SSPC PCS

SSPC Protective Coating Specialist (PCS) Program

SSPC PCS

SSPC’s Protective Coatings Specialist certification recognizes those individuals who demonstrate a broad depth of knowledge in the protective coatings industry. The PCS may be involved in specification writing or review, development or review of work plans, development or review of submittal documents, quality assurance, failure investigation, and repair recommendations.

Recent versions of the Unified Facilities Guide Specifications list the PCS as one of the QC Specialists designated to perform Special Inspections on the project.

Course Description

SSPC C1 & C2 fundamental training program that covers the practical aspects of the selection, specification and use of coatings in a safe, effective, and economical manner to protect structures in harsh marine environments.

 SSPC PCS EXAM FOCUS

  • Introduction to marine coatings
  • Elements of marine corrosion
  • Coating fundamentals
  • Marine coating systems
  • Antifouling coatings
  • Surface preparation
  • Coating application
  • Quality management
  • Coating failures
  • Assessing marine corrosion
  • Safety and environmental issues
  • Failures

SSPC PCS COURSE & PRE-REQUISITE DETAILS

Course Description
The Protective Coatings Specialist certification program (PCS) identifies and awards recognition to individuals who have indepth knowledge in the principles and practices of industrial coatings technology.

Course/Exam Content
The Protective Coatings Specialist certification program (PCS) identifies and awards recognition to individuals who have in-depth knowledge in the principles and practices of industrial coatings technology. Certification attests to the professional credibility of the coatings practitioner and raises the standards of the protective coatings profession.

Benefits of Attending
PCS Certification Demonstrates Mastery in

Assessment of coatings systems
Development of coatings specifications
Surface preparation and coatings applications
Economics of coatings
Contract planning and management
Coating failure analysis
Inspection

Course Format/ Notes
Exam Format

Candidates must complete a comprehensive multiple choice and essay question exam and pass with a 70% or better. The Certification is valid for four years, subject to verification of current status as a protective coatings professional. For more information about the PCS Exam click here.

Who Should Attend
Core Competencies

Applicants should understand the mechanisms and effects of corrosion for a variety of materials and be knowledgeable of the role coatings play in industrial corrosion control.

The prospective Protective Coatings Specialist should also exhibit competence in management and planning of contracts for new construction and maintenance painting, economic analysis and implementation of environmental and safety regulations and controls.

Written Exam Retake Fee
Additional Information
PCS Background

SSPC’s certification process for coatings specialists was developed with the assistance of SSPC’s C.6 Education & Certification Technical Committee and authorized by SSPC’s Board of Governors. SSPC staff, the SSPC Education Committee, and a consensus of coatings industry representatives, including facility owners, contractors, consultants, academic institutions, professional societies, and SSPC members experienced in teaching coatings courses contributed to the design of the certification process.

A certification panel consisting of a minimum of three instructors who are SSPC Protective Coatings Specialists, and the Board of Governors oversee the certification process. The SSPC President appoints the certification panel, whose primary responsibilities are to review and validate examination grades (when required), resolve any disputes on grading procedures, review and ratify policies, and develop new exam material.
Applicants Background

Applicants should understand the mechanisms and effects of corrosion for a variety of materials, and be knowledgeable of the role coatings play in industrial corrosion control. The prospective Protective Coatings Specialist should also exhibit competence in management and planning of contracts for new construction and maintenance painting, economic analysis, and implementation of environmental and safety regulations and controls.

Prequisities
Same PCS Program Requirements Include

  Work Experience Education C1 C2
Option A 5 years coatings experience Bachelor’s Degree Must Take C1 Exam Only Must Take C2 Course and Exam
Option B 7 years coatings experience Associate’s Degree Must Take C1 Exam Only Must Take C2 Course and Exam
Option C 10 years coatings experience High school graduation or GED Must Take C1 Exam Only Must Take C2 Course and Exam
Option D 15 years coatings experience n/a n/a Must Take C2 Exam Only
Candidates must provide a formal application & three professional references
SSPC recommends candidates take the C1 & C2 Courses before taking the PCS Exam
Candidates should read entire application for complete prerequisite details

Recertification
PCS Program Recertification Documentation and Maintenance

Embosser & Custom Stamp Program for PCS Professionals
CEU Detailed 4-year plan (PDF)
PCS Recertification Application Form (PDF)
PCS Recertification Attestation Form (PDF)