SSPC-QP 5
July 16, 2012
SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings
Qualification Procedure No. 5
Standard Procedure for Evaluating the
Qualifications of Coating and Lining Inspection Companies
1. Scope
1.1 This standard describes a method for evaluating the
qualifications of coating and lining inspection companies who
perform quality control or quality assurance inspection of coat-
ings and linings applied over steel or cementitious substrates.
1.2 The purpose of this procedure is to determine whether
a coating inspection company has a corporate organization
that clearly defines the authority and responsibilities of posi-
tions typically required for operation of a Coating Inspection
Company; employs qualified management and inspection
personnel; has established and implemented a viable quality
management system; and has knowledge of industry technical
standards and inspection practices.
2. Definitions
Auditor: 1) The person or persons performing audits on
behalf of the qualifying agency. 2) The person(s) possessing
the necessary technical and quality system auditing skills
to review coating and lining inspection company submittals,
conduct on-site audits of applicants, and report findings to the
qualifying agency’s program administrator in compliance with
the requirements of this procedure and the written require-
ments of the formal audit program.
Auditing Agency: The body that possesses the neces-
sary technical competence to review applicant submittals,
conduct on-site audits of applicants, and report results to
the qualifying agency for compliance with this procedure’s
requirements.
Calibration: The set of operations that establish, under
specified conditions, the relationship between values indicated
by a measuring instrument and the corresponding known
values of a measurement.
Coating: A liquid, liquefiable, mastic, powder composition
or thermally applied metal that is converted to a solid protec-
tive, decorative, or functional adherent film after application
as a thin layer. Polymer surfacings on concrete substrates are
also considered coatings.
Coating and Lining Inspection Company (hereafter
“Coating Inspection Company”): An independent company
that is not involved in the manufacture of coating materials
or coating application equipment, or the application process,
whose primary function is to inspect the application process
and the quality of the applied film.
1
Inspection: Confirmation by examination and provision
of evidence that specified requirements have been met. The
examination and determination of conformity with specific
requirements on the basis of professional judgment, and
general requirements according to published industry stan-
dards, as required in each project specification.
Lining: A material used to protect the interior of a
container against corrosion or to protect the contents of the
container from contamination by the container shell material.
Sprayable linings, sheet liners, and drop-in liners can be used
to accomplish these purposes.
Qualifying Agency: An organization (e.g., certifying
agency or facility owner) responsible for sponsorship or
operation of a program to ensure uniform compliance with the
provisions of a standard.
Quality Management System: The organizational struc-
ture, responsibilities, procedures, processes and resources for
implementing quality management. Typically includes a quality
manual and standard operating procedures.
Test: A technical operation that consists of the determina-
tion of one or more characteristics or performance of a given
product, material, equipment, physical phenomenon, process
or service, according to a specified procedure.
Test Method: A definitive, standardized set of instructions
for the identification, measurement, or evaluation of one or
more qualities, characteristics, or properties of a material.
Verification: Confirmation by examination and provision
of evidence that specified requirements have been met.
3. Qualification Requirements
3.1 Organization
3.1.1 The Coating Inspection Company shall be legally
identifiable (e.g., a corporation, proprietorship, partnership,
etc.) based on the laws where the business is located.
3.1.2 The Coating Inspection Company shall:
a. Demonstrate that managerial staff has the necessary
expertise, responsibility, authority and resources to
review and verify work performed by field personnel
by supplying (1) an organizational chart clearly
showing lines of authority within the company, (2)
written documentation of training and experience
SSPC-QP 5
July 16, 2012
of managerial staff to perform assigned duties, and
(3) written evidence that management periodically
reviews work performed by its field personnel to verify
compliance with project specifications and other
contract requirements.
b. Be organized in such a way that confidence in its
independence of judgment and integrity is maintained
at all times.
3.2 Quality Management System and Standard Oper-
ating Procedures
3.2.1 The Coating Inspection Company shall establish
and maintain a quality management system appropriate to the
type, range and volume of inspection activities it undertakes.
The elements of this system shall be documented. The quality
management system and standard operating procedures shall
be available for use by Coating Inspection Company personnel.
The Coating Inspection Company shall define and document
its procedures and policies for and its commitment to meet
requirements. The Coating Inspection Company management
shall ensure that these policies and objectives are documented
in a quality manual and communicated to, understood by, and
implemented by all Coating Inspection Company personnel.
The quality manual shall be current and the quality manager
shall be responsible for maintaining it.
3.2.2 All standard operating procedures, instructions,
standards, manuals and reference data relevant to the work
of the Coating Inspection Company shall be up-to-date and
readily available to management and inspection personnel.
3.3 In order to meet the requirements of this qualification
procedure, the quality manual shall include the following:
3.3.1 A quality policy statement, including objectives and
commitments, by top management.
3.3.2 The organization and management structure of the
Coating Inspection Company, and its place in any parent orga-
nization and relevant organizational charts.
3.3.3 Roles and responsibilities and job descriptions of
key staff.
3.3.4 Procedures for control (including distribution) and
maintenance of quality documents and control of records
(including retention periods).
3.3.4.1 The Coating Inspection Company shall maintain
a record system to suit its particular circumstance and comply
with any applicable regulations. It shall retain on record all orig-
inal observations, calculations and derived data, calibration
records and a copy of the calibration certificate, or inspection
report, for an appropriate period. The records for each inspec-
tion and test shall contain sufficient information to permit their
repetition. The records shall include the identity of personnel
involved in sampling, preparation, inspection or testing.
2
3.3.4.2 All records (including those pertaining to calibra-
tion and test equipment), certificates and reports shall be
safely stored, held secure and in confidence to the client.
3.3.5 Identification of the Coating Inspection Company’s
approved signatories (where this concept is appropriate).
3.3.6 The Coating Inspection Company’s procedures for
achieving traceability of measurements.
3.3.7 The Coating Inspection Company’s standard oper-
ating procedures for typical inspections and tests. (The precise
scope of an inspection will be determined by the terms of the
individual contract or work order.) Inspection and testing stan-
dard operating procedures shall contain appropriate and clear
reference to the applicable standards and test procedures to
be used.
3.3.8 Procedures for calibration and control of equipment
including references to any inspection equipment used, cali-
bration process and frequency and use of traceable references
to standards used for calibration.
3.3.9 Procedures for reporting nonconformances when-
ever inspections or testing discrepancies of contractor’s work
is detected and tracking completion of corrective actions, if
applicable.
3.3.10 Procedures for tracking, reporting, documenting
and verifying corrective action of internal deviations from
quality manual and standard operating procedures.
3.3.11 Procedures for receiving, assessing, documenting
and responding to client complaints, including any corrective
actions taken.
3.3.12 Procedures for internal auditing (see Section 7).
3.3.13 Procedures for confidentiality of clients’ information
and proprietary rights.
3.3.14 Procedures for periodic verification of inspection
and testing through supervisory review of inspection reports,
duplicative inspections or testing, verification of equipment
operation or internal or external audits.
3.3.15 Procedures for qualifications and training of inspec-
tion staff, auditors, supervisory personnel and technical and
quality managers.
3.3.16 In addition to periodic internal audits the inspec-
tion company shall ensure the quality of results provided to
clients by implementing periodic checks. These checks shall
be reviewed by the president or CEO who shall verify in writing
the following:
a. Participation in proficiency testing or other qualifi-
cation programs, employing, whenever possible,
statistical analysis techniques.

