Closed & Open book Questions 

When the candidate is required to refer to the diagrams or formulas or tables or graphs and curves from the Codes, it will always be an “open-book” question.

All calculation oriented questions will normally be “open-book” type.

The Code Information which is not short and crisp, (for example, large paragraphs, several descriptive statements clubbed together) will normally be asked in “open-book” part.

Here the participant is expected not to remember the information but should know where to find it in the body of the Code.

The questions asked in closed book part are general and specific types of questions and practical questions that inspector normally encounters on daily basis and is expected to know without referring to the code.

Pay special attention to relevant figures, charts and table footnotes.

To answer open-book questions, you only need to know where to find the answer in the code and therefore tabbing of Code pages, highlighting the paragraphs or adding explanatory notes is useful and time saving.

We shall highlight the important pages of codes during each module. During calculation type of sample and mock exams, you shall also see the code pages that are frequented.

Please note that it is very important to also work with the PDF version of the codes and RPs as it is quite different when you go through a hard copy of a code than when you go through the PDF format.

Try not to use the search button in pdf files as this would be disabled during the exam for open book.

You should get used to navigating through the PDF version as this is the medium you have to work through during the examination.

Please remember that study of API 653 standard has to be “thorough” and total, while study of ASME Sec. VIII Div.1, ASME Sec. IX and ASME Sec. V should be such that it can cover the topics mentioned in the “Body of Knowledge”.

Our E-leaning course not only completely covers the body of knowledge, but also designed to elaborate or brief the topics depending on number of questions you may expect from a particular section.

This is to ensure that you are focused more on topics that have higher possible number of questions.

We recommend the following three phases of study:

1- If you are about a month away from examination, read all the Codes at least once and concentrate on highlighted text in the Codes.

2- If you are about two weeks away from the exam, concentrate on highlighted text as well as the mock examinations provided.

3- In the last week of preparation, focus on Flash Card and highlighted text from the codes and RP.

Time Management during the Exam

Try completing the closed-book part of the exam (110 questions) within 2 to 2 ½ hours, against the allotted 2.75 hours and use the remaining 15-30 minutes to review any flagged off questions ensuring that all questions are answered.

For closed book part, You should answer minimum 16 questions per hour.

Open-book part (60 questions) takes a little longer and may require all the 3.75 hours that are allocated depending how fast you can find the relevant topic within the reference documents, but keep a tab on time; that is, maintain a healthy speed of questions answered versus time remaining (atleast 20 questions answered per hour).

For Open book part, You should answer minimum 40 questions per hour.

Always keep a tab of the clock on the right hand top corner of the computer screen during the exam. It show the remaining time versus number of questions attempted.

For closed book, you have an average of 1.5 minutes per question while for open book, you have 3.75 minutes per question on average.

This means you should answer 40 questions per hour for open book part and some 16 questions for closed book part as a minimum, even more, if you leave your desk for using the toilet, drinking water, or wish to review the flagged off questions at the end.

It is always better to complete each part 15-30 minutes earlier using the time left to review the flagged off questions, ensuring that all questions are answered to the best of your knowledge and also taking care of few nasty questions.

You may start from Question No.1 and proceed. If after 1 hour, you feel that you are maintaining the speed (40 questions per hour for closed book and 16 questions for open book), that is fine.

If you are behind the target progress rate, start jumping the questions, for example, start attempting those short questions that you can answer quicker. Flag off or mark questions whose answer you do not know, to be reviewed at the end.

Then, at the end, start reviewing flagged off or marked questions by clicking ‘’review marked questions’’ tab and start solving them using your “feel” factor. Go on like this until say the last remaining 5-10 minutes.

If there are still some questions where you have no clue at all, just mark the answer at random. This may give you few lucky points.

Attempt all questions since there is no negative marking.

Before the clock stops, make absolutely sure that you have answered all the questions.

If you press the ‘’Review all’’ button, you can also see whether you have answered all the questions or not.

The exam stops automatically once you ran out of time.

How Do I Prepare For Classroom Training?

Note: This section is more suitable for those candidates who have opted for our blended course, that is, combined e-learning plus our 40 classroom training.

The API Body of Knowledge covers a broad spectrum of knowledge which many inspectors might not be exposed on a regular basis.

Our classroom course is intensive covering welding, NDT, WPS, Codes, damage mechanism, Inspection of pressure vessel and relief valves, explanation of important terms, exam tips and time management, as well as solving sample questions and Q & A sessions, all within approximately 40 hours.

So, we expect that you have gone through the e-learning course well enough and have gained the minimum level of knowledge but with a few glitches.

The aim is to bring the candidates into an acceptable level of knowledge, so he/she can pass the examination. You paid a lot of money, and we would also like high exam pass rates for the sake of our reputation and business.

Remember, nobody can become an inspector by just a few days of classroom training, but we believe, if you have studied the E-Learning lessons, then, 40 hours classroom training is enough to cover the topics and debug any doubts you may have.

The current e-learning is worth 50-60 hour of study depending on your past experience and knowledge.

Solving the mock questions and exams can take another 20 hours.

Make notes on areas you may face difficulty with and be prepared to raise them during the classroom training. We are here to help.

Important tip: Analyze the areas of knowledge you are already competent and then make a list of your weak areas.

As long as your weak areas are not part of ‘’high scoring area’’, you are safe; otherwise, you need to build up your strength on those areas to an acceptable level.

