Career upgrade: Learn practical AI skills for better jobs and higher pay.
Level up
All Practice Exams

100+ Free AMPP CAS-2 Practice Questions

Pass your AMPP Coating Application Specialist Level 2 exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
Not publicly disclosed Pass Rate
100+ Questions
100% Free
1 / 100
Question 1
Score: 0/0

Productivity from a blast pot drops sharply at nozzle pressures below approximately:

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AMPP CAS-2 Exam

100

Written Exam Questions

AMPP CAS Level 2 page

70% / 90%

Written / Practical Passing Score

AMPP CAS Level 2 page

4 hours

Total Exam Time (written + practical)

AMPP CAS Level 2 page

4 years

Certification Validity

AMPP recertification policy

SSPC-ACS 1 / NACE No. 13

Underlying Standard

AMPP / SSPC

Closed-book

Written Exam Format

AMPP CAS Level 2 page

AMPP CAS Level 2 is the advanced industrial coating applicator credential issued by AMPP from SSPC-ACS 1 / NACE No. 13. Certification requires a completed prerequisite form, a 100-question closed-book written exam (pass at 70%), and a hands-on abrasive blasting and conventional/airless spray practical (pass at 90%) administered together in about 4 hours at an AMPP test site. Topics span SSPC-PA 2 DFT (80/20 rule, restriction levels 1-5), SSPC-SP WJ-1 to WJ-4 water jetting, plural-component polyurea spray, AWS C2.18 thermal spray, tank lining application, holiday testing, OSHA confined space and respiratory protection, and defect diagnosis. The credential is valid 4 years and is offered in English/Spanish (Greek/Polish/Portuguese on request).

Sample AMPP CAS-2 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AMPP CAS-2 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1The AMPP Coating Application Specialist (CAS) Level 2 written exam is administered under what conditions?
A.Open-book, untimed
B.Closed-book as part of a 4-hour total exam
C.Open-book, 2 hours
D.Take-home with notarized answer sheet
Explanation: The CAS Level 2 written portion is a 100-question, closed-book multiple-choice exam. Together with the hands-on practical (abrasive blasting and coating application), the entire CAS Level 2 examination is scheduled for approximately 4 hours total.
2What minimum scores must a candidate achieve to pass CAS Level 2?
A.70% written and 70% practical
B.70% written and 90% practical
C.80% written and 80% practical
D.90% written and 70% practical
Explanation: AMPP requires a minimum 70% score on the written exam AND a minimum 90% score on the hands-on practical exam (abrasive blasting and coating application using conventional or airless spray). Both must be passed independently.
3Which body of knowledge is the foundation for the CAS Level 2 examination?
A.SSPC-PA 1 only
B.ANSI/AWS C2.18
C.SSPC-ACS 1 / NACE No. 13 Applicator Certification Standard
D.API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspection
Explanation: CAS Level 2 content is drawn from SSPC-ACS 1 / NACE No. 13, the joint Applicator Certification Standard No. 1 for Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialist Qualification and Certification. It defines core knowledge in safety, surface preparation, application, and equipment/troubleshooting.
4How long is the AMPP CAS Level 2 certification valid before recertification is required?
A.1 year
B.2 years
C.4 years
D.10 years
Explanation: AMPP CAS Level 2 certification carries a 4-year certification term. Renewal is available through AMPP's recertification program before the expiration date.
5Per SSPC-PA 2, a 'spot measurement' is defined as the average of how many gage readings taken within a 1.5-inch (38 mm) diameter circle?
A.1 reading
B.2 readings
C.3 readings
D.5 readings
Explanation: Under SSPC-PA 2, one spot measurement is the average of three (3) gage readings taken within a circle approximately 1.5 inches (38 mm) in diameter. Five spot measurements are then averaged across each 100 ft^2 area to determine area conformance.
6SSPC-PA 2 specifies the standard frequency of spot measurements for structural steel as:
A.1 spot per 1,000 ft^2
B.3 spots per 100 ft^2
C.5 spots per 100 ft^2
D.10 spots per 10 ft^2
Explanation: The SSPC-PA 2 default frequency is five (5) spot measurements per 100 ft^2 (about 9.3 m^2). Each spot is the average of three gage readings. The first three 100 ft^2 areas of a project are measured at this frequency before any sampling reduction.
7Under the SSPC-PA 2 '80/20 Rule' (Restriction Level 3), an individual spot measurement may be:
A.Any value as long as the area average is in range
B.Within 80% of minimum to 120% of maximum specified DFT
C.Exactly equal to the specified DFT
D.Within 50% to 150% of the specified DFT
Explanation: The 80/20 Rule (Restriction Level 3, the PA 2 default) allows individual spot measurements to fall as low as 80% of the minimum specified DFT and as high as 120% of the maximum specified DFT, provided the area-average is within the specified range. For 8-12 mils, spots may range from 6.4 to 14.4 mils.
8Per SSPC-PA 2, an individual gage reading (within a spot) may be:
A.Any value
B.Limited to plus or minus 5% of the spec
C.Identical to the spot average
D.Below 80% of minimum DFT and still acceptable
Explanation: Individual gage readings may be any value. PA 2 explicitly applies acceptance limits to the spot measurement (the average of 3 gage readings) and to the area average, not to single gage readings. This is a frequent exam pitfall.
9Which SSPC-PA 2 Coating Thickness Restriction Level allows the minimum DFT to be 80% of specified minimum but places NO upper limit on maximum DFT?
A.Level 1
B.Level 2
C.Level 4
D.Level 5
Explanation: Restriction Level 5 permits the spot minimum at 80% of specified minimum and applies no upper restriction on maximum thickness. Level 1 has unrestricted min and max. Level 3 (default) is the 80/20 rule. Level 4 caps the max at 150% of specified maximum.
10Per SSPC-PA 2 Restriction Level 4, the maximum spot DFT may not exceed:
A.100% of specified maximum
B.120% of specified maximum
C.150% of specified maximum
D.Unrestricted
Explanation: Level 4 allows the spot minimum to be 80% of specified minimum and the spot maximum up to 150% of specified maximum. This is more lenient than the default 80/20 rule (Level 3, which caps max at 120%).

