How to hire a FROSIO inspector in Romania
What the FROSIO levels mean, how to check a certificate, what to ask before you book, and what a coating inspection should cover. Written by Alin Barbu, FROSIO Level III inspector based in Ploiești.
What FROSIO certification means
FROSIO is the Norwegian professional council for the education and certification of surface treatment inspectors. It was founded in 1986, has issued certificates since 1987, and is accredited by Norsk Akkreditering for the certification of persons.
To be certified, an inspector must attend an 80-hour course at a FROSIO approved training body, pass both a theoretical and a practical exam, and document relevant experience. The level on the certificate depends on that experience.
The three FROSIO levels
| Level | Certificate colour | Experience required | Valid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | White | Inspector candidate, less experience than required for Level II | 5 years |
| Level II | Green | At least 2 years of relevant experience | 5 years |
| Level III | Red | At least 5 years of relevant experience, of which at least 2 years documented inspection experience | 5 years |
Relevant experience means work on surface preparation, coating application for corrosion protection, or inspection of that work. Check what your coating specification or end client requires before you book. If it names AMPP (NACE) instead, see FROSIO vs AMPP (NACE).
How to verify a certificate
- Ask for the certificate number, level and expiry date
- Check that the name and photo match the inspector’s ID
- Confirm the details with FROSIO at frosio@frosio.no
- Check the expiry date against your project dates; renewal must happen within six months of expiry
What to ask before you book
- FROSIO level, certificate number and expiry date
- Other qualifications your scope needs: welding inspection (IWI), NDT to ISO 9712, supplier surveillance
- List of instruments and their calibration certificates
- A sample inspection report, with personal and client data removed
- Coating standards they work to: ISO 8501, 8502, 8503, ISO 19840, NACE SP0188, ISO 21809
- Availability, travel and how the rate is calculated
What a coating inspection should cover
- Before blastingSpecification and ITP review, steel condition, contamination.
- Surface preparationCleanliness grade, surface profile, soluble salts and dust.
- ClimateSteel and air temperature, humidity and dew point at each coat.
- Each coatWet and dry film thickness, overcoating intervals, visual defects.
- Final releaseAdhesion, holiday detection, cure checks, reports and dossier.
Details and instruments on the coating inspection page.
How to brief your inspector
A good brief saves a day on site. Send:
- Location, dates and expected duration
- The coating specification and the approved ITP, with hold and witness points
- Product data sheets for the coating system
- Equipment list or drawings, and the quantity to inspect
- Report format required by the agency or end client
Questions people ask
How long is a FROSIO certificate valid?
Five years from the first issue date. A certificate that is not renewed within six months of its expiry date becomes invalid, and the holder has to pass the examination again.
Is FROSIO the same as an AMPP (formerly NACE) coating inspector certification?
No. Both certify coating inspectors, but FROSIO is a Norwegian scheme and AMPP is a US-based one. Check which schemes your coating specification accepts.
Can a FROSIO inspector also inspect welds?
Only with a separate welding qualification. FROSIO covers surface treatment (and insulation in its own scheme). For welds, look for a welding inspector qualification such as IWI and NDT certificates to ISO 9712.
How do I check that a FROSIO certificate is real?
Ask for the certificate number, level and expiry date, and contact FROSIO directly at frosio@frosio.no to confirm them.
About the author
Alin Barbu is a FROSIO Level III surface treatment inspector (certificate no. 13584) and IWI-S International Welding Inspector, with NDT Level 2 in VT, PT, MT and UT. In quality inspection since 2014, independent third-party inspector since 2018, working across Romania and abroad.
Need an inspector on site?
Send the location, dates and inspection scope, and I will confirm availability.
Or email barbu.constantin.alin@gmail.com