The realm of industrial coating is vast and continually evolving, with new standards and technologies being introduced frequently. Amidst this dynamic landscape, it’s imperative for professionals to stay updated and certified to guarantee the utmost quality in their projects. Toronto Industrial, a leading name in Ontario’s coating inspection industry, recognizes the significance of these certifications. Let’s delve into a comprehensive overview of the types of inspector certifications available and the importance of staying abreast with industry changes.

Distinguishing Between Different Certifications

SSPC Certifications

The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) has crafted several certifications catering to various industry needs:

• Concrete Coatings Inspector (CCI): Targeted towards professionals inspecting flooring or coatings on concrete. It emphasizes ensuring proper concrete preparation and accurate coating system installation.
• Bridge Coatings Inspection (BCI): Tailored for those inspecting coating applications on bridges and highways. This certification delves into the different elements of a bridge, making inspectors adept at recording intricate details during their assessments.
• Protective Coating Inspector Program: A holistic program that covers all industries where protective coatings are installed on steel. Although the primary focus is on steel as a substrate, the training is comprehensive, catering to various sectors.

NACE Certifications

The National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) offers a program that is more general, spanning two weeks and dealing with various aspects of coating and lining installation. While there’s a resemblance between SSPC’s Protective Coating Inspector program and NACE’s offering, notable differences lie in the duration and depth of the programs.

Protective Coding Specialist (PCs) Certification

Both SSPC and NACE offer PCs certification, but it’s designed more for coding specifiers rather than inspectors. This certification is more about designing a coding project than inspecting one. Those certified under PCs are adept at tasks like lifecycle cost of coatings, assessing the condition of coatings, and preparing specifications.

Reciprocity and Keeping Up With Certifications

Interestingly, there’s no reciprocity between SSPC and NACE certifications. Therefore, one cannot substitute the credentials of one organization for the other. Also, like most professional certifications, maintaining them is crucial. Both SSPC and NACE certifications necessitate recertification every few years, emphasizing the importance of staying updated in the industry.

The Vitality of Staying Updated

With industry standards poised for revisions every five years and the plethora of standards from various bodies like ASTM, staying updated can indeed be a daunting task. However, it’s pivotal to be well-versed with the current standards, especially as they might feature prominently in specifications. Whether you’re inspecting based on those specifications or writing them, being unaware of the latest standards can lead to significant lapses in quality and compliance.

A Unified Future with AMPP

It’s noteworthy that NACE International and SSPC have now merged to form the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). This unification aims to provide a consolidated voice for the corrosion control and protective coatings sectors. This new association, with its two governance structures, will undoubtedly bring forth more streamlined certifications and standards in the future.

Conclusion

While certifications are essential indicators of a professional’s expertise, the real essence lies in the continual learning and application of that knowledge. Toronto Industrial, with its commitment to quality and adherence to the highest standards, underscores the importance of having certified professionals on board and staying updated with industry advancements. As the coating industry keeps evolving, so does our commitment to excellence and upholding the highest standards.