Question 1
What is the primary purpose of a coating inspector at CIP Level 2?
A) Perform destructive testing independently
B) Conduct and document nondestructive inspections under supervision
C) Supervise coating application crews
D) Design coating specifications
Answer: B
Explanation: CIP Level 2 inspectors are qualified to perform and document nondestructive inspections independently in shop settings and under a Level 3 inspector’s supervision in field settings.
Question 2
Which standard governs surface preparation for abrasive blasting?
A) ASTM D4417
B) SSPC-SP 10/NACE No. 2
C) ISO 8504-2
D) ASTM D4285
Answer: B
Explanation: SSPC-SP 10/NACE No. 2 defines near-white metal blast cleaning, a common surface preparation standard for coatings.
Question 3
What is the typical acceptance criterion for surface profile after abrasive blasting?
A) 0.5–1 mil
B) 1–3 mils
C) 3–5 mils
D) No specific range
Answer: B
Explanation: Surface profile for most coatings ranges from 1–3 mils (25–75 µm), depending on the coating system and substrate, as specified in standards like SSPC-PA 2.
Question 4
Which instrument measures coating thickness nondestructively on steel?
A) Adhesion tester
B) Magnetic pull-off gauge
C) Wet film thickness gauge
D) Psychrometer
Answer: B
Explanation: Magnetic pull-off gauges (e.g., Type 1 or Type 2 per SSPC-PA 2) measure dry film thickness (DFT) nondestructively on ferromagnetic substrates like steel.
Question 5
What is the primary cause of coating failure due to improper surface preparation?
A) Excessive DFT
B) Poor adhesion
C) Solvent entrapment
D) Overcuring
Answer: B
Explanation: Inadequate surface preparation reduces coating adhesion, leading to premature failure through peeling or delamination.
Question 6
Which test method evaluates coating adhesion destructively?
A) Cross-hatch test
B) Pull-off adhesion test
C) Holiday test
D) Bresle patch test
Answer: B
Explanation: The pull-off adhesion test (ASTM D4541) measures coating adhesion by pulling a dolly until the coating fails, providing quantitative results.
Question 7
What is the purpose of a holiday test?
A) Measure coating thickness
B) Detect pinholes in coatings
C) Assess surface cleanliness
D) Evaluate coating hardness
Answer: B
Explanation: Holiday testing (ASTM D5162) uses high- or low-voltage equipment to detect pinholes or voids in coatings, ensuring continuity.
Question 8
Which environmental condition affects coating application?
A) Surface profile
B) Relative humidity
C) Coating viscosity
D) Abrasive type
Answer: B
Explanation: Relative humidity impacts coating curing and application, with high humidity potentially causing issues like blushing or poor adhesion.
Question 9
What is the typical dew point requirement for coating application?
A) Surface temperature equals dew point
B) Surface temperature is at least 3°C (5°F) above dew point
C) Surface temperature is below dew point
D) No dew point requirement
Answer: B
Explanation: To prevent moisture condensation, the surface temperature must be at least 3°C (5°F) above the dew point during coating application.
Question 10
Which coating failure mode results from internal stresses?
A) Checking
B) Blistering
C) Chalking
D) Alligatoring
Answer: A
Explanation: Checking is caused by internal stresses in the coating film, resulting in fine cracks that do not penetrate to the substrate.
Question 11
What does the Bresle patch test measure?
A) Surface profile
B) Soluble salt contamination
C) Coating adhesion
D) Dry film thickness
Answer: B
Explanation: The Bresle patch test (ISO 8502-6) measures soluble salts on surfaces, which can cause osmotic blistering if not removed.
Question 12
Which standard specifies cleanliness levels for abrasive-blasted surfaces?
A) SSPC-VIS 1
B) ASTM D4417
C) ISO 8503-1
D) SSPC-PA 2
Answer: A
Explanation: SSPC-VIS 1 provides visual comparators for assessing the cleanliness of abrasive-blasted steel surfaces.
Question 13
What is the primary function of a zinc-rich primer?
A) Aesthetic finish
B) Cathodic protection
C) UV resistance
D) Abrasion resistance
Answer: B
Explanation: Zinc-rich primers provide cathodic protection by sacrificially corroding to protect the steel substrate.
Question 14
Which coating type is commonly used for immersion service?
A) Alkyd
B) Epoxy
C) Acrylic
D) Latex
Answer: B
Explanation: Epoxy coatings are durable and resistant to water and chemicals, making them suitable for immersion service.
Question 15
What is the purpose of an inspection test plan (ITP)?
A) Document coating failures
B) Outline inspection activities and acceptance criteria
C) Specify coating formulations
D) Train coating applicators
Answer: B
Explanation: An ITP details inspection tasks, methods, and acceptance criteria to ensure compliance with project specifications.
Question 16
Which instrument measures surface roughness?
