ABOUT API 653

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.

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.