion pro-
tection system represents the engineered
economic value of that system by providing
protection for an asset (i.e., ship, bridge,
power plant, oil rig, etc). The selection of a
particular corrosion protection system is typ-
ically a function of economic, operational,
environmental, and safety issues.
Inspection during the coatings system instal-
lation is used as a tool to ensure that the sys-
tem is installed within the intended design
parameters. This mission is accomplished
through emphasis on industry practices,
standards and training.
1.2.1 Economy — Value
The life of any coating system on a steel
substrate depends significantly on the qual-
ity of the surface preparation. Smooth welds,
radius edges and clean surfaces all contrib-
ute to a longer service life for installed coat-
ings.
The level of effort required to prepare the
steel substrate properly has an associated
increase in fabrication costs. The initial cost
to prepare the surface properly is completely
outweighed by the benefits (i.e., long-term
cost savings and lengthened service life) of a
properly installed coating system. Extensive
down-time for repairs and re-coating are
minimized, thus providing maximum utili-
zation of the asset for its intended service
and revenue generation lifetime.
Coating Inspector Program Level 1
1-2
1.3 Course Overview
The NACE CIP is an intensive and extensive
training program; Level 1 is the more inten-
sive of the two courses. It is designed to
accommodate the inexperienced candidate.
Students with prior experience may well
exceed some of the stated capability and
intent of this course. However, both the
inexperienced candidate and competent
basic inspector will benefit from the struc-
tured training presented in this course. Upon
successful completion of CIP Level 1, par-
ticipants will have demonstrated the ability
to undertake basic coating inspection work.
For those inspectors wishing to become a
NACE Certified Coating Inspector─Level 3,
this training course is the first of two that
must be successfully completed. The pro-
gram for this training course covers many
topics including:
• Corrosion
• Team building
• Role of the inspector
• Environmental testing
• Coatings fundamentals
• Coatings types and curing mechanisms
• Coating project specifications
• Surface preparation
• Surface preparation instrumentation
• Pre-job conference
• Inspection project documentation
• Coatings application
• Film thickness measurement instrumenta-
tion
• Product technical data sheets and Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• Coatings defects
Coating Inspector Program Level 1
July 2011
Introduction
• High voltage and low voltage holiday test-
ing instrumentation
• Additional standards
• Safety
There will be several hands-on practice labs
in which students can get the feel of the dif-
ferent tools and techniques of the coating
trade and understand exactly what it takes to
do the job right. As part of the exercise, stu-
dents will work with the basic tools and
techniques of coating inspection, including:
• Surface preparation inspection
• Use of replica tape
• Use of written surface cleanliness stan-
dards, pictorial standards, and visual com-
parators
• Measurement of wet- and dry-film thick-
ness
Students must also keep good records in a
logbook of all tests performed; this is a part
of the final grade.
1.4 NACE Policy: Use of Logos,
Titles and Certification
Numbers
NACE has a firm policy regarding the use of
its logo and certification numbers and titles.
The certification number and category title
may be used only by individuals who are
NACE Coating Inspector Level 1─Certified,
NACE Coating Inspector Level 2─Certified,
and NACE Certified Coating Inspec-
tor─Level 3 and may not be used by any
other persons.
Individuals who are NACE Coating Inspec-
tor Level 1─Certified, NACE Coating
Inspector Level 2─Certified, or NACE Cer-
tified Coating Inspector─Level 3 Certified
and are members in good standing of NACE
International may display the NACE Logo
©NACE International 2011
Introduction
for the purpose of identifying the individual
as having achieved NACE certification.
All active CIP card holders are permitted to
use the terms “NACE Coating Inspector
Level 1 ─ Certified,” “NACE Coating
Inspector Level 2 ─ Certified,” or “NACE
Certified Coating Inspector ─ Level 3”
(whichever level of certification attained)
and their certification number on business
cards. The following example illustrates
how this information can be used by an indi-
vidual who is NACE Coating Inspector
Level 1 ─ Certified.
John Smith
NACE Coating Inspector Level 1 ─ Certified
Cert. No. 9650
ACE Inspections, Inc., Knoxville, TN
This example illustrates how this informa-
tion can be used by a NACE Coating Inspec-
tor Level 3─ Certified.
John Smith
NACE Certified Coating Inspector ─ Level
3 maintain a current address on file with
Cert. No. 9650
ACE Inspections, Inc., Knoxville, TN
1.5 CIP Update and Renewal
Programs
Update or renewal of NACE CIP certifica-
tion must be completed every three years.
The Update Program applies to individuals
who have not passed Peer Review. The
update process can be accomplished by one
of two methods:
1. Attendance at the next Coating Inspector
Program course or Peer Review
2. Completion of a home study program
©NACE International 2011
July 2011
1-3
If a student takes another CIP within a three-
year period, the date of the next required
update will be three years from the date the
most recent course was completed.
The Renewal Program applies to Level 3
inspectors. The renewal process can be com-
pleted by one of three methods, depending
on the number of work experience points
accumulated in the three years since passing
Peer Review, or from the last renewal:
1. 73+ points requires only work experi-
ence
2. 37 to 72 points requires work documen-
tation and completion of a home study
program
3. 36 or fewer points requires work experi-
ence documentation and class attendance
with successful completion of CIP Level
2 at a regularly scheduled offering
Work experience documentation forms and
instructions for completing the forms are
located at the back of this manual.
It is important that certification holders
NACE, because they will be notified of the
