With many physical events on hold due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, NACE International is now offering a virtual classroom option for both Level 1 and Level 2 of its Coating Inspector Program (CIP).

In the program, attendees can learn the theory of coating inspection from a NACE instructor in a virtual environment. While three days of hands-on experience and exercises in real-world laboratories are still required for certification, those can be done at a later date in a face-to-face classroom setting.

"For 18 months, NACE has been preparing to launch additional options for education, including blended learning classes," said Pam Nicoletti, NACE's director of education. "The COVID-19 pandemic escalated those plans. Students are reaching out, and we are adding more blended classes weekly. Education is excited to add this new delivery format to our portfolio to ensure we are meeting the needs of student and industry in the future."

The virtual option allows attendees to save on enrollment and travel costs while staying safe, giving them professional development from the comfort of home. The in-person portion of the courses will be scheduled in the future, once local health and safety departments give NACE the go-ahead.

CIP 1 Course

Although specifically designed for coating inspector trainees, the CIP 1 course benefits anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of coatings application and inspection. The first CIP 1 blended learning course was successfully launched in late March.

“Our first class sold out in less than a week,” Nicoletti said. "During the first offering, the instructor was well prepared and the students were engaged." 

In a survey following the initial March event, all participants said they felt their knowledge or skills improved by taking the course. Attendees all agreed that the course content was helpful, and that their training expectations were met.

Open virtual classroom dates in April 2020 include April 8-9, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST; April 13-14, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST; April 20-21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST; April 25-26, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST; and April 27-28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. Discounted rates are available of $2,063 for NACE members and $2,285 for nonmembers.

CIP 2 Course

The Level 2 course is designed for CIP Level 1 inspectors seeking CIP Level 2 knowledge or certification to perform nondestructive or destructive inspections of coatings.

Virtual classrooms will be held on April 16-17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST; April 23-24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST; and April 29-30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. More courses are coming soon, and the NACE website can be referenced for an updated list of course offerings. Further questions can be emailed to blendedlearning@nace.org.

The rates for CIP 2 are the same as CIP 1, with registration including the virtual classroom, practical training, and computer-based certification exam. Successful completion of all components is required for certification eligibility.

Certifications are administered through the NACE International Institute (NII), an independent affiliate of NACE International. Complete requirements are available at NII's website.