Discussions to allow the certification of three existing API recommended practices (RPs) without prior certification to API 510, 570, or 653 were held at recent API Spring and Fall Refining and Equipment Standards Meetings. The decision was announced last week in New Orleans at the Fall Meeting. Going forward, those who seek certification with the following programs no longer require prior certification of the three core API inspection standards.
The three certification programs are:
API 571 Damage Mechanisms
Per the API website, API 571 "tests individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of Corrosion and Materials. The Examination questions are derived from API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry."
For more information visit the API 571 Program Information page.
API 577 Welding Inspection and Metallurgy
Per the API website, API 577 "tests individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of Welding and Metallurgy. The examination questions are derived from API RP 577 - Welding and Metallurgy, which is applicable to anyone in the petrochemical industry."
For more information visit the API 577 Program Information page.
API 580 Risk Based Inspection
Per the API website, API 580 "tests individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of Risk-Based Inspection (RBI). The examination questions are derived from API RP 580 - Risk-Based Inspection, which is applicable to anyone in the petrochemical industry.
For more information visit the API 580 Program Information page.
Qualification Requirements
The new minimum qualification requirements are successful completion of the examination by at least 70%, as well as the following experience requirements:
| Education | Experience |
| Engineering degree | 1 year of experience in the petrochemical industry |
| 2-year technical degree | 2 years of experience in the petrochemical industry |
| High school | 3 years of experience in the petrochemical industry |
| No formal education | 5 years of experience in the petrochemical industry |
Of course, please contact us if you would like more information on the changes outlined above. If you’re interested in further reading on this subject, we recommend that you check out the following Inspectioneering Journal articles:
- July/August 2011 Inspectioneering Journal: The Role of Industry Codes and Standards in Achieving Excellence in Pressure Equipment Integrity and Reliability by John Reynolds
- November/December 2005 Inspectioneering Journal: New API Inspector Certification Endorsement Program by John Reynolds
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