About the AMPP CAS-2 Exam

The AMPP Coating Application Specialist (CAS) Level 2 certification is the advanced applicator credential issued by AMPP, drawn from the joint SSPC-ACS 1 / NACE No. 13 Applicator Certification Standard No. 1, 'Industrial Coating and Lining Application Specialist Qualification and Certification.' It validates the knowledge and hands-on competence required for senior industrial coating applicators working on complex industrial, marine, shipbuilding, water/wastewater, and infrastructure projects. Content includes SSPC-PA 1 (workmanship) and SSPC-PA 2 (DFT measurement: spot frequency, 80/20 rule, restriction levels 1-5), SSPC-SP surface preparation standards (SP 5 White Metal through SP 10 Near-White) and SSPC-SP WJ-1 through WJ-4 water jetting per SSPC-SP 12 / NACE No. 5, ASTM D4417 surface profile (Methods A/B/C including replica tape), ASTM D4285 compressed-air blotter test, Bresle soluble salt testing (ISO 8502-6/9), conventional and airless spray, plural-component proportioning for polyurea (typically 1:1 by volume through heated hoses), electrostatic spray, thermal spray metallizing per AWS C2.18 / C2.23M (typically 5-10 mil DFT on SP 5 with 2.5-4 mil sharp profile), tank lining application and high-voltage holiday testing per NACE/AMPP SP0188, stripe coating, edge retention, defect diagnosis (mud-cracking, amine blush, cratering, dry spray, sagging, solvent entrapment), confined space entry (29 CFR 1910.146), supplied-air respirators (1910.134), lead (1926.62) and hexavalent chromium (1926.1126), SSPC Guide 6 containment, and project documentation. Candidates submit a prerequisite form documenting applicator experience and are strongly encouraged to complete the AMPP CAS Prep course before sitting for both the 100-question closed-book written exam (70% pass) and the hands-on practical (90% pass), administered together in approximately 4 hours.

