NACE CIP Level 1 Study Guide
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the primary responsibility of a NACE CIP Level 1 inspector?
✔✔To observe coating work and report whether it meets the project specification.
Why is surface cleanliness critical before coating application?
✔✔Contaminants can prevent proper coating adhesion and lead to premature failure.
What does “as-received condition” refer to in coating inspection?
✔✔The condition of the substrate before any surface preparation begins.
What is mill scale and why is it a concern?
✔✔Mill scale is a hard oxide layer on steel that can cause coating failure if not removed.
What is the main purpose of abrasive blasting?
✔✔To clean the surface and create a profile that promotes coating adhesion.
What is surface profile in coating inspection?
✔✔The roughness pattern created on a surface to help coatings bond properly.
Why is moisture on steel dangerous before coating?
1
,✔✔It can cause poor adhesion and corrosion under the coating.
What does a hygrometer measure?
✔✔Relative humidity in the surrounding air.
Why must surface temperature be above the dew point?
✔✔To prevent condensation from forming on the substrate.
What is dew point?
✔✔The temperature at which moisture in the air condenses into liquid.
Why is solvent cleaning performed before blasting?
✔✔To remove oil and grease that blasting alone cannot eliminate.
What is flash rust?
✔✔Rapid formation of rust on freshly cleaned steel when moisture is present.
Why must flash rust be addressed before coating?
✔✔It can interfere with coating adhesion and performance.
What is the function of a primer?
✔✔To promote adhesion and provide initial corrosion protection.
2
, What does DFT stand for in coating inspection?
✔✔Dry film thickness.
Why is dry film thickness important?
✔✔It ensures the coating provides adequate protection and meets specifications.
What tool is commonly used to measure dry film thickness on steel?
✔✔A magnetic thickness gauge.
What is wet film thickness?
✔✔The thickness of the coating immediately after application.
Why is wet film thickness measured?
✔✔To help ensure the final dry film thickness will meet requirements.
What is a coating system?
✔✔A combination of primer, intermediate, and topcoat layers.
What is the purpose of an intermediate coat?
✔✔To build thickness and enhance barrier protection.
3
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the primary responsibility of a NACE CIP Level 1 inspector?
✔✔To observe coating work and report whether it meets the project specification.
Why is surface cleanliness critical before coating application?
✔✔Contaminants can prevent proper coating adhesion and lead to premature failure.
What does “as-received condition” refer to in coating inspection?
✔✔The condition of the substrate before any surface preparation begins.
What is mill scale and why is it a concern?
✔✔Mill scale is a hard oxide layer on steel that can cause coating failure if not removed.
What is the main purpose of abrasive blasting?
✔✔To clean the surface and create a profile that promotes coating adhesion.
What is surface profile in coating inspection?
✔✔The roughness pattern created on a surface to help coatings bond properly.
Why is moisture on steel dangerous before coating?
1
,✔✔It can cause poor adhesion and corrosion under the coating.
What does a hygrometer measure?
✔✔Relative humidity in the surrounding air.
Why must surface temperature be above the dew point?
✔✔To prevent condensation from forming on the substrate.
What is dew point?
✔✔The temperature at which moisture in the air condenses into liquid.
Why is solvent cleaning performed before blasting?
✔✔To remove oil and grease that blasting alone cannot eliminate.
What is flash rust?
✔✔Rapid formation of rust on freshly cleaned steel when moisture is present.
Why must flash rust be addressed before coating?
✔✔It can interfere with coating adhesion and performance.
What is the function of a primer?
✔✔To promote adhesion and provide initial corrosion protection.
2
, What does DFT stand for in coating inspection?
✔✔Dry film thickness.
Why is dry film thickness important?
✔✔It ensures the coating provides adequate protection and meets specifications.
What tool is commonly used to measure dry film thickness on steel?
✔✔A magnetic thickness gauge.
What is wet film thickness?
✔✔The thickness of the coating immediately after application.
Why is wet film thickness measured?
✔✔To help ensure the final dry film thickness will meet requirements.
What is a coating system?
✔✔A combination of primer, intermediate, and topcoat layers.
What is the purpose of an intermediate coat?
✔✔To build thickness and enhance barrier protection.
3
