What are you expected to know for the exam?

Introduction: Previously, API did not feel the need to provide publication effectivity sheet or body of knowledge for API 577 Welding Inspection and Metallurgy Exam simply because the only recommended document to study for the exam was API RP 577 itself, but recently both these documents have been added noting API RP 577 and ASME Section IX as reference documents.

This was because API RP 577 is an all-rounder covering welding processes, welding inspection and NDT issues from inspection perspective although readers might have questioned the source of those welding and NDT topics while studying it and hence the new publication effectivity sheet and body of knowledge.

Our API 577 training course also includes ASME V so you can understand where the NDT requirements within API 577 originally come from and I would expect future Publication Effectivity Sheet would also include ASME V.

You might ask why you should get this certificate when there are several internationally recognized welding inspector certificates?

The answer is in the API 577 scope:

This recommended practice (RP) provides guidance to the API authorized inspector on welding inspection as encountered with fabrication and repair of refinery and chemical plant equipment and piping, pipelines, and other related industries.

This RP includes descriptions of common welding processes, welding procedures, welder qualifications, metallurgical effects from welding, and inspection techniques to aid the inspector in fulfilling their role implementing API 510, API 570 and API 653.

The level of learning and training obtained from this document is not a replacement for the training and experience required to be a certified welding inspector under one of the established welding certification programs.

Therefore, we could conclude that API 577 is an all-rounder covering WPS, PQR, WPQ, Welding processes, Safety in welding, Welding Inspection and associated NDT methods and aimed mainly at repair and replacement.

It also clearly states that it is not a substitute for welding inspector certifications, although looking at API 577 contents, it is quite clear that many of welding inspection topics is included in the API 577.

API RP 577 Table of Contents

To give you a better perspective, let’s look at API 577 important section within table of contents:

Section 1 & 2 are about the scope and reference documents.

Section 3- Terms, Definitions, and Acronyms (lots of question may come from this section).

Section 4 – Welding Processes (covers 8 popular welding processes such as SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, SAW, SW, PAW and EGW).

Section 5 – Welding Materials (P, F, & A numbers)

Section 6 – Welding Procedure (WPS, PQR)

Section 7 – Welder Qualification

Section 8 – Non-destructive Examination and popular methods (VT, MT, PT, RT, UT, ET, LT)

Section 9 – Welding Inspection (and the three all-important inspection phases: Inspection tasks before, during and after welding)

Section 10 – Metallurgy (talks about Structure of Metals and Alloys, physical and mechanical properties, pre heat, PWHT, Material Test Report, and weldability)

Section 11 – Refinery and Petrochemical Plant Welding Issues (talks about Hot Tapping, Lack of Fusion and Controlled Deposition Welding for repair).

Section 12 – Safety Precautions in welding

API RP 577 provides a comprehensive overview of essential topics related to welding engineering, welding inspection and NDT, making it an invaluable resource. Here’s a brief look at its important sections within the table of contents:

API 577 is not only informative but also features seven annexes, 57 explanatory pictures, and 17 tables, making it a handy reference guide.

Now let’s look at the API 577 exam body of knowledge to understand what sort of question to expect during the exam.

Body of Knowledge

The body of knowledge states that: API 577 Exam Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge in the following categories:

1. Terms, Definitions, and Acronyms
2. Welding Processes
3. Welding Materials
4. Welding Procedure
5. Welder Qualification
6. Non-destructive Examination
7. Welding Inspection
8. Metallurgy
9. Refinery and Petrochemical Plant Welding Issues
10. Safety Precautions

As you can see, the body of knowledge is aligned with API RP 577 table of contents.

Fact: If you are a certified welding inspector or NDT examiner, the welding and NDT questions might actually backfire on you because questions are very basic and simple so don’t scrutinize exam questions too much and don’t think there is a catch. There is none.

General Notes:

• If you hold a current API 510, 570 or 653 certification, you automatically qualify to take the API 577 Welding Inspection and Metallurgy certification exam otherwise you need a BS degree with one year experience or 2 year degree with 2 years’ experience or high school diploma with 3 years’ experience. Any petrochemical industry experience acquired within the last 10 years is acceptable.

• Initial exam and certification cost 440 $ and re-examination / rescheduling cost 200$. API 577 certification is valid for a three-year term and recertification cost 320 $.

• The API 577 exam is 3.25 hours long.

• There are 110 questions, of which only 100 are scored. The remaining 10 are pre-test, which are not scored.

• Paper and reference materials are not allowed in the exams. It is a closed book exam.

• You can opt for remote proctoring while registering for exam. This means you can attend the exam online from the comfort of your home or office rather that in-person at a prometric test Center.