b. Use of certified reference materials or in-house
quality control using secondary reference materials
c. Replica inspection or testing.
d. Supervisory review of inspection results
3.4 Standard Operating Procedures
3.4.1 The Coating Inspection Company shall give
evidence of standard operating procedures for ensuring quality
of inspection and support activities as follows:
3.4.2 Inspection procedures and recording systems.
3.4.3 Procedures for receipt of specifications and
revisions.
3.4.4 Records of standards and specifications or coating
inspection work records and their utilization.
3.4.5 System for filing, distribution, storing and retrieving
of inspection reports.
3.4.6 Availability of inspection equipment and calibration
standards and procedures.
3.4.7 Procedures to ensure that each major significant
activity (e.g., surface preparation, coating application, and
curing of primer, intermediate and topcoat application) is
inspected and documented.
3.4.8 Procedure for identifying the structure or equipment
to be inspected or tested, to ensure that there can be no confu-
sion regarding the identity of such items at any time.
3.4.9 The Coating Inspection Company shall use appro-
priate methods and standard operating procedures for all
inspections, tests and related activities within its responsibility
(including sampling, handling, transport and storage, and
analysis of inspection or test data). The methods and proce-
dures shall be consistent with the accuracy required, and with
any standard specifications relevant to the inspections or tests
concerned.
3.4.10 Where methods are not specified, the Coating
Inspection Company shall, wherever possible, select methods
that have been published in nationally recognized standards,
such as those published by reputable technical organizations
(e.g., SSPC, NACE, ASTM) or in relevant scientific texts or
journals.
3.4.11 Where it is necessary to employ methods that have
not been established as standard, these shall be subject to
agreement with the client and coating manufacturer, be fully
documented and validated, and be available to the client and
other recipients of the reports.
3.4.12 Where sampling is carried out as part of the
test method, the Coating Inspection Company shall use
3
SSPC-QP 5
July 16, 2012
documented procedures and appropriate statistical techniques
to select samples.
3.4.13 Calculations and data transfers shall be subject to
appropriate checks.
3.5 Executive Management Review: The quality
management system adopted to satisfy the requirements of
this standard procedure shall be reviewed at least once a year
and the review shall be documented in writing by the manage-
ment to ensure its continuing suitability and effectiveness and
to introduce any necessary changes or improvements.
4. Certificates and Reports
4.1 The results of each inspection, test, or series of inspec-
tions or tests carried out by the Coating Inspection Company
shall be recorded in a written report accurately and objectively,
in accordance with any instructions in the inspection or test
methods. The results shall be recorded in a report and shall
include all the information necessary for the interpretation of
the inspection or test results and all information required by
the method used.
4.2 Each report shall include at least the following
information:
a. A descriptive title.
b. Name and address of Coating Inspection Company,
and location where the inspection was carried out.
c. Identification of the instrumentation (such as serial
number).
d. Name and address of client.
e. Name and address of coating application company
f. Description and clear identification of the structure or
equipment inspected.
g. Description of the test area and results of the inspec-
tion or test.
h. Date of inspection.
i. Identification of the inspection or test method used, or
clear description of any non-standard method used.
j. Reference to sampling procedure, where relevant.
k. Any deviations from, additions to or exclusions from
the inspection or test method, and any other informa-
tion relevant to a specific inspection or test, such as
environmental conditions.
l. Measurements, examinations and derived results,
supported by tables, graphs, sketches and photo-
graphs as appropriate, and any failures identified.
m. A signature and title, or an equivalent identification of
the persons accepting responsibility for the content of
the report and date of issue.
n. Where relevant, a statement to the effect that the
results relate only to the items inspected or tested.
o. A statement that the report shall not be reproduced
except in full, without the written approval of the
Coating Inspection Company.
SSPC-QP 5
July 16, 2012
4.3 Where the report contains results of inspections or
tests performed by sub-contractors, these results shall be
clearly identified.
