The MPI Testing and Listing program is a third-party testing program that verifies and quantifies performance by testing products from all over the world to a single set of standards.
These standards, which encompass over 200 categories of products, utilize ASTM and in-house developed testing to ensure the products can perform in their respective uses. Products that pass this testing are listed on the MPI Approved Products List (APL)
Products that are listed are called for confirmation testing on a two-year schedule, determined by the standard category.
Confirmation testing costs less than initial testing and is used to ensure products continue
complete the following forms and send them to MPI’s Technical Specialist, Terrance Mayes
MPI015 – Manufacturer Contact Form
The documents are a Testing and Listing Agreement, that covers the structure and format of the testing process, and a Manufacturer Contact Form, that informs us who to send updates regarding invoicing or testing.
MPI will review the documents and provide credentials to access our Customer Portal.
The Customer portal is where you submit applications for testing, review current applications, and access reports for completed
For next steps, consults our guides below:
For manufacturers, MPI’s testing ensures a level playing field by testing all products in a category to the same requirements. Manufacturers can point to the MPI Approval as a trusted third-party performance-based assessment of their products. The APL also works to get information about a manufacturer’s products out into the public through the categorical listings, as well as MPI’s monthly newsletter detailing new products.
For specifiers, asset owners, and contractors, MPI’s Approved Product List provides peace of mind that any listed product has met the rigorous requirements of MPI’s standards. The Approved Products List also provides a simplified and flexible way to specify a coating type for use in projects and is made easier by the APL’s inclusion in the American Institute of Architect’s Masterspec as well as MPI’s own Decision Tree utility.
At MPI, costs for testing and listing products can be divided into two categories: Testing Fees and Listing Fees.
Testing Fees are charged for evaluating a product against the relevant MPI standard, and will vary based on the specific standard, as well as whether the product is being tested for the first time (Initial) or is undergoing a renewal test (Confirmation). In most cases, Confirmation testing is less expensive than Initial testing, with the exception of X-Green and Intended Use products, which have the same fees for both Initial and Confirmation testing.
Listing Fees are charged to maintain a product's listing in the Approved Products List. This fee has two components: the Annual Listing Fee and the Additional Listing Fee. The Annual Listing Fee is a yearly fee required for any manufacturer wanting to list a product with MPI. It covers one listing per category (although the product must still be tested and is subject to the Testing Fees outlined above). The Additional Listing Fee is for manufacturers who wish to have multiple listings within a category. It can be added multiple times, and each instance allows for an additional potential listing in every category.
For example, if a manufacturer has one product in each of ten categories, and four products in MPI 10 and two products in MPI 15, they would be charged the Annual Listing Fee and three instances of the Additional Listing Fee (four listings minus one covered by the Annual Listing Fee). They would not be charged a fourth Additional Listing Fee for the two products in MPI 15 since those fees are already included in the fees assessed for the four listings in MPI 10.
If a quote is required, contact Terrance Mayes at terrance.mayes@mpi.net to have one prepared.
For a list of costs for testing by category, download the list below:
Testing Costs 2024.pdf
The time it takes for a product to be tested and approved varies widely based on several factors. Besides shipping delays and being damaged in transit, the biggest variable is the category or categories being tested.
Some categories have extensive tests that can take months to complete. These include the accelerated weathering tests for exterior products, corrosion resistance for anti-rust or other select metal coatings, and biological testing, also for most exterior topcoats (and which is performed following the accelerated weathering, increasing the time frame). These tests are designed to ensure the coating performs properly, and currently there is no way to materially shorten the time required.
Other categories, especially some interior coatings, have relatively shorter testing time frames and can be completed in as little as two weeks from receipt of the sample, but usually one to two months is normal.
Following testing, the results are subjected to a Quality Control review at the lab, which can take up to a week to complete if there are concerns.
Finally, results are reviewed by MPI and the product either passes or fails. In either event, a report will be available in the Customer Portal for viewing and download. The status of all applications can also be reviewed in the portal.
Statuses are as follows:
Unresolved: Application received, but sample not received yet
Received: Sample has arrived at the lab
Updated: Awaiting either QC or MPI review
Waiting: Needs further action from the manufacturer; may have failed testing
Published: Passed testing. Report is available and product will be listed in the APL the following month
Head over to https://mpi.net/support/ to submit any questions, which will be routed to the right personnel.
Questions on testing and listing can be directly sent to terrance.mayes@mpi.net
In addition, please review our Frequently Asked Questions
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