Certifications & Industry Standards
American Polyurea is the leading credentialing body for polyurea professionals in the United States. Our certification programs are developed by industry experts, grounded in chemistry and application science, and recognized by contractors, specifiers, government agencies, and manufacturers across the country.
🏆 AP Certification Programs
| Certification | Acronym | Who It’s For | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Polyurea Applicator – Level 1 | CPA-1 | New applicators entering the industry | None; completion of AP-approved Level 1 course |
| Certified Polyurea Applicator – Level 2 | CPA-2 | Experienced applicators seeking advanced credentials | CPA-1; 1,000+ hours of documented spray experience |
| Certified Polyurea Inspector | CPI | Inspectors, QC managers, and specifiers | 2 years industry experience; CPA-1 recommended |
| Certified Polyurea Instructor | CPTI | Training professionals and educators | CPA-2; 5+ years industry experience; instructor training course |
| Certified Pipeline Coating Specialist | CPCS | Pipeline contractors and inspectors | CPA-1 or equivalent; NACE/AMPP membership recommended |
| Certified Protective Coating Consultant | CPCC | Consultants writing specifications or managing projects | CPI; 5+ years experience |
Certification Statistics (2026)
| Certification | Total Active Certified Professionals | New Certifications YTD (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| CPA-1 | 1,842 | 214 |
| CPA-2 | 687 | 89 |
| CPI | 341 | 47 |
| CPTI | 128 | 12 |
| CPCS | 209 | 31 |
| CPCC | 94 | 8 |
Industry Standards We Support
American Polyurea actively participates in and endorses the following industry standards and organizations:
- SSPC/AMPP Standards — Surface preparation standards (SP-1 through SP-21) widely referenced in polyurea application specifications
- ASTM International — Multiple standards relevant to polyurea including ASTM D2240 (Shore hardness), ASTM D638 (tensile properties), and ASTM D624 (tear resistance)
- ACI 503 Series — American Concrete Institute standards for coating and adhesives applied over concrete
- SSPC-PA 2 — Measurement of dry coating thickness using magnetic gages
- API 5L / API 1X — Standards referenced for pipeline coating applications
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.94 / 1926.57 — Ventilation requirements relevant to spray polyurea operations
Approved Training Providers
The following organizations are recognized by American Polyurea as approved training providers whose coursework qualifies for AP certification exam prerequisites:
- ArmorThane Polyurea Training — Springfield, MO (and regional locations)
- Coatings Academy — Multiple U.S. locations
- Polyurea Nation Training Institute
- AP Regional Chapter Training Events
Apply for Certification
To begin the certification process, complete the prerequisites listed for your desired credential, then submit an application through the member portal or by contacting our certification office. Certification examinations are offered at all AP workshops, regional chapter events, and the annual conference, as well as online for select credentials.
