Application Package: December 2013 Examinations

MATTHEWS ENGINEERING TRAINING LTD: API INSPECTOR TRAINING
Page 1 Queries? www.matthews-training.co.uk Tel 07732 799351

API 510 / 570 CERTIFIED
VESSEL/PIPEWORK INSPECTOR:
December 2013 examinations
FOR DETAILS OF THE 2013 API 653 TRAINING
PROGRAMMES, AND OUR CURRENT PASS RATE, SEE
OUR WEBSITE
Certified vessel inspector:
API 510
Certified pipework inspector:
API 570
MATTHEWS ENGINEERING TRAINING are now taking registrations for the UK
preparation courses for the American Petroleum Institute (API) Individual Certification
Programme (ICP) December 2013 examinations. These cover API 570: Certified piping
inspector and API 510: Certified Pressure Vessel Inspector.
Features of the course programmes are:
Full coverage of the published API body of knowledge that comprises the subject
matter for the API examination papers
Preparatory study packages available in on-line training format, so you can do
preliminary learning in advance, supported by UK tutors
UK-style course material and coverage of the API/ASME standards presented in
user-friendly format, with extensive exam preparation and sample questions
This is an ASME approved course with ongoing assessment and examination.
Successful delegates will receive ASME certificates
This information package explains how the API 510/570 certified Inspector Programme works, the
subjects covered, and details of the API examinations themselves. It also summarises the knowledge
that you need to acquire in order to pass the examinations, and details of the appropriate training
course programmes provided by MATTHEWS ENGINEERING TRAINING LTD. To register
your interest in the July-December 2013 course programme, please e-mail
enquiries@matthews-training.co.uk, visit our website below, or call Cliff Matthews directly
on 07732 799351
Matthews Engineering Training Ltd is an Authorized global training
provider to The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
www.matthews-training.co.uk
APPLICATION PACKAGE
API 510/570 CERTIFIED VESSEL/PIPEWORK
INSPECTOR
1. THE API INSPECTOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAMMES
The American Petroleum Institute (API) runs a certification programme for in-service inspectors.
This is a system of certification of individual inspectors (not companies) involved in the in-service
inspection of pressure vessels, pipework and storage tanks. It is used extensively in the USA (it is a
legal requirement in many states for inspectors to be certified) and in other countries that use
API/ASME codes. In countries where it is not a legal requirement, it is becoming increasingly
recognised as a benchmark standard for certification of inspectors. The API schemes under
which inspectors are certified are termed the Individual Certification Programmes (ICP)
1.1 How many ICPs are there?
There are three main ones, each linked to a specific set of API and ASME codes relating to the
type of equipment covered. They are:
API 510:Pressure vessel inspector:
API 570: Pipework inspector
API 653:Storage tank inspector
These 3 main certification programmes have been established for many years. There are also a few
less well-known ones: Qualifications for ultrasonic examiners (QUTE), API 936 (Certification for
refractory personnel) and API 580 Risk-based Inspection (RBI)
1.2 Which industries recognise API inspector certification?
The API organisation has its roots in the petrochemical industry, but the influence of US codes and
standards extends to many other industries, hence most large-scale process industries around the
world recognise API inspector certification. This is because many of the vessels and pipework
systems used are built to the ASME/API codes that form the foundation of the inspector
certification examinations. API-certified inspectors can therefore be found in:
Refining/Petrochemicals
Offshore/onshore oil and gas industries
Power utilities
General process industry
1.3 What is the recognition of API certification in the UK/ Europe?
It is fair to say that the recognition of API inspector certification in the UK has increased over the
past few years. There are several reasons for this:
There is currently no comprehensive UK or European system of inspector certification
based on BS or EN codes with such a wide scope as the API programmes
Increasing ownership of offshore facilities and onshore power/process plants by US
companies, who are used to recognising API certification
Regulatory authorities prefer to see some evidence of inspector competence, against
technical codes that they recognise. Mention of inspection procedures to API 570/510
regularly appear in HSE seminars and discussion documents discussing the avoidance of
system leakage, failures, regulatory issues etc
2. HOW DO I BECOME API CERTIFIED?
In simple terms, to become certified as an API certified inspector, all you have to do is apply to
API, meet their acceptance criteria (see later), and then pass the formal examination.
