Aspiring coating inspectors can get the training they need through associate's degree and certificate programs in corrosion technology. Students in these programs often pursue professional certifications in the field.
Coating Inspector Schools
These schools offer programs for aspiring coating inspectors:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition & Fees (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seward County Community College | Liberal, Kansas | 2-year, Public | Associate Certificate | In-district $3,168 In-state $3,200 Out-of-state $4,384 |
| Kilgore College | Kilgore, Texas | 2-year, Public | Associate Certificate | In-district $1,896 In-state $3,792 Out-of-state $4,992 |
| Lone Star College | The Woodlands, Texas | 2-year, Public | Certificate | In-district $1,600 In-state $3,880 Out-of-state $5,200 |
| Houston Community College | Houston, Texas | 2-year, Public | Associate Certificate | In-district $1,632 In-state $3,360 Out-of-state $3,756 |
| Barton County Community College | Great Bend, Kansas | 2-year, Public | Associate Certificate | In-state and Out-of-state $3,584 |
| Essex County College | Newark, New Jersey | 2-year, Public | Associate | In-district $4,995 In-state $8,790 Out-of-state $8,790 |
| Dawson Community College | Glendive, Montana | 2-year, Public | Associate | In-district $3,720 In-state $5,250 Out-of-state $7,770 |
| University of Akron | Akron, Ohio | 4-year, Public | Associate Certificate | In-state $11,463 Out-of-state $15,500 |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, Florida | 4-year, Public | Certificate | In-state $2,878 Out-of-state $9,992 |
| Central Technology Center | Drumright, Oklahoma | <2-year, Public | Certificate | $4,300 |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a program:
- Students may want to find out what the pass rates are for graduates on the professional certification exams offered by industry leaders such as the National Association of Corrosion Engineers, the Society for Protective Coatings and the National Highway Institute.
- Although a corrosion technology program is usually the most relevant program for future coating inspectors, there are also gas pipeline-specific programs, as well as broader degree programs in mechanical engineering technology that include studies of corrosion. Students can choose between these options based on their academic interests.
- Prospective students may want to look for programs that are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET.
- Working students may want to find out about the school's technical training facilities, in order to ensure that they will gain experience with industry-standard coating inspection tools and technologies.
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs typically provide a short series of courses that cover the basics of corrosion technology, including coating regulations and inspection procedures. Some schools offer more specialized certificates for individuals who want to work specifically with pipeline technology. They may also provide training for particular industry certification examinations.
Associate's Degree Programs
In associate's degree programs in corrosion technology, students receive a broad overview of the field. They begin with basic math and science courses in topics like electricity, chemistry and physics. From there, students are challenged to apply corrosion theory to engineering problems in a variety of industries, including oil and gas, manufacturing and pipeline management. An internship and/or capstone project may also be required. Students must also fulfill general education requirements before they can graduate.
Before selecting a coating inspector program, students should look into the curriculum to find out if it prepares students for professional certification exams and coincides with their academic interests and career goals.
