API RP 571: Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed

Equipment in the Refining Industry

PART-9

API 571 SUPPLEMENTAL CERTIFICATION

INFORMATION
 API 571 SUPPLEMENTAL CERTIFICATION
INFORMATION

API 571 Supplemental Inspection Certification program tests Inspectors’ knowledge and
expertise in the field of Corrosion and Materials.  The examination questions are derived
from API RP 571 - Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining
Industry, which is applicable to anyone in the petrochemical industry.

Body of Knowledge for this examination consists of the entire RP 571 with the
exception of the following sections: 1.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.2.
Completely optional, yet adding significant value to your professional credentials – it will
show your employers and clients that you have obtained a high level of proficiency and
understanding in this important field.
The supplemental inspection certification program will be open to anyone who is
currently certified to either 510, 570 or 653.

API 571 Supplemental Inspection Certification Program

General Information
The objective of this optional Supplemental Inspection Certification program is to
provide documented evidence of advanced (above the basic core API 510, 570,
& 653 examinations) knowledge and expertise in the area of Corrosion and
Materials based on the information contained in API RP 571.
An API Supplemental Inspection Certification is defined as “Documentation that
indicates that minimum requirements have been met for additional qualification in
the designated area of expertise”. This would include an API issued letter,
certificate, and a wallet card.

Minimum Requirements:
Current certification as either API 510, 570, or 653 inspector.
Successful completion of the supplemental inspection certification examination by at
least 70%, based on fixed pass point.
Guiding Principles:
Examination tests the applicants for a higher level of technical knowledge and expertise
in the subject matter, but not test that they have engineering level competencies.
Examination questions are straightforward and relevant
Examination materials are developed and reviewed by Corrosion & Materials subject
matter experts to ensure validity and relevance of the examination questions.

Effectivity:
Questions become effective when the applicable API documents (namely API RP
571 – Any new issue, addenda or rewrite) have been in use for 12 months since
issue date.

Renewal of Supplemental Inspection Certification:

Certificate renewal is required 3 years from the date of issuance of the applicable
API Supplemental inspection Certification. The intent, at this time, is not to
require retesting.

Body of Knowledge: the entire RP 571 with the exception of the following sections:
1.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.2

Examination Information
Candidates are given four hours to complete the examination. There will be a total of
70 questions at this examination, all multiple-choice and only closed book. No
reference materials will be permitted at the examination.
All the questions on this examination will be based on API Recommended Practice
571 – Damage Mechanisms affecting Fixed equipment in the Refining Industry.If you
pass the exam and all sections of your application are complete, you will becertified and
receive wallet card and certificate of Supplemental Inspection.Certification approximately
10-12 weeks after the examination date.
What to Bring to the Examination
 No. 2 pencils;
 A non-programmable calculator (a calculator with only simple functions);
 Your admission ticket; and
 A picture ID (i.e. driver’s license).
API Exams grading
This examination has a set passing point of 70%, or 49 correctly answered questions.

Exam results notification

Approximately eight weeks after taking the examination you will receive an official
Exam Score Report generated by our test administration company. The exam results are
sent to API at the same time, so please do not call API before that time. If you passed
the exam, you will receive a wallet card and a certificate from API approximately four
weeks after receipt of your score report. Under no circumstances will grades be given
over the telephone.

Grievances or Appeals of Exam Scores

During the examination the candidates will have an opportunity to challenge individual
exam questions. All challenges regarding the questions on the exam must be submitted
at the conclusion of each section of the exam. After the exam has been administered, a
panel of subject matter experts will review all the challenges submitted. As a result of
this review, if challenges were found to be legitimate, the scoring may be adjusted,
effective for all candidates taking the same exam. Challenges or complaints regarding
the conditions or environment of the exam administration must be submitted to API in
writing. Examinations are graded using a computerized system.

Contact Information for Individual Certification Programs:

API, Individual Certification Programs; 1220 L Street, N.W.; Washington DC 20005
Telephone: (202) 682-8064; Fax: (202) 682-8348;
Website: www.api.org/icp