One of the primary functions of Correx Ltd is to administer the ICATS scheme. ICATS is the Industrial Coating Applicator Training Scheme and was developed due to demand by industry to have formal accredited training for applicators of coatings in the UK.
The scheme is mandated by The Highways Agency in NHSS19A and by Network Rail for all applicators. ICATS is also a requirement for many other major structure owners such as Oil Companies, Power Generators and Infrastructure Owners.
Additional Specialist Modules in Paint Spraying and Abrasive Blast Cleaning are also available.
https://www.icats-training.org/
Correx Ltd and Technical Certification Provenance: A Standards-Based Approach vs Training System Audit Models
In the corrosion protection and surface treatment sector, the term “certification” is frequently used—but not always consistently. For asset owners, engineers, and contractors, understanding the technical provenance of a certification scheme is critical to ensuring competence, compliance, and long-term asset integrity.
This article examines the certification framework delivered by Correx Ltd, particularly its alignment with British Standards for surface treatment, and contrasts it with the model used by other providers, which simply reference an audit from companies such as Lloyd’s Register.
- Certification Provenance: What Does It Really Mean?
Technical certification should answer a fundamental question:
What authoritative technical standard underpins the competence being assessed?
A robust certification scheme requires:
- A defined technical standard or code of practice
- Measurable competency criteria
- Independent verification against technical requirements, not just process
Without this, certification risks becoming a procedural exercise rather than a demonstration of technical competence.
- Correx Ltd: Certification Rooted in British Standards
The certification model delivered by Correx Ltd is built on a clear principle:
Technical Certification Provenance = British Standards
This means:
- Training and assessment are aligned directly with BS EN and ISO standards relevant to surface preparation and coating application.
- Competence is measured against defined technical requirements, such as:
- Surface cleanliness grades (e.g., Sa 2½, St 3)
- Profile requirements
- Coating inspection criteria
- Environmental controls during application
Key Characteristics
- Standards-led framework
Certification is derived from recognised industry standards, ensuring consistency and traceability. - Competency-based assessment
Candidates must demonstrate practical and theoretical understanding aligned to real-world engineering requirements. - Industry relevance
British Standards are widely specified in contracts, making this certification directly applicable to project compliance.
Role of ICATS
Correx manages certification schemes such as ICATS (Industrial Coating Applicator Training Scheme), which are:
- Recognised by major asset owners
- Embedded in UK infrastructure specifications
- Aligned with best practice in corrosion protection
- Other Providers: Training System Audit vs Technical Certification
Other training providers promote their courses as being associated with Audit companies such as Lloyd’s Register. However, it is essential to distinguish what they certify in this context.
What Audit companies Do
- Audit the Training Management System (TMS)
- Verify that:
- Processes are documented
- Training delivery is consistent
- Quality systems are in place
What They Do NOT Do (in this context)
- Define the technical syllabus content
- Certify technical competence against engineering standards
- Validate alignment with British Standards or ISO coating specifications
Implication
This model represents:
Certification of process quality (how training is delivered), not technical content (what is taught or assessed).
- Key Differences: Technical vs Procedural Certification
| Aspect | Correx Ltd | Other Providers |
| Certification Basis | British Standards (technical) | Training Management System (process) |
| Technical Provenance | Clearly defined (BS/EN/ISO) | Not independently defined |
| Role of Third Party | Standards define competence | Audits training delivery system |
| Industry Alignment | Directly matches specifications | Indirect |
| Competence Assurance | Technical + Practical | Process assurance only |
- Why This Matters to Industry
For asset owners and contractors, the distinction is not academic—it directly impacts:
Risk Management
- Standards-based certification reduces risk of coating failure
- Process-only certification does not guarantee technical adequacy
Contract Compliance
- Many specifications explicitly require British Standards compliance
- Certification must map directly to these requirements
Asset Integrity
- Coating performance depends on correct application to defined standards
- Competence must be measured against those standards—not just training delivery consistency
- Conclusion
The critical difference lies in what is being certified:
There are multiple verification bodies in the market, and many providers use them. The key point this article is making is the distinction between auditing a training process and certifying technical competence against defined standards. If the industry doesn’t clearly distinguish between these two, there’s a risk that clients and asset owners assume a level of technical competence that hasn’t been independently verified.
What differentiates Correx is that our certification has clear technical provenance through alignment with recognised standards.
- Correx Ltd provides certification with clear technical provenance, grounded in British Standards and aligned with industry requirements.
- Other providers, while operating a structured training system audited by companies such as Lloyd’s Register, offer assurance of process quality rather than technical certification against defined engineering standards.
For stakeholders seeking confidence in coating application competence, the distinction between standards-based certification and management system audit is fundamental.