A) Replica tape
B) Psychrometer
C) Holiday detector
D) Adhesion tester
Answer: A
Explanation: Replica tape (ASTM D4417, Method C) is used to measure surface profile by pressing tape onto the surface and analyzing it with a micrometer.
Question 17
What is a common cause of osmotic blistering in coatings?
A) Excessive DFT
B) Soluble salts on the substrate
C) Low relative humidity
D) Overcuring
Answer: B
Explanation: Soluble salts trapped under the coating draw water through osmosis, causing blisters.
Question 18
Which test assesses coating hardness?
A) Pencil hardness test
B) Pull-off adhesion test
C) Bresle patch test
D) Holiday test
Answer: A
Explanation: The pencil hardness test (ASTM D3363) evaluates coating hardness by determining the hardest pencil that does not gouge the film.
Question 19
What is the typical voltage for a high-voltage holiday test?
A) 100–500 V
B) 500–5,000 V
C) 5,000–15,000 V
D) Above 15,000 V
Answer: C
Explanation: High-voltage holiday tests typically use 5,000–15,000 V, depending on coating thickness, to detect pinholes in thick coatings.
Question 20
Which coating defect appears as a powdery surface?
A) Blistering
B) Chalking
C) Cracking
D) Delamination
Answer: B
Explanation: Chalking occurs when the coating binder degrades due to UV exposure, leaving a powdery residue on the surface.
Question 21
What is the purpose of a wet film thickness (WFT) gauge?
A) Measure cured coating thickness
B) Estimate DFT during application
C) Assess surface cleanliness
D) Evaluate adhesion
Answer: B
Explanation: WFT gauges measure the thickness of wet coatings, allowing inspectors to estimate DFT based on solids content.
Question 22
Which standard governs dry film thickness measurement?
A) SSPC-PA 2
B) ASTM D4417
C) ISO 8502-6
D) SSPC-VIS 1
Answer: A
Explanation: SSPC-PA 2 specifies procedures for measuring DFT on steel substrates using nondestructive gauges.
Question 23
What is the effect of applying a coating below the minimum recommended temperature?
A) Faster curing
B) Poor adhesion and curing
C) Increased DFT
D) Reduced viscosity
Answer: B
Explanation: Low temperatures can slow or prevent curing, leading to poor adhesion and coating performance.
Question 24
Which coating system is suitable for high-temperature service?
A) Silicone-based
B) Alkyd-based
C) Latex-based
D) Polyurethane-based
Answer: A
Explanation: Silicone-based coatings withstand high temperatures (up to 600°C), making them ideal for high-temperature environments.
Question 25
What is the primary purpose of a psychrometer?
A) Measure surface profile
B) Determine relative humidity and dew point
C) Assess coating adhesion
D) Detect holidays
Answer: B
Explanation: A psychrometer measures wet and dry bulb temperatures to calculate relative humidity and dew point, critical for coating application.
Question 26
Which defect is caused by solvent entrapment?
A) Pinholing
B) Checking
C) Alligatoring
D) Delamination
Answer: A
Explanation: Pinholing occurs when solvents trapped in the coating escape during curing, leaving small voids.
Question 27
What is the typical acceptance criterion for soluble salts on a surface?
A) No salts allowed
B) Less than 5–10 µg/cm² for immersion service
C) Less than 50 µg/cm²
D) No specific limit
Answer: B
Explanation: For immersion service, soluble salt levels are typically limited to 5–10 µg/cm² to prevent osmotic blistering.
Question 28
Which coating application method ensures uniform thickness?
A) Brush
B) Roller
C) Airless spray
D) Dip coating
Answer: C
Explanation: Airless spray provides consistent and uniform coating thickness, ideal for large surfaces.
Question 29
What is the purpose of a coating specification?
A) Document inspection results
B) Define materials, surface prep, and application requirements
C) Train inspectors
D) Certify applicators
Answer: B
Explanation: A coating specification outlines the materials, surface preparation, application methods, and acceptance criteria for a project.
Question 30
Which test method evaluates surface cleanliness before coating?
A) Bresle patch test
B) Pull-off adhesion test
C) Replica tape test
D) Pencil hardness test
Answer: A
Explanation: The Bresle patch test assesses soluble salt contamination, ensuring surface cleanliness before coating application.
Question 31
What is the effect of excessive DFT in a coating system?
A) Improved adhesion
B) Cracking or delamination
C) Reduced curing time
D) Enhanced corrosion resistance
Answer: B
Explanation: Excessive DFT can cause internal stresses, leading to cracking or delamination of the coating.
Question 32
Which coating type is prone to chalking?
A) Epoxy
B) Polyurethane
C) Inorganic zinc
D) Silicone
Answer: B
Explanation: Polyurethane topcoats are susceptible to chalking due to UV degradation of the binder.
Question 33
What is the purpose of a destructive adhesion test?