update/renewal process by mail 90 days
prior to the expiration date. The notification
packets supply all the information and forms
required to begin the update or renewal pro-
cess. It is vital that students keep address
and all contact information current with
NACE.
1.6 Classroom Policies
To provide the best environment for train-
ing, certain policies must be maintained.
Please observe the following requirements:
• No smoking or other tobacco products
• Class starts at designated times
Coating Inspector Program Level 1
1-4
• Participants are responsible for their own
learning and for timekeeping
• Please turn off audible mobile phone ring
tones, and do not make or answer calls,
text, or tweet while in the classroom
• Designated lunch breaks, coffee breaks,
smoke breaks are scheduled
• Designated toilet location(s), smoking
location(s) are specified
1.7 Examinations
At the end of the week, there are two final
examinations: one written and one a hands-
on practical examination covering selected
test instruments. Both exams must be passed
with a minimum grade of 70%. Additionally,
students must receive a minimum of 70% on
the logbook (written legibly in ink) in order
to pass Level 1.
1.7.1 Written Exam
The written exam is closed book and con-
sists of 125 multiple-choice questions. It
lasts 2 hours.
1.7.2 Practical Exam
The practical exam covers the tools and
techniques for inspection. Students are
required to demonstrate how well they know
how to perform the coating inspection tests
covered in this course. Tasks are assigned to
each student, who is then required to record
the results. The grade is based on the accu-
racy of those recorded results. Eight inspec-
tion tools and 8 minutes are allowed at each
work station.
To help prepare for the practical exam, the
course includes lectures, practical labs, and
practice sessions using the basic inspection
tools and techniques listed in Level 1.
Coating Inspector Program Level 1
July 2011
Introduction
During the course, short, written, closed-
book quizzes are given to help students pre-
pare for the final written exam.
Written notification of exam results are pro-
cessed as quickly as possible. Exam results
are not available on exam day. The follow-
ing is essential information about exam
results:
• Exams are electronically marked by a
computer at NACE HQ.
• Written notification of exam results are
mailed from NACE within 2 to 3 weeks.
• Exam results are made available on the
internet at www.nace.org. Access requires
a password and course ID number.
• PLEASE DO NOT CALL NACE HQ for
exam results! NACE staff are NOT
ALLOWED to give out this information
by telephone.
1.8 Introductions
Before going further, it would be beneficial
to learn more about each other. Please stand
one at a time and introduce yourself to the
class. Tell us your:
• Name
• Company’s name and location
• Job function
• Experience in coating inspection
• Hobbies
1.9 Team Formation Exercise
NACE believes that the coating inspector’s
job is part of a team effort with others
involved in the coating project. We will form
teams that reflect a cross-section of the
industries represented in this class. Since the
teams will work together throughout the
course, we will change the seating arrange-
ment so team members can sit together.
©NACE International 2011
Introduction
At the end of the course, the lead instructors
will review students’ expectations and reser-
vations to see how well the course fulfilled
expectations and, hopefully minimized any
reservations.
Since the teams will work throughout this
session on a wide variety of tasks, exercises
and assignments, please get together with
your team now and do the following:
• Team name: Decide on a name to repre-
sent who you are, tell how you intend to
perform during the workshop, and give the
team a personality.
• Reason for team name: Select the team
name for a specific reason, i.e., do not just
give the team an arbitrary name. Think it
through carefully. Be prepared to report
the reasons to the class when this exercise
is completed.
• Team logo: Create a team logo or trade-
mark that graphically represents the team
name and the rationale behind it.
• Expectations and reservations: As a
team, develop a list of expectations and
reservations about the course.
On a flip chart, summarize the results from
this exercise, select a spokesperson to
deliver a five minute presentation to the
class. Teams have 20 minutes to complete
the this work.
1.10 Additional Resources
1.10.1 NACE Corrosion Network
The NACE Corrosion Network is an active
message board with members from around
the world who work in the corrosion preven-
tion industry. You must sign up as a member
at www.nace.org
©NACE International 2011
July 2011
1-5
1.10.2 Technical Committees
More than 1,000 NACE members partici-
pate in technical committee activities. The
committees are led by the Technical Coor-
dination Committee (TCC), which serves
as the administrative and policy-making
body.
The technical committees are organized by
Specific Technology Groups (STGs). STGs
are assigned specific technical areas within
three administrative classes:
• Industry-Specific Technology (N)
• Cross-Industry Technology (C)
• Science (S).
Technology Management Groups (TMGs)
are formed under the TCC to provide a
structure and a conduit for communication
between the TCC and the various STGs
within their respective areas. They provide
assistance, when necessary, to help STGs
achieve their objectives.
1.10.3 Standards and Reports
NACE Standards are prepared by the Asso-
ciation’s technical committees to serve as
voluntary guidelines in the field of preven-
tion and control of corrosion. These stan-
dards are prepared using consensus
procedures. NACE offers its standards to the
industrial and scientific communities as vol-
untary standards to be used by any person,
company, or organization. Standards are free
to NACE members.
A Technical Committee Report is a limited-
life document developed by a Technical
Committee. Typical categories for commit-
tee reports are:
• State-of-the-art reports dealing with the
current science and technology of a
method, technique, material, device, sys-
Coating Inspector Program Level 1
1-6 Introduction

