FprEN ISO 14918

• Abstract:

  ISO 14918:2018 specifies procedural instructions for qualification testing of thermal sprayers. It defines requirements, ranges of qualification, test conditions, acceptance requirements and certification for qualification testing of thermal spray performance.; ISO 14918:2018 is applicable when the thermal sprayer's qualification is required by this document, the purchaser, by inspection authorities or by other organizations.; The thermal spraying processes referred to in this document include those spraying processes which are designated as manual or mechanized.; The test for mechanised application includes the use of automatically controlled thermal spraying, e.g. robotics, scan units.

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 10-Mar-2027
• ICS: 25.220.20 - Surface treatment
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 240 - Thermal spraying and thermally spraying coatings
• Current Stage: 4599 - Dispatch of FV draft to CMC - Finalization for Vote
• Start Date: 24-Jun-2026
• Completion Date: 24-Jun-2026
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN ISO 14918:2026 - Thermal spraying - Qualification testing of thermal sprayers (ISO/DIS 14918:2025)

• Consolidated By: ISO/FDIS 14918 - Thermal spraying — Qualification testing of thermal sprayers
• Effective Date: 12-Feb-2026
• Revises: EN ISO 14918:2018 - Thermal spraying - Qualification testing of thermal sprayers (ISO 14918:2018)
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023

FprEN ISO 14918 is a CEN draft standard on thermal spraying. It specifies how thermal sprayers are qualified, including the technical knowledge test, practical test, qualification range, acceptance requirements and certification. It is used when qualification is required by the standard itself, by a purchaser, by inspection authorities or by other organizations.

What does FprEN ISO 14918 specify?

FprEN ISO 14918 specifies procedural instructions for qualification testing of thermal sprayers. It covers the conditions for qualification, the test conditions, the acceptance requirements and the certification of thermal spray performance.

The standard applies to thermal spraying processes used in manual or mechanized form. Mechanized application includes automatically controlled thermal spraying such as robotics and scan units. The document is organized into 10 clauses and 4 annexes.

Annex	What it covers
Annex A	Technical knowledge examination for the thermal sprayer
Annex B	Practical examination and the general and specific assessment criteria
Annex C	Minimum tensile adhesive strength and shear load resistance values
Annex D	Example of a qualification test certificate

What are the key requirements of FprEN ISO 14918?

FprEN ISO 14918 qualifies a thermal sprayer for a specific spray process and a specific application method. Clause 5 makes the scope of qualification process-specific, so a pass in one group does not automatically cover other thermal spraying groups. In practice, the certificate must match the exact process, method and spray material used in the examination.

Qualification is tied to process and application method

Clause 5 groups the covered processes into arc spraying, plasma spraying, high velocity oxy fuel flame spraying, cold spraying, detonation spraying, powder flame spraying, plastic flame spraying, wire/rods/cords flame spraying, powder flame spraying with fusing, laser spraying and plasma transferred arc spraying (PTA). Clause 5 also limits the application method to manual or mechanized, with manual qualification covering both manual and mechanized use, while mechanized qualification covers mechanized use only. This matters because the certificate scope must match the way the sprayer will actually work.

The examination has a theory part and a practical part

Clause 6 requires two examinations on the relevant spray process - a job knowledge test and a practical test. The knowledge test covers equipment, the process, substrate materials, consumables, surface preparation, safety and accident prevention, and examination procedures. The practical test checks whether the candidate can run the equipment, set the spray parameters and produce an acceptable test piece according to a thermal spray procedure specification (TSPS).

The examination body must be independent

Clause 5.4 and Clause 6 require an independent examination body to conduct the qualification examination and assess the test pieces. The body must be impartial and have the technical competence and resources to do the work properly. If certification is carried out, it must be done by an accredited certification body using an accredited certification program. In practice, this separates the qualification decision from day-to-day production pressure.

Practical testing depends on the spray material

Annex B sets different practical assessment routes for different material groups. For zinc, aluminium and their alloys, the assessment focuses on coating thickness, uniformity and visual appearance, with adhesion testing used only when the main results are questionable. For metals and alloys, hard metal materials and ceramics, the assessment can also include adhesion or shear load resistance and metallographic examination. For self-fluxing alloys, the route includes post-processing by machining after autogenous melting, and may also include Rockwell hardness testing and metallography.

