100+ Free AMPP CAS-1 Practice Questions
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Key Facts: AMPP CAS-1 Exam
1 hour
Written Exam Time
AMPP CAS Level 1 page
70%
Passing Score
AMPP CAS Level 1 page
EN + ES
Languages Offered
AMPP CAS Level 1 page
None
Required Prerequisites
AMPP CAS Level 1 page
4 years
Certification Validity
AMPP renewal policy
50 µg/m³
OSHA Silica PEL
29 CFR 1910.1053
The AMPP CAS Level 1 is the entry-level industrial coating applicator credential from AMPP. It is a 1-hour in-person written multiple-choice exam (offered in English and Spanish) with a 70% passing score and no hands-on practical at Level 1. Content is built on SSPC-ACS 1 / NACE No. 13 and covers industrial coatings safety (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1053 silica, respiratory protection, fall protection), SSPC-SP surface preparation standards (SP 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 11), abrasive blasting basics, spray equipment, environmental conditions, DFT/WFT, and basic application defects.
Sample AMPP CAS-1 Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your AMPP CAS-1 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which SSPC surface preparation standard covers solvent cleaning to remove oil, grease, and soluble contaminants?
2Which SSPC standard describes Hand Tool Cleaning using wire brushes, scrapers, and sandpaper?
3Which SSPC standard covers Power Tool Cleaning that leaves tightly adhered mill scale and rust?
4SSPC-SP 6 / NACE No. 3 is the designation for which level of abrasive blast cleaning?
5A specification calls for SSPC-SP 10 / NACE No. 2. What maximum percentage of each unit area may exhibit random staining?
6Which SSPC standard requires Power Tool Cleaning to Bare Metal and the production of a surface profile?
7What is the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica under 29 CFR 1910.1053?
8What is the OSHA action level for respirable crystalline silica under 29 CFR 1910.1053?
9How many degrees Fahrenheit above the dew point must the steel surface temperature typically be before applying most industrial coatings?
10What is the primary reason for the rule that surface temperature must exceed the dew point during coating application?
About the AMPP CAS-1 Exam
The AMPP Coating Application Specialist (CAS) Level 1 is the entry-level industrial-applicator credential built on SSPC-ACS 1 / NACE No. 13 (Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialist Qualification and Certification). It validates foundational knowledge for crew members preparing surfaces and applying protective coatings on steel and concrete in industrial and marine settings. The 1-hour in-person written exam is offered in English and Spanish, is graded against a 70% passing score, and is the prerequisite step toward CAS Level 2. There are no formal prerequisites for the Level 1 exam, although AMPP recommends the 1-day CAS Prep course. The credential is valid for 4 years.
Assessment
1-hour in-person written multiple-choice exam offered in English and Spanish at AMPP-authorized test sites. No hands-on practical at Level 1.
Time Limit
1 hour
Passing Score
70%
Exam Fee
Via AMPP Store (AMPP)
AMPP CAS-1 Exam Content Outline
Industrial Coatings Safety & PPE
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1053 silica (PEL 50 µg/m³, action level 25 µg/m³), respirator selection by Assigned Protection Factor, isocyanate exposure controls, solvent vapor and LEL monitoring, fall protection (29 CFR 1926.501), scaffolding (1926.451), and confined space entry
SSPC Surface Preparation Standards
SSPC-SP 1 solvent cleaning, SP 2 hand tool, SP 3 power tool, SP 6/NACE No. 3 commercial blast, SP 10/NACE No. 2 near-white metal blast, SP 11 power tool to bare metal, plus SP 7/NACE No. 4 brush-off blast basics
Visual Standards
SSPC-VIS 1 pictorial comparison for blast cleaning, ISO 8501-1 initial rust grades A/B/C/D, and recognition of mill scale, rust, and pitting on steel
Abrasive Blasting
Abrasive media (steel grit/shot, garnet, coal slag, aluminum oxide), profile depth target per coating system, SSPC-AB 1 abrasive cleanliness, nozzle pressure (~100 psi at the nozzle), and pot operation
Spray Equipment & Tools
Airless spray (high-pressure, large output), conventional air spray, HVLP (high transfer efficiency), plural-component equipment for fast-set coatings, tip size selection, and roller/brush use for stripe coating
Mixing, Thinning & Pot Life
Reading the product data sheet (PDS), correct mix ratio for two-component coatings, induction time, pot life management, and approved thinners and limits
Environmental Conditions
Ambient and surface temperature, dew point, relative humidity, the 5 °F (3 °C) rule above dew point, use of a sling psychrometer or electronic gauge
Film Thickness & Application Defects
Wet film thickness (notched comb gauge per ASTM D4414), dry film thickness fundamentals, and recognizing/correcting runs, sags, orange peel, dry spray, pinholes, holidays, and overspray
How to Pass the AMPP CAS-1 Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 70%
- Assessment: 1-hour in-person written multiple-choice exam offered in English and Spanish at AMPP-authorized test sites. No hands-on practical at Level 1.
