NASF Foundation Training & Education

Providing Exceptional Education & Training To The Surface Finishing Industry

Founded in 2006, the NASF Foundation is focused on three core functions:  ‎education, research, and scholarship. It’s course curriculum and its delivery is tailored to meet the individuals learning style, enhance industry ‎knowledge, and encourage professional advancement.  ‎

As the gold standard in finishing industry education the ‎Foundation is the exclusive grantor of two industry ‎certifications:  Airline & Aerospace Finishing (CAF) and ‎Electroplating & Surface Finishing (CEF), and, based on earning additional certificates, individuals qualify for the Master Surface ‎Finisher (MSF) designation.‎

Earn the Master Surface Finisher (MSF) Designation

The highest achievement in the industry, the MSF demonstrates mastery of essential finishing processes, as well as knowledge in specialized processes and environmental stewardship. To obtain the MSF designation, the student must pass the requisite number of exams in the categories below:

Airline & Aerospace Finishing (CAF)

  • Complete Parts 1 & 2 of the Airline & Aerospace Finishing course and pass the CAF Exam.

Electroplating & Surface Finishing (CEF)

  • Pass Parts 1 & 2 of the Electroplating and Surface Finishing Exam.

NASF-F Research

The Foundation has the two publications below as “must have” for any company’s resource library.  It continuously strives to identify and support industry research that will benefit the industry:

  • Theory and Practice of Pulse Plating, Frank Leaman, and Jean-Claude Puippe. Proceeds from this publication directly fund NASF-F programs.
    Purchase Now
  • The Advanced Surface Technology: The Authoritative New Surface Coatings Reference, Per Møller, Ph.D. and Lars Pleth Nielsen, Ph.D.
    Purchase Now

Personal & Environmental Safety

The topic of Personal and Environmental Safety can’t be discussed enough in our industry.  As the online versions of the Foundation courses roll out, learners will find a module on the very topic.  And new acronym B.I.A.S. – Be Informed, Be Aware, Be Safe has been introduced.   The concept of B.I.A.S. is outlined in two infographics which are available to members for download, printing, and posting in the members-only area

Learn Your Way

Classroom Courses

In-person sessions offered annually during SURFIN as well as in other locations by request.  Classroom training, depending on the course are 2-4 days long with an optional day to take the certification or certificate exam. 

Web-Based Courses

Live, online instruction taught by NASF certified instructors; industry professionals who are expert in their fields.  Sessions are schedule typically two days a week for a specific number of weeks, 12:00 – 2:00 pm ET.

Self-Study Courses

Work at your own pace.  Prepare to take an exam, brush-up and/or learn new industry concepts.  Review comprehensive course material and test your knowledge with the online section quizzes. 

Ready to take a Certification or Certificate exam?  Identify a proctor and date to sit for the exam and submit the Exam form.  Take the online exam and have immediate Pass/Fail results.


Custom Courses

Request a custom course, where we send the instructor to you.  For Custom Course inquires, email [email protected].