In practice, unless you have full familiarity with the relevant codes (1000+ pages worth), you will
need to prepare for the examination by enrolling on a training course. The training course will
teach you about the subject matter covered, test you using mock exams etc, and prepare you to take
the API exam
2.1 How does the examination procedure work?
The examination procedure is fairly formal and non-negotiable. The exam papers are set by API
and invigilated by lecturers formally appointed by API. The examination procedure lasts 8 hours
and consists of open-book and close-book sections. Candidates must bring along original copies of
the various standards required for their use in the open-book section of the exam.
2.2 When and where are the examinations held?
The API 570/510 examinations are held on scheduled dates during the year. Candidates book in
advance to attend an examination session at which they sit the examinations for either API 570 or
510.As the examinations are on the same day you cannot sit both at the same time. The
examination sessions are organised with API through a training provider, enabling candidates to sit
for the examination either immediately after they have completed the exam preparation training
course, or within a short time
The training provider sets up the exam locations, chosen to suit the majority of delegates. In most
cases, the exam will be held in the same location as the exam preparation training course.
2.3 What is the technical content of the API 570/510 examinations?
The technical content of the examinations are well defined and linked closely to API and ASME
codes and standards. The content of the exam preparation training courses reflects the scope of the
examinations, in order to prepare the delegate to sit the exam.
Tables 1 and 2 show an outline summary of the technical coverage of the API 570 Pipework
Inspector and API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector subjects
Table 1:API 570 CERTIFIED PIPEWORK
INSPECTOR
Technical standards covered API 570 Syllabus subjects
API 570, Piping Inspection
Code: Inspection, Repair,
Alteration, and Re-rating of In-
Service Piping Systems
API RP 571, Damage
mechanisms Affecting fixed
equipment in the refining
industry,
API RP 574, Inspection
Practices for Piping System
Components.
API RP 577 Welding and
Metallurgy
API RP 578, Material
Verification Program for New
and Existing Alloy Piping
Systems
ASME V, Non-destructive
Examination,
ASME IX, Welding
Qualifications
ASME B16.5, Pipe Flanges and
Flanged Fittings
ASME B31.3, Process Piping
Code calculations and inspection intervals for new and
degraded pipework including consideration for:
Corrosion rates and allowances
Remaining service life and inspection
intervals
Weld quality factors (based on ASME B31.3)
Thermal expansions
Thickness calculations of pipes, blanks
Hydraulic, pneumatic and leak testing
Impact test requirements and exemptions
Minimum wall thickness and working
pressure/temperature requirements for pipework
flanges (ASME B16.5 basis)
Weld heat treatment requirements
Weld WPS/PQR evaluation (ASME IX basis):
SMAW/GTAW/SAW
General rules for welding (ASME B31.3 and API 570
basis)
NDT requirements of ASME V: Visual/RT/DP/MPI
Techniques
Calibration
Examination
Interpretation
PMI requirements and procedures
Table 2:API 510 CERTIFIED VESSEL INSPECTOR
Technical standards covered API 510 Syllabus subjects
API 510, Pressure Vessel
Inspection Code
API RP 571, Damage
mechanisms Affecting fixed
equipment in the refining
industry
API RP-572, Inspection of
Pressure Vessels
API RP 576, Inspection of
Pressure-Relieving Devices:
API RP 577 Welding and
Metallurgy
ASME VIII, Division 1, Rules
for Constructing Pressure
Vessels
ASME V, Non-destructive
Examination
ASME IX, Welding
Qualifications
Vessel Certification Requirements.
Types and Definitions of vessel maintenance
inspections.
Vessel corrosion and deterioration.
Remaining life and inspection intervals
Pressure Vessel Materials and Fabrication Problems.
Vessel relief devices.
Maintenance inspection safety practices.
Inspection records and reports.
Code calculation for in-service degraded pressure
vessels (including repairs and re-rating)
Thickness measurements, corrosion and vessel
integrity
Vessel weld joint efficiencies, weld joint categories
and type of radiography required
Static head pressure calculations
Vessel shell/head types/MAWP and thickness
calculations
Nozzle reinforcements
Internal and external pressure calculations
Pressure testing requirements after repairs etc
Re-rating Pressure Vessels
Impact test requirements
Weld WPS/PQR evaluation (ASME IX basis):
SMAW/GTAW/SAW
General rules for welding (ASME VIII and API 510
basis)