- Time limit: 1 hour
- Exam fee: Via AMPP Store
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
AMPP CAS-1 Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AMPP CAS Level 1 certification?
The AMPP Coating Application Specialist (CAS) Level 1 is an entry-level industrial-applicator credential built on the SSPC-ACS 1 / NACE No. 13 standard (Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialist Qualification and Certification). It validates foundational knowledge of safety, SSPC surface preparation standards, abrasive blasting, spray equipment, environmental conditions, and basic application defects. The certification confirms a crew member is ready to work as an entry-level industrial coating applicator on steel and concrete structures, and is the required first step toward CAS Level 2.
How long is the CAS Level 1 exam and what is the passing score?
The CAS Level 1 exam is a 1-hour in-person written exam graded against a 70% passing score. The exam is offered in both English and Spanish at AMPP-authorized test sites and contains multiple-choice questions only — there is no hands-on practical at Level 1 (the practical evaluation is part of CAS Level 2). Bring a government-issued ID and arrive early to complete check-in. AMPP does not publish the exact question count or pass rate.
Are there prerequisites for the CAS Level 1 exam?
There are no formal prerequisites for the CAS Level 1 exam — any candidate can register through the AMPP Store. AMPP strongly recommends completing the 1-day CAS Prep course before attempting the exam, as it covers all topics in the SSPC-ACS 1 / NACE No. 13 body of knowledge at the Level 1 depth. Most candidates also have some shop or field exposure to surface preparation and spray application before testing.
How much does the CAS Level 1 exam cost?
The current AMPP CAS Level 1 exam fee is published on the AMPP Store (store.ampp.org) and varies by member status and test site. The fee covers the in-person written exam and initial certification. Retake fees follow the current AMPP fee schedule. The optional 1-day CAS Prep course is priced separately. Always confirm pricing on the AMPP Store before registering.
What SSPC and OSHA standards should I know for CAS Level 1?
Key SSPC standards include SP 1 (Solvent Cleaning), SP 2 (Hand Tool Cleaning), SP 3 (Power Tool Cleaning), SP 6/NACE No. 3 (Commercial Blast), SP 10/NACE No. 2 (Near-White Blast), and SP 11 (Power Tool to Bare Metal), plus SSPC-VIS 1 for visual comparison and SSPC-AB 1 for abrasive cleanliness. For safety, know OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1053 silica (PEL 50 µg/m³, action level 25 µg/m³), 29 CFR 1910.134 respiratory protection (APF selection), 29 CFR 1926.501 fall protection (6-ft trigger height), and 29 CFR 1926.451 scaffolding.
How long is the CAS Level 1 certification valid?
The AMPP CAS Level 1 certification is valid for 4 years from the date of issuance. Renewal is handled through the AMPP Certification Portal and follows the current AMPP renewal policy, which typically involves documenting continued industry activity and paying the renewal fee. CAS Level 1 must be in active status to advance to CAS Level 2. Standards revisions to SSPC-ACS 1 / NACE No. 13 and SSPC surface preparation standards may be reflected in renewal-cycle exams.