API 653 Exam Preparation Training

Introduction

The American Petroleum Institute initiated an API 653 Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector Certification Program with the participation of storage tank owners and users. It establishes a uniform national program that assists state and local governments in aboveground storage tank regulations.

The API 653 Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector must have a broad knowledge base relating to tank inspection and repair of aboveground storage tanks, and will satisfy the minimum qualifications specified in API Standard 653, Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction.

API 653 certification is valid for a three-year term.

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.

Education Years of Experience Experience Required
BS or higher in engineering or technology 1 year Supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 653
2-year degree or certificate in engineering or technology 2 years Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of aboveground storage tanks, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 653
High school diploma or equivalent 3 years Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of aboveground storage tanks, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 653
No formal education 5 or more years Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of aboveground storage tanks, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 653

Course Content

Corrosion, minimum thickness determination and remaining life calculations; inspection and degradation mechanisms of API 575, cathodic protection and internal coatings for storage tanks. Safety and preparation issues on tank floors for repair

Detailed explanations of all the information covered in the API 653 'Body of Knowledge' including ASME welding requirements for storage tanks sections IX and API 650
ASME non-destructive testing principles and application of section V
Storage tank design review API 650, weld sizes, tank nozzle reinforcement, brittle fracture, weld efficiency factors, post weld heat treatment; API 653 inspection, repair alteration and reconstruction of tanks, inspection intervals, inspection requirements, relationships to ASME codes

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  for November 2020 – July 2021 exams

– Body of Knowledge – List of specific topics included in the API 653 exam

– API 653 Body of Knowledge for November 2020 – July 2021 exams

Recertification Of API 653

  • API 653 Pressure Vessel inspectors need to apply for recertification every three (3) years.
  • You may apply for recertification 90 days prior to the certification expiration date, and for a 90-day grace period after. Late fees apply after the expiration date.
  • If an application is not submitted by the end of the 90-day grace period, the certification will expire. A new application and fees must be submitted, and you will need to pass a full examination in order to be recertified.

    Circumstances such as heavy work schedule or work in other countries or remote areas do not relieve the inspector/examiner of the responsibility to file a timely renewal application.
  • API 653 inspectors need to demonstrate that a minimum of 20% of time over the most recent three-year certification period was spent performing or supervising pressure vessel inspection activities as described in the API 653 inspection code.

    Inspectors who have not been actively engaged in pressure vessel inspection practices will be required to take the full examination. API 653 Recertification Effectively sheet

Note

– Each quiz has 25 questions that address the changes in the relevant API codes over the past six years.

– You have a total of four hours to complete the quiz, and it may be paused or interrupted up to three times.

– If you fail the quiz once you will be able to take it again. If you fail the quiz a second time you will not be able to recertify. You will need to submit a new application and take the full version of the exam to certify again.

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.

What Can You Bring Into the Exam

– Papers, notes and books are not allowed in Prometric’s 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

Additional Resources

– Examination Policies & Notifications: Policies

– Purchasing Authorized API Publications: API Publications Store

Register Your Course Now

Please fill the form for registration of this course.

    Contact information

    Phone No:

    +92-51-4844263

    +92-300-8123333

     

    Email:

    info@www.mightybrisk.com