A) Verify coating thickness
B) Assess coating bond strength
C) Detect pinholes
D) Measure surface profile
Answer: B
Explanation: Destructive adhesion tests (e.g., ASTM D4541) quantify the force required to remove the coating, assessing bond strength.
Question 34
Which standard defines visual assessment of coating defects?
A) ASTM D610
B) SSPC-PA 2
C) ISO 8501-1
D) ASTM D4417
Answer: A
Explanation: ASTM D610 provides a scale for evaluating rust and coating defects like blistering or cracking.
Question 35
What is the typical recoat window for epoxy coatings?
A) 1–2 hours
B) 4–24 hours
C) 24–72 hours
D) No limit
Answer: C
Explanation: Epoxy coatings typically have a recoat window of 24–72 hours, depending on temperature and manufacturer guidelines.
Question 36
Which coating defect is caused by improper mixing?
A) Sagging
B) Poor adhesion
C) Orange peel
D) Cratering
Answer: B
Explanation: Improper mixing can result in uneven curing, reducing adhesion and coating performance.
Question 37
What is the purpose of a blast profile comparator?
A) Measure DFT
B) Assess surface roughness visually
C) Detect soluble salts
D) Evaluate adhesion
Answer: B
Explanation: Blast profile comparators (ISO 8503-1) visually assess surface roughness after abrasive blasting.
Question 38
Which coating is best for potable water tanks?
A) Alkyd
B) NSF-approved epoxy
C) Polyurethane
D) Latex
Answer: B
Explanation: NSF-approved epoxy coatings are certified for potable water contact due to their chemical resistance and safety.
Question 39
What is the effect of high relative humidity during coating application?
A) Faster curing
B) Blushing or poor adhesion
C) Increased DFT
D) Reduced viscosity
Answer: B
Explanation: High humidity can cause moisture to interact with the coating, leading to blushing or adhesion issues.
Question 40
Which test method evaluates coating flexibility?
A) Mandrel bend test
B) Pencil hardness test
C) Pull-off adhesion test
D) Holiday test
Answer: A
Explanation: The mandrel bend test (ASTM D522) assesses coating flexibility by bending the coated panel over a mandrel.
Question 41
What is the purpose of a daily inspection report?
A) Train applicators
B) Document environmental conditions and inspection results
C) Specify coating formulations
D) Certify inspectors
Answer: B
Explanation: Daily inspection reports record environmental conditions, inspection results, and compliance with specifications.
Question 42
Which coating defect resembles a wrinkled surface?
A) Alligatoring
B) Blistering
C) Chalking
D) Pinholing
Answer: A
Explanation: Alligatoring occurs when the topcoat shrinks differently from the undercoat, creating a wrinkled, alligator-like pattern.
Question 43
What is the typical abrasive material for blasting steel?
A) Glass beads
B) Garnet
C) Plastic media
D) Walnut shells
Answer: B
Explanation: Garnet is commonly used for abrasive blasting of steel due to its hardness and ability to create a suitable profile.
Question 44
Which standard governs holiday testing?
A) ASTM D5162
B) SSPC-PA 2
C) ISO 8502-6
D) ASTM D4417
Answer: A
Explanation: ASTM D5162 outlines procedures for high- and low-voltage holiday testing to detect coating discontinuities.
Question 45
What is the effect of applying a coating over rust?
A) Enhanced corrosion protection
B) Poor adhesion and coating failure
C) Increased DFT
D) Improved curing
Answer: B
Explanation: Coating over rust prevents proper adhesion, leading to premature failure and continued corrosion.
Question 46
Which coating system is used for galvanized steel?
A) Inorganic zinc primer
B) Epoxy primer with polyurethane topcoat
C) Alkyd primer
D) Latex primer
Answer: B
Explanation: Galvanized steel requires an epoxy primer and polyurethane topcoat to ensure adhesion and durability.
Question 47
What is the purpose of a quality control checkpoint?
A) Train inspectors
B) Verify compliance with specifications
C) Formulate coatings
D) Certify applicators
Answer: B
Explanation: Quality control checkpoints ensure that each stage of the coating process meets project specifications.
Question 48
Which defect is caused by applying a coating too thickly?
A) Sagging
B) Chalking
C) Checking
D) Blistering
Answer: A
Explanation: Sagging occurs when a thick coating runs or drips due to gravity before curing.
Question 49
What is the typical requirement for inspector safety during blasting?
A) Safety glasses only
B) Steel-toe boots and PPE
C) No PPE required
D) Ear protection only
Answer: B
Explanation: Inspectors require steel-toe boots, protective clothing, respiratory protection, and other PPE during blasting operations.
Question 50
Which document outlines the AMPP Coating Inspector Code of Conduct?
A) SSPC-PA 2
B) AMPP Ethics for the Corrosion Professional
C) ASTM D610
D) ISO 8501-1
Answer: B
Explanation: The AMPP Ethics for the Corrosion Professional course outlines the code of conduct for coating inspectors