4.4 Particular care and attention shall be paid to the
arrangement of the report, especially with regard to presen-
tation of the inspection or test data and ease of use by the
reader.
4.5 The Coating Inspection Company shall notify clients
promptly, in writing, of any event that casts doubt on the validity
of results given in any inspection report or amendment to a
report.
4.6 The Coating Inspection Company shall ensure that,
where clients require transmission of inspection or test results
by telephone, telex, facsimile or other electronic or electro-
magnetic means, staff will follow documented procedures to
assure that the requirements of this standard procedure are
met and that all reasonable precautions are taken to maintain
confidentiality.
5. Technical Capabilities
5.1 Documentation Required to be Provided to the Coating
Inspector
5.1.1 The individual inspectors shall have copies of and
be familiar with specific job site specifications, specific product
data sheets, and applicable job site documents and standards
for work being inspected for compliance.
5.2 Inspection Procedures and Recording Systems
5.2.1 The Coating Inspection Company shall demonstrate
that:
a. Applicable standards and specifications for coating
inspection work are available and used by coating
inspectors in the field;
b. An implemented system for maintaining and filing
complete and accurate daily in-process and final
inspection reports is in place.
c. Job-specific inspection equipment and calibration
verification standards and procedures are available
on each job site and properly utilized by the inspector.
d. Non-conforming work is documented.
e. Logs are maintained to identify nonconforming work
and identify repairs if required by the owner.
f. Company or contract-specific standard operating
procedures for verifying that coating and related
operations are performed in accordance with contract
requirements and standard industry practices and are
available and used by on-site personnel.
g. Procedures or inspection plans to ensure that each
major operation (e.g., surface preparation, primer,
intermediate and topcoat application) is properly
performed and documented on a daily basis or in
accordance with contract requirements are available
to on-site personnel, and used to perform in-process
inspections of work at key hold points.
4
h. The inspector shall maintain copies of owner-provided
correspondence showing approved specification
deviations.
i. In-process and final inspection records are retained
for a minimum of three years after project comple-
tion, unless a longer term is required by contract
documents.
5.3 Personnel Requirements and Qualifications
5.3.1 General
5.3.1.1 The Coating Inspection Company shall have in its
employ managerial personnel capable of providing manage-
ment of quality and technical aspects of coatings and linings
projects. These functions can be performed by a single
individual or multiple personnel, but in either case all of the
requirements of this section shall be fulfilled.
5.3.1.2 The responsible executive shall appoint desig-
nated replacements in case of absence of the technical/quality
manager. The designated replacements shall demonstrate
qualifications as required in Section 5.3.3 and 5.3.4, and in the
absence of the technical/quality manager shall report directly
to the responsible executive (e.g., company president or CEO).
5.3.2 Technical/Quality Manager (TQM): The Coating
Inspection Company shall employ a full-time technical/quality
manager with executive responsibility and authority to imple-
ment and monitor compliance with quality procedures as they
apply to coating and lining inspection activities. This manager
shall either be the owner or president of the company or shall
have a direct reporting relationship to the owner or president of
the company. This relationship shall be accurately reflected on
the organizational chart and be demonstrable in fact.
5.3.3 Qualifications of Technical/Quality Manager
The TQM shall be qualified as an auditor and have docu-
mented external training in the principles of auditing, such as
ASQ training or certification.
5.3.3.1 If the Coating Inspection Company’s service is
limited to inspection of coatings and linings applied over steel
substrates, the manager shall:
• be an SSPC or NACE Certified Protective Coating
Specialist, OR
• hold a B.S. degree in materials engineering,
corrosion science, or corrosion engineering, OR
• be an SSPC-certified Protective Coating Inspector-
Level 3 OR NACE CIP Certified Coating Inspector
Level 3
5.3.3.2 If the Coating Inspection Company’s service
is limited to inspection of coatings and linings applied over
cementitious substrates, the manager shall:
• be an SSPC or NACE Certified Protective Coating
Specialist, OR
• hold a B.S. degree in materials engineering, corro-
sion science or corrosion engineering; OR

