The NACE International Institute (NII) recently introduced a new Certified Coating Applicator (CCA) certification. This new credential for industrial painters validates working knowledge of surface preparation, industrial coatings application, environmental conditions, and safety procedures, as well as using professionally developed examinations that accurately measure a candidate’s proficiency.
Developed in accordance with the ISO 17024 standard, the CCA certification was built on industry leading certification development practices and provides a third-party, quality, objective assessment and verification of an individual’s expertise.
Unlike many applicator qualification programs, a test candidate will not be granted the CCA qualification without passing critical safety items on the CCA exam–even if the candidate earns an overall passing score. This stipulation is a direct outcome of industry demand that safety be the highest priority.
“Coatings and linings are considered the first line of defense against corrosion for a vast range of assets,” says Helena Seelinger, executive director of the NACE International Institute. “That’s why businesses want to ensure they’re hiring someone with proven, verified skills. They want the job done right the first time, which is where the Certified Coating Applicator comes in.”
Because skills required to earn CCA are aligned with field job roles and not merely theory, businesses can narrow their selection to only the most qualified candidates by specifying this certification in employee and contractor requirements. This in turn streamlines the onboarding process and minimizes liability.
Known for its globally respected and specified Coating Inspector Program, the NII applied its expertise and high standards to the creation of this latest certification for coating applicators.
“Businesses worldwide have come to rely on NACE Institute certifications as a metric for standardization and a measure for personnel performance,” Seelinger says. “It only made sense that we utilize our body of knowledge to deliver a certification that complements our existing programs.”
To qualify to earn the Certified Coating Applicator certification, individuals must have a minimum of 1.5 years of work experience in the field before taking a computerized exam and a practical exam. More details about the program are available at the NII website.
Source: NII, www.naceinstitute.org.