SSPC PCI Level 3 Practice Exam

SSPC PCI Level 3 Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a Level 3 coating inspector during

complex industrial coating projects?

• Perform basic coating application tasks
• Supervise entry-level inspectors only
• Provide advanced technical oversight and ensure specification

compliance

• Approve contractor payments

Rationale: Level 3 inspectors serve as technical leads responsible for

ensuring full compliance with project specifications and advanced inspection requirements.

• Which document typically governs the minimum surface preparation

standards? 1 / 4

• OSHA Manuals
• SSPC/NACE/ISO surface preparation standards
• Contractor quality plans
• Coating manufacturer brochures

Rationale: Surface prep criteria are defined in formal SSPC, NACE, or ISO

standards, not in safety manuals or marketing materials.

3. The primary goal of surface cleanliness verification is to:

• Reduce coating cure time
• Ensure proper adhesion and long-term coating performance
• Simplify contractor operations
• Improve surface gloss

Rationale: Clean surfaces prevent adhesion failure and extend service life.

• Which tool best evaluates anchor profile depth?
• Wet film gauge
• Replica tape and spring micrometer
• Psychrometer
• Pit gauge

Rationale: Replica tape with micrometer gives standardized profile

measurements.

• The minimum acceptable ambient condition measurements must

include: 2 / 4

• Temperature only
• Humidity only
• Temperature and steel temperature only
• Air temperature, surface temperature, RH, and dew point spread

Rationale: Complete ambient monitoring is required to ensure conditions

prevent condensation.

6. A coating’s volatile organic compound (VOC) content directly affects:

• Gloss
• Environmental compliance and evaporation rate
• Tinting strength
• Steel hardness

Rationale: VOC relates to air emissions and solvent evaporation

characteristics.

• Which defect is typically caused by solvent entrapment?
• Chalking
• Pinholing
• Rust back
• Bleed-through

Rationale: Entrapped solvent creates gas bubbles resulting in pinholes.

8. The primary purpose of a coating specification is to:

• Replace drawings
• Define technical requirements for materials, prep, and inspection 3 / 4

• Increase contractor responsibility only
• Explain manufacturer marketing data

Rationale: Specifications set the project’s measurable technical criteria.

9. A chloride contamination test is most important in:

• Interior drywall work
• Hot-dip galvanizing
• Marine and offshore steel preparation
• Powder coating

Rationale: Marine environments often have high salt loads requiring

verification.

• Which coating type cures by chemical reaction between two

components?

• Alkyd
• Vinyl
• Epoxy
• Acrylic latex

Rationale: Epoxies are two-component systems curing through chemical

crosslinking.

Continue next batch.

11. A psychrometer is used to measure:

• / 4