Certified Pressure Vessel Inspector (API 510)

1. API 510 Code and Inspection Planning : Introduces the API 510 inspection code, pressure vessel inspection responsibilities, inspection planning, risk considerations, inspection intervals, documentation and mechanical integrity requirements.

2. Pressure Vessel Materials and Construction : Examines pressure vessel components, materials, fabrication, design fundamentals, weld joints, joint efficiency, material verification and common construction-related defects.

3. Corrosion and Damage Mechanisms : Covers corrosion, erosion, cracking, high-temperature deterioration, corrosion under insulation, material degradation and the evaluation of damage affecting pressure vessel integrity.

4. Inspection Methods and Nondestructive Examination : Develops knowledge of visual inspection, ultrasonic thickness measurement, radiographic testing, liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, calibration and interpretation of inspection results.

5. Thickness, Corrosion Rates and Remaining Life : Develops skills in metal-loss calculations, minimum required thickness, corrosion rates, remaining corrosion allowance, remaining service life, inspection intervals, static head and applicable pressure vessel calculations.

6. Welding, Repairs and Alterations : Covers welding procedure specifications, procedure qualification records, welder qualifications, repair methods, alterations, post-repair examinations, pressure testing and compliance with applicable codes.

7. Pressure-Relieving Devices and Testing : Examines pressure relief devices, inspection requirements, hydrostatic and pneumatic testing, test precautions, pressure verification and the documentation required to support safe equipment operation.

8. Pressure Vessel Integrity and Applied Case Study : Integrates inspection findings, damage evaluation, repair decisions, rerating, inspection reporting, safety requirements and code-based recommendations through an applied pressure vessel integrity case study.

These units reflect the main subject areas of API's Body of Knowledge for the September 2026, January 2027 and May 2027 API 510 examinations.

• Develops knowledge of API 510 inspection principles and requirements.

• Strengthens pressure vessel integrity assessment skills.

• Improves understanding of corrosion and damage mechanisms.

• Develops capability in thickness measurements and remaining-life calculations.

• Builds knowledge of NDE methods and inspection reporting.

• Strengthens understanding of welding, repair, alteration and rerating requirements.

• Improves readiness for code-based examination questions and calculations.

• Supports professional development in mechanical integrity and asset inspection.

This programme is suitable for:

• Mechanical and pressure vessel inspection professionals.

• Inspectors working in oil, gas, refining and petrochemical facilities.

• Engineers involved in pressure equipment maintenance and integrity.

• NDE technicians seeking broader pressure vessel inspection knowledge.

• Welding and materials professionals involved in pressure equipment repairs.

• Experienced maintenance personnel preparing for the API 510 examination.

Assessment Format: The API 510 certification examination consists of closed-book and open-book multiple-choice sections using the applicable examination references.

Total Questions: 170 questions, comprising 110 closed-book and 60 open-book questions. Of these, 140 are scored and 30 are unscored pretest questions.

Passing Score: API determines the passing result using its scoring process. A fixed percentage should not be assumed.

Duration: The API examination day is approximately 7.5 hours, including the tutorial, 2 hours and 45 minutes for the closed-book section, a 45-minute break and 3 hours and 45 minutes for the open-book section.

Certification: The API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector certification is awarded by API to eligible candidates who pass its examination. The certification has a three-year term, with recertification requirements established by API

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 may progress to:

• Applying for the API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector certification, if they independently meet API's eligibility requirements and pass its examination.

• Specialist preparation for API 570 Piping Inspection and API 653 Aboveground Storage Tank Inspection.

• Further professional development in risk-based inspection, materials degradation and mechanical integrity.

• Career opportunities in pressure vessel inspection, fixed-equipment integrity, maintenance inspection and asset reliability, subject to experience and employer requirements.

• Continuing professional development in inspection technology, NDE, corrosion management and pressure equipment safety.