Annex B gives the acceptance checks

Annex B is the core practical testing annex. It defines the test pieces, the surface condition checks, the spray operation, the visual criteria and the optional laboratory tests. It also allows the examination body to stop the test if the spray conditions are unsuitable or if the candidate cannot demonstrate the required manual skill. This is important because the qualification is not just about making a coating, but about producing one under controlled conditions.

Qualification stays valid only with continued practice

Clause 8 sets the validity rules. The qualification starts on the date of the examination and is valid for three years, provided the sprayer keeps working in the relevant production field and does not interrupt thermal spraying work for more than six months. Every six months, the qualification must be confirmed by the spray supervisor or the examiner/examination body. If the interruption exceeds six months, the sprayer must go through re-qualification.

Certificates and designation are tightly defined

Clause 9 requires the examination certificate to confirm both the theoretical and practical parts, and to include all essential influencing factors. If a mandatory laboratory test fails, no spray qualification certificate may be issued. Clause 10 defines the designation using the document number, the thermal spray process, the application method and the spray material. This keeps the qualification traceable for customers, inspectors and production records.

What terms does FprEN ISO 14918 define?

• Thermal sprayer - a person who performs thermal spraying with a manual or mechanized system.
• Manual thermal spraying - a process where the spraying gun or torch is manipulated by hand.
• Mechanized thermal spraying - a process where some spraying actions are mechanized and the gun or torch is not manipulated by hand.
• Automatic thermal spraying - a fully mechanized process, including handling such as loading and unloading, integrated into a programmed system; for examination purposes it is treated as mechanized thermal spraying.
• Examining body - the organization that verifies compliance with the application standard and carries out the qualification examination.
• Thermal spray procedure specification (TSPS) - the procedure specification that the candidate follows during the practical test.
• Qualification - demonstrated education, training and, where applicable, work experience.
• Certificate - the document issued by the certification body showing that the named person has fulfilled the certification requirements.

Who uses FprEN ISO 14918?

FprEN ISO 14918 is used by thermal sprayers who need formal qualification for their process and application method. It is also used by examining bodies, certification bodies and spray supervisors who run, witness or sign off the qualification process.

Purchasers and inspection authorities use the standard when they require evidence that sprayed work has been carried out by a qualified person. Manufacturers and contractors use it to define who may perform thermal spraying, how qualification is recorded and when it must be renewed. It is relevant in surface treatment and other thermal spray applications where coating quality depends on operator skill, process control and safe handling.

What changed in FprEN ISO 14918 from the previous edition?

FprEN ISO 14918 replaces ISO 14918:2018. The foreword states that the document is technically revised.

The changes listed in the foreword are:

• normative references updated;
• further terms and definitions added;
• the document restructured to remove inconsistencies around theoretical and practical examinations, extension of qualification and repeat examination;
• Annex A revised and expanded with additional explanations for the technical knowledge examination;
• Annex B revised with updated assessment conditions and new criteria;
• Annex C changed from normative to informative and formally adapted;
• Annex D formally adapted;
• bibliography added.

Which standards are used with FprEN ISO 14918?

Standard	What it contributes
ISO 2063-1	Design considerations and quality requirements for zinc, aluminium and their alloys in corrosion protection systems
ISO 2063-2	Execution requirements for corrosion protection systems and the coating checks used in Annex B
ISO 4624	Pull-off test method for adhesion, used when adhesion testing is needed
ISO 6508-1	Rockwell hardness test method, used for the optional hardness check after autogenous melting
ISO 14916	Tensile adhesive strength test for thermally sprayed coatings
ISO 14917	Thermal spraying terminology and classification, used for process naming and terms
EN 15340	Shear load resistance test for thermally sprayed coatings

The bibliography also points to ISO/IEC 17024 for person certification requirements and ISO/IEC 17000 for conformity assessment vocabulary.

What does the FprEN ISO 14918 document contain?

The document contains a clause structure that takes the reader from scope and references through terms, qualification rules, examination, re-tests, validity, certification and designation. It also contains the theoretical and practical examination annexes that examiners use to prepare and score candidates.

