SSPC PCI Level 2 Practice Exam 100

SSPC PCI Level 2 Practice Exam 100 Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of surface cleanliness assessments in SSPC

PCI Level 2 inspections?

• To validate environmental controls
• To verify coating compatibility
• To ensure surfaces meet specified preparation standards
• To check coating thickness

Rationale: Cleanliness assessments confirm the surface meets required

preparation standards before coating.

• Which SSPC document defines visual standards for surface preparation?

A. SSPC-PA 2

B. SSPC-VIS 1

C. SSPC-SP 12

D. SSPC-PA 1 1 / 4

Rationale: SSPC-VIS 1 provides visual reference photographs for surface

cleanliness levels.

• What tool is typically used to verify compressed air cleanliness?
• Wet film gauge
• Dew point meter
• DFT gauge
• Blotter test card

Rationale: The blotter test card checks for oil or moisture contamination

from compressed air.

• The minimum number of DFT readings per SSPC-PA 2 measurement spot

is:

• 2
• 1
• 3
• 5

Rationale: PA 2 requires at least three gage readings per spot.

5. In abrasive blasting, “anchor profile” refers to:

• Final coating thickness
• Surface roughness created by blasting
• Mill scale thickness
• Rust-back rate 2 / 4

Rationale: Anchor profile is the peak-to-valley roughness produced by

surface preparation.

• What instrument is used to measure anchor profile via replica tape?
• Eddy current gauge
• Micrometer
• Pit gauge
• Hygrometer

Rationale: Replica tape requires a micrometer to measure surface profile

thickness.

7. SSPC-SP 10 corresponds to:

• Brush-off blast cleaning
• Commercial blast cleaning
• Near-white blast cleaning
• Waterjetting to WJ-2

Rationale: SP 10 defines near-white blast standards for abrasive cleaning.

8. When verifying dew point, inspectors ensure:

• Relative humidity is stable
• Surface temperature is at least 5°F above dew point
• Air temperature is below dew point
• Substrate temperature equals dew point

Rationale: Coating requires surface temperature at least 5°F above dew

point to avoid condensation. 3 / 4

• Which condition indicates flash rust of greatest concern in waterjetting?
• No discoloration
• Light yellow tint
• Even brown discoloration
• Heavy, powdery rust formation

Rationale: Heavy flash rust can interfere with coating adhesion.

• What is the purpose of a holiday detector?
• Measure DFT
• Detect coating discontinuities
• Verify profile
• Check adhesion

Rationale: Holiday detectors locate pinholes or discontinuities in coatings.

11. SSPC-PA 2 inspections focus on:

• Coating hardness
• Dry film thickness compliance
• Flash rust
• Adhesion failures

Rationale: PA 2 sets requirements for DFT measurement and acceptance.

12. Calibration of DFT gauges must be performed:

• Daily
• Per manufacturer requirements
• Every hour
• / 4