ABOUT API 510

Certified API 510 Pressure Vessel inspectors must have a broad knowledge base relating to maintenance, inspection, repair, and alteration of pressure vessels. The API 510 examination is designed to determine if individuals have such knowledge.

This certification program benefits employers and the industry as a whole by helping to:

• Improve management control of process unit operation, repair, and maintenance
• Reduce the potential for inspection delays
• Provide a continued high level of safety through the use of highly specialized and experienced inspectors

API 510 certification is valid for a three-year term.

Are you qualified to take the API 510 exam?

As outlined in the Appendix B of the API 510 Standard, the minimum qualification requirements for API 510 Pressure Vessel inspector certification are based on the combination of education and experience related to pressure vessels. 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 510.

Based on the 10th edition of API 510, a National Board certification is no longer accepted as a substitution for passing the exam.

Prior to submitting an application, please use the table below to determine if you qualify to take the API 510 exam. The minimum experience required MUST be documented on your application.

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 510
2-year degree or certificate in engineering or technology	2 years	Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of pressure vessels, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510
High school diploma or equivalent	3 years	Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of pressure vessels, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510
No formal education	5 or more years	Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection of pressure vessels, of which one year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities as described in API 510