Annex A lays out the job knowledge topics and the possible test formats, including written, oral, demonstration-based and computer-based methods. Annex B provides the practical test setup, example test pieces, surface-condition examples, process-specific acceptance criteria and the checks that can be done by the examination body.

The informative Annex C compiles minimum tensile adhesive strength and shear load resistance values for different coating materials and spray processes. Annex D gives a model qualification certificate showing the kinds of data that are recorded for the sprayer, the process and the six-month prolongation record.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2026
Vroče brizganje - Ugotavljanje primernosti opreme za vroče brizganje (ISO/DIS
14918:2025)
Thermal spraying - Qualification testing of thermal sprayers (ISO/DIS 14918:2025)
Thermisches Spritzen - Prüfung von thermischen Spritzern (ISO/DIS 14918:2025)
Projection thermique - Qualification des agents en projection thermique (ISO/DIS
14918:2025)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 14918
ICS:
25.220.20 Površinska obdelava Surface treatment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 14918
ISO/TC 107
Thermal spraying — Qualification
Secretariat: KATS
testing of thermal sprayers
Voting begins on:
Projection thermique — Qualification des agents en projection
2025-12-17
thermique
Voting terminates on:
ICS: 25.220.20 2026-03-11
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 14918:2025(en)
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 14918:2025(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 14918
ISO/TC 107
Thermal spraying — Qualification
Secretariat: KATS
testing of thermal sprayers
Voting begins on:
Projection thermique — Qualification des agents en projection
thermique
Voting terminates on:
ICS: 25.220.20
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2025
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
Phone: [phone]
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 14918:2025(en)
ii
ISO/DIS 14918:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Essential requirements for qualification testing . 3
5 Range of qualification . 4
5.1 General .4
5.2 Thermal spraying processes .4
5.2.1 Grouping of thermal spraying processes .4
5.2.2 Application methods .5
5.2.3 Spray materials .5
5.3 Range of qualification .5
5.4 Examination body responsible for qualification .6
6 Examination and testing . 6
6.1 General .6
6.2 Job knowledge test .6
6.3 Practical test .6
7 Re-tests. 7
7.1 General .7
7.2 Additional tests .7
8 Period of validity . 7
8.1 Initial qualification (first examination) .7
8.2 Prolongation .7
8.3 Procedure for interruptions in thermal spraying activities .7
8.4 Expired or cancelled qualification status .8
8.5 Withdrawal of qualification .8
9 Thermal sprayer examination certificate – Qualification reports . 8
10 Designation . 8
Annex A (normative) Technical knowledge examination for the qualification of the thermal
sprayer (theoretical examination) . 9
Annex B (normative) Practical examination for thermal sprayer qualification - general and
specific assessment criteria .11
Annex C (informative) Minimum tensile adhesive strength and shear load resistance values . 19
Annex D (informative) Example of qualification test certificate for thermal sprayer according
to ISO 14918:2024 .22
Bibliography .24

iii
ISO/DIS 14918:2025(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any patent
rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of
patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World
Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL:
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 107, Metallic and other inorganic coatings.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 14918:2018), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— normative reverences updated;
— further terms and definitions added;
— document restructured (Adaptation of the text were inconsistencies, regarding theoretical and practical
examinations, handling of the extension of the qualification, stipulations for the repeat examination etc.);
— normative Annex A (Technical knowledge examination for the qualification of the thermal sprayer (theoretical
examination), new title) restructured and revised regarding the technical knowledge examination,
additional explanations added;
— normative Annex B (Practical examination for thermal sprayer qualification - general and specific assessment
criteria, new title) restructured and revised regarding specific assessment conditions, new assessment
criteria added;
— normative Annex C (Minimum tensile adhesive strength and shear load resistance values) changed into
informative and formally adapted;
— informative Annex D (Example of qualification test certificate for thermal sprayer) formally adapted;
— bibliography added.
iv
ISO/DIS 14918:2025(en)
Introduction
This document examines the principles of qualification testing of sprayer performance for thermal spraying.
The quality of work involved in thermal spraying depends on the skill, operation of the spray equipment and
job knowledge of the thermal sprayer.
The ability of the thermal sprayer to follow verbal and written instructions and the testing of his/her
skill and operation of the spray equipment are therefore important factors in ensuring the quality of the
thermally sprayed product.
This document is intended to provide the basis for mutual recognition by examining bodies for qualification
relating to thermal sprayer’s competence in the various fields of application. Tests can be carried out in
accordance with this document, unless more severe tests are specified by the relevant application standards
in which case these can be applied.
The thermal sprayer’s skill and job knowledge continues to be classified as qualified as long as the thermal
sprayer works with reasonable continuity on thermal spraying work within the extent of qualification.