• be an SSPC-certified Concrete Coating Inspector
(CCI), or approved equivalent
5.3.3.3 If the Coating Inspection Company’s service
includes inspection of coatings over both steel and cementi-
tious substrates, the manager shall:
• be an SSPC or NACE Certified Protective Coating
Specialist, OR
• hold a B.S. degree in materials engineering, corro-
sion science or corrosion engineering; OR
• be an SSPC-certified Protective Coatings Inspector
Level 3 OR NACE CIP Certified Coating Inspector
Level 3 AND be an SSPC-certified Concrete Coating
Inspector
5.3.4 Auditor Qualifications
5.3.4.1 Each internal auditor shall meet QP 5 Level 2
Inspector qualifications (see Section 6.3.1).
5.3.4.2 Each auditor shall have completed audit training
from either a recognized audit training provider such as
American Society for Quality (e.g., ASQ e- Learning Courses
– Auditing (CQA) Fundamentals I and Auditing (CQA)
Fundamentals II), or an internal training program using an
SSPC-accepted curriculum.
5.3.4.3 Auditor training shall include:
a. General Knowledge and Skills General Knowledge
and Skills (e.g., Auditing Basics, Basic Skills, Tools
and Techniques, etc.)
b. Ethics, Professional Conduct, Liability Issues (e.g.,
Code of Ethics, Professional Conduct and Responsi-
bilities, Liability Issues, etc.)
c. Audit Preparation (e.g., Audit Definition and Plan,
Audit Design (checklist preparation),
d. Document Review and Preparation, Communication
and Distribution of Audit Plan, etc.
e. Audit Reporting (e.g., Review and Finalize Audit
Results, Written Report Format and Content, Issue
Written Report, Audit Records Retention, Non Confor-
mance Statements, etc.)
f. Corrective Action Follow-up and Closure (e.g.,
Corrective Action Follow-up, Closure, etc.)
5.3.4.4 Each internal auditor shall possess the ability to
communicate effectively orally and in writing.
5.3.4.5 Evidence of auditor training and qualifications
shall be documented.
6. Inspection Personnel
6.1 The Coating Inspection Company shall have personnel
with the necessary education, training, physical capabili-
ties, technical knowledge and experience for their assigned
functions.
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SSPC-QP 5
July 16, 2012
6.2 PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS OF INSPECTORS
6.2.1 Each inspector shall be examined annually to ensure
natural or corrected near-distance visual acuity in at least one
eye. The individual shall read the J-1 letters on a Standard
Jaeger Test Chart, or equivalent, at a distance of not less than
12 in. with one or both eyes, corrected or uncorrected.
6.2.2 Each inspector shall be initially examined for color
perception using the Ishihara Test or the Farnsworth D-15 Test.
If a candidate does not pass the Red/Green Sensitive Ishihara
Test, the candidate shall take the Farnsworth D-15 Test.
6.2.3 If an inspector does not pass the Farnsworth D-15
Test, the inspector shall be evaluated by a licensed medical
practitioner to provide the necessary data to determine the
inspector’s color perception. Individuals certified after an
evaluation by a licensed medical practitioner shall be certified
to perform only inspection work that is within the inspector’s
color perception capability.
6.2.4 The examinations required by 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 shall
be administered by a licensed medical practitioner or a person
familiar with the tests involved. The results of the vision test
shall be documented on a Vision Test Record.
6.2.5 The Coating Inspection Company shall identify any
other physical qualifications (in addition to the requirements
of Sections 6.2.1 through 6.2.4. above) necessary to perform
assigned inspection duties. The Coating Inspection Company
shall verify, prior to assigning an inspector to a project, that,
in addition to the requirements of 6.2.1 through 6.2.4, the
inspector has the physical (including visual) capability to
perform required inspections.
6.3 QP 5 INSPECTOR LEVEL DUTIES
6.3.1 SSPC QP 5 Level 1 Coatings Inspectors shall be
capable of the following:
a. Implementing and recording all inspections and
testing required by standard operating procedures
b. Verifying calibration of dry film thickness gages
6.3.2 SSPC QP 5 Level 2 Coatings Inspectors shall be
capable of performing all the duties of a Level I Coatings
Inspector. In addition, the Level 2 Coatings Inspector shall be
capable of the following:
a. Planning and supervising inspections, initiating
inspection plans in accordance with standard oper-
ating procedures and client contract
b. Reviewing, organizing and approving results of
inspections
c. Monitoring the performance of and supervising the
work of Level 1 Coatings Inspectors
d. Verifying qualifications of QP 5 Level 1 inspectors
e. Implementing a Quality Assurance Program
SSPC-QP 5
July 16, 2012
6.3.3 SSPC QP 5 Level 3 Coatings Inspectors shall be
capable of performing all of the duties of a Level 2 Coatings
Inspector. In addition, the Level 3 Coatings Inspector shall be
capable of the following:
a. Evaluating adequacy of inspector training programs
