What is API?
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;
Education |
Years of Industry Experience |
Experience Required |
BS or higher in engineering or technology |
1 year |
Supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510 |
2-year Associate’s degree or certificate in engineering or technology |
2 years |
Design, fabrication, repair, operation, or inspection of pressure vessels, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510 |
High school diploma or equivalent |
3 years |
Design, fabrication, repair, operation, or inspection of pressure vessels, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510 |
No formal education |
5 or more years |
Design, fabrication, repair, operation, or inspection of pressure vessels, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510 |