v
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 14918:2025(en)
Thermal spraying — Qualification testing of thermal sprayers
1 Scope
This document specifies procedural instructions for qualification testing of thermal sprayers. It defines
requirements, ranges of qualification, test conditions, acceptance requirements and certification for
qualification testing of thermal spray performance.
This document is applicable when the thermal sprayer’s qualification is required by this document, the
purchaser, by inspection authorities or by other organizations.
The thermal spraying processes referred to in this document include those spraying processes which are
designated as manual or mechanized.
The test for mechanised application includes the use of automatically controlled thermal spraying, e.g.
robotics, scan units.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 2063-1, Thermal spraying — Zinc, aluminium and their alloys — Part 1: Design considerations and quality
requirements for corrosion protection systems
ISO 2063-2, Thermal spraying — Zinc, aluminium and their alloys — Part 2: Execution of corrosion
protection systems
ISO 4624, Paints and varnishes — Pull-off test for adhesion
ISO 6508-1, Metallic materials — Rockwell hardness test — Part 1: Test method
ISO 14916, Thermal spraying — Determination of tensile adhesive strength
ISO 14917, Thermal spraying — Terminology, classification
EN 15340, Thermal spraying — Determination of shear load resistance of thermally sprayed coatings
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 14917 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
3.1
thermal sprayer
person who performs thermal spraying with a manual or mechanized system

ISO/DIS 14918:2025(en)
3.2
manual thermal spraying
process in which the spraying gun or torch is manipulated by hand
3.3
mechanized thermal spraying
process in which some aspects are mechanized, i.e. with the gun/torch not manipulated by hand
3.4
automatic thermal spraying
process in which all operations typical of the spraying process are fully mechanized including all handling,
e.g. workpiece loading and unloading, and which are integrated in a programmed system
Note 1 to entry: For examination, it is equal to mechanized thermal spraying (3.3).
3.5
examiner
Person competent to conduct and score an examination, where the examination requires professional
judgement
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17024:2012, 3.10]
3.6
examining body
organization who verifies compliance with the application standard
Note 1 to entry: In certain cases, an external independent examining body can be required
3.7
specific acceptance criteria
document providing in detail the criteria by which a thermal sprayer (3.1) can be tested to be qualified for a
particular spraying technique or application area
3.8
test piece
thermal spray workpiece used for the qualification test (3.10)
3.9
test specimen
portion cut from the test piece (3.8) in order to perform a specified analytical test (3.10)
3.10
test
series of operations which include the making of a thermally sprayed test piece (3.8), subsequent non-
destructive and/or destructive testing and reporting of results
3.11
certification process
activities by which a certification body determines that a person fulfils certification requirements (3.13),
including application, assessment, decision on certification, recertification and use of certificates (3.12) and
logos/marks
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17024:2012, 3.1]
3.12
certificate
document issued by a certification body under the provisions of this International Standard, indicating that
the named person has fulfilled the certification requirements (3.13)
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17024:2012, 3.5]

