Which certification is better for being a coating inspector, AMPP or BGAS?
As a coating inspector, choosing the proper certification can make a huge difference in your career growth and earning potential. Several institutes offer coating inspection certifications, but the two most widely accepted and popular certifications in the coating inspection industry are AMPP and BGAS. But which one is better?
To choose the right certification, it is essential to consider a few important factors to make an informed decision.
Introduction
Coating inspection is a critical component of asset integrity management in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. It involves inspecting coatings and linings of equipment and structures to ensure they meet industrial specifications, standards, and regulations. As a result, coating inspectors play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of assets and ensuring public safety.
To become a certified coating inspector, you need to pass a certification exam from a recognized certification body. Two of the most reputable certification bodies for coating inspectors are AMPP and BGAS. However, both certifications have unique strengths, and choosing the right one depends on many factors.
Some of the factors you need to consider while deciding which certification to go for are your objective behind getting the certification, your career goals and plans, the amount of time you can invest, your current levels of experience and qualifications and lastly, the financial investment you can afford. Here is a detailed description of both the certifications and a detailed comparison of the two to help you make a decision.
What is AMPP certification?
AMPP certification is a globally recognized certification program for corrosion and coating professionals. It is offered by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance, formerly known as NACE International. The AMPP certification program is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in corrosion prevention and control, coating inspection, and other related fields.
CORCON INSTITUTE OF CORROSION is the official licensee for education and certification programs of NACE International in India, and it offers complete certified certifications and training in India. Its partnership with AMPP (NACE International) enables it with the necessary expertise and resources to offer the most comprehensive and advanced corrosion training programs in India.
The AMPP certification program has several levels, which are:
CIP Level 1 Course / Basic Coatings Inspector Certification
CIP Level 2 Course / Certified Coatings Inspector Certification and
Senior Certified Coatings Inspector Certification, a peer-reviewed program
The CIP certification is specifically designed for coating inspectors, manufacturers, and technical sales personnel to understand and gain complete knowledge of corrosion control, paint inspections and application and project management. The candidates gain knowledge of surface preparation, coating application, inspection techniques, and quality control. To become a certified CIP coating inspector, you must pass a rigorous exam that tests your knowledge and skills in these areas. These courses combine classroom studies, hands-on- practice training and discussions for a comprehensive learning experience. Students of the course include individual professional applicators, specifiers, inspectors, blasters, managers and professionals from many fields. The multidisciplinary approach to teaching ensures that students gain an in-depth understanding of all things related to corrosion control in various industries.
What is BGAS certification?
BGAS certification is another well-known certification program for coating inspectors. It is offered by the British Gas Association (BGAS), a professional body that promotes excellence in the gas industry. The BGAS certification program is designed to help professionals demonstrate their competence and proficiency in coating inspection and other related fields.
The BGAS certification program has several levels, including the BGAS-CSWIP Painting Inspector Grade 2 and BGAS-CSWIP Painting Inspector Grade 1 and BGAS-CSWIP Site Coatings Inspector certifications. These certifications cover topics such as surface preparation, coating application, inspection techniques, and quality control. To become certified, you need to pass a rigorous exam that tests your knowledge and skills in these areas.
It should be noted that while the BGAS certification includes a broad range of topics such as painting, coating, and agricultural and environmental matters, it has been designed primarily for the pipeline industry and has a focus on established subjects related to the pipeline industry such as offshore equipment management, welding and NDT inspection.
AMPP certification vs BGAS certification: Course Overview
Both AMPP and BGAS certifications are highly respected in the coating inspection industry. Let us understand in detail what are different levels They both cover similar topics and require passing a rigorous exam to become certified. However, there are some key differences between the two certifications.
Beginner course of AMPP
The Basic Coatings Inspector / CIP Level 1 Certification is the beginner-level course of the AMPP and can be conducted and is open to anyone interested in completing the course. No prior knowledge or work experience is required before enrolling in the CIP Level 1 course. The course concludes with written and practical assessments. Each program level must be successfully completed before moving on to the next level. Once students complete the corresponding course and exam or pass the Peer Review, they are eligible for the related certifications. Each certification level enables the CIP professional to perform different tasks in the field.
Beginner course of BGAS
BGAS-CSWIP Painting Inspector – Grade 2 is a beginner-level course and can be taken by anyone, irrespective of industry experience. However, the individual must gain a minimum experience of 6 months before or after the exam.
Intermediary Level Course of AMPP
THE AMPP CIP Level 2 course is the intermediary level of the AMPP course. An individual needs to have completed the CIP level 1 course to be eligible for this course. The course focuses on more advanced inspection techniques and specialized applications for steel and non-steel substrates, including concrete, using non-destructive and destructive techniques. Individuals who complete AMPP CIP Level 2 are eligible to perform and document non-destructive/destructive inspections of liquid and non-liquid coatings to any substrate in a shop or field setting under the supervision of a CIP Level 3 inspector.
Intermediary/ Higher Level Course of BGAS
BGAS-CSWIP Painting Inspector – Grade 1 is the higher level course of BGAS. You need to process a valid BGAS-CSWIP Grade 2 certificate to be eligible for the course. You also need to obtain industrial experience of 12 months after obtaining the certification if you do not have one before the certification. The experience should provide you with a good knowledge of offshore working safety and painting inspection. This course covers zones of offshore structures, offshore working, safety offshore, and medical and emergency procedures/escape routes. You will also learn about permit-to-work systems, vessel entry, enclosed space working scaffolding, and fire protection.
