(650) 332-8623Painter Training: The 12 Best Courses and Schools for Painting Careers
Want to advance your painting career (or boost your employees’ skills)? This guide examines the best painter training in the U.S.!
Painter training is crucial for anyone who wants to establish a successful painting career or business. Investing in regular painter training programs can grow your team’s skill set and expertise, ensure workplace safety, and boost your brand reputation.
Whether you’re an experienced painter, painting business owner, or hiring professional looking for the best talents, enrolling in the best painter training programs can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure consistent, high-quality results while staying ahead of the competition in a crowded market.
Painter training programs teach the basics of painting to more advanced techniques, as well as compliance with safety and industry standards. Continuous education and the best painter training programs can transform a good painter into a great one and take your painting business to the next level.
In this article, you will learn the top painter training programs for specialized painter education.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know the most respected training programs and certifications in the painting industry to enhance your employees’ skill sets or ensure your business complies with industry regulations.
Now, let’s dive into why proper painter training matters and explore the most valuable certifications and courses available.
Why Painter Training Matters for Your Business
In an industry where customers typically pick painting contractors based on reputation and expertise, painter training can be a key to business success.
When you invest in painter training, you can ensure consistent, high-quality results, professionalism, and safety compliance. A highly experienced and certified team sets you apart from other painting businesses, helping you leverage your services to land bigger projects.
If your painters are up-to-date with industry standards and the latest techniques, you can boost your business’s overall reputation while avoiding costly mistakes, resulting in zero or fewer callbacks for touch-ups or do-overs.
Regular painter training builds a well-trained workforce who understands and observes safety guidelines and important legal regulations. This decreases the risk of injuries or accidents because of unsafe work environments and paying hefty fines for non-compliance.
Top Certifications and Credentials for Painters
Painter training and certifications are essential for establishing credibility and expertise in the painting industry.
In addition to developing the painter’s technical skills, being recognized or endorsed by reputable organizations and institutions showcases a painter’s excellence in the field.
Many painter training programs and certifications are designed to build a stronger foundation in different aspects of the trade. Here are some examples.
Lead Safety Certification
Painting contractors who work on properties built before 1978 that may have used lead-based paint must obtain a lead safety certification under the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In addition to this certification, painting contractors must use lead-safe work practices in all painting, repair, and renovation projects.
How to Get EPA Lead Certified
Complete an EPA-approved lead safety training course, which is usually a one-day course covering how to work safely with lead, how to test for lead-based paint, and how to educate people about the dangers of lead.
Another way is to apply, pay a fee, and register your painting company as a Lead-Based Paint Certified Firm with the EPA or your state. If your painting business is located in several states, you will also need to obtain state and federal certifications for it.
This lead safety certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by signing up for a refresher class before the certification expires.
To get started on your certification and for all other inquiries and clarifications, you may contact your EPA Regional Office. You can also inquire about lead safety certification courses from EPA-accredited training centers, such as ZOTA Professional Training and Zack Academy.
Specialized Technique Certifications
If a painter wants to stand out from general painters by specializing in a specific painting technique, such as murals, faux finishes, or restoration work, they can get a Specialized Technique Certification. This certification indicates that the painter is trained and proficient in specialized painting techniques.
To be certified, painters can enroll in training programs offered by paint industry associations and manufacturers.
These programs are typically conducted in a classroom setting, combining theoretical learning with hands-on practice to master a specific painting technique. After the course, an assessment test is also conducted so painters can earn the certification.
Paint manufacturers like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and PPG Industries, Inc. offer specialized technique courses and certifications on decorative painting, faux finishes, and high-performance coatings.
Professional associations like the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) also offer comprehensive training for industrial painters specializing in sophisticated coating applications for complex structures at specific temperatures.
Environmental Certifications
When a painting company only uses eco-friendly practices, it boosts its brand reputation. It clearly conveys that you protect the environment and care about people’s health.
In addition to lead safety, painting companies can obtain environmental certifications, such as the Green Seal certification. Green Seal is a global non-profit organization and eco-label committed to the adoption of safer and more sustainable products.
The Green Seal certification ensures your services and products meet Green Seal’s environmental and health criteria and science-based standards.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Certification
Commercial painters who are OSHA 10- or 30-certified demonstrate your painting company’s commitment to workplace safety and compliance with all your painting projects.
OSHA-certified painting professionals identify potential job-related hazards and implement safety measures in the workplace to comply with OSHA regulations.
The OSHA 10 is a 10-hour course for regular workers, while the OSHA 30 is a 30-hour course designed for workers with safety-related or supervisory responsibilities.
These programs cover various topics relevant to different industries, including hazard recognition, incident management, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certification
The NCCER offers painting modules covering painting basics and safety considerations when working with high-performance coatings.