ISO/DIS 14918:2025(en)
3.13
certification requirements
set of specified requirements, including requirements of the scheme to be fulfilled in order to establish or
maintain certification
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17024:2012, 3.3]
3.14
competence
ability to apply knowledge and skills to achieve intended results
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17024:2012, 3.6]
3.15
qualification
demonstrated education, training and work experience, where applicable
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17024:2012, 3.7]
3.16
validity
evidence that the assessment (3.18) measures what it is intended to measure, as defined by the certification
scheme (3.19)
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17024:2012, 3.17]
3.17
independence
freedom of a person or organization from the control or authority of another person or organization
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17000:2020, 5.4]
3.18
assessment
process that evaluates a person's fulfilment of the requirements of the certification scheme (3.19)
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17024:2012, 3.8]
3.19
certification scheme
competence (3.14) and other requirements related to specific occupational or skilled categories of persons
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17024:2012, 3.2]
4 Essential requirements for qualification testing
The examination of thermal sprayers is based on key influencing factors (e.g. spraying process, execution
method). A scope is defined for each key influencing factor. The competence of the thermal sprayer in the
respective areas is to be determined using the criteria prescribed in this clause.
The qualification examination mainly takes place after the thermal sprayer training and includes a
theoretical and a practical part.
Note Candidates (thermal sprayers) who already have proven practical experience can proceed directly (without
taking part in additional training) with the qualification testing.
The thermal sprayer candidate shall be examined for basic technical knowledge and specific process-related
knowledge of all thermal spray processes and activities to be qualified.

ISO/DIS 14918:2025(en)
The following specialist topics are examined as part of the specialist theoretical examination (technical
knowledge examination):
— facilities and environmental conditions for thermal spraying;
— thermal spray processes to be qualified;
— substrate materials and consumables;
— surface preparation
— safety and accident prevention;
— examination procedures and examination of prepared and thermally sprayed surfaces.
— other specialist topics such as operating the facilities, masking processes, using the equipment, etc.
For additional explanations, see Annex A, Technical knowledge examination.
The test pieces for the practical part of the examination shall be selected in accordance with Annex B/
Clause B.5, according to the application technique (manual/mechanized spraying) and the spray process
chosen by the candidate.
The candidate shall thermally coat the test item in accordance with a thermal spray procedure specification
(TSPS). The thermal sprayer should be able to demonstrate (during the practical examination) that he/she is
able to handle the spray gun/facility and set the spray parameters (according to TSPS).
For further explanations see Annex B.
5 Range of qualification
5.1 General
Thermal sprayers shall be qualified for thermal spraying to a specific coating process and method of
application technique (execution method). The qualification shall only be valid for that specific coating
process and method of application. The thermal spraying processes and methods of application covered by
this document are identified in 5.2.
Note It is possible and permitted to qualify a thermal sprayer for several spray processes. This can be done
by coating several test pieces (different spray processes and execution methods) and several technical knowledge
examinations.
5.2 Thermal spraying processes
5.2.1 Grouping of thermal spraying processes
This document covers the following thermal spraying processes according to ISO 14917:
— arc spraying;
— plasma spraying;
— high velocity oxy fuel flame spraying, cold spraying, detonation spraying;
— powder flame spraying, plastic flame spraying;
— wire/rods/cords flame spraying;
— powder flame spraying with fusing, laser spraying, plasma transferred arc spraying (PTA).

ISO/DIS 14918:2025(en)
5.2.2 Application methods
This document covers the following application methods:
— manual;
— mechanized.
The range of qualification listed in Table 1 depends on the application technique used in the examination.
Table 1 — Range of qualification – Application methods
Test piece/ application technique Range of qualification
manual manual and mechanized
mechanized mechanized
5.2.3 Spray materials
5.2.3.1 General
The spray materials that shall be used in the qualification test are split into material groups.
The materials listed in 5.2.3.2 to 5.2.3.5 are given for information only to show which material is generally
appropriate for each process.
5.2.3.2 Flame spraying (powder, wire, cords or rods)/arc spraying
— Metals and alloys (for engineering purposes).
— Zinc, aluminium and their alloys and plastic (for corrosion protection).
5.2.3.3 Flame spraying (powder, wire, cords or rods, PTA, laser spraying and flame sprayed and fused)
— Self-fluxing alloys, cobalt based alloys, hard-facing.
5.2.3.4 Plasma spraying, plasma spraying in a chamber under vacuum
— Metals and alloys.
— Metal based hard material.
— Ceramics, hydroxyl-apatite.
5.2.3.5 High velocity flame spraying
— Metals and alloys.
— Metal based hard material.
5.3 Range of qualification
The requirements for the initial approval (initial qualification) of a thermal sprayer are different for each of
the processes referred to in 5.2. The qualification in one group (process - see 5.2.1) does not mean that skills
and experience in the use of this specific thermal spray technique are also available in any other group.
Note 1 This means that if a candidate has taken and passed a qualification examination for a specific spray process,
he may only carry out this spray process as a qualified sprayer (see Annex B).