NDT requirements of ASME V: Visual/RT/DP/MPI
Techniques /Calibration
Examination/Interpretation
2.4 What are the API examination entry requirements?
API set minimum entry requirements for candidates who want to sit for the 570/510 exams. The
general principle is that candidates must be employed by or under contract to an authorised
inspection agency or owner/user organization. In the UK and other countries that do not have a
formal system of legally authorised inspection organisations (UKAS accreditation is not the same
thing as it is not a legal requirement), this is interpreted slightly differently. Inspectors who work
under contract (self-employed or Ltd Company) can be considered eligible, as long as they can
demonstrate that they have been working in the inspection field
The above requirements serve to exclude mainly those people who are not involved in the
inspection industry and who therefore would not be suitable for API certification. In practice, most
people who have been working in the inspection industry in NDT, inspection, maintenance etc
should not have too much trouble in satisfying these entry requirements.
Tables 3 and 4 below show the API-published entry requirements. Note that it is only necessary to
satisfy one of the entry requirement rows (i.e. A, B, C or D)
Table 3: API 570 Exam entry requirements
Education Experience
required
Skills
A
Degree (or higher)
in engineering
1 year
Supervision or performance of
inspection activities of piping
systems
B
Higher qualification
or certificate in
engineering or
technology
2 years
C
Basic engineering
qualification
3 years
D
No qualifications 5 or more years
Design, construction, repair,
operation, or inspection of piping
systems, of which 1 year must be
in supervision or performance of
inspection activities
Table 4: API 510 Exam entry requirements
Education Experience
required
Skills
A
BS or higher in
engineering
1 year
Supervision or performance of
inspection activities
B
2-year degree or
certificate in
engineering or
technology
2 years
C
High school
diploma or
equivalent
3 years
D
None 5 or more years
Design, construction, repair,
operation, or inspection
of pressure vessels, of which one
year must be in supervision
performance of inspection
activities.
2.5 What does it all cost?
There are various costs involved in achieving API certification. Table 5 shows the details.
Table 5: API Inspector certification: Budget costs:2013
Cost per person
Budget (amount
depends on $:
exchange rate)
Payable to
When
payable
Notes
Preparation training
programme (API
570 or 510)
2013 UK API on-
line + classroom
programme:
(Total cost 2250 +
VAT)
Training provider
(Matthews Eng
Training Ltd)
On registration
to the training
programme
Purchase of the
standards document
package you will
require to sit the
course and the
examination
Currently $930 US
- API 510 and
$1155 US- API 570
plus shipping.
If you have access
to original copies of
the standards
already, you will
not have to pay this
Purchased directly
from the document
suppliers in the US.
We will provide
information on
which documents
to order and the
suppliers orderline
details
At the start of
the first training
course modules
(or soon
afterwards)
Programme consists
of preliminary on-
line training
modules plus
approx 1-week
classroom exam
preparation course
followed by 2
revision days to
prepare for the
exam on the
following day.
API application/
Examination fee
$800 US Directly to API
For the December 2013 exams, the
last payment date is 18
th
September
2013. Details will be provided on how
to register and make this payment
*(Depends on $: exchange rate and document handling/shipping charges)
3. THE MET EXAM PREPARATION TRAINING PROGRAMME
As an established provider of inspection training courses, Matthews Engineering Training Ltd
(MET) offer API 570/510 training programmes for the December 2013 exams to be held in
the UK. These programmes are written and delivered by UK presenters and cover all the
skills required to sit for the API examinations.
3.1 Are there any additional entry requirements for the exam
preparation training programme?
At MATTHEWS ENGINEERING TRAINING we are keen to make sure that delegates who
we accept onto our API 570/510 preparation training courses have a good chance of passing
the examination. We therefore have an application assessment procedure consisting of a CV
assessment and, in marginal cases, a technical questionnaire. The purpose of the
questionnaire is to assess an applicants initial knowledge of some of the technical subjects
that will be covered in the course, and subsequently in the API examinations. This will give
us an idea as to whether you will do sufficiently well on the course to give you a fair chance
of passing the examinations
3.2 What is the format of the MET training programme?
The MET programme consists of two parts:
Part 1: Preliminary distance learning training modules
Part 2:A 5+2 day full time residential classroom course
This training programme format provides candidates with a structured way of acquiring the
knowledge needed to sit for the API examinations. The advantages of the two-part format
are:
Candidates can fit Part 1 around their existing work commitments; for example
offshore or contract work.
