Pressure Vessel Inspector (API 510) Practice Exam

 The American Petroleum Institute (API) offers the API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector Certification Program to assess the knowledge and skills of individuals involved in inspecting, maintaining, repairing, and altering pressure vessels. Earning this certification demonstrates your competency in adhering to relevant codes and standards for pressure vessel integrity.

Who Should Take This Exam?

• Petroleum Refining and Petrochemicals
• Chemical Processing
• Power Generation
• Manufacturing
• Inspection Services.

Prerequisites

While there are no formal prerequisites for taking the API 510 exam, the American Petroleum Institute recommends that candidates possess a broad knowledge base in pressure vessel related tasks. This background can be acquired through:

• Formal Education: A degree in engineering, welding, or a related field can provide a strong foundation.
• Industry Experience: Experience in pressure vessel fabrication, inspection, or repair is highly beneficial.
• Technical Training: Courses on pressure vessel codes, inspection practices, and nondestructive testing (NDT) methods can be helpful.

Roles and Responsibilities 

• Inspection Planning: Developing and implementing inspection plans based on relevant codes and standards, considering factors like operating history, pressure vessel design, and potential degradation mechanisms.
• Visual Inspection: Performing thorough visual examinations of pressure vessels to identify surface defects, corrosion, or damage.
• NDT (Non-Destructive Testing): Utilizing various NDT methods like radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing, or magnetic particle testing to assess the internal condition of pressure vessels without causing damage.
• Evaluation and Reporting: Evaluating inspection findings, interpreting codes and standards, and documenting inspection results in detailed reports.
• Communication and Collaboration: Communicating effectively with engineers, maintenance personnel, and management regarding pressure vessel inspection results and recommendations.

Exam Details

• Exam Format: Two-part exam consisting of a closed-book and an open-book section.
• Closed-book section: focuses on everyday knowledge and application of the API 510 standard and relevant reference documents (110 questions).
• Open-book section: allows reference to codes and standards during the exam to test in-depth understanding and ability to find necessary information (60 questions).
• Delivery Method: Proctored exam at API-authorized testing centres
• Duration: 7.5 hours (including a short tutorial session)
• Closed-book section: 2.75 hours
• Open-book section: 3.75 hours with a 45-minute break in between