The advance course of AMPP
The AMPP CIP Peer Review is the third and the highest level oral exam of AMPP. It has been designed to determine if a candidate has the required skills and knowledge required of a qualified Level 3 Coating Inspector. The oral exam tests the expertise of candidates in various factors of corrosion control. The candidates are expected to have an in-depth and extensive knowledge of all corrosion, surface preparation, cleanliness, environmental conditions, test instruments, coating mixtures, and safety. In addition, they should be able to perform independent, unsupervised non-destructive inspections of liquid and non-liquid coatings to all kinds of substrates. The candidates are also required to be capable of supervising basic (CIP level 1) and intermediate (CIP level 2) coating inspectors and demonstrate comprehensive technical knowledge and problem-solving ability concerning any issues that may crop up on site.
To be eligible for this course, you must have completed AMPP Coatings Inspector Program (CIP) level 1 and AMPP Coatings Inspector Program (CIP) level 2 courses. In addition, they must also possess a valid and active Coatings Inspector Program (CIP) Level 2 Certification.
AMPP certification vs BGAS certification Exam Format and Content
Both AMPP and BGAS exams are designed to test your knowledge and skills in coating inspection and related fields. However, the format and content of the exams differ between the two certifications.
The AMPP CIP exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of coatings, inspection techniques, and quality control. The practical exam involves inspecting a coated substrate and evaluating its condition.
The BGAS SPI exam also consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of coatings, inspection techniques, and quality control. The practical exam involves inspecting a coated substrate and evaluating its condition.
AMPP certification vs BGAS certification Continuing Education Requirements
AMPP and BGAS certifications are highly professional courses requiring continuing education and expert levels of knowledge to maintain your certification. This ensures you stay up-to-date with constantly evolving and developing industry standards and regulations.
AMPP certification requires 20 hours of continuing education every two years. This education can be in the form of training courses, seminars, or conferences. AMPP also offers a variety of online courses and webinars that count towards continuing education.
BGAS certification requires 80 hours of continuing education every five years. This education can be in the form of training courses, seminars, or conferences. BGAS also offers a variety of online courses and webinars that count towards continuing education.
AMPP certification vs BGAS certification Cost and Availability
The cost and availability of AMPP and BGAS certifications can vary depending on your location and other factors. Generally, AMPP certification is more widely available and more expensive than BGAS certification.
The cost of the AMPP CIP Level 1 course is around $1,000, while the cost of the exam is around $600. The cost of the BGAS PI course is around £1,500, while the cost of the exam is around £400. However, these costs can vary depending on your location and other factors.
Pros and Cons of AMPP and BGAS Certification
Acceptance:
AMPP is a globally recognized certification that is readily available to professionals and widely accepted. BGAS is also a recognized certificate but is more widely respected in UK and Europe. Both certifications have a global acceptance, and the choice of which certification to choose depends on individual career goals and preferences.
Industrial Relevance:
AMPP covers a broad range of topics and applies to many industries, including the pipeline industry. BGAS -CSWIP certificates, though applicable to several industrial sectors, are more relevant to transmission pipeline personnel. The scope of both the courses and the industrial relevance needs to be taken into consideration before deciding on the certification.
Price:
The AMPP certification is more expensive than the BGAS certification. However, it should be noted that the cost of both these courses also depends on the geographical location of the institute providing the course.
Networking and Career Development Opportunities
Both AMPP and BGAS offer opportunities to network and connect with other professionals in the industry, and both courses require dedication, hard work and experience to pass the exams. Regularly attending training courses and conferences conducted by these institutions is an excellent opportunity for professionals to interact with each other and update themselves with the latest technological developments, new regulations and best practices. In addition, both certifications offer online courses and ample opportunities to continue their education. It should also be noted that both institutes require their members to periodically renew their certifications after the assigned time frames. This is to ensure that all certificate holders are up to date with the latest developments in their fields.
Recertification
For AMPP, an approved recertification application is required to be submitted every 3 years. The work experience requirement for renewals for the certifications is of one and a half years for the most recent three-year period. This means that one should have worked in the inspections industry for a period of at least one and a half years in the last three years.
BGAS Recertification
The BGAS certification requires periodic renewal and recertification. The certificate needs to be renewed at 5 years and recertified at 10 years. In addition, the candidates are required to submit a work experience record of 4 out of 5 years along with a record of continuing professional development (CPD) of at least 35 hours per year, both of which are to be recorded in the CSWIP/BGAS-CSWIP Log Book. The inspectors are also required to pass a prescribed eye test and submit other necessary documents.
Which certification is better, AMPP or BGAS?
AMPP and BGAS certifications are two of the most respected certifications in the coating inspection industry. Both certifications require passing a rigorous exam that tests your knowledge and skills in coating inspection and related fields and requires a high degree of knowledge and expertise to clear. While the AMPP certifications are known to have more expansive course material, some professionals believe that it is much more challenging to pass the BGAS exams.
Choosing the proper certification depends on your personal career goals, location, and experience levels. For example, if you work internationally or plan to do so in the future, AMPP certification may be a better choice due to its global recognition. On the other hand, if you work in the UK or Europe, BGAS certification may be a better choice due to its well-respected reputation in the region.
It is also essential to consider the industries in which you are working or plan to work. For example, if you want to keep your choices open, then AMPP certification is better, but if you have decided to work in the pipeline industry, then BGAS is a better choice for you.
If you are new to the coating inspection industry, you may want to start with a beginner-level certification and work your way up. However, since AMPP certification is slightly more widely accepted and has more industry relevance, you should consider opting for an AMPP certification. But the final choice should depend on your personal career goals and choices. Both certifications can help you advance in the field of coating inspection, develop a high level of knowledge and expertise and open up new career opportunities.
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