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?
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.
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Are You Qualified To Take The API 653 Exam?
As outlined in the Annex A of the API 653 Standard, the qualification requirements for API 653 Aboveground Storage Tank Inspection certification are based on the combination of education and experience related to in-service metallic piping systems. 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.
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Education
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Years of Experience
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Experience Required
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BS or higher in engineering or technology
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1 year
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Supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 570
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2-year degree or certificate in engineering or technology
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2 years
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Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of in-service piping systems, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 570
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High school diploma or equivalent
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3 years
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Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of in-service piping systems, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 570
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No formal education
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5 or more years
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Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of in-service piping systems, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 570.
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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
Refer to the schedules
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.
- Body of Knowledge - List of specific topics included in the API 653 exam
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.
- 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