To get your NCCER certification, enroll in a curriculum program with an NCCER-accredited training sponsor, complete the coursework and hands-on modules, and pass the Knowledge Verified and Performance Verification assessments.
After obtaining your certification, you will be issued a certificate, transcript, and wallet card that potential employers and clients can use to verify your credentials.
Master Painters Institute (MPI) Certification
Another painter training certification program you can consider is one offered by the Master Painters Institute (MPI). This certification demonstrates a painter’s ability to adhere to industry best practices and use high-quality application methods on large-scale commercial and architectural projects.
MPI is widely recognized as a leading paint performance certification organization and an authority for the coatings industry. An MPI certification can be valuable for painting contractors aiming for project management or supervisory roles as it proves their competency, knowledge, and expertise.
MPI provides comprehensive training on paint selection, surface preparation, paint application techniques, quality control, and more.
Painting Contractors Association (PCA) Certification
The Painting Contractors Association (PCA) ensures the skills, integrity, and reputation of master painters and provides direction and collaboration in the painting community.
It offers foundational courses with certification, ranging from introduction to the painting trade to advanced interior and exterior painting levels. You can watch its training videos at your own pace or enroll as a team and access the training materials via the PCA training portal to earn your certification.
For painting business owners, the PCA also offers a training course on growing and advancing your painting business.
C-12 Spray Painter Certification
This certification is for painters who have at least 800 documented hours of experience applying protective coatings using airless spray in industrial or marine environments.
This Spray Application Certification covers an introduction to airless and conventional spray equipment systems, proper mixing and spray techniques, and troubleshooting.
Painting professionals enrolling in this three-day course will be certified through a written and practical skill assessment. The certification will be valid for four years.
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Best Schools and Courses for Painter Training
There’s no formal education that will give you a painting contractor degree. Painting professionals usually learn their trade while on the job.
However, some schools offer painting apprenticeships, online courses, and certificate programs for anyone who wants to learn painting as a career or advance their painting skills.
Penn Foster Workforce Development
Beginners can take self-paced painting classes beginning with pre-technical skills to stimulated painting experiences, painting skills, and in-depth trade concepts.
It offers courses on job site and surface preparation, deriving colors and textures, proper primer application, and aesthetic enhancements.
Painters Institute
The National Painting and Decorating Institute offers online courses for painters who want to get basic training, improve their technical and business skills, and become independently certified and qualified tradespeople.
Its Pro Painter Certificate program is designed to help course takers become professional painters and must be completed while working in the industry. Enrollees with no experience in the painting industry can complete the course in approximately 18 months, but you can take the course at your own pace. It’s also required to have your own painting tools and equipment, like brushes, rollers, spray-guns, ladders, safety gear, and more.
Sherwin-Williams Learning Center
The Sherwin-Williams Learning Center offers Continuing Education Unit (CEU) courses such as Understanding Paints, Coats, and Sealants, Fundamentals of Architectural Paint and Coating Technology, and Specifying Wood Stains and Finishes.
All courses are accredited by the American Institute of Architects, the International Design Continuing Education Council Inc., and the Green Business Certification Inc.
Painters USA
Painters USA offers industrial and commercial painter certifications to ensure skill proficiency and safety in the workplace. It trains with the Society for Protective Coatings for certification programs on surface preparation, commercial and industrial coating inspections, and painting application techniques.
What to Look for in a Painting Training Program
Choosing the right painter training program is essential if you want your employees to receive the education and master the skills they need to succeed as professional painters. Evaluate courses and certifications available on several factors, such as the following:
- Learning format: Find out if the program offers online or in-person learning, or both, and if there’s theoretical knowledge and practical training.
- Cost and duration: How long will the training and assessment take, and how much will it cost to enroll your employees? Also consider the flexibility to take the course online or during weekends.
- Industry accreditation and recognition: The painter training program must be recognized by relevant professional bodies.
Final Thoughts
Painter training is fundamental for painters who want to improve their technical and business skills. By investing in your team’s continuous education and certification, you’re ensuring a high standard of quality in your painting jobs and guaranteeing professionalism, expertise, and excellence.
Whether through online learning, hands-on workshops, or accredited ongoing education programs, you are providing a high standard of quality and giving your painting business a competitive edge.
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For more information on small business apps, check out these resources. You can also find out more about specific state labor laws that apply to employees hours and payroll records:
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Becoming a painter and decorator typically involves a combination of formal training, on-the-job experience, and sometimes certification. The time it takes to complete this process can vary based on the educational pathway you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the options:
Apprenticeship Programs
- Duration: Most apprenticeship programs take about 2 to 4 years to complete.
- Structure: These programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on training under the supervision of experienced professionals.
Certificate Programs
- Duration: Certificate programs can often be completed in a shorter timeframe, typically ranging from a few months to a year.
