Getting Started: API 510

API's Inspector Certification Programs are based on industry-developed standards that are recognized and used with confidence worldwide. These standards have also provided a uniform platform that serves as a model for many state and government regulations. These API programs emphasize professional credibility and process integrity. They enable inspectors to play an active role in improving industry health and safety; environmental performance; ensuring compliance and self-regulation; and strengthening management control and internal inspection capabilities.

Education and Experience Requirements

To take the API 510 examination, a candidate must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• BS or higher in Engineering with a minimum of 1 year experience in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510
• 2-year degree or certificate in Engineering or Technology with a minimum of 2 years experience in design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of pressure vessels, of which one year must be in supervision performance of inspection activities.
• High school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 3 years experience in design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of pressure vessels, of which one year must be in supervision performance of inspection activities.
• Have 5 or more years of experience in design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of pressure vessels, of which one year must be in supervision performance of inspection activities.

API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector Examination

• API examination consist of 150 multiple choice questions.
• It is an 8-hour exam
  • 4 hours open book
  • 4 hours closed book
• The exam candidate must bring the applicable API & ASME reference publications listed on the Effectivity Sheet pertaining to the API 510 exam for the open-part of the examination

The examination consists of two parts.

• The closed-book part tests the candidate on knowledge and tasks requiring everyday working knowledge of API Standard 510 and the applicable reference documents.
• The open-book portion of the examination requires the use of more detailed information that the inspector is expected to be able to find in the documents, but would not normally be committed to memory.

• A. API Publications:
  • API 510, Pressure Vessel Inspection Code
  • API RP 571, Damage Mechanisms Affecting Equipment in Refining Industry
  • API RP 572, Inspection of Pressure Vessels (except Appendix B)
  • API RP 576, Inspection of Pressure-Relieving Devices
  • API RP 577, Welding Inspection and Metallurgy

• B. ASME Publications:
  • Section V, Nondestructive Examination
  • Section VIII, Division 1, Rules for Constructing Pressure Vessels
  • Section IX, Welding and Brazing Qualifications

Note: Refer to the Publications Effectivity Sheet in the application package for a list of specific editions, addenda, and supplements of the reference publications that are effective for your exam date. All API and ASME publications are copyrighted material. Photocopies of publications are not permitted at the exam. These code documents can be purchased from CASTI. Click here to purchase.

Renewals

• every 3 years, reapplay
• every 6 years re-exam; online exam on latest edition of 510

Exam Codes and CASTI Courses

All exam candidates must bring the referenced Codes to each related exam since all Code questions are open-book. These code documents can be purchased from CASTI. Click here to purchase.

For more information about CASTI's API 510 Exam Preparation courses, please visit:

• API 510 Pressure Vessel Exam Preparation Course