tem, or other aspect of corrosion control

work
• Informational reports that can be state-
ments on a specific problem (summarizing
its ramifications, controversial points, and
possible solutions), surveys of common
practices, bibliographies on special sub-
jects, etc.
Reports are free to NACE members.

1.11 Disclaimer
Attendees of this course are hereby advised
that NACE International’s view on in-pro-
cess inspection with respect to an inspector
is to “inspect and document” the functions
described. The inspector must always work
solely within and abide by the job descrip-
tion and documents governing responsibili-
ties and authority granted by management.
Be advised that students fulfilling the
requirements of this course, with its qualify-
ing terminology, understand and accept the
fact that NACE International does not state,
affirm, imply, endorse, or otherwise by any
action, express or implied, indicate that the
use of the words ensure and/or enforce nei-
ther intends to convey any meaning of guar-
antee nor assumes any responsibility for the
adequacy of work inspected and docu-
mented by the inspector.

Coating Inspector Program Level 1 ©NACE International 2011

July 2011
 Chapter 1
Introduction

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NACE International 
Coating Inspector Program
Program Summary
• No prior knowledge is required to take Level 1
• Successful completion of each course is required to 
move on to the next Level
• Two year’s work experience is required before Peer 
Review

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Introduction
Corrosion Protection System
• Service life of the system represents the engineered 
economic value 
• Selection of the system is a function of economic, 
operational, environmental, and safety issues.
• Inspection during system installation is used as a tool 
to ensure that the system is installed within the 
design parameters.

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Coating Inspector Program  © NACE International
Level 1 Chapter 1
July 2011 ‐1‐
 Economical Value
• Life of any coating system depends significantly on quality of 
the surface preparation.

• Initial cost of proper surface preparation completely 
outweighed by the extended service life of a coating system.

• Economy and ultimately Value is achieved by meeting the 
engineered life‐cycle through system performance

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Course Overview
CIP Level 1 is…..
• designed to accommodate both the inexperienced candidate 
and a competent basic inspector.

• the first of two courses (CIP 2) that must be attended to 
become a NACE‐Certified Coating Inspector—Level 3 (Peer 
Review).

• the more intensive of the two courses.

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CIP Level 1 
Mission Statement 
On successful completion of CIP Level 1, the inspector should be 
able to:
• Undertake coating inspection under supervision of 
qualified inspector
• Read and understand a coating specification
• Use inspection equipment for basic QC, including sling 
psychrometer, WFT, and DFT gauges and holiday detectors

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Coating Inspector Program  © NACE International
Level 1 Chapter 1
July 2011 ‐2‐
 CIP Level 1 
Mission Statement
• Understand surface preparation standards

• Recognize:
– Inspector’s job requires teamwork
– Importance of pre‐job meetings
– Need to determine inspector responsibilities and authority
– Value of record keeping

• Become “NACE Coating Inspector Level 1—Certified”

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CIP Level 1 
Certification
• Laminated card is color 
coded
• Number shown is unique 
Certification number
• Expiration date is shown
• Validity may be checked at 
www.nace.org

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Lecture Session Topics
• Corrosion • Inspection Project 
Documentation
• Team Building
• Coatings Application
• Role of the Inspector
• Film Thickness Measurement 
• Environmental Testing
Instrumentation 
• Coatings Fundamentals
• Product Technical Data Sheets  
• Coatings Types and Curing  & MSDS
Mechanisms
• Coatings Defects
• Coating Project Specifications
• High Voltage and Low Voltage 
• Surface Preparation Holiday Testing 
• Surface Preparation  Instrumentation
Instrumentation • Additional Standards
• Pre‐Job Conference • Safety

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Coating Inspector Program  © NACE International
Level 1 Chapter 1
July 2011 ‐3‐
 Class layout allows 
good communication

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Hands‐On Practical Labs
We will be working with the basic tools and techniques of 
coating inspection, including:

• Surface preparation inspection
• Use of replica tape
• Use of written surface cleanliness standards, pictorial 
standards, and visual comparators
• Measurement of wet‐ and dry‐film thickness

You will also be required to keep good records in a logbook for 
all tests you perform which will be a part of your final grade.

