:: MPI Training ::

Paint Quality Assurance

Introduction

Benefits

Modules

Certificate

INTRODUCTION

Description: MPI’s Level 3 training is the highest level of commercial/institutional paint training offered and is the final and most comprehensive course in MPI’s training program. Graduates of this course will gain the knowledge required to add value to almost any aspect of an architectural/commercial paint project from specifications, surface preparation, application, paint quality assurance, as well as elements of inspection.

Topics Covered:

How to review detailed paint specs for any commercial/institutional projects (new construction & maintenance repaint)
How to use various pieces of testing equipment for inspection in order to provide a detailed evaluation of the surface
How to select the optimal coating system depending on condition of the substrate and/or existing coating, substrate, budget and exposure environment
Roles and responsibilities of all contractors and specifying authorities involved
How to document work to ensure job quality and adherence to specifications
How to interpret and review blueprints
Elements of Site Inspections

Course Format: Course is online. Exam is proctored online, requires photo ID and Skype

Duration: 90 days to complete exam from date of registration

Minimum Passing Grade: 75% or greater to pass

Prerequisites: You must pass all of the following courses to be able to take the Level 3 Training.

Level 1 – Essentials of Paint and Painting Technology
Level 2 A – Architectural Painting
Level 2 B – Maintenance Repainting

Required for: Professional Evaluation and Knowledge Appraisal Assessment (PEKA Assessment)

Accreditation: Trained to Inspector Level.

MPI Certified Architectural Coatings Inspector.

After Completion of Level 3 – Inspector Level, the student will have the opportunity to apply for the PEKA Assessment, which is required to become an MPI Certified Architectural Coatings Inspector.

Level: Advanced

Certification term: 5 years

Prerequisites: You must pass all of the following courses before you can apply for the PEKA Assessment

Level 1 – Essentials of Paint and Painting Technology
Level 2 A – Architectural Painting
Level 2 B – Maintenance Repainting
Level 3 – Inspection

Criteria Required:
All of the following criteria is mandatory to become an MPI Certified Architectural Coatings Inspector:
Professional Experience:

Minimum of ten years in the paint industry
Equivalent of TQ (Tradesman Qualifications) - (experience and certification in the paint industry)
Minimum of Grade 12 education
Strong computer skills and ease with various computer programs
Supervisory skills (ability to guide a nd instruct as well as control situations)

PEKA Assessment
The application will consist of a professional resume and should include all past paint industry history and certifications. Once the application has been approved, the candidate will be given 5 case studies (2 Architectural and 3 Maintenance Repainting) to review and complete. The case studies will be evaluated and if necessary the candidate will be asked to have a formal meeting (in person, by phone or by Skype) with MPI technical representatives.

Accreditation: MPI Certified Architectural Coating Inspector
After the successful completion of the Level 3 training and the PEKA Assessment, the candidate will be awarded the title of MPI Certified Architectural Coating Inspector.

MPI Inspection ID number
The MPI Certified Architectural Coating Inspector will receive an MPI Inspection ID number. The Inspector’s name and ID number will be posted on the MPI website for the entire time he/she remains certified.

Re-certification
Re-certification (every 3 years) – The inspector will be required to show proof that he or she has been active in the architectural inspection field (written specifications, consultations, inspection reports, etc.).
The inspector will also be required to complete 2 to 3 case studies for review.

Introduction

Benefits

Modules

Certificate

BENEFITS

Architects, Specifiers, Interior Designers & Inspectors

Generate maximum value for clients and clearly communicate outcome expectations by having the knowledge to select the best performing systems for any given project while accounting for the constraints of varying: budgets, condition of existing substrates/coatings, environmental goals, and exposure environments
Prevent costly mistakes by identifying defects and failures through the use of testing equipment for inspection
Ensure that specifications are met by understanding the responsibilities of the various trades involved in the project and how to document job quality

Facility Owners/Managers & Property Managers

Effectively plan maintenance schedule by determining the root cause of failures and defects and understanding the probable life cycle of the selected system given the exposure environment
Avoid costly repaints and accurately manage budgets for any project by writing strong detailed specs
Ensure specified quality is met while saving money by insourcing inspection duties.

