The American Petroleum Institute (API) offers a certification program for individual in-service inspectors handling the in-service inspection of pressure vessels, pipework and storage tanks. API also manages an expansive catalog catalogue of API ‘codes’ which standardize practice. The certifications are a legal requirement for inspectors in many US states. However, the extension of US ownership to include international facilities and onshore plants, along with the lack of a similarly broad scope of recognized standards in other countries, has resulted in the widespread adoption of API practice within international plant industries. Many other countries regulatory authorities also use these codes to assess evidence of inspector competence. The API certification program is broken down into a series of API programs, programmes known as Individual Certification Programmes (ICPs).

Before applying for the API ICP exam candidates must ensure that they meet the minimum requirements defined by API. The table sets out the requirements for API 510/570/653;

API certificates have become the most regarded, desired, and demanded credentials in the in-service inspection industry, providing a method to improve technical and code knowledge and strengthening the holder’s overall competence and career prospects.

The API examination is held within a Prometric Test Centre or can also be completed remotely. There is a vast range of Prometric Test Centres located worldwide. Please visit the Prometric website to check available Prometric test centre locations near you.

All candidates wishing to complete an API ICP exam must apply to API to ensure suitability.

Ensure you qualify to take the exam by reviewing the requirements for your chosen program on the API website.

API Exam Application

1. Create an ICP account on the API ICP portal
2. Complete your application (you will be asked to provide evidence of previous employment/experience)
3. Submit your application to API for review
4. Pay API exam application fee
5. Receive exam eligibility ID number (this may take up to 6 weeks)
6. Book your exam

On submitting your application, you will be asked to pay the relevant API registration fee. This varies depending on the exam you are registering for. Following API’s successful review and approval of your application, you will be provided with an exam eligibility ID number. You require this number to book your exam with PROMETRIC. You will be provided with a link to PROMETRIC during your
API application. They have a range of test centers throughout the world, with the UK sites located in Manchester, London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. For information on further test center locations please visit the PROMETRIC website for further information.

The processing of your exam application with API may take up to six weeks, so for the best selection of exam dates and locations, do not delay in submitting your application.

The API exam application deadline is the date in which you must submit your application to API for review for the given exam cycle.

The API examination window is the period in which you can sit your exam. The examination window typically opens the day immediately after our classroom training; however, we do stagger some of our training dates to accommodate individuals who may be on different work rotations and unable to attend specific classroom dates.

Please contact our helpful team at Wilkinson Coutts for advice should your API application be rejected. Thankfully, rejection of exam applications are rare and so please do not worry about this process.