Assessment

100-question closed-book written exam plus a hands-on abrasive blasting and coating application practical (conventional or airless spray)

Time Limit

4 hours total

Passing Score

70% written + 90% practical

Exam Fee

Via AMPP Store (AMPP)

AMPP CAS-2 Exam Content Outline

15%

Environmental, Safety, and Health

OSHA confined-space program (29 CFR 1910.146) including O2/LEL/toxic atmosphere monitoring, hot work permits, lead PEL 50 ug/m^3 (1926.62), hexavalent chromium PEL 5 ug/m^3 (1926.1126), supplied-air respirators (1910.134), Level A/B/C PPE, NFPA 33 bonding/grounding, and fall arrest

10%

Environmental Compliance and Containment

Clean Air Act VOC limits, EPA AIM rule, regional SIP/SCAQMD rules, SSPC Guide 6 containment classes, RCRA waste characterization and manifesting, and lead waste disposal

15%

Surface Preparation Standards

SSPC-SP 5 White Metal (Sa 3), SSPC-SP 6 Commercial (Sa 2), SSPC-SP 10 Near-White (Sa 2.5), SSPC-SP 11 power tool to bare metal, abrasive selection (steel grit angular for sharp profile, shot for peening), and abrasive recycling

10%

Water Jetting per SSPC-SP 12 / NACE No. 5

WJ-1 (clean to bare substrate), WJ-2 (very thorough, 95% clean), WJ-3 (thorough, two-thirds clean), WJ-4 (loose material removal), SC-1 to SC-3 soluble contaminant levels, flash rust grades (L/M/H), and 700+ bar working pressures

10%

Surface Verification (Profile, Salts, Air Quality)

ASTM D4417 Methods A/B/C surface profile (replica tape, depth micrometer, comparator), Bresle method (ISO 8502-6/9) soluble salts, ASTM D4285 compressed-air blotter test, and dew point control (surface at least 5 F above dew point)

10%

SSPC-PA 2 DFT Measurement

Spot measurement (average of 3 gage readings within 1.5-inch circle), 5 spots per 100 ft^2 frequency, 80/20 Rule (Level 3), Restriction Levels 1-5 limits, gage calibration with NIST-traceable shims, WFT and volume solids math (WFT x %vol solids = theoretical DFT)

15%

Coating Application Methods

Conventional air-atomized (30-100 psi air), airless spray (1,500-3,500 psi hydraulic, tip code XYZ for fan and orifice), air-assisted airless, electrostatic wraparound spray, brush/roller, and plural-component polyurea (1:1 by volume, heated hose 150-180 F)

8%

Specialty Application: Thermal Spray and Tank Lining

Thermal spray zinc/aluminum metallizing per AWS C2.18 / C2.23M (5-10 mil typical DFT on SP 5 / 2.5-4 mil sharp profile, operator bend test qualification, sealer over thermal spray) and immersion tank linings with high-voltage holiday detection per NACE/AMPP SP0188

7%

Defect Diagnosis and Nonconforming Work

Mud-cracking (over-thick IOZ), amine blush (humidity during epoxy cure), cratering (silicone contamination), dry spray (gun too far), sagging (gun too close), solvent entrapment, soluble-salt-driven osmotic blistering, and remediation/touch-up workflows

