There are three levels of participation in anticorrosion protection:

Level I : Operator

The operator is the person performing :

      a) Surface preparation
      b) Coating application by brush, roller or spray

At this level, the operator is responsible for adjusting equipment to comply with application parameters defined in the contractor general description of operations.

Level II : Foreman or Site Manager

The foreman or site manager is in charge of work performance and is responsible for their compliance with the technical specifications. He possesses at least the same technical proficiency as a level I operator.

Level III : Supervisor  is the person within the company who is reponsible for carrying out projects, based on the file supplied by the Branch Manager or the Company, with regard to :
* compliance of work with specifications
*quality, safety and environment

Option a : Surface preparation

- Capacity to attain a degree of cleanliness Sa3 and a profile corresponding to degree N 10 b (Ra of 12.5µ) or to the medium grade of ISO plates.
- Capacity to visually evaluate the degree of cleanliness in relation to reference photo [NFT 35-502.4
- Capacity to use a Rugotest LCA-CEA n°3 or ISO plates.

Option b : Brush or spray application

- Capacity to identify and prepare the material to be used and to apply it according to certification specifications or in accordance with the technical data sheet. 

Applicator shall be capable of :

- Material preparation : observance of proportions (volume and weight), verification of expiry date, observance of mixing and induction times.
- Adjusting pressures when applying by airless spray
- Choosing the right tip (diametre, angle) - Checking the applied wet film thickness : use of wft gauge in compliance with the material data sheet (NF T 30-125)
- Checking the dry film thickness (NF T 30124 level A) which should comply with certification or with the material technical data sheet.

Option c : Metal spraying

This shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of the applicable standard (NF EN 22.063)

- Operator shall be capable of obtaining a regular and even coating thickness of 120µ without blemish, coarse finish or overspray.
- Operator shall be capable of measuring coating thickness

Option d : Special coatings (eg ethyl zinc silicate, etc.)

- Capacity to obtain an even film of 60 microns
- Capacity to keep material homogenous with the zinc in suspension 

Option e : Application by brush or roller

- Only 1 level is required for this specialisation.
- Capacity to perform surface preparation and to apply paint, using brush or roller, to an even thickness of 40 microns

Requirements

For levels 1 and 2, no school certificates are required for certification. No professional references are required for any options.

For level 3 (Supervisor), at least one year's experience in anticorrosion at this level is required

Examinations

Examinations obviously require theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The examination centres also offer refresher courses outside the ACQPA certification regime.

How to apply

The candidates, individually or under cover of their employer, must make a written application to the ACQPA.

The various levels and options can be taken in the 5 examination centers in France as follows:

Levels 1 and 2

Option e

 Level 3

Renewal

Bill of rates for certification examination