Train the Painter Gold

What is Train the Painter Gold?

Train the Painter Gold is the advanced, multi-discipline level of the Train the Painter programme.


Formally, it means:


  • You’ve completed the Protective Coatings Applicator (TTP Bronze) module plus two specialist modules – Abrasive Blast Cleaner and Spray Painter training. 
  • Training covers advanced surface preparation, coating types, application methods, quality control and then goes deeper into abrasive blasting and spraying paint – with both theory and practical work. 
  • On successful written and practical assessment you’re eligible for the TTP Gold card, (subject to having 1600 hours or more industrial coating experience) which is an internationally recognised industrial coatings qualification (Lloyd’s Register accredited) and valid for five years, incorporating a CSCS card. 


In simple terms: Bronze proves you can apply protective coatings to spec; Gold proves you can also run the blasting and spraying side of the job to a professional, auditable standard.


Book TTP Gold Online

Achieve the highest standard in industrial coatings. Earn your TTP Gold card. Lead the industry.

Person in protective gear sandblasting large metal structure in a dim industrial setting.

Train the Painter Gold in Belfast


The Train the Painter Gold course is the highest level of the TTP training pathway, confirming multi-discipline competence in industrial paint application across protective coatings, abrasive blasting, and spray painting. Candidates can enter the Gold route directly; where 1,600 hours of verified experience have not yet been evidenced, a Trainee Orange card is issued initially, with upgrade to the full Gold card once hours are confirmed.


Delivered at Dangle Academy in Belfast, this globally recognised programme is accredited by Lloyd’s Register and is trusted by employers across offshore, marine, infrastructure, energy, and other high-value industrial sectors.

Elite Coating Application

Achieve the highest standard in the protective coatings industry with the Train the Painter Gold course at Dangle Academy in Belfast. TTP Gold certifies your multi-discipline expertise in Protective Coatings Application, Spray Painting and Abrasive Blast Cleaning. You’ll refine your skills in advanced surface preparation, specialist coating systems, environmental controls, and precision application methods. This course is designed for professionals who deliver flawless results on demanding offshore, marine, energy, and infrastructure projects to the strictest global standards.

Leadership, Expertise & Influence

Guided by our expert coating instructors, you’ll develop leadership and technical authority at the highest level. The Gold programme builds mastery in managing complex projects, enforcing quality assurance, preventing defects, and ensuring compliance across all coating disciplines. You’ll strengthen your ability to supervise multi-discipline teams, mentor developing applicators, and meet demanding specifications for major contractors. These skills position you as a respected professional in offshore, marine, industrial, and infrastructure sectors.

Globally Respected TTP Certification

The TTP Gold certification, accredited by Lloyd’s Register and SSPC, is recognised worldwide as proof of exceptional multi-discipline competence. You’ll complete advanced theory and rigorous hands-on assessments across all modules in our purpose-built training facility. All equipment, materials, and PPE are provided to ensure a fully immersive experience. Earning the Gold card places you among the most qualified coating applicators globally, unlocking access to high-paying contracts, specialist offshore projects, and leadership roles.

Participant Requirements

Before booking, please ensure you meet the following:


  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a reasonable level of physical fitness
  • Be free from any medical conditions that could affect safety in a workshop environment
  • Wear comfortable, appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear (no open-toe shoes)
  • Be able to understand and follow safety instructions in English


These requirements help ensure a safe and productive training experience for all participants. As Northern Ireland’s only licensed Train the Painter provider, Dangle Academy will supply all specialist equipment and materials for the course. Our instructors will guide you step-by-step so you can focus on building your skills and gaining the confidence to start your journey in the protective coatings industry.

  • What are the prerequisites for Train the Painter Gold?

    The TTP Gold 10-day classroom programme is intended for candidates completing the full Gold pathway (Protective Coatings Applicator, Spray Painter, and Abrasive Blast Cleaner). Entry requirements apply in line with Train the Painter standards and prior module completion.

  • Can I go straight from Bronze to Gold?