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NACE Policy: 
Use of Logos, Titles 
and Certification Numbers
NACE has a firm policy regarding the use of its logo and 
certification numbers and titles.  The certification number and 
category title may be used only by individuals who are NACE 
Coating Inspector Level 1—Certified, NACE Coating Inspector 
Level 2—Certified, and NACE‐Certified Coating Inspector—
Level 3 and may not be used by any other persons.

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Coating Inspector Program  © NACE International
Level 1 Chapter 1
July 2011 ‐4‐
 The following example illustrates how this information can be used by an 
individual who is NACE Coating Inspector Level 1—Certified.

John Smith
NACE Coating Inspector Level 1—Certified
Cert. No. 9650
ACE Inspections, Inc., Knoxville, TN

This example illustrates how this information can be used by a NACE‐Certified 
Coating Inspector—Level 3.

John Smith
NACE‐Certified Coating Inspector—Level 3
Cert. No. 9650
ACE Inspections, Inc., Knoxville, TN

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CIP Update and 
Renewal Programs
Update or renewal of NACE CIP certification must be 
completed every three years.

• The Update Program applies to individuals who have not 
passed Peer Review.

• The Renewal Program applies to Level 3 inspectors.

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Classroom Policies
• No smoking or other tobacco products
• Class starts at designated times
• Participants are responsible for their own learning and for 
timekeeping
• Please turn off audible mobile phone ring tones, and do not 
make or answer calls while in the classroom
• Designated lunch breaks, coffee breaks, smoke breaks
• Designated toilet location(s) and smoking location(s)

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Coating Inspector Program  © NACE International
Level 1 Chapter 1
July 2011 ‐5‐
 Examinations
• Two final examinations: 
 Written Exam ‐ closed book and consists of 125 multiple‐
choice questions. It will last 2 hours.
 Hands‐on practical examination ‐ Eight inspection tools 
and 8 minutes will allowed at each work station.   You will 
be graded on the accuracy of recorded results.

• Must pass both exams with a minimum grade of 70%

• Must receive a minimum of 70% on your logbook

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Exam Results
You will receive written notification of your exam results as quickly 
as possible.  We will not be able to tell you your results on exam 
day.  The following information is provided regarding exam results:
• Exam will be electronically marked by a computer located at 
NACE HQ.
• Written notification of exam results will be mailed from NACE 
within 6 to 8 weeks.
• Exam results will be available on the internet at www.nace.org.  
Access will require a password and course ID number.
• PLEASE DO NOT CALL NACE HQ for exam results!  NACE staff are 
NOT ALLOWED to give out this information by telephone. 

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Introductions
We would like for each of you to stand, one at a time and 
introduce yourself to the class.  Tell us:

• Your name
• Your company’s name and location
• Your job function
• Your experience in coating inspection
• Your hobbies

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Coating Inspector Program  © NACE International
Level 1 Chapter 1
July 2011 ‐6‐
 Working in Teams

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Team Presentation

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Team Formation Exercise
Please get together with your group and do the following:
• Team name
• Reason for team name
• Team logo
• Expectations and reservations: Develop a list of 
expectations and reservations about the course.  

Summarize the responses of your team on the flipchart.

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Coating Inspector Program  © NACE International
Level 1 Chapter 1
July 2011 ‐7‐
 Disclaimer
As an attendee of this course you are hereby advised that NACE 
International’s view on in‐process inspection with respect to an inspector 
is to “inspect and document” the functions described.  The inspector must 
always work solely within and abide by the job description and documents 
governing responsibilities and authority granted by management.

You are advised that by fulfilling the requirements of this course, with its 
qualifying terminology, you understand and accept the fact that NACE 
International does not state, affirm, imply, endorse, or otherwise by any 
action, express or implied, indicate that the use of the words ensure 
and/or enforce neither intends to convey any meaning of guarantee nor 
any assumes any responsibility for the adequacy of work inspected and 
documented by the inspector.

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Chapter 1
Introduction

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Coating Inspector Program  © NACE International
Level 1 Chapter 1
July 2011 ‐8‐