API 1169
API 1169 Inspector Certification
Why Require A Certification For All Pipeline Inspectors?
The primary reason for developing API RP 1169 was to provide the oil and gas industry with a certification to identify qualified pipeline inspectors. This certification is now becoming more and more in demand. More projects than ever are requiring inspectors to have it or they don’t get the job. This certification helps assure companies that the inspectors they are hiring have some background in the industry.
Who Needs To Take It?
Only pipeline inspectors, or prospective pipeline inspectors, need to take the API 1169. Which raises the question is – “Are you qualified to take it?”
Are You Qualified To Take The API 1169 Exam?
The API 1169 Pipeline Construction Inspector Certification requirements are based on your work experience. This is limited to what has been acquired within the last 20 years. Education and other certifications may also be needed.
Per the API site – Applicants can qualify in one or more of the following categories-
- Pipeline Inspection Experience
- General Oil & Gas Industry Inspection Experience
- Non-Inspection Pipeline Experience
- Non-Inspection General Oil & Gas Industry Experience
- Other Heavy Industry Experience
Do You Need To Study?
Do you need to study?…That depends on who you ask.
Some research shows over 80% of inspectors simply reviewing information that is freely available online. Other inspectors choose either live or online trainings. There are also some that claim that they simply took the test with no studying at all.
I recommend that you at least do some practice tests (Such as offered free by NEFs right HERE).
What If You Don’t Take It?
What if you choose to not take it?… What do you think?
Look, I don’t like it anymore than you do, but it’s not going away. If you haven’t already taken it, you might as well go ahead and get it over with. If you don’t, there will be a line of new inspectors a mile long – ready to take your job!
Besides, it’s not that difficult. Yes, I’ve taken it. I studied online for 4 days and passed like a breeze. I believe that you can too!
Resources For The Inspection Community
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