Course Objectives
API 510
Are you qualified to take the API 510 exam?
As outlined in the Appendix B of the API 510 Standard, the minimum qualification requirements for API 510 Pressure Vessel inspector certification are based on the combination of education and experience related to pressure vessels. This 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.
Based on the 10th edition of API 510, a National Board certification is no longer accepted as a substitution for passing the exam.
Prior to submitting an application, please use the table below to determine if you qualify to take the API 510 exam. The minimum experience required MUST be documented on your application and will be verified after your application has been submitted.
| Education | Years of Industry Experience | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
|
BS or higher in engineering or technology or 3+ years of military service in a technical role (Dishonorable discharge disqualifies credit) |
1 year | Supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510 |
|
2-year Associate's degree or certificate in engineering or technology or 2 years of military service in a technical role (Dishonorable discharge disqualifies credit) |
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 |
Course Outline
This exam can now be scheduled either at in-person test centers or through remote proctoring.
Certified API 510 Pressure Vessel inspectors must have a broad knowledge base relating to maintenance, inspection, repair, and alteration of pressure vessels. The API 510 examination is designed to determine if individuals have such knowledge.
This certification program benefits employers and the industry as a whole by helping to:
- Improve management control of process unit operation, repair, and maintenance
- Reduce the potential for inspection delays
- Provide a continued high level of safety through the use of highly specialized and experienced inspectors
API 510 certification is valid for a three-year term and is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This accreditation ensures that the exam has been developed to the highest standard for openness and integrity and meets the rigorous requirements established under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17024.