QP Accreditation for Contractors
- Reasons to become QP accredited:
- Get More Jobs – QP is specified by over 360 public and private facility owners across the world
- Reduce Your Risks – Reduced risk for contractors in the application of coatings, handling of hazardous waste, and by making sure the training and procedures provided to the applicators meets global standards.
- Show Value to Your Customers – Asset and facility owners know that a QP contractor adheres to best practices, has verified processes and procedures, and operates with the best interest of the customer in mind.
- Clearly Defined Standards – Quality is defined and standardized for shop and field coating applications, so owners know what to expect and standards are clear.
What is needed to become SSPC QP (now AMPP QP) accredited?
QP accredited contractors need to demonstrate that they strive to be the best in the industry. To become accredited, the contractor or shop must:
- Complete a detailed application form describing the company and its work history
- Submit documentation on quality control, safety, and environmental compliance programs and procedures
- Obtain acceptance of the submittal
- Undergo an on-site audit by an AMPP auditor of both the contractor’s primary place of business and an active job site to demonstrate the company’s capabilities
- For coating contractor accreditation, comply with a rigorously enforced Disciplinary Action Code
- It usually takes one to two months from the time the contractor submits its application to the time that the accreditation process is complete. We require the observation of bona fide work in progress as part of each on-site audit, with no exceptions.
- All industrial coating contractors and shops, regardless of size, volume of work, markets served, or affiliations, are eligible for accreditation, provided they can demonstrate a six-month production history of compliance with accreditation requirements prior to their initial evaluation.
- Accredited coating contractors must maintain the programs guidelines on all their projects. This applies even when the contract or project specifications do not name QP accreditation as a requirement.
- The ranks of QP accredited contractors include large, medium, and small businesses; those that paint bridges, storage tanks, structural steel, concrete, military facilities, Navy ships, or a variety of complex industrial structures; and those that may be minority or women owned.
How long does it take to become accredited?
It usually takes one to two months from the time the contractor submits its application to the time that the SSPC QP (now AMPP QP) accreditation process is complete. AMPP requires the observation of bona fide work in progress as part of each on-site audit, with no exceptions.
Who is eligible for accreditation?
All industrial coating contractors and shops, regardless of size, volume of work, markets served, or affiliations, are eligible for QP accreditation, provided they can demonstrate the same ownership for 18 months, with 12 months of successful production and implementation of quality programs.
- Accredited coating contractors must maintain the programs guidelines on all projects. This applies even when the contract or project specifications do not name SSPC QP (now AMPP QP) accreditation as a requirement.
- The ranks of QP accredited contractors include large, medium, and small businesses; those that paint bridges, storage tanks, structural steel, concrete, military facilities, Navy ships, or a variety of complex industrial structures; and those that may be minority or women owned.
Need help getting started on your accreditation?
Contact us to get started and help answer any questions that you might have on the process of attaining accreditation. We can advise on the items necessary and what internal steps might need to be taken to help you get there.