Determine which AMPP QP accreditation program/level a contractor needs for a specific scope of protective-coatings work

Steps

1. Review the full current QP program list on ampp.org/qp-program before assuming 'QP' means one generic credential — as of 2026 AMPP lists QP 1 (field application, complex industrial/marine structures), QP 2 (field removal of hazardous coatings), QP 3 (shop painting), QP 5 (coating/lining inspection companies), QP 6 (contractor metallizing), QP 7 (introductory path to QP 1), QP 8 (polymer coatings/surfacings on concrete), QP 9 (field application of architectural coatings), QP 10 (passive fire protection/intumescent and cementitious), plus QS 1 (quality management systems) and QN 1 (nuclear coating supplement)
2. Match the project scope to the correct program — e.g., a hazardous-paint removal job on a bridge needs QP 2, not QP 1, and note QP 2 accreditation is suspended automatically if the contractor's underlying QP 1/QP 3/QP 6/QP 8 accreditation lapses
3. Confirm the specific accreditation is active (not lapsed/suspended) via AMPP's 'Find a Contractor' QP directory rather than relying on a contractor's self-reported certificate
4. Check whether the owner's specification requires a specific QP level plus QS 1 (ISO 9001-aligned QMS) as a stacked requirement
5. For metallizing, concrete polymer, or passive fire protection scopes specifically, verify the contractor holds the matching QP 6, QP 8, or QP 10 accreditation rather than assuming a QP 1 field-coatings accreditation covers those specialty disciplines