API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector
Credential: API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector
Credentialing Agency: American Petroleum Institute (API)
Renewal Period: 3 years
The API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector certification is an intermediate-career level credential recommended for individuals who design, construct, repair, operate, or inspect pressure vessels. The API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector certification validates an individual's knowledge related to maintenance, inspection, repair, and alteration of pressure vessels. The agency provides several combinations of education and experience pathways for candidates to meet the eligibility requirement. Applicants must have experience and knowledge of design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of pressure vessels. The experience must have been acquired within the last 10 years while employed by, or under contract with, an authorized inspection agency.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector
The following DOD Civilian Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential:
The following Federal Occupations provide training and/or experience that contribute to attaining this credential:
| Federal Occupation | Related As | |
|---|---|---|
| 5413 Fuel Distribution System Operating |  Some |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 5 years
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 3 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
American Petroleum Institute (API)
1220 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005-4070
Phone: (202) 682-8000
Contact Page
Education and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must meet any one education and/or experience requirement combination and the experience must have been acquired within the last 10 years while employed by, or under contract with, an authorized inspection agency as defined in API 510.
Option 1:Applicants must have a BS (or higher) in engineering or technology and one year minimum experience in supervision or performance of inspection activities of piping systems as described in API 510.
Option 2:Applicants must have two year degree or certificate in engineering or technology and two year minimum expereince in design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of piping systems, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510.
Option 3:Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and three year minimum experience in design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection in-service piping systems, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510.
Option 4:Applicants must have a minimum of five years experience in design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection in-service piping systems, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510.
Written Exam
-
Thickness Measurements, Inspection Intervals and Vessel Integrity
- Corrosion Rates and Inspection Intervals
- Joint Efficiencies
- Static Head
- Internal Pressure
- Pressure Testing
- Impact Testing
- Weld Size for Attachment Welds at Openings
- Nozzle Reinforcement
- Welding Procedure and Qualification Evaluation
- Non Destructive Examination
-
Practical Knowledge - General
- Organization and Certification Requirements
- Types and Definitions of Maintenance Inspections
- Types of Process Corrosion and Deterioration
- Modes of Mechanical, Thermal, and High Temperature Deterioration
- Pressure Vessel Materials and Fabrication Problems
- Welding on Pressure Vessels
- Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Methods
- Corrosion and Minimum Thickness Evaluation
- Estimated Remaining Life
- Inspection Interval Determination and Issues Affecting Intervals
- Relief Devices
- Maintenance Inspection Safety Practices
- Inspection Records and Reports
- Repairs/Alterations to Pressure Vessel
- Rerating Pressure Vessels
- Pressure Testing After Repairs, Alterations, or Rerating
- Practical Knowledge - Specific (API 510, Pressure Vessel Inspection Code)
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector examination:
-
Best Sources
- API 510 Body of Knowledge
- API 510 Exam Information
- API 510 Pressure Vessel Certification Examination Pretest Questions
- API 510 Publications Effectivity Sheet
- API 510 Qualification Requirements
- API Apply – Getting Started In The ICP Portal
- API eLearning
- Pre-test Questions for API 510, 570 & 653 Examinations
- Books and Reports
Testing Information
Testing for this credential is handled by Prometric. The test centers are located in the U.S.
To find out more, use the following links on the Prometric website:
For more information on the American Petroleum Institute (API) testing process, visit the agency website.
RECERTIFICATION
API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector
Renewal Period: 3 years
MOST
OTHER