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API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector Exam Prep Course

Master pressure vessel inspection and pass the API 510 certification

New

Created byMarvin Arinuelo

Last updated 8/2026

English

What you'll learn

Understand API 510 scope, code structure, and inspector responsibilities for pressure vessel inspection.
Apply inspection techniques for welds, corrosion, and mechanical damage using API 510 best practices.
Interpret code calculations for MAWP, thickness evaluation, and remaining life assessments.
Prepare for the API 510 exam with practice questions, exam strategies, and timed mock tests.

Course content

15 sections • 362 lectures • 48h 24m total length

Introduction Overview + Review Pack (Manual + Dictionary + Practice Test)20:31
This course package includes:
Exam Review Manual
Dictionary
Practice Test Manual (Set A and H)
Thickness Intervals Integrity48:51
Welding Procedure Qualification38:14
Nondestructive Examination34:17
Practical Knowledge General40:38
Code Deep Dive36:30
Damage Mechanisms (API RP 571)43:21

1. Thickness Measurements, Inspection Intervals and Vessel Integrity5:26
1.1 Corrosion Rates and Inspection Intervals7:26
1.1.1 Metal Loss: API 510 Metal Loss & Pitting6:48
1.1.2 Corrosion Rates8:10
1.1.3 Remaining Corrosion Allowance = t_actual - t_required6:57
1.1.4 API 510: Remaining Service Life8:17
1.1.5 API 510: Inspection Interval7:35
1.2 Joint Efficiencies: Joint Efficiency Explained7:33
1.2.1 Weld Joint Categories (ASME UW-3)8:17
1.2.2 Type of radiography (full, spot, or none): Nameplate RT Codes9:50
1.2.3 Joint efficiency by reading Table UW-127:26
1.2.4 Joint efficiency for seamless heads and vessel sections: UW 12(d)7:03
1.2.5 Joint efficiency for welded pipe and tubing: Escaping Double Penalty7:38
1.3 Static Head: Mastering API 5107:24
1.3.1 Static head/pressure conversion factor (0.433 psi/ft)7:17
1.3.2 Difference between vessel MAWP and vessel part MAWP: UG-988:59
1.3.3 Static head pressure on any vessel part6:30
1.3.4 Total pressure (MAWP + static head) on any vessel part5:50
1.3.5 Maximum vessel MAWP given vessel parts MAWP and elevations7:55
1.4 Internal Pressure: API 510 - Pressure & Corrosion9:18
1.4.1 Required thickness of a cylindrical shell, circumferential stress7:33
1.4.2 Required thickness of a spherical shell: Mastering UG-27(d)8:02
1.4.3 Vessel part MAWP for a cylindrical shell, circumferential stress8:09
1.4.4 Required thickness of a head, ellipsoidal and hemispherical: ASME UG-327:31
1.4.5 Vessel part MAWP for a head, ellipsoidal and hemispherical7:32
1.4.6 Whether a head meets Code requirements given pressure and thickness7:02
1.5 Mastering External Pressure for API 510 Exam6:50
1.5.1 Rules for design of shells and tubes under external pressure7:49
1.6 API 510: Pressure Testing8:05
1.6.1 Calculate a test pressure compensating for temperature7:51
1.6.2 Precautions for hydrostatic and pneumatic testing: High-Stakes Pres. test6:53
1.6.3 All steps in a hydrotest procedure: The UG-99 Hydrotest8:57
1.6.4 All steps in a pneumatic test procedure: ASME Pneumatic Testing7:21
1.7 Impact Testing & Brittle Risk7:51
1.7.1 Impact testing requirements and procedure: Demystifying UG-849:22
1.7.2 ASME Minimum metal temperature exempt from impact testing9:49
1.8 Weld Size for Attachment Welds at Openings7:13
1.8.1 Convert fillet weld throat dimension to leg dimension (0.7 Factor)7:18
1.8.2 Required size of welds at openings: UW-16 Weld Sizes at Openings7:47
1.9 Nozzle Reinforcement API 5107:08
1.9.1 Key concepts: replacement of strength removed and limits of reinforcement8:36

2. Welding Procedure and Qualification Evaluation Based on ASME Section IX6:14
2.1 Weld Procedure Review (WPS, PQR, WPQ)8:34
2.1.1 Determine compliance of procedure and qualification records8:32
2.1.2 Determine if All Essential & Non-Essential Variables Are Addressed8:20
2.1.3 Determine the number and type of mechanical tests: Destructive Testing8:00
2.1.4 Determine that the welder is qualified to make a production weld7:39
2.2 Limitations of the Weld Procedure Review: API 510 Weld Limitations6:23
2.2.1 Processes limited to SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, or SAW: API 510 - 4 Welding Process6:11
2.2.2 One process per WPS/PQR/WPQ; WPS supported by a single PQR: The Rule of 16:07
2.2.3 Filler metals limited to one per process: API 510 - One Filler Rule5:34
2.2.4 The PQR is the supporting PQR for the WPS: API 510 Exam Strategy6:19
2.2.5 WPQ test coupon welded in accordance with a qualified WPS5:40
2.2.6 Base metals limited to P-No. 1, P-No. 3, P-No. 4, P-No. 5, and P-No. 88:15
2.2.7 Dissimilar base metal joints and dissimilar thicknesses excluded7:28
2.2.8 Special weld processes: API 510 Exam Exclusions5:13
2.2.9 Lower transition 1330 F (720 C) and upper transformation 1600 F (870 C)7:42
2.3 ASME Section VIII, Div. 1, and API 510 — General Welding Requirements6:26
2.3.1 ASME VIII Div 1 (Parts UW and UCS)7:04
2.3.2 API 510 rules for welding take precedence over ASME BPVC Section VIII6:47
2.3.3 Editorial/non-technical requirements excluded; Certified PQR and WPQ8:09
2.4 API RP 577 Test Playbook7:56
2.4.1 Familiarity with all the requirements of and information in API RP 5777:12

