Are you aiming to acquire a comprehensive understanding of API 653? If you are on the certification path, you have come to the right source. This systematic guide will assist you in comprehending the process and provide essential insights. By the end of this article, you’ll have a well-defined grasp of what API 653 Certification involves and how to streamline the process for your benefit.

Table of Contents

• What Is API 653 Certification?
• How To Get API 653 Certification?
• How Much Are API 653 Certification Costs and Fees?
• When Is The Schedule for API 653 Exam 2023 and 2024?
• How Long Does API 653 Certification Remain Valid?

What Is API 653 Certification?

API 653 certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates expertise in inspecting and repairing aboveground storage tanks. To earn this certification, you must meet the minimum qualifications outlined in API Standard 653, which sets the requirements for inspecting, repairing, altering, or reconstructing the storage tanks.

API 653 certification is vital and well respected, especially if you are involved in assessing and maintaining aboveground storage tanks in the oil and gas industry.

How To Get API 653 Certification?

To obtain API 653 certification, you can follow these general steps:

1. Determine Eligibility

Before embarking on your journey to API 653 certification, assessing your eligibility is essential. Typically, the requirements include a minimum level of education, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and a requisite amount of work experience in aboveground storage tank inspection and repair. Below is the prerequisite of API 653 certification as mentioned by API:

 2. Exam Preparation

Preparing for the API 653 certification exam is a significant undertaking. It involves a deep dive into the technical aspects of aboveground storage tanks. API provides a list of recommended materials you should thoroughly review and understand. These materials will cover tank construction standards, inspection techniques, and repair procedures. Take the time to study and absorb this information, as the exam will test your knowledge in these areas. It’s essential to be well-prepared to increase your chances of passing the exam.

3. Submit Application

Once you’re confident in your readiness and meet the eligibility criteria, you can proceed to the application stage. You’ll need to complete an application form and provide details about your qualifications and work experience. Additionally, there is an associated fee for applying. This application is your formal request to take the API 653 certification exam. Make sure to fill it out accurately and provide all the necessary documentation to support your eligibility.

4. Schedule and Take the Exam

After your application is accepted, you can schedule a date and location to take the API 653 certification exam. The exam is comprehensive, and it assesses your understanding of tank inspection and repair practices. It typically consists of multiple-choice questions that cover a wide range of topics related to aboveground storage tanks. When scheduling the exam, ensure you choose a time and place that is convenient for you and gives you the best opportunity to perform your best.

5. Pass the Exam

During the exam, you’ll be tested on your knowledge of the materials you studied in your preparation. The goal is to demonstrate your competence in areas like tank construction, maintenance, and inspection techniques. Passing the exam is a significant milestone on your path to certification. It’s important to approach the exam with confidence and use the knowledge you’ve gained through your study and preparation.

6. Certification and Renewal

If you successfully pass the API 653 certification exam, you’ll receive your certification. However, it’s important to note that certifications typically have expiration dates. To maintain your certification, you’ll need to meet renewal requirements, which may include continuing education or retesting at specified intervals. This is crucial to ensure that certified professionals stay up-to-date with industry best practices and standards.

When Is The Schedule for API 653 Exam 2023 and 2024?

How Long Does API 653 Certification Remain Valid?

API 653 certification remains valid for three years. This certification is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), assuring that the exam adheres to stringent standards for transparency and integrity. It also complies with the rigorous criteria set forth by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17024, ensuring that you maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills in the field of aboveground storage tank inspection and repair.

Continuing on your journey to certification, consider API 653 training by CUTECH. We offer an extensive and in-depth API 653 training course designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the field of aboveground storage tank inspection and repair.

With a blend of theoretical foundations and hands-on training, Cutech ensures that you not only understand the core concepts but can also apply them effectively in real-world situations while directly applying the knowledge to your work.

CUTECH’S API 653 training is the ideal choice. With us, you will be well-prepared, confident, and ready to meet the challenges of the industry head-on.

What are the Goals? 

The aim of this comprehensive training course is to provide the delegates at the end of this training course with:

• Enough knowledge and skills to pass such exam and attain the API 653 certification
• Identify the API 653 Scopes, Suitability for Service, evaluation of the tank Shell and Min. accepted thickness also the maximum allowable fill Height
• Evaluation of the tank Bottom, including settlement and release prevention Systems (RPS)
• Recognize the reasons for Inspection and Causes of Deterioration
• Determination of Need for Cathodic Protection and Methods of Cathodic Protection
• Employ post weld heat treatment, identify the charpy impact testing

How will this Training Course be presented?

