How to Apply  

API examinations are divided into two main groups: core exams (API 510, 570, 653) and non-core exams (API 571, 1169, 1169, 936, TES, 1169, SIFE, SIRE).

All API examinations are held 3 times a year and each API certification has a ‘’ 3 weeks exam window’’ that you should choose from at the time of registration.

After registration and approval by API, your 3 weeks exam window is frozen, and you can only select the location, date and time at a Prometric test center.

Seats are limited at your preferred Prometric location, so select the date and time as soon as you can.

Note: Prometric is subcontracted by API to hold the computer-Based Examinations.

The deadline to get API authorization email is approximately 2 months or 8 weeks prior to the selected test window.

To get the API approval in order to sit for a particular test, file the application form by registering with API ICP by using the below link:

APPLY

Create an account and then upload the supporting documents (your qualification & certification); provide two references with business emails & pay the fee.

To find out about exam schedules and fees, click on below:

Schedules & Fees

API shall verify your claimed experience by contacting (via email) the two references you have provided.

It is recommended to brief your references, so they know which inspection fields and for how long you have claimed the experience for.

This would avoid any discrepancy that may result from your claimed experience against their verification.

There are more than 600 Prometric testing centers worldwide to choose from.

All Prometric test centers operate on the first-come-first-served basis.

Therefore, API cannot promise that you will be able to obtain a seat at your preferred location. It is highly recommended that you schedule your exam immediately after receiving your ‘’Exam Authorization Notice’’ email from API.

If seats are not available, try a different date within the same window, or choose another location.

Please note that that API 510, 570, 653, 1169, and 1184 are not available for remote testing.

To read Frequently Asked Questions on Prometric website, use the link below:

FAQ

Please note that, during registration with API, you are required to select one of the available ‘’3 weeks’ time window’’.

Once a particular 3-week window is selected, you cannot change it which means you can only attempt the exam within the selected ‘’3 weeks window’’ unless you decide to reschedule and pay the fees which is as good as failing the exam.

Remember, no show and failing to book a seat or even inability to book a seat at your preferred test center is as good as failing the exam itself.

Although the deadline to get your application approved prior to your selected test window is around 2 months, you might not be able to find a suitable available date or worse, you might not be able to get a seat at your favorite test center within the allocated ‘’3-week window’’ if you receive your approval (API authorization email) too late.

Therefore, it is recommended that you register and get API approval (API Exam Authorization Notice email) at least 3 months prior to your scheduled exam; that is; do not choose the next immediate test window but choose the one that is at least 3-4 months away.

For none core API exams such as API 1169, there is normally a good chance of getting the convenient test location and date at the next available test window.

API gives each candidate 12 consecutive months to pass an exam beginning from the first scheduled test window.

This means you can attempt an exam for a maximum of 4 consecutive times or a maximum one year from your initial exam whichever happens sooner.

If you do not pass the exam within a year for any reason such as exam failure, fail to schedule the exam, no show up at the scheduled date, etc., then, you have to apply all over again and pay the full fees.

One of our trainees received the API Exam Authorization Notice for API 570 seven months before the selected test window; but he attempted to book a place with Prometric only two months before the test window.

As a result, his closest Prometric center (London) was already full, so, he had to fly to Amsterdam Prometric test center to attend the exam.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended to book your slot as soon as you receive the API authorization notice that allows you to book a slot with prometric.

API 1169 Certification, Recertification, Rescheduling and Cost

API 1169 certification is valid for a three-year and the exam costs $550. ($ 415 if your company (not yourself)  is an API member).

Please note that the discount price is subject to your company being an API member. Unfortunately, API does not award membership to individuals unlike ASNT.

After 3 years, you need to apply for recertification demonstrating that you still work as an API inspector for 20% of the time. Recertification cost $ 430.

You may apply for recertification 90 days prior to the certificate expiration date, and up to 90-day after the expiry of your certificate (subject to a late application fee of 200 $).

If an application is not submitted by the end of the 90-day grace period, your certificate will expire. A new application must be submitted, full fees should be paid, and you will need to pass the initial examination again in order to be recertified.

API inspectors are required to take an on-line, open book quiz every six years in order to recertify.

Each quiz has 25 questions that address the changes in the relevant API codes and RPs over the past six years.

You have a total of four hours to complete the quiz, and it may be paused or interrupted up to three times.

If you fail the quiz, you will be able to take it again. If you fail the quiz a second time, you will not be able to recertify and you shall need to submit a fresh application and take the full version of the exam in order to certify again.

If you fail the initial exam, you need to apply for rescheduling and pay $200 re-examination or Reschedule fee.

After requesting for rescheduling and paying the fee, you shall receive the approval letter via email within a day or two.

You should then book your seat with the Prometric as soon as possible.

Remember, you have one year from the date of your first exam to pass which entitles you to maximum four consecutive attempts.