Free CIP 1 Exam Prep
AMPP Basic Coatings Inspector (CIP Level 1)
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CIP AMPP Certifications License: Complete Roadmap
Follow this path to maximize your chances of passing on the first try
Phase 1: SSPC FoundationsYou are here
Master SSPC-SP grades (1, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11), SSPC-VIS 1 photographic standards, and ISO 8501-1 initial rust grades.
Phase 2: Measurement
Study ASTM D4417 surface profile methods, ASTM D4414 wet film thickness, SSPC-PA 2 dry film thickness procedures, and the 80/120 rule.
Phase 3: Application and Inspection
Learn ambient conditions (dew point rule), holiday detection per ASTM D5162, coating chemistries, and inspection documentation.
Can You Take the CIP 1 Exam?
Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements
- •Complete the AMPP CIP Level 1 5-6 day in-person course
- •Pass the classroom practical exam
- •Pass the Pearson VUE CBT theory exam
- •Agree to the AMPP Terms of Service
CIP 1 Quick Facts
Time to Get Licensed
8-12 weeks including the 5-6 day AMPP course
From start to license in hand
Retake Policy
Theory exam retakes at $165 CBT per AMPP 2024 fee schedule; practical retakes may require course attendance
Total Cost Breakdown
Free CIP 1 Prep That Actually Works
The official pass rate is AMPP does not publish CIP Level 1 pass rate data.. Our students do better.
100 Practice Questions
CIP Level 1 style questions covering SSPC surface prep, ASTM profile, SSPC-PA 2 DFT, holiday detection, and ambient conditions.
AI-Powered Learning
Adaptive coaching for surface preparation standards, psychrometrics, DFT measurement, and coating chemistry.
2026 Updated
Aligned with current AMPP, SSPC, and NACE standards including post-2021 merger renumbering.
Free Access
Start CIP Level 1 prep free before investing in the full AMPP in-person course.
What You'll Study
10 chapters covering everything you need to pass
Introduction and Exam Overview
1 sections
Chapter 2: Surface Preparation Standards
3 sections
Surface Profile and Contaminants
3 sections
Chapter 4: Coating Materials and Types
4 sections
Chapter 5 — Application Methods
2 sections
Chapter 6: Inspection and Defects
3 sections
Ambient Conditions
3 sections
Chapter 8: Film Thickness Measurement
3 sections
Chapter 9: Holiday Detection
2 sections
Safety, Ethics, and Inspector Standards
2 sections
CIP 1 Exam Details
AMPP Basic Coatings Inspector (CIP Level 1)
Administered by AMPP
Exam Content Breakdown
Based on the official AMPP content outline
SSPC-SP 1 through SP 16, water jetting WJ-1 through WJ-4, SSPC-VIS 1, ISO 8501-1 rust grades, Bresle patch soluble salts, SSPC-AB 1 abrasives.
Alkyd, epoxy, polyurethane, moisture-cure urethane, inorganic and organic zinc-rich primers, volume solids, VOC, pot life, induction time.
Spray technique, stripe coating, orange peel, runs, inspector authority, hold points, ASTM D4541 pull-off, ASTM D3359 cross-cut adhesion.
Sling psychrometer, dew point, 5 °F rule, relative humidity, surface temperature, SSPC-TU 4 environmental control.
Wet film thickness per ASTM D4414, dry film thickness per SSPC-PA 2 and ASTM D7091, 80/120 rule, spot and area measurements.
Low-voltage wet sponge and high-voltage spark per ASTM D5162, NACE/AMPP SP0188 voltage calculation, grounding, repair verification.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1053 silica, 29 CFR 1910.146 confined space, AMPP Code of Ethics, Daily Inspection Reports, CIP Job Duties.
What's Included
10 Chapters
Complete exam coverage
Practice Quizzes
With detailed explanations
Free to Start
No credit card required
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What's Next After the CIP 1?
After passing the CIP 1, you can pursue these career paths
AMPP CIP Level 2
Advance to the Certified Coatings Inspector credential for advanced inspection, specialty coatings, and NDE familiarity.
AMPP CIP Level 3
Earn the Senior Certified Coatings Inspector credential via peer-reviewed oral exam after gaining 5+ years of experience.
AMPP Protective Coatings Specialist
Move into specification writing with the PCS credential after earning CIP Level 2 and 7+ years of experience.
CIP 1 Exam FAQ
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