2026/2027 NACE CIP LEVEL 1 STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS
WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
Define Corrosion -ANSWER-The deterioration of a substance, usually a metal from a reaction
with its environment
What is Passivation? -ANSWER-A layer of oxides formed on the surface of a metal that
provides corrosion protection.
What is an example of passivation? -ANSWER-Stainless Steel
What are the elements of a corrosion cell? -ANSWER-Anode, Cathode, Metallic Pathway,
Electrolyte
Describe what happens at the anode. -ANSWER-The metal dissolves into the electrolyte
What is the function of the electrolyte? -ANSWER-Allows the passage of ions to connect the
corrosion cell
What is the function of the metallic pathway? -ANSWER-Allows the flow of electrons to
connect the corrosion cell
What is the galvanic series? -ANSWER-A listing of metals in order of reactivity (more or less
noble) in seawater at 25 C
The general rules of galvanic corrosion are: -ANSWER-The more reactive metal --when
connected to the less reactive (more noble) metal -- will corrode preferentially
Name the five (5) most important factors that affect the *rate of corrosion.* -ANSWER-
Humidity, oxygen, chemical salts, pollutants, temperature
, General corrosion is: -ANSWER-Results in a relatively *uniform* loss of material over the
entire surface, Results in a general thinning of the affected surface, Relatively easy to
inspect, Does not casue catastrophic failures
Localized corrosion is: -ANSWER-At discrete/specific spots on the metal surface. Typically
pitting and crevice corrosion. The most concerning as damage is concentrated and loss of
integrity or structural failure can result.
List some of the common tools/methods used for *corrosion control*. -ANSWER-Design,
Inhibitors, Material Selection, Cathodic Protection, Protective Coatings, Splash Zone Systems,
Alteration of the Environment
How does NACE define the Inspector's role? -ANSWER-The inspector's role is that of a
*quality control technician* responsible for *observing and reporting conformance or
deviation from the project specification.*
What is the inspector's responsibility when it comes to safety on the project? -ANSWER-
Safety enforcement is not the responsibility of the inspector; however, it is his/her
responsibility to report any issues that may affect the project.
Name some tests that may need to be conducted during surface preparation and coating
operations. -ANSWER-Ambient Temperature, Relative Humidity & Dew Point, Anchor Profile,
Surface Cleanliness
Name some of the documentation/reports that may be required to be maintained on a
coatings project. -ANSWER-Daily/weekly summary, material usage reports, manpower and
equipment, conformance, and Non-conformance
What are the most important characteristics of a good report? -ANSWER-Objective,
Accurate, and Detailed.
WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS
Define Corrosion -ANSWER-The deterioration of a substance, usually a metal from a reaction
with its environment
What is Passivation? -ANSWER-A layer of oxides formed on the surface of a metal that
provides corrosion protection.
What is an example of passivation? -ANSWER-Stainless Steel
What are the elements of a corrosion cell? -ANSWER-Anode, Cathode, Metallic Pathway,
Electrolyte
Describe what happens at the anode. -ANSWER-The metal dissolves into the electrolyte
What is the function of the electrolyte? -ANSWER-Allows the passage of ions to connect the
corrosion cell
What is the function of the metallic pathway? -ANSWER-Allows the flow of electrons to
connect the corrosion cell
What is the galvanic series? -ANSWER-A listing of metals in order of reactivity (more or less
noble) in seawater at 25 C
The general rules of galvanic corrosion are: -ANSWER-The more reactive metal --when
connected to the less reactive (more noble) metal -- will corrode preferentially
Name the five (5) most important factors that affect the *rate of corrosion.* -ANSWER-
Humidity, oxygen, chemical salts, pollutants, temperature
, General corrosion is: -ANSWER-Results in a relatively *uniform* loss of material over the
entire surface, Results in a general thinning of the affected surface, Relatively easy to
inspect, Does not casue catastrophic failures
Localized corrosion is: -ANSWER-At discrete/specific spots on the metal surface. Typically
pitting and crevice corrosion. The most concerning as damage is concentrated and loss of
integrity or structural failure can result.
List some of the common tools/methods used for *corrosion control*. -ANSWER-Design,
Inhibitors, Material Selection, Cathodic Protection, Protective Coatings, Splash Zone Systems,
Alteration of the Environment
How does NACE define the Inspector's role? -ANSWER-The inspector's role is that of a
*quality control technician* responsible for *observing and reporting conformance or
deviation from the project specification.*
What is the inspector's responsibility when it comes to safety on the project? -ANSWER-
Safety enforcement is not the responsibility of the inspector; however, it is his/her
responsibility to report any issues that may affect the project.
Name some tests that may need to be conducted during surface preparation and coating
operations. -ANSWER-Ambient Temperature, Relative Humidity & Dew Point, Anchor Profile,
Surface Cleanliness
Name some of the documentation/reports that may be required to be maintained on a
coatings project. -ANSWER-Daily/weekly summary, material usage reports, manpower and
equipment, conformance, and Non-conformance
What are the most important characteristics of a good report? -ANSWER-Objective,
Accurate, and Detailed.