We have meticulously crafted mock questions to align with your exam preparation, simulating a timed API exam environment.

These questions are strategically designed to enhance your understanding by dissecting the rationale behind correct answers and discerning why other options fall short.

Engaging with sample questions in this manner will fortify your exam readiness, mitigating errors and navigating through potential pitfalls.

Each correct answer is elucidated, ensuring clarity and reinforcing your grasp of key concepts.

In your exam journey, prioritize selecting the “BEST” answer as per API standards. Even when faced with multiple seemingly correct choices, opt for the one that most effectively addresses the question at hand.

Consistent engagement with E-Learning material is paramount.

Avoid last-minute cramming.

Rgular study habits breed success and pave the way for smoother comprehension during classroom sessions, ultimately culminating in exam triumph.

Individual study approaches vary, so tailor your learning style to suit your strengths.

Take note of challenging areas for discussion in class, leveraging our support to enhance your understanding.

During classroom sessions, adhere to a focused and concise approach to maximize learning opportunities and respect your peers’ time and engagement.

Our aim is to cover the curriculum comprehensively while fostering a conducive learning environment.

Feel free to reach out for assistance or share feedback at any stage of your learning journey, be it through the e-learning platform or during classroom interactions.

Your progress and comprehension are our top priorities.

Embrace a study routine comprising brief, regular intervals over prolonged study marathons.

Utilize our mobile platform for convenient on-the-go learning, ensuring flexibility in your study regime

How to prioritize and plan studying for API 653

You have only a limited amount of time to study, so you need to invest your time wisely, that is, obviously, you should spend your study time where you can get the MAXIMUM return!

Almost half of the test questions come directly from API 653.  So that’s your priority!

For every hour spent on the other publications, spend 2 hours studying API 653.

If you thoroughly understand API 653 and don’t even look at the other publications, chances are, you could pass the test based on your personal knowledge of other codes and recommended practices.  (We are not recommending this approach!)  But remember, almost half of API exam questions comes straight from API 653 Inspection Code.

There will be about 70-75 test questions directly from API 653.

API 653 is about 150 pages long. This is an average of one question for every two page.

The remaining 85-90 questions will come from some 2000 pages contained in the other documents.  That’s less than 1 question for every 20 pages read.

Spend your time mining in the rich veins of API 653.

To do well in the exam, you must “Major on the Majors, and Minor on the Minors”.  For this exam, API 653 is the “Majors”!

Our level of coverage of subjects directly depends on the average number of questions you may expect during the exam.

This means, we shall cover briefly those refence materials that contribute to a few exam questions while question rich reference materials are covered in much more detail.

Need to know basis.

Time Management during the Exam

Closed-book part of the exam (110 questions) can be finished within 2 to 2 ½ hours, against the allotted 2.75 hours.

While “open-book” part (60 questions) takes a little longer and may require all the 3.75 hours that are allocated depending on how fast you can find the relevant topic within the reference documents.

Always keep a tab of the clock on the right-hand top corner of the computer screen. It shows the remaining time versus number of questions answered.

For closed book, you have an average of 1.5 minutes per question for closed book part and 3.75 minutes per question for open book.

This means you should answer 40 questions per hour for open book part and some 16 questions for closed book part as a minimum.

 You may start from Question No.1 and proceed. If after 1 hour you feel that you are maintaining the speed (40 questions per hour for closed book and 16 questions for open book), that is fine.

However, if you are behind the required progress rate, start jumping the questions, that is, start attempting those questions you can answer.

Flag off or mark those questions whose answer you do not know, to be reviewed at the end.

Then, start reviewing marked questions by clicking ‘’review marked questions’’ tab and attempt them using your “feel” factor.

Keep going on like this until say, the last remaining 10 – 15 minutes.

If there are still some questions where you have no clue at all, just mark the answer at random. This may give you few lucky points. Attempt all questions since there is no negative marking.

Before the clock stops, make absolutely sure that all questions are answered. 

If you press the ‘’review all’’ button, you can also see whether you have answered all the questions or not.

The exam stops automatically, once you run out of time.

The current e-learning provided, worth 50-60 hour of study material depending on your past experience and knowledge.  Solving the mock questions and exams can take another 20 hours.

Analyze the areas of knowledge you are already competent and then make a list of your weak areas.

As long as your weak areas are not part of ‘’high percentage exam question’’ segment, you are safe; otherwise, you need to build up your strength on those areas to an acceptable level.

We have designed the mock questions in such a way to complement your knowledge and be in line with actual API exam questions.

When solving the mock or sample review questions, you need to understand the underlying reason behind the right answer, and also try to understand why other answers are wrong.

This would help you immensely during the real exam by avoiding mistakes and trick questions.  We have explained the reason for each correct answer, whenever needed.

Study the E-Learning regularly. Do not leave it until the day before the class and then cram for hours – it rarely works!!

Everyone is different – but the more preparation you do, the easier the class to follow, and finally the easier to pass the exam.

Please note that, we shall be running a tight schedule during classroom training. So, in order to cover the entire syllabus and as a token of respect to your fellow trainees, we expect the candidates to be specific and concise with their Questions. Our classroom training is not a brainstorming or story telling session.

You can also chat or send feedback/questions during E-Learning through our Whatsapp line.

Everybody learns in their own way; so, adopt a style that suits you. Frequent short study periods are better than long intensive sessions.