b. Authorizing QP 5 Level 2 inspectors to carry out
training and examination duties
c. Certifying QP 5 Level 1 and Level 2 Coating Inspectors
6.4 QP 5 INSPECTOR EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION
AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: The Coating Inspec-
tion Company shall have in place a documented program for
qualification and training of its personnel. This policy shall
allow for the definition of at least three levels of personnel, as
follows:
6.4.1 QP 5 Level 1 inspectors shall have one of the
following three combinations of education and minimum work
experience:
1. High school diploma plus minimum of 6 months
general coating inspection experience OR
2. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 3
months general coating inspection experience OR
3. SSPC Inspector Certification Level 1, 2, or 3 or NACE
CIP Inspector Certification Level 1, 2, or 3 plus a
minimum of 6 months inspection experience
6.4.2 QP 5 Level 2 inspectors shall have one of the
following three combinations of education and minimum work
experience:
1. High school diploma plus a minimum of 3 years
general coating inspection experience with a
minimum of 1 year as a QP 5 Level 1 inspector with
the applicant inspection company OR
2. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum
1 year as QP 5 Level 1 inspector with the applicant
inspection company OR
3. SSPC Inspector Certification Level 1, 2, or 3 or NACE
CIP Inspector Certification Level 1, 2, or 3 plus a
minimum of 2 years general coating inspection expe-
rience, with 1 year as a SSPC QP 5 Level 1 inspector
with the applicant inspection company
6.4.3 QP 5 Level 3 inspectors shall have one of the
following five combinations of minimum education and work
experience:
1. High school diploma plus
• 6 years as QP 5 Level 2 inspector OR
• 8 years general coating inspection experience
with 2 years as QP 5 Level 2 inspector with the
applicant inspection company OR
• 10 years general coating inspection experience
with 1 year as QP 5 Level 2 with the applicant
inspection company
2. Associates’ degree plus a minimum of 7 years
general coating inspection experience with 2 years
as a QP 5 Level 2 inspector with the applicant inspec-
tion company OR
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3. Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 5 years general
coating inspection experience with 2 years as QP
5 Level 2 inspector with the applicant inspection
company OR
4. SSPC Inspector Certification Level 2 or NACE CIP
Inspector Certification Level 2 plus a minimum of 5
years general coating inspection experience, with 1
year as SSPC QP 5 Level 2 inspector with the appli-
cant inspection company OR
5. SSPC Inspector Certification Level 3 or NACE CIP
Inspector Certification Level 3 plus a minimum of 3
years general coating inspection experience, with 1
year as SSPC QP 5 Level 2 inspector with the appli-
cant inspection company
6.4.4 Additional classifications of personnel apply if
invoked by project specifications.
See Table 1 for a summary of duties of QP 5 Level 1, Level
2, and Level 3 inspectors.
See Table 2 for a summary of the education and experi-
ence requirements for QP 5 Level 1, 2, and 3 inspectors OR
See Table 3 for a summary of the certification and experi-
ence requirements (alternative to requirements of Table 2) for
QP 5 Level 1, 2, and 3 inspectors.
6.5 The company shall have in its written policy a require-
ment for training qualifications at each level or technical society
participation to keep the inspector qualified at a given level.
6.6 Records on the relevant qualifications, training, skills
and experience of the inspection personnel shall be maintained
by the Coating Inspection Company. These records shall be
made available to employees and to clients upon request.
Written records of disclosure to clients shall be maintained.
7. Internal Auditing Program
7.1 The Coating Inspection Company shall schedule
either internal or external audits of its activities at appropriate
intervals to verify that its operations continue to comply with the
requirements of the quality system. All audit findings, whether
internal or external, shall be documented in writing. Such
audits shall be carried out by trained and qualified staff (see
Section 5.3.4) independent of the activity to be audited. Where
the audit findings cast doubt on the correctness or validity of
the Coating Inspection Company’s inspections or test results,
the Coating Inspection Company shall take immediate correc-
tive action and shall notify, in writing, any client whose work
may have been affected.
7.2 All internal audit and review findings and any correc-
tive actions that arise from audits shall be documented. The
person responsible for quality shall ensure by written verifica-
tion that these actions are discharged within the agreed time.
7.3 The Coating Inspection Company shall maintain a
written audit file, which includes the job audited, any findings
identified, and corrective actions taken as a result of the audit
findings.
 SSPC-QP 5
July 16, 2012

