Cathodic Protection Specialist
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1. In cathodic protection systems, the primary purpose of applying
protective current to a metal structure is to:
A. Increase the corrosion rate uniformly
B. Raise the structure potential to accelerate oxidation
C. Shift the structure potential in the cathodic direction to reduce
corrosion
D. Eliminate all electrolyte contact
Answer: C. Shift the structure potential in the cathodic direction to reduce
corrosion
Cathodic protection works by supplying electrons to the protected
structure, making it more cathodic and reducing the tendency of the metal
to lose electrons through corrosion reactions.
2. Which electrochemical process occurs at the anodic areas of a
corroding steel structure?
A. Oxygen reduction
B. Metal oxidation
, C. Hydrogen absorption only
D. Electron consumption
Answer: B. Metal oxidation
Corrosion occurs at anodic sites where metal atoms lose electrons and
enter the electrolyte as metal ions.
3. The two primary types of cathodic protection systems are:
A. Galvanic and impressed current
B. Coating and insulation
C. Passive and active corrosion
D. Mechanical and chemical protection
Answer: A. Galvanic and impressed current
Cathodic protection is achieved either through sacrificial anodes or
externally powered impressed current systems.
4. A sacrificial anode protects a structure because it:
A. Has a more noble potential than steel
B. Produces protective coatings chemically
C. Corrodes preferentially instead of the protected metal
D. Blocks electrolyte movement
Answer: C. Corrodes preferentially instead of the protected metal
Sacrificial anodes are made from more active metals that provide current
while being consumed themselves.
5. Which material is commonly used as an impressed current anode?
A. Aluminum foil
B. Graphite
C. Copper wire
D. Stainless steel fastener
Answer: B. Graphite
Graphite is commonly used because it can discharge current while resisting
rapid consumption in many environments.
, 6. The standard criterion often used for protecting steel by cathodic
protection is:
A. +0.500 V CSE
B. -0.850 V CSE or more negative
C. 0.000 V CSE
D. +1.200 V CSE
Answer: B. -0.850 V CSE or more negative
A commonly accepted criterion for steel protection is achieving a potential
of at least -850 mV relative to a copper/copper sulfate electrode.
7. A copper/copper sulfate electrode is used in cathodic protection
measurements as a:
A. Rectifier
B. Reference electrode
C. Current source
D. Anode material
Answer: B. Reference electrode
Reference electrodes provide a stable potential reference for measuring
structure-to-electrolyte potentials.
8. Excessive cathodic protection current can cause:
A. Increased oxygen corrosion only
B. Coating disbondment due to hydrogen generation
C. Complete electrical isolation
D. Elimination of current flow
Answer: B. Coating disbondment due to hydrogen generation
Overprotection may produce hydrogen gas at the structure surface, which
can damage coatings and cause disbondment.
9. The rectifier in an impressed current system converts:
A. AC power into DC power
B. DC power into AC power
Certification Examiner Certification
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download
1. In cathodic protection systems, the primary purpose of applying
protective current to a metal structure is to:
A. Increase the corrosion rate uniformly
B. Raise the structure potential to accelerate oxidation
C. Shift the structure potential in the cathodic direction to reduce
corrosion
D. Eliminate all electrolyte contact
Answer: C. Shift the structure potential in the cathodic direction to reduce
corrosion
Cathodic protection works by supplying electrons to the protected
structure, making it more cathodic and reducing the tendency of the metal
to lose electrons through corrosion reactions.
2. Which electrochemical process occurs at the anodic areas of a
corroding steel structure?
A. Oxygen reduction
B. Metal oxidation
, C. Hydrogen absorption only
D. Electron consumption
Answer: B. Metal oxidation
Corrosion occurs at anodic sites where metal atoms lose electrons and
enter the electrolyte as metal ions.
3. The two primary types of cathodic protection systems are:
A. Galvanic and impressed current
B. Coating and insulation
C. Passive and active corrosion
D. Mechanical and chemical protection
Answer: A. Galvanic and impressed current
Cathodic protection is achieved either through sacrificial anodes or
externally powered impressed current systems.
4. A sacrificial anode protects a structure because it:
A. Has a more noble potential than steel
B. Produces protective coatings chemically
C. Corrodes preferentially instead of the protected metal
D. Blocks electrolyte movement
Answer: C. Corrodes preferentially instead of the protected metal
Sacrificial anodes are made from more active metals that provide current
while being consumed themselves.
5. Which material is commonly used as an impressed current anode?
A. Aluminum foil
B. Graphite
C. Copper wire
D. Stainless steel fastener
Answer: B. Graphite
Graphite is commonly used because it can discharge current while resisting
rapid consumption in many environments.
, 6. The standard criterion often used for protecting steel by cathodic
protection is:
A. +0.500 V CSE
B. -0.850 V CSE or more negative
C. 0.000 V CSE
D. +1.200 V CSE
Answer: B. -0.850 V CSE or more negative
A commonly accepted criterion for steel protection is achieving a potential
of at least -850 mV relative to a copper/copper sulfate electrode.
7. A copper/copper sulfate electrode is used in cathodic protection
measurements as a:
A. Rectifier
B. Reference electrode
C. Current source
D. Anode material
Answer: B. Reference electrode
Reference electrodes provide a stable potential reference for measuring
structure-to-electrolyte potentials.
8. Excessive cathodic protection current can cause:
A. Increased oxygen corrosion only
B. Coating disbondment due to hydrogen generation
C. Complete electrical isolation
D. Elimination of current flow
Answer: B. Coating disbondment due to hydrogen generation
Overprotection may produce hydrogen gas at the structure surface, which
can damage coatings and cause disbondment.
9. The rectifier in an impressed current system converts:
A. AC power into DC power
B. DC power into AC power