On-the-Job Training
- Duration: Gaining experience through entry-level positions or assisting qualified painters can vary widely but is essential for building skills. This can take anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on the individual’s pace and the opportunities available.
Ultimately, the pathway you choose will depend on your current experience level, your career goals, and the specific requirements of your region or country.
The type of painter that makes the most money is typically a Painter Foreman, with an average salary of approximately $47,687 per year, which translates to about $22.93 per hour. This position involves overseeing painting projects and managing teams, which contributes to the higher pay compared to other painting roles.
Here’s a list of some of the highest-paying types of painters based on recent data:
Painter Foreman
- Average Salary: $47,687
- Average Hourly Rate: $22.93
Interior Decorator, Painting
- Average Salary: $46,033
Painter Supervisor
- Average Salary: Generally higher than standard painting roles due to supervisory responsibilities.
Journeyman Painter
- Average Salary: Competitive, especially in unionized environments.
Factors Influencing Salaries
- Location: Painters in states like New Jersey earn higher average salaries (around $56,758) compared to those in other regions.
- Experience and Specialization: Specialized skills or certifications can lead to higher pay rates.
- Type of Employment: Union painters often earn more than non-union counterparts due to collective bargaining agreements.
Here are some of the most common challenges faced by painters training in the field:
Learning Curve
Complex Techniques: You must grasp a wide range of painting techniques, from basic surface preparation to advanced methods like faux finishing and color theory. This steep learning curve can be overwhelming, especially for those new to the trade.
Physical Demands
Labor-Intensive Work: The job often requires long hours of physically demanding work, including lifting heavy equipment, climbing ladders, and standing for extended periods. This can lead to fatigue and physical strain, particularly for those not accustomed to such labor-intensive roles.
Time Management
Balancing Work and Study: Painter trainees must manage their time effectively to balance hands-on training with classroom instruction. This can be particularly challenging when trying to absorb new information while also applying it practically on the job.
Financial Strain
Lower Wages During Training: Trainees typically earn lower wages compared to fully qualified tradespeople. This financial strain can be a significant challenge, especially for those supporting families or managing other financial obligations while in training.
Safety Training
Comprehensive Safety Protocols: Trainees are required to learn and adhere to extensive safety protocols, including fall protection, respirator training, and proper handling of hazardous materials. The responsibility of ensuring safety can add pressure to the learning experience.
Technical Knowledge
Understanding Equipment and Materials: Mastery of various tools and materials is essential for success in the field. Trainees need to familiarize themselves with different types of paints, finishes, and application techniques, which can be daunting at first.
Emotional Resilience
Staying Positive Under Pressure: The demanding nature of the work and the steep learning curve can lead to frustration. Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial.
While the challenges in painter training can be significant, they also provide valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Overcoming these obstacles equips apprentices with the skills and resilience needed for a successful career in painting and decorating.
Painter training offers numerous rewarding aspects that can significantly enhance your career and personal development. Here are some of the key benefits:
Hands-On Experience
Practical Skills Development: Training programs provide extensive hands-on experience, allowing you to work on real projects under the supervision of experienced professionals. This practical training helps reinforce skills learned in the classroom and is highly valued by employers, making you more competitive in the job market.
Earning While You Learn
Financial Independence: Many apprenticeship programs allow you to earn a wage while gaining valuable experience. This financial support enables you to sustain yourself without incurring student debt, which is often a concern with traditional education paths.
Professional Mentorship
Guidance from Experts: Working closely with seasoned painters provides invaluable mentorship opportunities. Experienced professionals can offer insights into industry best practices, help refine your techniques, and advise you on navigating your career.
Industry Connections
Networking Opportunities: Training programs often facilitate connections with industry professionals, which can be beneficial for future job placements or collaborations. Building a network in the painting industry can lead to new opportunities and career advancements.
Structured Learning Environment
Comprehensive Curriculum:: Most training programs cover essential skills such as surface preparation, paint application techniques, and safety procedures in a structured manner. This thorough training prepares you for successful careers in painting and decorating.
Recognized Qualifications
Certification and Credentials: Completing a painting contractor training program often leads to recognized qualifications, enhances employability, and demonstrates a high level of skill and professionalism in the trade.
Diverse Career Opportunities
Variety of Paths: Training as a painter opens doors to various career paths, including roles in interior design, color consulting, and even business ownership within the painting sector. As you progress through your training, you can explore different aspects of the trade.
Job Security and Demand
Strong Job Market: The construction and building industries often experience a high demand for skilled painters, particularly in regions with ongoing development projects. Completing your training can lead to numerous job opportunities.
Overall, painter training not only equips you with essential skills and knowledge but also provides financial stability, professional mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement. These aspects contribute to both personal growth and professional success in the painting industry.
