By AMPP Staff

For the first time, the AMPP Ultimate Inspector Challenge is putting real inspection expertise on the main stage.

This is not a classroom quiz. This is a high stakes, progressive elimination competition built around real-world scenarios. Over four escalating rounds at the Exhibit Hall (#2146) of the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo, competitors will be tested on specification reviews, surface evaluations, instrument-based inspections, and senior level, technical decision making.

According to event organizers, the purpose of the compeitition is to provide an opportunity for inspectors to show not just what they know, but how they think, decide, and defend every call they make. And for those in attendance at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, it should make for an exciting, hands-on competition that puts industry skills to the test.

The competition begins Monday, March 16 at 5:00 p.m. local time and continues through Wednesday, March 18, with participants going head-to-head in a series of inspection challenges designed to highlight expertise, precision, and real-world problem-solving.

Finalists will be announced during the Pipeline Safety Forum on Tuesday, March 17, and winners will be revealed on Wednesday. Join us to watch the action, cheer on competitors, and celebrate excellence in inspection proficiency!

The competition is proudly hosted by the AMPP Houston Chapter and the AMPP Monterrey Mexico Chapter, and contributing partners include DeFelsko and Elcometer. Participation is completely free, with no entry fee required. The challenge is fast-paced and efficient, with each competitor completing the full experience in about 20 minutes.

To compete, sponsor, or RSVP, and to access information on prize rewards, visit www.ampp.org/ultimate-inspector-challenge.

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