ISO/DIS 14918:2025(en)
Note 2 The qualification range of the thermal sprayer is defined in the sprayer examination certificate (according
to this document) by the examining body responsible for the qualification, based on the information on the thermal
coating process and the application technique. For example, “arc spraying - manual” can stand for the manual operation
of an arc spraying facility. In addition, the examination body shall provide information on the spray material (material
group) used in the qualification examination on request (see Annexes A, B and D).
5.4 Examination body responsible for qualification
The qualification examination of the sprayer as well as the testing of the test pieces shall be carried out by
an independent examination body.
Note 1 The examination body must ensure its impartiality and independence. The personnel of the examination
body must have sufficient expertise in the field of thermal spraying to be able to carry out thermal spray testing
properly and professionally. The examination body may have the necessary resources to adequately carry out the
technical and administrative tasks associated with thermal sprayer examination, including access to all necessary
equipment and examination facilities.
Note 2 In the case of thermal sprayer certification (possible at the end of training/education), the certification
must be carried out by an accredited certification body using an accredited certification program. The recognition/
approval of training by the certification body shall neither jeopardize impartiality nor reduce the requirements for
assessment and certification.
6 Examination and testing
6.1 General
The thermal sprayer candidate shall take two examinations on the respective spray process:
— s/he shall complete a technical job knowledge test to determine his/her knowledge of the process;
— s/he shall undergo a practical test to demonstrate his/her skill and ability to operate the equipment in
the appropriate area.
At the end of the qualification examination, the independent examination body creates an evaluation
documentation of all results (technical knowledge, practical examination including laboratory results) for
each candidate and each spray process to be qualified.
6.2 Job knowledge test
The candidate or the thermal sprayer shall satisfactorily answer all questions about the coating process
in question, the coating processes, the application technology, the coating tests to be carried out and the
material.
The independent examination body shall take the theoretical examination and prepare/assess it.
The individual points that shall be covered are described in Annex A of this document.
6.3 Practical test
The practical test serves to assess whether the candidate has the necessary practical skills. Details of the
practical examination and the specific assessment criteria can be found in Annex B.
The examination body is responsible for taking the examination and evaluating the practical examination.
The results of the laboratory tests on the sprayed samples (see specifications in Annex B) shall be
documented.
Note If several candidates complete a similar thermal spray examination (i.e. with identical process parameters
or spray equipment and material) in the mechanized spray process, the assessment of the examination can be
reduced to a random test of 20 %, provided that no unacceptable coatings were produced. However, in the event of
irregularities, the samples of all candidates may be tested.

ISO/DIS 14918:2025(en)
7 Re-tests
7.1 General
If the candidate does not meet the requirements of this document or does not pass the examinations taken,
the examination body may, at its discretion, schedule a repeat examination, but only after additional training
(if necessary, practical and/or theoretical training).
7.2 Additional tests
If the thermal sprayer candidate can show during spraying (practical examination) that an externally caused
error prevents him/her from producing a good test piece, a new attempt may be made if this error has been
eliminated.
8 Period of validity
8.1 Initial qualification (first examination)
The validity of the thermal sprayer examination certificate (certificate) begins on the date of the qualification
examination taken. The qualification of a thermal sprayer is valid for three years (see 8.2).
A thermal sprayer’s qualification shall remain valid for a period of three years providing that the sprayer
has provably sprayed in his/her relevant production field and this activity had not been interrupted for
more than six months or a re-qualification has been carried out showing a satisfactory test piece. The
relevant certificate shall be signed at six months intervals by the employer/coordinator and shall show that
the following conditions are fulfilled.
8.2 Prolongation
The qualification of the thermal sprayer for a spray process shall be confirmed every 6 months by the spray
supervisor (manufacturer) or the examiner/ examination body. It shall be confirmed that the sprayer has
sprayed within the original scope during this period, thereby extending the validity of the thermal sprayer
examination certificate for a further period of 6 months (see additional Annex D).
An extension of the qualification (repeat qualification) of the thermal sprayer is required every three years.
The extensio
...