Introduction to API 577 – Welding Inspection and Metallurgy

In this module, you shall learn about:

• Body of Knowledge

• Reference Codes and Standards

• Exam Tips 

Introduction to API 577 – Welding Inspection and Metallurgy

API 577 certification is aimed at guiding API authorized inspector on welding inspection issues such as repair of piping, pressure vessel, storage tank and the like.

API RP 577 covers:

• 8 popular welding process

• Basics of welding inspection,

• Welding procedure,

• Welder qualification,

• Welding materials,

• Basics of Nondestructive examinations (VT, MT, PT, RT, UT, ET, ACFM, Hardness Testing) and their application;

• Knowledge of pressure and leak test;

• Basic metallurgy,

• Physical and mechanical properties,

• Preheat,

• PWHT,

• Material test report,

• Weldability and finally

• Welding issues at refineries and petrochemical plants.

API statistics shows an average pass rate of around 50%.

There are already several globally established welding inspector qualifications (CWI & CSWIP). Both CWI & CSWIP as well as API 577 have more or less similar syllabus.

API 577 has additional information about in service welding inspection, metallurgical and mechanical properties with emphasis on ASME V for NDE examinations and ASME IX for WPS, PQR and WPQ verification.

API 577 does not claim to be a substitute for above welding inspection courses, but by certifying as an API 577 Inspector, you can increase your chances of passing CSWIP or CWI Qualifications significantly plus enjoying the benefits of double certification in welding.

If you don’t have any welding inspector qualification, then, this course is a great way to start.

Exam Questions are based on:

API Recommended Practice 577, Welding Processes, Inspection, and Metallurgy, 3rd Edition, October 2020

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), 2021 edition − Section IX, Welding, Brazing, and Fusing Qualifications: Part QW only.

Note: Although, there is no mention of ASME V since this is already covered within API RP 577, we have nevertheless brought a few lessons, so you know where the NDT topics are coming from.

• The API 577 exam is 3.25 hours long.

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

• Paper and reference materials are not allowed in the exams.

• Scored and non-scored questions are shuffled together, so, you need to answer all questions.

If you hold a current API 510, 570 or 653 certifications, you shall automatically qualify to take the API 577; otherwise please refer to the table below prior to submitting an application.

The minimum experience required MUST be documented on your application and should have been gained within the last 10 years.

Area of examination

You are scored on the following areas:

• Metallurgy

• Welding Process, Procedure and Qualifications

• Definitions, Acronyms and Symbols

• Welding Inspection and NDE Examination

• Refinery and Petrochemical Plant Welding Issues

• Welding Materials