Level 6 Diploma in QA/QC Piping Inspection

Unit Details

Unit 1: Advanced Principles of QA/QC in Piping Engineering

• Fundamentals of quality assurance and quality control.

• Roles and responsibilities of QA/QC piping inspectors.

• Quality planning and implementation.

• Quality control procedures and inspection stages.

• Quality requirements in oil and gas projects.

Unit 2: Piping Materials, International Codes and Technical Specifications

• Types and grades of piping materials.

• Pipes, fittings, flanges and valves.

• Material Test Certificates (MTCs).

• Material traceability and identification.

• ASME, API, ASTM and ISO standards.

• Engineering drawings and piping specifications.

Unit 3: Advanced Welding Inspection and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

• Welding processes and procedures.

• WPS, PQR and welder qualifications.

• Welding inspection and fit-up verification.

• Weld defects and discontinuities.

• Visual Testing (VT), Radiographic Testing (RT) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT).

• Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) and Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT).

• NDT reports and acceptance criteria.

Unit 4: Piping Fabrication, Installation and Dimensional Inspection

• Piping fabrication and spool inspection.

• Interpretation of P&IDs and isometric drawings.

• Dimensional inspection and measurement.

• Pipe alignment and installation verification.

• Flange alignment and bolt inspection.

• Supports, hangers and fittings inspection.

• Site installation quality control.

Unit 5: Piping Pressure Testing, Commissioning and Quality Verification

• Hydrostatic and pneumatic testing.

• Pressure test package preparation.

• Leak detection and inspection.

• Piping flushing and cleaning.

• Pre-commissioning and commissioning inspections.

• Final system verification and handover.

• Pressure testing documentation.

Unit 6: Quality Management Systems, Inspection Documentation and Project Quality Control

• ISO 9001 quality management principles.

• Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs).

• Quality Control Plans (QCPs).

• Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs).

• Corrective and preventive actions.

• Quality audits and continuous improvement.

• Inspection reports and quality documentation.

• Quality dossiers and project handover records.

Completing the Level 6 Diploma in QA/QC Piping Inspector can provide learners with the following benefits:

• Develop advanced knowledge of piping inspection and quality control.

• Strengthen understanding of international engineering codes and standards.

• Improve welding inspection and fabrication quality control knowledge.

• Gain an understanding of advanced NDT inspection techniques.

• Develop skills in material verification and traceability.

• Understand pressure testing and piping system verification.

• Improve technical documentation and inspection reporting skills.

• Develop competence in quality auditing and non-conformance management.

• Enhance supervisory and quality management capabilities.

• Strengthen professional opportunities in oil and gas and industrial engineering sectors.

• Build a foundation for further professional development in piping inspection and quality management.

This qualification is suitable for:

• QA/QC Piping Inspectors.

• Senior Piping Inspectors.

• QA/QC Engineers.

• Mechanical Engineers.

• Piping Engineers.

• Welding Inspectors.

• Pipeline Inspection Professionals.

• Quality Control Supervisors.

• Quality Assurance Managers.

• Oil and Gas Project Engineers.

• Fabrication and Construction Supervisors.

• Professionals working in petrochemical and refinery projects.

• Engineering professionals seeking to advance their careers in industrial quality management.

The qualification uses a combination of theoretical and practical assessments to evaluate learners' technical knowledge, inspection skills and understanding of industrial quality requirements.

Assessment Methods:

1. Written Examination

Evaluation of learners' technical knowledge and understanding of piping inspection, quality assurance and quality control principles.

2. Multiple-Choice Questions

Assessment of key concepts related to piping materials, welding inspection, NDT techniques, engineering standards and quality control procedures.

3. Case Studies

Analysis of real-world industrial inspection scenarios, including identification of quality issues, inspection challenges and appropriate corrective actions.

4. Practical Assignments

Application of piping inspection procedures, material verification, dimensional inspection, welding quality control and testing principles.

5. Technical Project

Development of a piping quality inspection project covering inspection planning, quality requirements, inspection procedures and technical documentation.

6. Viva / Oral Assessment

Evaluation of learners' technical understanding, problem-solving abilities and professional knowledge of QA/QC piping inspection.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Piping codes, international engineering standards and specifications.

• Piping material inspection and traceability.

• Welding inspection and defect identification.

• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods and reporting.

• Piping fabrication, installation and dimensional inspection.

• Hydrostatic and pneumatic pressure testing.

• Quality assurance documentation and inspection reporting.

• Quality audits and non-conformance management.

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.

After successfully completing this qualification, learners may be better prepared to pursue or develop their careers in the following areas, subject to employer requirements and relevant occupational certifications.

Potential career opportunities:

• Senior QA/QC Piping Inspector.

• Piping Quality Control Engineer.

• QA/QC Engineer – Oil and Gas.

• Piping Inspection Supervisor.

• Welding and Piping Quality Inspector.

• Mechanical QA/QC Engineer.

• Pipeline Quality Inspector.

• Quality Assurance Supervisor.

• Quality Control Manager.

• Project Quality Coordinator.

• Third-Party Inspection Coordinator.

Future Progression:

Learners may consider further professional development in:

• Advanced Diploma in Quality Management.

• Level 7 Diploma in Quality Assurance and Quality Control.

• Certified Piping Inspector (API 570) preparation.

• Certified Welding Inspector programmes.

• Advanced NDT certification pathways.

• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor training.

• Project Quality Management.

• Pipeline Integrity Management.