When you specify QP, you specify quality
The QP Program provides tremendous benefits to specifying asset and facility owners as well as industrial and architectural coatings contractors. The program provides clearly defined standards and access to more high-quality jobs for contractors and risk reduction and recourse for asset owners. Many asset owners use the QP Program for pre-qualification as all QP accredited contractors must meet the same rigorous quality standards and undergo the QP field audit process.

Benefits for Contractors:
- Owner specified
- Clear quality quality standards
- Reduced risks
- Proves value to customers
Benefits for Asset and Facility Owners:
- Pre-qualification of contractors
- Risk reduction
- Experienced contractors and inspection firms
- Asset longevity
Benefits for Inspection Companies:
- Access to higher-quality jobs
- Improvements to QA procedures
- Shows you are a leading provider
- Refined internal processes
QP accreditation programs overview
QP 1 - Field application to complex industrial and marine structures
QP 1 evaluates the practices of industrial painting contractors in key areas of business related to field coating application.
QP 2 - Field removal of hazardous coatings
QP 2 evaluates the capabilities of industrial/marine paint contractors on their ability to safely remove and properly manage hazardous coating material in the field.
QP 3 - Shop painting
QP 3 has requirements similar to those for QP 1, except they are specifically focused on shop coating operations instead of field application.
QP 5 - Accreditation for coating and lining inspection companies
The QP 5 accreditation program is for coating inspection companies that work in the industrial coating and lining industry.
QP 6 - Contractor metallizing
QP 6 evaluates contractors on their ability to perform metallizing work to protect bridge, industrial or marine structures, or metal parts and have the technical capabilities to perform the work.
QP 7 - Painting contractor introductory program
The objective of QP 7 is to provide a path for QP 1 accreditation for contractors with less experience.
QP 8 - Installation of polymer coatings and surfacings on concrete and other cementitious surfaces
QP 8 accreditation is for polymer coatings or surfacings on concrete and other cementitious surfaces.
QP 9 - Field application of architectural coatings
QP 9 evaluates the practices of commercial painting contractors in key areas of the business, setting forth the minimum level of service and quality.
QS 1 - Quality management systems
QS 1 requires participating contractors to implement and document more stringent (ISO 9001-compliant) quality control and record-keeping procedures.
QN 1 - Nuclear coating supplement
QN 1 evaluates the qualifications of industrial coating contractors that perform work in nuclear power plant and shop facilities.
In-House Training Qualification - AS 3
Accreditation for employer in-house training of personnel for coating application.
3rd Party Training Qualification - AS 3 ITO
Accreditation for training of personnel related to coating application for independent training organizations.
QP Program Committees
History of the QP Program
Since the merger of NACE and SSPC to form AMPP, the QP program continues to lead the industry and provides tremendous value to asset owners and levels the playing field for contractors. Our advisory committee elevates the quality of the QP program by using consensus methods to set and review standards, while our Disciplinary Action Criteria (DAC) holds QP accredited contractors accountable for safety, quality, environmental, and ethical practice violations. If the standards are not met, our contractors are subject to the DAC’s penalties: warnings, probation, suspension, or revocation.