Certification Overview
Since 1989, API’s Individual Certification Programs (ICP) have provided the petroleum and petrochemical industries with an independent and unbiased way to evaluate the knowledge and experience of technical and inspection personnel. These certification programs are based on the industry-developed standards that are recognized and used with confidence worldwide.
API® certified inspectors and personnel are recognized worldwide as professionals who are fully knowledgeable of the relevant industry inspection codes and standards, and who are capable of performing their jobs in accordance with the latest and most acceptable industry inspection practices.
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.
After your application is approved, you will receive an Exam Authorization email from API with an Eligibility ID and instructions on how to schedule your exam.
- The name on your API account MUST match the name on your government issued ID that you will bring to the exam. Contact API immediately if the name on your Exam Authorization email does not match your ID.
Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, API does not guarantee that you will obtain a seat at a specific location or on a specific day within a testing window.
- If you cannot find a seat at your preferred location, contact the ICP Exam Coordinator.
You will only be permitted to schedule an exam within the dates of the window you were approved for on your application.
- If you experience difficulties with the online scheduler, contact Prometric Customer Service.
If you fail to schedule your exam within your assigned testing window, you will need to submit another application and reschedule for a new testing window. Additional fees apply.
You must present a valid form of identification before you can test. The identification document must:
- Be government-issued (e.g., driver’s license, state-issued identification card, military identification card or passport).
- Contain both a current photo (or a physical description) and your signature.
- Have a name that exactly matches the name used to register for the exam (including designations such as “Jr.” and “III”).
There will be a brief tutorial on the computer-based testing experience before the exam begins. Please note that the certification name and number of questions will reflect your specific exam on exam day. Review the tutorial for your program below:
You will have access to a calculator, scratch paper and pencil.
Prometric testing centers feature superb security procedures. To preview the check-in procedures at one of their testing centers, view their YouTube video.
Candidates will receive preliminary score reports via email from Prometric within 24 hours of testing.
Personal Belongings
You will not be allowed to take any personal items with you into the testing room. This includes all bags, books or other materials not authorized for this exam, notes, phones, pagers, watches and wallets. You will, however, be provided a locker where you can keep your personal items. It is important that all electronic items, such as cellphones should be turned OFF.