The CAF Exam covers advanced processes and techniques that require a strong Foundation in chemistry and math only provided through work experience and/or specialized training. The exam is structured for an individual who has at least 3 years’ experience in the Aerospace or the Surface Finishing industry. A two-year degree or higher in a STEM related program is helpful but not required.

The Aluminum Finishing Exam covers the pre-treatment, application of topcoats, anodizing, and testing of Aluminum substrates. it is designed for, but not limited to, operators with some level of aluminum finishing experience including but not limited to plating line work, supervisors,‎ sales personnel serving metal finishers and managers.‎

The Chromium Plating Exam covers the applications, properties, and safety requirements of using functional chrome. It is designed for but not limited to operators with ‎some level of chrome plating experience including but not limited to plating line work, ‎supervisors,‎ sales personnel serving metal finishers and managers.‎ ‎

The Corrosion & Salt Spray Exam covers the accelerated corrosion testing commonly used in the industry with an emphasis on salt-spray cabinet operations, corrosion mechanisms, and corrosion testing. It is designed for, but not limited to, quality control and lab personnel responsible for the operation of corrosion chambers. ‎ ‎

The Electroless Deposition Exam covers electroless nickel, its components, and deposit properties with special consideration to troubleshooting, pre-treatment and testing. It is designed for, but not limited to, E-Ni Applicators, Lab Techs, experienced Operators, Managers, and Engineers as well as those with Design Authority.

The CEF Exam covers advanced processes and techniques that require a ‎strong Foundation in chemistry and math only provided through work experience and/or ‎specialized training. The exam is structured for an individual who has at least 3 ‎years’ experience in the surface finishing industry. A two-year degree or higher in a STEM related program is helpful but not required. ‎

The Industrial & Precious Metals Exam covers a broad range of information related to preparing parts for precious metal plating as well as exploring Precious Metal (PM) plating processes. It is designed for, but not limited to, Operators, Supervisors, and Sales personnel of facilities specializing in PM plating and those selling and supporting the PM industry.

The Plating Essentials 102 Exam covers the surface finishing process from pre-treatment, to coating applications, to post-treatment. It is designed for, but not limited to, Applicators, Line Operators, Managers, and Sales Personnel who want a higher level of understanding of the surface plating process.

The Pollution Prevention Exam covers a broad range of information related to methods of preventing pollution ‎by employing good operating practices, recycling, and substitution. ‎NOTE: This is the only NASF Foundation exam that will still be taken in paper format. The exam will be sent to the candidate’s proctor before the stated exam date and will be returned to the NASF Foundation for grading.

The Wastewater Treatment Exam covers a broad range of information related to removing, neutralizing, and/or destroying pollutants found in metal finishing wastewater. It is designed for, but not limited to, Operators and Supervisors of wastewater pre-treatment systems as well as Sales personnel who work for wastewater treatment suppliers.

Zinc & Zinc Alloy Plating Exam covers the pre-treatment, application of topcoats, zinc plating and zinc alloy plating out of both acid and alkaline electrolyte solutions. It is designed for, but not limited to, Operators with some level of zinc or zinc alloy plating experience including but not limited to plating line work, supervisors,‎ sales personnel serving metal finishers and managers.‎