TABLE 1
SUMMARY OF DUTIES OF SSPC QP 5 LEVEL 1, 2, AND 3 INSPECTORS

QP 5 Inspector Level 1 Duties QP 5 Inspector Level 2 Duties QP 5 Inspector Level 3 Duties

Implement and record inspection Evaluate adequacy of inspector
Plan and supervise inspections
activities training programs
Verify calibration of dry film thickness Initiate inspection plans in accordance Authorize Level 2 inspectors to carry
gages with SOPs and client contract out training and examination duties
Perform all duties and responsibili-
Review inspection procedures
ties of a QP 5 Level 2 inspector
Evaluate adequacy of inspection
Certify QP 5 Level 1 and 2 inspectors
activities
Review and approve inspection results
Monitor performance and supervise
work of QP 5 Level 1 inspectors
Verify qualifications of QP 5 Level 1
inspectors
Implement a Quality Assurance Program
Perform all duties and responsibilities
of a QP 5 Level 1 Inspector

TABLE 2
MINIMUM INITIAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR
QP 5 LEVEL 1, 2, AND 3 INSPECTORS

LEVEL EDUCATION MINIMUM REQUIRED

High School Diploma
QP 5 Level 1
Associates or Bachelor’s Degree
High School Diploma
QP 5 Level 2
Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree
WORK EXPERIENCE
6 months general coating inspection
3 months general coating inspection
3 years general coating inspection, with 1 year as QP 5 Level 1
with applicant inspection company
1 year as QP 5 Level 1 with applicant inspection company

6 years as QP 5 Level 2 with applicant inspection company OR

8 years general coating inspection, with 2 years as QP 5 Level 2
High School Diploma with applicant inspection company OR
10 years general coating inspection with 1 year as QP 5 Level 2
QP 5 Level 3 with applicant inspection company
7 years general coating inspection with 2 years as QP 5 Level 2
Associate’s Degree
with applicant inspection company
5 years general coating inspection with 2 years as QP 5 Level 2
Bachelor’s Degree
with applicant inspection company

7
SSPC-QP 5
July 16, 2012
TABLE 3
MINIMUM CERTIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR
QP 5 LEVEL 1, 2, AND 3 INSPECTORS
(Alternative to requirements of Table 2)
LEVEL INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION
SSPC PCI Level 1/NACE CIP Level 1
QP 5 Level 1 SSPC PCI Level 2/NACE CIP Level 2
SSPC PCI Level 3/NACE CIP Level 3
SSPC PCI Level 1/NACE CIP Level 1
QP 5 Level 2 SSPC PCI Level 2/NACE CIP Level 2
SSPC PCI Level 3/NACE CIP Level 3
SSPC PCI Level 2/NACE CIP Level 2
QP 5 Level 3
SSPC PCI Level 3/NACE CIP Level 3
8. Control and Calibration of Inspection Equipment
8.1 The Coating Inspection Company personnel shall be
furnished all items and equipment, including standard oper-
ating procedures and calibration standards, required for the
performance of inspections and tests. If the Coating Inspec-
tion Company uses equipment outside its permanent control, it
shall ensure that the equipment meets the requirements listed
below.
8.2 All equipment shall be properly calibrated and main-
tained. Calibration and maintenance procedures shall be
documented. Instruments that have been subjected to mishan-
dling, or which give suspect results, or have been shown by
verification or otherwise to be defective, shall be taken out of
service, clearly identified and stored at a specified place until
they have been repaired and shown by calibration, verifica-
tion or test to perform satisfactorily. The Coating Inspection
Company shall examine the effect of this defect on previous
inspections or tests.
8.3 Calibration records shall be maintained for each
instrument. The records shall include:
a. The name of the instrument.
b. The manufacturer’s name, type identification, and
serial number or other unique identification.
c. Date the instrument was received and date it was
placed in service.
d. Current location of the instrument.
e. Manufacturer’s operating and calibrating instructions
for the instrument.
f. Dates and results of the instrument’s calibration and
date that the next calibration shall be performed.
g. Details of maintenance procedures carried out to
date.
8
MINIMUM REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE
6 months general coating inspection
2 years general coating inspection, with
1 year as SSPC QP 5 Level 1 with applicant
inspection company
5 years general coating inspection, with
1 year as SSPC QP 5 Level 2 with applicant
inspection company
3 years general coating inspection,with
1 year as SSPC QP 5 Level 2 with applicant
inspection company
h. History of any damage, malfunction, modification or
repair.
All measuring and testing equipment having an effect on
the accuracy or validity of inspections or tests shall be cali-
brated before being put into service. The Coating Inspection
Company shall have an established procedure for the calibra-
tion and verification of its measuring and test equipment.
8.4 The written calibration procedure shall be designed
and operated so as to ensure that, wherever applicable,
measurements made by the Coating Inspection Company are
traceable to national standards of measurement. Calibration
certificates and records shall indicate the traceability to nation-
ally recognized standards.
8.5 Where traceability to nationally recognized standards
is not applicable, the Coating Inspection Company shall
provide a written description of the methods used to calibrate
or verify the equipment.
8.6 Reference standards used to calibrate inspection
equipment shall have evidence of calibration.
9. Sub-contracting of Inspection or Testing
9.1 Where a Coating Inspection Company subcontracts
any part of the inspection or testing, this work shall be placed
with a Coating Inspection Company fully complying with the
requirements imposed in Sections 1 through 10 of this docu-
ment. The Coating Inspection Company shall ensure and be
able to demonstrate that its sub-contractor is competent to
perform the activities in question and complies with the same
criteria of competence as the Coating Inspection Company.
The Coating Inspection Company shall advise the client in
writing in advance of its intention to sub-contract any portion
of inspection or testing to another party. Written client approval
shall be obtained where required.