This training course will be conducted along workshop principles with formal lectures, videos and interactive worked examples. Each learning point will be re-enforced with practical exercises and ample opportunities for discussion and sharing of experiences.

The course instructor may modify the above training methodology before or during the course for technical reasons with no prior notice to participants. The classroom training of the API 653 Training Course consists of 5 days of training including the final practice exams

Day One

• Introduction and Review of API 653 Body of Knowledge
• API 653 Scope coverage & Definitions &Suitability for Service
• Tank Shell Evaluation and Thickness Calculation for Welded Tank Shell
• Maximum Allowable Fill Height Calculation
• Tank Bottom Evaluation and release prevention Systems (RPS)
• Minimum Thickness for bottom and annular Plate Ring
• Tank Foundation Evaluation
• Brittle Fracture Considerations
• External & Internal Inspection and ultrasonic Thickness Inspection
• Design Considerations Reconstructed Tanks
• Tank Repair and Alteration
• Example problems calculations

Day Two

• API 653 tank Dismantling and Reconstruction
• Welding s and Examination Testing requirement for the tanks
• Evaluation of Tank Bottom Settlement
• API 650 scope
• General Material Requirements
• Tank Joints Design
• Tank fabrication and welding
• Tanks Inspection, Testing, and Repairs
• Methods of Inspecting Joints
• Example problems calculations

Day Three

• API 575 Scope and definitions
• Types of Storage Tanks
• Reasons for Inspection and Causes of Deterioration
• Methods of Inspection and Inspection Scheduling
• API 651 Scope and definitions
• Corrosion of Aboveground Steel Storage Tanks
• Determination of Need for Cathodic Protection and Methods of Cathodic Protection
• Design of Cathodic Protection Systems
• API 652 Scope and definitions
• Surface Preparation and Lining Application
• Recommended Inspection Parameters
  Example problems calculations

Day Four

• ASME IX Welding Procedure Qualifications WPS & WPQ & PQR
• Welding Processes
• Welding Essential &non-essential and supplementary essential Variables
• P- Numbers& S-Numbers, F-number and A-number
• Welders test positions& Diameter & thickness qualification and position qualification
• Alternate F-Numbers and Alternate P-Numbers
• Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry API 571
• Example problems calculations

Day Five

• continue API 571 Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry
• Welding Inspection and Metallurgy API 577
• Hot Tapping and In-Service Welding
• ASME Section V - Nondestructive Test Methods
• Radiographic & Liquid Penetrant & Magnetic Particle AND Visual Test examination
• Final Practice Exam

1. Studying For The Exam

• Publications Effectivity Sheet - Questions on the API 653 exam are derived from publications listed in this document.
  • Only the specific sections of publications that are listed on the Publications Effectivity Sheet will be available to you during the open-book portion of the exam.
  • API 653 Publications Effectivity Sheet through Latest exams
• Body of Knowledge - List of specific topics included in the API 653 exam
  • API 653 Body of Knowledge through Latest exams

2. Exam Structure

• The API 653 exam day is 7.5 hours long - a short tutorial session, 2.75 hours for the closed-book portion, a 45-minute lunch break and 3.75 hours for the open-book portion. 
• There are 170 questions on the API 653 exam, of which only 140 are scored. The remaining 30 are pretest questions.
  • Pretest Questions FAQs
• There are 110 closed-book questions and 60 open-book questions. 
• View the Exam Tutorial before exam day to familiarize yourself with the format. 

3. What Can You Bring Into The Exam

• Papers and books are not allowed in Prometric computer testing centers. 
• PDF documents of pertinent codes and standards will be available on your computer during the open book portion of the exam and will be presented in English. 
• Learn More about Exam Day

4. Additional Resources

• Examination Policies & Notifications: Policies
• Purchasing Authorized API Publications: API Publications Store

Are You Qualified To Take The API 653 Exam?

As outlined in Annex D of the API 653 Standard, the qualification requirements for API 653 applicants are based on the combination of education and experience related to aboveground storage tanks. 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 653.

Prior to submitting an application, please use the table below to determine if you qualify to take the API 653 exam. The minimum experience required MUST be documented on your application and will be verified after your application has been submitted. 

Scientific Calculator

Bring some other form of identification showing a photograph, i.e. Passport or Photo Driving Licence.

All other equipment and training materials are provided by Cutech.

Protective gloves, protective eye glasses and plastic aprons are also available for the use of students.