Certified Piping Inspector (API-570)

1. Introduction to API 570 Scope and Definitions Overview of API‑570, applicability, definitions, and inspection scope.

2. Piping Components and Configurations Valves, fittings, flanges, supports, and typical piping layouts.

3. Materials and Specifications for Piping Systems Metallurgy, material selection, and compliance with ASME/ASTM standards.

4. Corrosion Mechanisms & Deterioration in Piping Types of corrosion, degradation mechanisms, and mitigation strategies.

5. Non‑Destructive Examination (NDE) Techniques Radiography, ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle, dye penetrant, and advanced NDE methods.

6. Piping Inspection Practices and Intervals API‑570 inspection intervals, risk‑based inspection (RBI), and fitness‑for‑service assessments.

7. Thickness Measurement & Corrosion Monitoring Ultrasonic thickness gauging, corrosion rate calculations, and monitoring programs.

8. Repair, Alteration, & Rerating of Piping Systems API‑570 requirements for repairs, alterations, rerating, and documentation.

9. Pressure Testing and Hydrostatic Testing Procedures, safety precautions, and compliance with ASME/API codes.

10. Documentation, Records, and Compliance Preparing inspection reports, maintaining records, and ensuring audit‑readiness.

• Builds competence in API‑570 piping inspection and integrity management

• Enhances compliance with API, ASME, and ISO standards

• Strengthens skills in corrosion monitoring, NDE, and repair procedures

• Provides tools for audit‑ready documentation and continual improvement

• Offers recognized certification to support careers in QA/QC, mechanical integrity, and compliance consultancy

• Piping inspectors and QA/QC engineers

• Mechanical engineers in oil & gas, petrochemical, and power sectors

• Compliance officers and integrity management professionals

• Individuals progressing from Level 3 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (MECA‑313) or equivalent qualifications

• Assessment Type: Written exam + practical inspection project + viva

• Format: MCQs, applied case studies, hands‑on inspection project, and oral defense

• Total Questions: 120 theory + 1 practical project + 1 viva

• Passing Score: 70%

• Duration: 6–8 weeks (120–150 hours total)

• Certification: Certified Piping Inspector (API‑570) – CPIP

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Successful learners who achieve the HiQual UK Certified Piping Inspector (API-570) may progress to:

Advanced qualifications and specialist training in Piping Inspection, Pressure Vessel Inspection, Welding Inspection, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Corrosion Control, and Plant Integrity Management.

Professional development in API inspection standards, pressure equipment integrity, risk-based inspection (RBI), corrosion management, inspection planning, and quality assurance.

Related HiQual UK qualifications such as Certified Pressure Vessel Safety Inspector, Certified Painting & Coating Inspector, Certified NDT Level II, or Level 3 Award in Quality Control Inspection.

Higher-level technical and engineering qualifications in Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Piping Engineering, Inspection Engineering, or Industrial Quality Management.

Employment or career advancement in roles including Certified Piping Inspector, API 570 Piping Inspector, Piping Inspection Engineer, Mechanical Inspector, Plant Integrity Inspector, Corrosion Inspector, QA/QC Inspector, or Piping Quality Control Inspector.

Continuing professional development leading to senior inspection, asset integrity, quality management, engineering consultancy, and technical leadership positions.