9.2 The Coating Inspection Company shall record and
retain details of its investigation of the competence and
compliance of its sub-contractors and maintain a register of all
sub-contracting.
10. Outside Support and Supplies
10.1 Where the Coating Inspection Company procures
outside services and supplies, other than those referred to
in this standard procedure, in support of inspections or tests,
the Coating Inspection Company shall use only those outside
support services and supplies that are of adequate quality
to sustain confidence in the Coating Inspection Company’s
inspections or tests.
10.2 Where no independent assurance of the quality of
outside support services or supplies is available, the Coating
Inspection Company shall have procedures to ensure that
purchased equipment, materials and services comply with
specified requirements. The Coating Inspection Company
shall ensure that purchased equipment and consumable mate-
rials are not used until they have been inspected, calibrated or
otherwise verified as complying with any standard specifica-
tions relevant to the inspections or tests concerned.
10.3 The Coating Inspection Company shall maintain
records of all suppliers from whom it obtains support services
or supplies required for inspections or tests.
11. Initial, Annual, and Periodic Evaluation
11.1 SUBMITTAL OF WRITTEN APPLICATION
PACKAGE: The initial step is to request an application form
and instructions. The completed application form, along with
an application fee and required submittals shall be submitted
to the qualifying agency.
11.2 REVIEW OF APPLICATION PACKAGE: The
qualifying agency’s certification manager reviews the Coating
Inspection Company’s application package, using guidelines
for evaluation established by the qualifying agency. The evalu-
ation items are based on Section 3 through 10.
11.3 INITIAL AUDITING OF COATING INSPECTION
COMPANY: Subject to satisfactory evaluation and acceptance
of the application package referred to above and on dates
mutually agreed upon by the Coating Inspection Company
and the qualifying agency, the qualifying agency will visit the
Coating Inspection Company’s headquarters business office
to verify information provided in the submittal. The verification
process shall include examination of records and interviews
with supervisory personnel and some subordinate employees
about specific technical and quality assurance procedures,
training, and inspection operations conducted by the Coating
Inspection Company.
11.4 EXIT INTERVIEW: Following the audit, and before
the auditor leaves the Coating Inspection Company’s office,
an exit or closing interview will be held with Quality Manager
9
SSPC-QP 5
July 16, 2012
and appropriate member of executive management of the
Company. At the exit interview, the auditor will review find-
ings, including discussions of concerns, corrective actions
or deficiencies and omissions, if any. A written list of correc-
tive actions required will be provided to Quality Manager and
appropriate member of executive management, who will be
asked to confirm receipt of the list. Every attempt will be made
by the auditor during the exit interview to fully explain audit
findings. Failure to acknowledge in writing receipt of the audit
finding report will render the audit incomplete, and can result in
suspension, revocation or denial of certification.
11.5 EVALUATION OF APPLICATION AND DETER-
MINATION OF STATUS: At the conclusion of the evaluation
process, the auditor will report the findings to the qualifying
agency’s audit manager and program administrator, who will
make the final decision regarding the contractor’s status based
on the following options:
11.5.1 Qualify: The qualifying agency has determined
that the Coating Inspection Company has met or exceeded
the requirements of the qualification program. The qualifying
agency will make final determination of the Coating Inspec-
tion Company’s qualification status based on the audit findings
and any disciplinary or other evaluation criteria defined in the
program rules. Upon review of all information, the qualifying
agency will issue a certificate identifying the Coating Inspection
Company by name and by location of the Coating Inspection
Company’s home office acknowledging compliance with this
procedure and other administrative requirements. Once certi-
fied to this standard, the Coating Inspection Company shall
reapply for renewal of qualification annually and undergo any
submittal reviews or audits required by the qualifying agency to
maintain certification to this standard.
11.5.2 Withhold Qualification: Based on audit findings
and other factors, the qualifying agency has determined that
the Coating Inspection Company has not met the require-
ments of this standard procedure. If qualification is withheld,
the qualifying agency shall formally notify the Coating Inspec-
tion Company of the reasons for withholding qualification. The
Coating Inspection Company will be allowed up to 45 days after
written notification to submit a corrective action plan accept-
able to the qualifying agency, and request an audit to verify
that nonconformities in the quality system have been identi-
fied, root causes have been analyzed and a formal corrective
action plan has been implemented to update the quality plan to
avoid repeating the system nonconformities that led to denial
of qualification.
11.6 METHOD OF APPEAL: If the Coating Inspection
Company disputes the audit findings, the Coating Inspection
Company may appeal, using the following steps of recourse:
a. The Coating Inspection Company shall appeal to the
qualifying agency’s certification manager in writing
within 10 working days after the exit interview, identi-
fying the specific reasons for contesting the findings.
b. The qualifying agency will evaluate the written appeal
SSPC-QP 5
July 16, 2012