General Contractors, Painting Contractors and Builders

Win more bids with the highest level of architectural/commercial certification in paint quality assurance on your staff
Reduce liability on jobs through a thorough understanding of each party’s responsibilities with respect to the project and by learning how to document work to prove adherence to the specification
Gain a competitive advantage and generate new revenue streams through the highest level of 3rd party certification

Sales Representatives & Retail Store Staff

Become a one-stop resource for all your customers’ architectural painting needs by being able to offer expert-level product recommendations, full-service inspection, detailed written specifications and dynamic problem solving.
Reinforce the credibility of advice and product recommendations for commercial/institutional projects through verified 3rd party certification

Introduction

Benefits

Modules

Certificate

MODULES

General Introduction

Professional conduct

Why the correct behavior is important for an inspector.
The importance of reliability and ethics.
How to maintain the correct appearance as an inspector, including personal hygiene, Inspector uniform and personal protective equipment.
What the responsibilities of an Inspector are, including:

Inspector Tasks
Information to be included in all reports.
The basic areas that should always be checked during an inspection.

Why it is important to maintain an independent role and how to provide impartial and objective judgements.

The Psychology of Working with People

The types of communication, including the pros and cons of each when used in an inspector situation.
How to be a good listener, tips on how to listen to and understand the conversation.
The consideration of cultural issues when communicating and overcoming language barriers.
How to deal with your own and others defensive behavior through proper communication and body language.
What types of negotiator an inspector should be, practical negotiation skills and the process of negotiation.
How to be a successful salesman while maintaining or building relationships with clients.
Good habits to help achieve successful time management.

Specifications

Understanding all the parts of a long Specification
The bidding process and instructions to bidders.
Familiarizing yourself with the property and gathering information for a pre-specification site observation.
The DSD levels of a surface
The use of Interior and exterior re-paint specifications.
A conclusion for writing specifications.

Report Writing

The skills required for successful documenting, including maintaining the quality of the report and being accurate.
The basic types of forms used for each type of inspection carried out.

Initial
Interim
Final
Follow up
Consultation
Invitation to Tender

A description of the form templates used by an inspector.
What information should be gathered and entered into the forms for a complete and thorough inspection.

Blueprint Reading and Interpretation

What a blueprint is, what it includes and who uses it.
Full description and illustrations of the different parts of the blueprint
A guide to the symbols and other graphics used in a blueprint.
The scale of the drawing, including how to use both architectural and engineer rulers.
The finish schedule, including the abbreviations used for substrate and materials.
How and when to use a blueprint specification guide.
The details contained within a blueprint specification
Understanding how the blueprint and the specifications relate to one another.

Consultations (including mediation)

Collecting and documenting information on failure analysis
Determining and communicating the cause of the failure
Detailed look at surface preparation as the cause of the failure.

DSD level descriptions

Investigating other types of failure including:

Coating selection
Application
Paint formulation problems
Environmental Issues
Architectural designs

When and how to be a mediator.

Site Inspections

Descriptions and safe use of Personal protective equipment.
Other areas that could potentially be hazardous or cause harm while carrying a site inspection.
Safety signage symbols, descriptions and the meanings.
Safe visitor access to site and the rules for staying safe while on site.
Detailed descriptions of each of the types of visits that an inspector may be required to attend including:

Initial
Interim
Final
Follow up

Inspection Equipment (what substrate, when to use, how to use)

The different types of Inspection Equipment
When and how to use specific equipment
What equipment should be used for which substrate
Equipment Calibration and Maintenance
Which items of equipment to carry on you at all times.
How to use specific equipment (videos)