Qualifiied Coating Applicator (QCA) Certification is accredited by Lloyd’s Register, one of the world’s most respected classification societies.

This third-party certification provides formal recognition of an applicator’s skills, knowledge, and competency. It gives employers, clients, and industry partners the assurance that work will be carried out to the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency.

Training vs Certification

Our comprehensive Train the painter program provides world-class training that develops competent coating applicators. QCA Certification is the next step – a third-party validation of those skills. It does not replace training, but adds an extra level of assurance and recognition.

It is possible to fast-track directly to the QCA theoretical exam and practical assessment without completing training.

Two Flexible Ways to Complete QCA Certification

In-house with one of our independent Approved QCA Assessors

Companies can arrange certification at their own facility with one of our independent Approved QCA Assessors, making it convenient for larger teams or ongoing workforce development.

Apply to become an Approved QCA Certification Center for us, allowing the delivery of QCA Certification to external candidates.

Benefits of QCA Certification

Our QCA certified Operatives guarantee a high level of competency, giving employers the confidence that a job will be done efficiently and effectively. Certified Operatives will stand out from their peers, showing increased levels of safety, a reduction in waste, more efficient use of machinery and savings in time and money

Holding a recognized Lloyd’s Register certificate, which meets global specifications, will enhance career opportunities.

Industry Certification Recognition

Accredited by Lloyd’s Register, a globally recognised classification society, and independently assessed against the NORSOK M-501 standard.

Delivered by experienced Approved Assessors in a practical environment

QCA P1 – Protective Coating Applicator

Course Content

  • Pre-Job Preparation – PPE, safety briefing, risk assessment
  • Panel Preparation – surface contamination, irregularities/defects
  • Hand/Power Tool Cleaning – use to specific standards, correct PPR/RPE
  • Paint/Coating Products – pre-application – product data sheets, mixing products, environmental conditions
  • Paint/Coating Products – application – correct procedures according to product data sheet, good working practices
  • Housekeeping and cleaning equipment

Study Time

Theoretical exams. Online - 25 multiple choice questions answered in 45 minutes. Pass mark 70% or over. Practical exams. Conducted by an approved Assessor. Operatives will conduct practical tasks safely and in accordance to the product data sheets. Pass mark 80% or over

Certificate/Qualification

QCA - P1 Protective Coating Applicator certification

Entry criteria

Be physically able to complete all elements of the practical tasks 18 or over. Students should have learned best practice through experience or training and have the knowledge to pass the practical and theoretical exams

QCA A1 – Abrasive Blast Cleaner

Course Content

  • Pre-job preparation – safety briefing, risk assessment, PPE/RPE selection, health and safety briefing
  • Panel Preparation – check for surface contamination, surface irregularities and defects
  • Pre-blast inspection – check equipment, power requirements and abrasive media
  • Testing blast cleaning equipment
  • Abrasive Blast Cleaning
  • Quality control test
  • Cleaning equipment

Study Time

Theoretical exams. - Online 25 multiple choice questions answered in 45 minutes (pass mark 70% or over). Practical exams - conducted by an approved Assessor. Operatives will conduct practical tasks safely and in accordance with the product data sheets (pass mark 80% and over).

Certificate/Qualification

QCA - A1 Abrasive Blast Cleaning certification

Entry criteria

Be physically able to complete all elements of the practical tasks 18 or over. Students should have learned best practice through experience or training and have the knowledge to pass the practical and theoretical exams

QCA S1 – Spray Painter

Course Content

  • Pre-job preparation - safety briefing, risk assessment, PPE/RPE selection, health and safety briefing
  • Panel preparation - check for surface contamination, surface irregularities and defects
  • Airless spray equipment – set up power and equipment and safety checks
  • Paint/coating products (pre-application) product data sheets, PPE/RPE, mixing of the products, environmental conditions
  • Use of airless spray equipment – check equipment ready for use, application of specific products, film thickness, correct application finish, equipment shut-down
  • Cleaning equipment

Study Time

Theoretical exam - online 25 multiple choice questions answered in 60 minutes (pass mark 70% and over). Practical exam - conducted by an approved Assessor. Operatives will conduct practical tasks safely and in accordance with the product data sheets (pass mark 80% and over).

Certificate/Qualification

QCA - S1 Spray Painter certification

Entry criteria

Be physically able to complete all elements of the practical tasks 18 or over. Students should have learned best practice through experience or training and have the knowledge to pass the practical and theoretical exams

QCA T1 – Thin Film Intumescent Applicator

Course Content

  • Pre-job preparation - safety briefing, risk assessment, PPE/RPE selection, health and safety briefing
  • Panel preparation - check for surface contamination, surface irregularities and defects
  • Airless spray equipment – set up power and equipment and safety checks
  • Paint/coating products (pre-application) product data sheets, PPE/RPE, mixing of the products, environmental conditions.
  • Use of airless spray equipment – check equipment is ready for use, application of specific products, film thickness (wet/dry), correct application finish, equipment shut-down
  • Cleaning equipment

Study Time

Theoretical exam - online 25 multiple choice questions answered in 45 minutes (pass mark 70% or over). Practical exam - conducted by an approved Assessor. Operatives will conduct practical tasks safely and in accordance with the product data sheets (pass mark 80% or over).

Certificate/Qualification

QCA - T1 Thin Film Intumescent Applicator certification

Entry criteria

Be physically able to complete all elements of the practical tasks 18 or over. Students should have learned best practice through experience or training and have the knowledge to pass the practical and theoretical exams