How to Pass the AMPP CAS-2 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% written + 90% practical
  • Assessment: 100-question closed-book written exam plus a hands-on abrasive blasting and coating application practical (conventional or airless spray)
  • Time limit: 4 hours total
  • 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-2 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize SSPC-PA 2 cold: 5 spots per 100 ft^2, each spot is the average of 3 gage readings in a 1.5-inch circle, individual gage readings may be any value, and the default 80/20 Rule (Level 3) means spots must be 80% of minimum to 120% of maximum specified DFT — distractors usually mix up 'gage reading' vs 'spot' limits.
2Learn the 5 PA 2 Restriction Levels: Level 1 (min/max unrestricted), Level 2 (max 120%), Level 3 (default 80/20), Level 4 (max 150%), Level 5 (max unrestricted) — questions often ask which level was specified given a tolerance.
3Know the four water-jetting visible standards (SSPC-SP WJ-1 to WJ-4) and remember WJ-1 is the cleanest (no visible residues) and WJ-4 is the lightest (loose material only) — always pair a WJ-x with an SC-1/2/3 non-visible soluble contaminant level.
4Master surface preparation cleanliness equivalences: SP 5 = Sa 3 White Metal (immersion/thermal spray), SP 10 = Sa 2.5 Near-White (most performance coatings), SP 6 = Sa 2 Commercial, SP 7 = Sa 1 Brush-Off.
5Practice DFT math: WFT x %volume solids = theoretical DFT. If specified DFT is 8 mils and solids are 75%, you need 10.7 mils WFT. Expect 2-3 calculation questions.
6Learn plural-component fundamentals for polyurea: 1:1 volume ratio, heated hoses (150-180 F), impingement-mix gun, and continuous monitoring of A/B pressures — off-ratio comes from cavitation, failed check valves, or unequal heat.
7Memorize OSHA confined-space sequence (oxygen, then LEL/combustibles, then toxics) and PELs: lead 50 ug/m^3 (AL 30), hexavalent chromium 5 ug/m^3 (AL 2.5). Know when SAR is required vs APR (any isocyanate, IDLH, confined space).
8Drill defect causes: mud-cracking = over-thick IOZ; amine blush = humidity during epoxy cure; cratering = silicone contamination; dry spray = gun too far; sagging = gun too close or too thick; bubbling over IOZ = topcoated before MEK rub cure was complete (ASTM D4752).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AMPP CAS Level 2 certification?

AMPP Coating Application Specialist (CAS) Level 2 is the advanced industrial coatings applicator certification issued by AMPP under the SSPC-ACS 1 / NACE No. 13 standard. It validates that the applicator can perform abrasive blasting, water jetting, conventional and airless spray, plural-component spray, thermal spray metallizing, tank lining application, and stripe coating to industry standards on complex industrial and marine projects.

What is the exam format and passing score?

The CAS Level 2 examination is approximately 4 hours total and includes (1) a 100-question closed-book written multiple-choice exam (minimum passing score 70%) and (2) a hands-on practical in abrasive blasting and coating application using conventional or airless spray (minimum passing score 90%). Both components must be passed independently.

What are the prerequisites and how do I register?

Candidates submit an AMPP prerequisite form that documents qualifying applicator experience. The AMPP CAS Prep course is strongly recommended but not strictly required. Holders of CAS Level 2 Interim, C7, or C12 may test the written exam only. Registration is handled through the AMPP Store and the AMPP certification portal, and the practical is administered at an AMPP in-person test site.

How long is the certification valid and how do I recertify?

AMPP CAS Level 2 is valid for 4 years. Recertification is available through the AMPP recertification process, which requires documenting ongoing applicator work experience and meeting AMPP's renewal requirements before expiration. Lapsed credentials may require re-examination.

What languages is the CAS Level 2 exam offered in?

English and Spanish are standard. Greek, Polish, and Portuguese are available upon request. Candidates should confirm language availability with AMPP at the time of registration.

How does CAS Level 2 differ from CAS Level 1?

CAS Level 1 covers foundational applicator competencies (single-component spray, basic surface preparation, basic DFT) for general industrial work. CAS Level 2 is significantly more advanced and covers plural-component spray for polyurea and high-solids coatings, thermal spray metallizing per AWS C2.18, water jetting per SSPC-SP WJ-1 through WJ-4, the full SSPC-PA 2 framework (80/20 rule, restriction levels), tank lining application with high-voltage holiday detection, and complex defect diagnosis.