What Is AMPP?
Definition: The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is a global professional association dedicated to protecting assets and infrastructure from corrosion through protective coatings, cathodic protection, materials selection, and related technologies. AMPP was formed by the combination of NACE International and SSPC (the Society for Protective Coatings). A company listed with this qualification is an AMPP member.
AMPP brings together the decades of work of its two predecessor organizations. NACE International focused on corrosion engineering and control, while SSPC focused on protective coatings, surface preparation, and coating application. Together, AMPP publishes the industry standards that coatings specifications are built on, runs training and certification programs for inspectors and applicators, and operates contractor accreditation programs used by owners to prequalify painting contractors.
For scaffold and industrial service companies, AMPP membership is especially relevant when work involves coatings, linings, surface preparation, abrasive blasting, or corrosion repair. Scaffolding and containment are often built specifically to support these activities on bridges, tanks, plants, and industrial structures, and contractors who understand coating standards can plan access and containment that meet specification requirements. Through Scaffold Exchange, you can find AMPP member companies for your project.
What AMPP Membership Connects To
AMPP offers a range of programs and resources. Membership gives companies and their people access to the following.
Industry Standards
Standards for surface preparation, coating application, inspection, and corrosion control used in project specifications.
Individual Certifications
Credentials such as the AMPP Coatings Inspector Program and applicator and specialist certifications.
Contractor Accreditation
QP programs that evaluate painting and coatings contractors' qualifications, including hazardous coating removal.
Training & Education
Courses on coatings, surface preparation, cathodic protection, and corrosion fundamentals.
Technical Community
Conferences, technical committees, publications, and local sections that connect corrosion and coatings professionals.
When AMPP Membership Matters
AMPP membership is especially relevant for scaffold and service providers on projects such as the following.
Bridge painting and coating removal
Tank coatings and linings
Abrasive blasting and containment
Corrosion under insulation repair
Pipeline and plant coatings
Water and wastewater structures
Marine and offshore structures
Owner coatings prequalification programs
How AMPP Membership Compares to Other Qualifications
Association membership is one way to evaluate a provider. Here is how AMPP compares to related memberships and qualifications.
Scaffold industry association
- Focused on scaffold and access
- SAIA University training
- Access safety standards
- Best for scaffold-specific expertise
Spray foam industry association
- Focused on spray polyurethane foam
- Applicator certification
- Insulation and roofing foam
- Best for spray foam contractors
Coatings and corrosion association
- Formed from NACE and SSPC
- Coatings standards and certifications
- Contractor accreditation programs
- Best for coatings and corrosion work
Merit shop construction association
- National association with local chapters
- STEP safety and craft training
- Broad construction focus
- Best for open-shop construction networks
Credentialed scaffold crews
- Crews hold recognized certifications
- Training and experience documented
- Scaffold erection rather than coatings
- Best for verifying builder skill
Find AMPP Member Companies Near You
Use the Scaffold Exchange map to search by location, filter by qualification, and connect directly with scaffold, coatings, and industrial service companies that are AMPP members.
OSHA Compliance & Safety Standards
Coatings work often involves removing old paint that may contain lead. OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926.62 covers lead exposure in construction, requiring exposure assessment, engineering controls, respiratory protection, hygiene facilities, medical surveillance, and training when workers may be exposed. Containment scaffolding built for blasting and coating removal helps control lead and dust, and scaffold work itself must still meet OSHA's scaffold standards.
- Existing coatings tested for lead
- Worker exposure assessed and controlled
- Containment built to the specified class
- Respiratory protection and hygiene facilities provided
- Containment scaffolds designed for wind and sheeting loads
- Scaffolds inspected by a competent person