and notify the Coating Inspection Company of the
evaluation results (in writing) and within 30 calendar
days of receipt of the appeal submission. Appeal
evaluations will result in either acceptance or denial
of the appeal.
c. If the Coating Inspection Company disputes denial
of the appeal, the Coating Inspection Company
can continue the appeal process by requesting an
informal conference in writing and within 10 business
days of an appeal denial. The time and location of the
informal conference shall be determined by the quali-
fying agency.
d. In the event the foregoing steps fail to resolve the
dispute, a mutually agreed-upon arbitration panel
consisting of three persons (one person chosen by
the Coating Inspection Company, one by the quali-
fying agency, and one agreed upon by both parties)
with knowledge of protective coating operations
will convene to hear evidence and make a final,
binding decision. If the arbitration panel finds for the
Coating Inspection Company, the cost of all fees
and expenses of the arbitration will be shared by
the Coating Inspection Company and the qualifying
agency. If the arbitration panel does not find for the
Coating Inspection Company, the Coating Inspection
Company will be responsible for payment of all fees
and expenses. Any other costs incurred by any party
to the dispute will be borne by that party.
an owner comment form provided by the qualifying agency.
Comments will be in the form of replies to specific questions
asked of owners regarding performance on specific jobs. All
owner replies will be treated as confidential.
11.8 REVOCATION: Failure to satisfactorily complete
the annual internal audit, pass announced or unannounced
external audit(s), cooperate with the auditor or qualifying
agency manager, or adhere to disciplinary or administrative
criteria established by the qualifying agency will be cause for
suspension, revocation or denial of certification.
11.9 QUALIFICATION PERIOD: The qualifying agency
will require that the Coating Inspection Company’s qualifica-
tion be reaffirmed annually subject to successful completion of
internal and external audits as well as compliance with admin-
istrative and disciplinary requirements.
11.10 QUALIFYING AGENCY FILES: The qualifying
agency will maintain a published list of certified coating inspec-
tion companies. Information submitted by owners and users
who have used the Coating Inspection Company’s services will
also be maintained. This information will assist in the validation
process during the certification term.
All information gathered will be used only for purposes
intended. Information determined to be proprietary, such as
audit findings and other non-public information, will be treated
as confidential.

11.7 RECONFIRMATION OF QUALIFICATION: 12. Disclaimer

11.7.1 External Audit: External audits are conducted at
the qualifying agency’s discretion and consist of periodic visits
to the Coating Inspection Company’s headquarters office and
periodic visits to inspectors on job sites. Office audits are typi-
cally announced. Field audits are typically unannounced. The
Coating Inspection Company shall receive a copy of both field
and office audit reports.
11.7.2 Reconfirmation of Qualification–Owner Comments:
Owners for whom the Coating Inspection Company performs
work will be given an opportunity to comment on the qualified
Coating Inspection Company’s performance by completing
12.1 While every precaution is taken to insure that all infor-
mation furnished in SSPC standards is as accurate, complete,
and useful as possible, SSPC cannot assume responsibility
nor incur any obligation resulting from the use of any methods
or procedure specified therein, or of the procedure itself.
12.2 This procedure does not attempt to address all prob-
lems concerning safety and health associated with its use. The
user of this procedure, as well as the user of all products or
practices described herein, is responsible for instituting appro-
priate health and safety practices and for ensuring compliance
with all governmental regulations.

Copyright ©
SSPC standards, guides, and technical reports are copyrighted
world-wide by SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings. Any
photocopying, re-selling, or redistribution of these standards,
guides, and technical reports by printed, electronic, or any other
means is strictly prohibited without the express written consent
of SSPC: The Society of Protective Coatings and a formal
licensing agreement.

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