It provides a more flexible way of learning than a long classroom course (some
overseas API courses last 10-12 days or more)
It minimises information overload; you can do Part 1 at a speed that suits yourself,
within the time schedule that we publish.
The figure below shows the structure of the training programme
Registration
on training
programme
Part 2
5+2 day
classroom
course
API
Exam
Part 1
4-5 x On-
line/distance
learning modules
3.3 How does Part 1 of the training programme work?
Part 1 consists of 4-5 training modules covering selected technical subjects in the API
syllabus. These provide the core information that you will need in order to understand the use
of the API codes and referenced documents. The subjects and order change slightly from
year-to-year but typical modules would be:
Module 1A: Parameters, symbols and calculation
Module 1B:Principles of code-based inspection
Module 1C: API 570(or 510): basic code methodology
Module 1D: Welding
Module 1E:NDT
3.4 What documents do I need to start the Part 1 programme?
One of the long-standing features of all the API inspector certification programmes is that
candidates must acquire a code documentation package. This is an extensive set of
documents comprising all the necessary parts of the API/ASME codes and standards covered
in the API syllabus. This is a requirement set by API and is non-negotiable. You will need to
produce the documents to use in the examination and they will not allow you to use
photocopies.
As you will be learning to use these documents during the Part 1 training modules it makes
sense to acquire them at the beginning .You buy the documentation directly from the supplier
in the US. It is an easy procedure, you order by telephone or internet, give a credit card
number, and the order arrives within a few days by courier .If you have access to an original
set of codes already (and they are correct up-to-date versions), for example through your
employer, you will not need to buy this documentation package. We will inform you of the
code edition revisions that you will need.
All other learning material that you need will be provided as part of the Part 1 training
programme
3.5 How much time input does each module require?
The modules vary a little in length and complexity and you can work through each one at
your own speed. As a guide, however, we recommend that you budget at least 20 hours self-
study time for each module. The best way is to do this is in study sessions of perhaps 1-2
hours each. This makes a total recommended study time of 60-80 hours.
3.6 How long do I have to complete the modules?
This depends on when you register for and start the training programme, relative to the date
of the Part 2 residential training course and the subsequent API examination date. For
example:
Early Registration
If you register early and start the July-December 2013 API 510/570 training
programme on time in July, you will have 4 months to complete the Part 1
modules, before attending the Part 2 course in late November/early December
2013 in preparation for the 04 December 2013 examination date
Late Registration
If you delay your training programme registration until mid-August 2013, and
are aiming for the same Part 2 course and examination dates as above, you will
have only 3 months to complete the Part 1 modules. Normally however, our
training course is normally full up long before then.
3.7 Is there tutor help available?
Yes, following registration, you will be given e-mail/contact details of your tutors. You can
contact them with individual technical queries. This will help guide you through the training
modules.
3.8 How do I know when I have completed the Part 1 training
modules?
As you work through each of the modules you will carry out reading, referring to code
sections and doing the sample test questions and exercises. When you feel confident that you
understand the material, you sit the on-line end-of-module test and are informed of your
results. This will give you an idea as to your understanding of the technical material .If you
get a low mark in this test, you can do further study, and do an on-line test resit.
3.9 How does Part 2 of the training programme work?
Part 2 consists of a 5+2 day full time classroom training course. Unless they live nearby,
most delegates will treat this as a residential course, enabling them to take advantage of the
evening study and revision sessions. The course consists of:
Revision and sample tests of the subjects covered in the Part 1 distance learning
modules
Daily training modules of the remainder of the API examination syllabus (570
or 510)
Daily sample test sessions and homework/revision exercises
At the end of the course, delegates will sit multiple mock examinations held under simulated
API exam conditions. This will prepare them to sit the formal API examination, which will
be scheduled for a date very soon after the Part 2 training course (normally either the next
day or within a week or so)
3.10 Where will the Part 2 training course be held?
For December 2013 exams the courses and exam are being held in
Midlands/Northern England
3.11 What documentation do I need?
Only the code documentation package that you will have already acquired for the Part 1
distance learning modules. Everything else will be provided during the course
3.12 When are the December 2013 residential courses held?
Table 6 below, shows typical schedule dates for the July-December 2013 API 510/570
programme. To keep the class sizes to a manageable number ,we normally run two alternative
residential course weeks, course 1 and course 2 (for either 510 or 570, or both).We will
allocate you to one of these courses.
