Abstract: A reference standard and method for inspecting dual-layered coatings. The reference standard has a first layer adherent to a substrate, the first layer has a predetermined thickness that increases in one direction. Adherent to the first layer is a second layer, the second layer has a predetermined thickness that increases in a direction orthogonal with the first layer. The orientation of the first and second layers of the reference standard provides a spectrum of the possible variations of the dual-layered coating.