    Yes. Bronze, often refered to as Protective Coating Applicator is the starting point for everyone on the Train the Painter pathway. Gold is the final step in the TTP pathway and requires the successful completion of the Protective Coating Applicator, Spray Painter and Abrasive Blaster levels. 


    If you already hold a TTP Bronze certificate, then adding the Spray Painting and Abrasive Blasting modules is all thats required for a Train the Painter Gold certificate. 


    This ensures all candidates have proven competence across each coating discipline before being assessed at Gold level.

  • Is Train the Painter Gold recognised offshore?

    Yes. The Gold certification is highly valued for offshore, marine, and high-spec industrial work worldwide. Many major contractors, oil and gas companies, and rope access providers prefer or require TTP Gold-qualified applicators for senior or specialist coating roles.

  • Can I complete any parts of the Gold course online?

    While certain theory elements can be completed via TTP’s online learning platform, all practical modules and final assessments must be completed in person at an accredited TTP training centre, such as Dangle Academy in Belfast.

  • How do I get a Train the Painter Gold card?

    To get a TTP Gold card, candidates must complete the full Gold pathway across Protective Coatings Applicator, Abrasive Blast Cleaner, and Spray Painter, meeting the scheme’s prerequisite levels and verified experience requirements. After successfully passing the Gold assessments, the training centre submits the results and evidence to the awarding body for validation and card issue.

  • TTP Gold vs ICATS — what’s the difference?

    Train the Painter (TTP) Gold and ICATS are both respected competence routes for industrial coatings operatives, but they’re built differently and signal slightly different things to employers.


    TTP Gold is a staged, multi-discipline route that typically confirms competence across protective coatings application, abrasive blasting, and spray painting thats recognised worldwide. ICATS is a widely used UK scheme with modular applicator training and specialist options—so the best choice depends on the client spec and role scope.

  • Do I need TTP Silver before TTP Gold?

    No. You don’t need Silver before TTP Gold. Candidates can apply for Gold with no previous experience, but until 1,600 hours are proven they will only be issued a Trainee Orange card. Upgrades from the Trainee Orange card to the full TTP Gold card are free if completed within the 5-year validity of the certificate.

Train the Painter Gold: Advanced Multi-Discipline Competence in Surface Preparation and Application

An industrial coatings expert would view Train the Painter Gold as a competency checkpoint focused on integration rather than individual tasks. At this level, the expectation is that an applicator can interpret coating specifications, select and justify surface preparation and application methods, and demonstrate consistent control of the key variables that determine coating performance in line with ISO 12944.


The TTP Gold standard typically places emphasis on measurable, repeatable outcomes: correct abrasive selection and process control, verification of surface condition and profile, management of cleanliness risks, and disciplined application practice across single- and multi-component systems. Competence is reflected in the effective use of inspection and monitoring tools, such as surface profile comparators, environmental instruments, and dry film thickness measurement tools alongside a clear understanding of defect recognition, root-cause analysis, and rectification criteria.

The Train the Painter Gold course has been registered by CITB NI for grant assistance to registered in scope employers, terms and conditions apply.

SEE HOW TRAIN THE PAINTER GOLD COMPARES WITH ICATS

Industrial Coatings Training Comparison Chart

Feature / Qualification TTP Bronze TTP Silver TTP Gold ICATS
Purpose Entry-level qualification for new applicators in protective coatings. Advanced multi-discipline qualification combining Bronze with Spray Painting or Abrasive Blast Cleaning. Elite-level qualification recognising full multi-discipline competence in Bronze + Silver modules. General industry qualification for industrial coating applicators.
Accreditation SSPC & Lloyd’s Register SSPC & Lloyd’s Register SSPC & Lloyd’s Register Correx
Recognition UK & internationally recognised UK & internationally recognised, preferred by many offshore/marine contractors Highest recognition in TTP pathway; respected globally for competence Widely recognised in the UK, limited international recognition
Prerequisites None None None None
Modules Covered Health & Safety, Surface Prep, Coating Application Basics Bronze modules + Advanced Spray or Blast Techniques, Environmental Controls, QA/QC Bronze + Silver modules completed in full Health & Safety, Surface Prep, Coating Application Basics
Duration 5 days (typical) 7 days (depending on modules) 10 days (typical) 5 days (typical)
Assessment Theory & practical Theory & practical Theory & practical Theory & practical
Progression Path Can progress to Silver and Gold Next step: Gold (multi-discipline or specialist) Top level – no further TTP progression No tiered progression
Best For New entrants to the industry Experienced applicators seeking senior roles or higher pay Senior applicators aiming for elite, global recognition Contractors requiring UK-only compliance
Extra Benefits CSCS Skilled Worker card (valid 5 years) CSCS Skilled Worker card (5 years), higher earning potential CSCS Skilled Worker card (5 years), highest qualification in pathway CSCS Skilled Worker card (5 years)
E-learning Availability Available via TTP Online Learning Platform Available via TTP Online Learning Platform Available via TTP Online Learning Platform Not available
Valid For 5 Years 5 Years 5 Years 3 Years