MATTHEWS ENGINEERING TRAINING (MET) LTD
TABLE 6:API 510/570 CERTIFIED VESSEL/PIPING INSPECTOR:
2013 UK PROGRAMME JULY-DECEMBER 2013
MET Training programme
Part 1 : distance learning modules
AP1 510 and API 570
29
th
July-17
th
November
Last start date for MET 510 and 570
training programme is normally the
end of July 2013 (Late entry may be
possible in extreme cases)
Course 1
18
th
-22
nd
November
API 510 Part 2 : Classroom training
Course 2
25
th
-29
th
November
Cut-off date for postponement is
2 weeks after the published start
date of the online training modules
Course 1
18
th
-22
nd
November
API 570 Part 2 : Classroom training
Course 2
25
th
-29
th
November
Cut-off date for postponement is
2 weeks after the published start
date of the online training modules
API 510 Mock Exams 02
nd
-03
rd
December
API 570 Mock Exams 02
nd
-03
rd
December
API 510 and 570 exams
04
th
December 2013
3.13 What does the training programme cost?
The cost of the Matthews Engineering Training API 570 or 510 2013 programmes is
2250+VAT per delegate. This covers the Part 1 distance learning modules and the Part 2,
5+2 day training course. As the object of the training programme is for delegates to progress
through both parts of the programme and then sit the exam, fees are payable in full at the time
of registration. Alternative payment arrangements/discounts may be available for block-
bookings of three or more delegates.
3.14 What if I cannot complete the training programme?
If, after booking your course place with Matthews Training you find you have problems
making arrangements to start the on-line course, or meet the later residential course dates you
can postpone your course to a later date (normally the next course 6-months later). To qualify
for this, you must inform Matthews Engineering Training Ltd of your postponement within 2
weeks after the published start date of the online training modules. If you delay your
postponement until after this date, you will not be able to claim a free postponement and will
need to either try harder to continue with the course, or forfeit your fee, as you will already
have taken the place of another delegate who has had to wait to the next course
In addition to the training programme fees you will have to pay for (see table 5):
Your purchase of the code documentation packages, if you dont already have the
documents. You purchase these directly from the supplier in USA (we will supply
details) .Prices are currently: API 510 $930 US + shipping API 570 $1155 US +
shipping. We tell you when they are available and how to buy them.
Your travel and accommodation costs (if applicable) for the 5+2 day Part 2 course
The API exam registration fee of $800 US is payable direct to API when the
application forms are submitted approx 9- 10 weeks before the exam
MATTHEWS ENGINEERING TRAINING LTD
API 510 or 570 CERTIFIED VESSEL/PIPEWORK
INSPECTOR: JULY-DECEMBER 2013
APPLYING FOR YOUR TRAINING PROGRAMME
Your next step
To apply for your place on the Matthews Engineering Training 2013 API 510 or 570 training
programme simply:
Step 1.Read through this document and make sure you understand the procedure, technical
content, and costs involved. If you have any queries, contact Cliff Matthews on:
enquiries@matthews-training.co.uk
or
Tel 07732 799351 (leave a voicemail message and we will get back
to you)
Step 2. Forward your CV for assessment to: enquiries@matthews-training.co.uk.
We will e-mail or telephone you to discuss your CV and comment on its suitability in
meeting the API examination entry requirements. In marginal cases, we may also ask you to
complete a simple on-line entry questionnaire to check whether API inspector certification is
the best technical option for you. If everything is acceptable we will agree your entry to the
course and hold a provisional place for you
Step 3.We will forward you a proforma invoice for payment of your course fees or, in some
cases, a deposit (for example if you are waiting for confirmation from your employers that
they will pay your course fees).Once we have received payment of our invoice your place is
confirmed
Established customers
We have many established customers, mainly large companies in the
power/petrochemical/offshore/inspection industry who regularly send delegates on our
training programmes. In these cases, all we may require is a purchase order /requisition
number
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON OUR TRAINING PROGRAMMES
b
FOR DETAILS OF OUR API 653 CERTIFIED STORAGE TANK INSPECTOR UK TRAINING
PROGRAMME FOR SEPT 2013 EXAMS, SEE THE SEPARATE DOWNLOAD DOCUMENT
ON OUR WEBSITE

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MATTHEWS ENGINEERING TRAINING LTD: API INSPECTOR TRAINING

Page 1 Queries? www.matthews-training.co.uk Tel 07732 799351

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