MASTER ADVANCED COATING SKILLS

Train the Painter Gold at Dangle Academy in Belfast

An open warehouse interior with a shiny white floor, ropes hanging from the high ceiling, and orange-painted walls.

Train the Painter Gold

The Train the Painter Gold course is the highest level in the TTP pathway and confirms multi-discipline competence across Protective Coatings Application, Spray Painting and Abrasive Blast Cleaning. Candidates can enter the Gold route directly. Where 1,600 hours of verified experience have not yet been evidenced, a Trainee Orange card is issued initially, with upgrade to the full Gold card once hours are confirmed. Upgrades are free within the 5-year validity period.

A person's arm holding a large gold trophy against a red background.

What You’ll Learn

Gold-level training strengthens an applicator’s ability to coordinate complex coating work end-to-end, with sharper control of advanced surface preparation, multi-system application variables, environmental monitoring, and quality verification. It also develops the supervisory mindset needed to lead mixed-discipline teams and support developing operatives on higher-risk, higher-compliance scopes. The result is a more reliable, defect-aware approach that reduces rework risk.


Dangle Academy logo showing a Silhouette of a person rappelling inside a white crescent moon on a blue background.

Why Choose Dangle?

Dangle Academy is the only Train the Painter approved centre in Northern Ireland, delivering TTP Gold training in a purpose-built indoor facility with links to leading contractors. Instructors bring decades of offshore, marine, and industrial coatings experience. Regular course dates are available, with flexible payment options via PayPal Finance or Klarna. Training is structured to reflect real project conditions, with an emphasis on measurable performance and specification compliance.

Become One of the Industry’s Elite with TTP Gold


From a project delivery standpoint, TTP Gold-level capability indicates readiness to support higher-responsibility roles on complex coating scopes, where success depends on maintaining specification compliance, minimising rework, and ensuring that surface preparation, environmental conditions, and application parameters are controlled as a single quality system rather than isolated steps.

Train the Painter Gold Level

Earn the Train the Painter Gold – the highest qualification in protective coatings of steel at Northern Ireland’s only accredited Train the Painter centre. Master all three disciplines:


  1. Protective Coatings Application
  2. Spray Painting
  3. Abrasive Blast Cleaning


Limited spaces available so secure your place today and take your career in protective coatings to the very top.

Advance Your Career to the TOP with Train the Painter Gold – Belfast

Don’t settle for the basics – it’s time to achieve the highest qualification in the protective coatings industry. The Train the Painter Gold course at Dangle Academy, Northern Ireland’s only accredited TTP training centre, is your gateway to elite status. Designed for skilled Silver-level applicators, this programme proves your expertise across all three disciplines: Protective Coatings Application, Spray Painting, and Abrasive Blast Cleaning.


Across this intensive 10-day programme, you’ll master advanced coating systems, specialist techniques, environmental controls, and rigorous quality assurance standards. Training is delivered using the same professional-grade equipment and materials found on offshore, marine, industrial, and infrastructure projects worldwide – preparing you for high-value contracts and senior roles.

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3

Core disciplines: coating applications, blasting and spraying paint

1600+

Hours of experience in industrial painting required for TTP Gold

10

Days of classroom training for the full TTP Gold route