3. Nondestructive Examination (ASME BPVC Section V)5:28
3.1 Article 1, General Requirements: ASME Section V Boundaries7:13
3.1.1 Scope of Section V: ASME Section V Scope7:39
3.1.2 Rules for use of Section V as a referenced Code: The Rule of Precedence5:49
3.1.3 Responsibilities of the Owner/User and of subcontractors: NDE Subcontract6:16
3.1.4 Calibration: ASME Section V Calibration4:38
3.1.5 Definitions of “inspection” and “examination”: Exams vs. Inspections6:28
3.1.6 NDE Record keeping requirements6:36
3.2 Article 2, Radiographic Examination: RT - The Inspector's Toolkit5:57
3.2.1 Scope of ASME Section V Article 2 and general requirements6:22
3.2.2 Rules for radiography: Perfect Radiographs8:41
3.2.3 Radiographic Records8:05
3.3 API 510 Article 6, Liquid Penetrant Examination8:22
3.3.1 Scope of Article 6: ASME Section V Article 6 PT6:39
3.3.2 General rules: Penetrant Testing Masterclass8:23
3.4 Article 7, Magnetic Particle Examination (Yoke and Prod techniques only)7:20
3.4.1 Scope of ASME Section V Article 77:32
3.4.2 General requirements: MT - High-Stakes Guide9:02
3.4.3 MT Documentation and record keeping8:00
3.5 Article 23, Ultrasonic Standards (SE-797 only): Mastering SE-79 Standard8:01
3.5.1 Scope of Article 23, SE-797: SE-797 Boundary Box7:01
3.5.2 General rules for applying and using the ultrasonic method: UT Danger6:49
3.5.3 Specific procedures for ultrasonic thickness measurement (paragraph 7)6:04
3.6 ASME Section VIII, Div. 1, and API 510 — General NDE Requirements8:26
3.6.1 ASME Section VIII, Div. 1 general rules for NDE: Inspector's Playbook8:49
3.6.2 API 510 Section 5.7 general rules for NDE6:14

4. Practical Knowledge — General: Vessel Survival Guide7:12
4.1 Organization and Certification Requirements8:39
4.2 Types and Definitions of Maintenance Inspections: API 510 Inspections9:26
4.3 Types of Process Corrosion and Deterioration: API 510 - Damage Mechanisms7:58
4.4 Modes of Mechanical, Thermal, and High Temperature Deterioration9:26
4.5 Pressure Vessel Materials and Fabrication Problems: Cracking the Case8:32
4.6 Welding on Pressure Vessels: API 510 - In-Service Welding7:55
4.7 Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Methods: API 510 NDE Toolkit9:00
4.8 Corrosion and Minimum Thickness Evaluation: API 510 Math & Intervals8:44
4.9 API 510: Estimated Remaining Life9:01
4.10 Inspection Interval Determination and Issues Affecting Intervals8:43
4.11 API 510 Relief Devices8:40
4.12 Maintenance Inspection Safety Practices: API 510 Safety Practices7:34
4.13 API 510 Inspection Records and Reports6:46
4.14 Repairs/Alterations to Pressure Vessels: API 510 Repair vs. Alteration6:46
4.15 API 510: Rerating Pressure Vessels8:17
4.16 Pressure Testing After Repairs, Alterations, or Rerating: API 510 Sec 5.87:43

5. API 510 — Pressure Vessel Inspection Code7:03
5.1 Scope: Unlocking API 5109:21
5.1.1 General Application: API 510 - Jurisdiction8:18
5.1.2 Specific Applications: API 510 Section 1.2 Exempt Rules6:53
5.2 Normative References: The API 510 Orchestrator8:11
5.3 Terms, Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviations: API 510 - Inspection Terms6:41
5.3.1 API 510 Terms and Definitions6:29
5.3.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations: API 510 Alphabet Soup7:46
5.4 Owner-operator Inspection Organization: PWHT Temperature Thresholds6:21
5.4.1 API 510 Owner-operator Organization Responsibilities7:59
5.4.2 The API 510 Engineer7:33
5.4.3 API 510: Repair Organization6:32
5.4.4 The API 510 Inspector8:08
5.4.5 Examiners7:06
5.4.6 API 510 Other Personnel7:56
5.4.7 API 510 Inspection Organization Audits7:29
5.5 Inspection, Examination, and Pressure-testing Practices: API 510 Insp. & NDE7:22
5.5.1 API 510 Inspection Plans6:55
5.5.2 Risk-based Inspection (RBI): Demystifying RBI8:44
5.5.3 API 510 Preparation for Inspection6:31
5.5.4 Inspection for Different Types of Damage Mechanisms and Failure Modes7:29
5.5.5 Types of Inspection and Surveillance for Pressure Vessels10:25
5.5.6 Condition-monitoring Locations (CMLs): Mastering CMLs6:47
5.5.7 API 510 Condition-monitoring Methods7:21
5.5.8 API 510: Pressure Testing8:46
5.5.9 Material Verification and Traceability & PMI8:51
5.5.10 API 510 Inspection of In-service Welds6:23
5.5.11 API 510 Inspection and Repair of Flanged Joints6:59
5.5.12 Inspection of Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers5:58
5.6 API 510 Interval/Frequency and Extent of Inspection7:41
5.6.1 API 510 General Rules7:31
5.6.2 Inspection During Installation and Service Changes7:41
5.6.3 Demystifying RBI in API 5107:00
5.6.4 API 510: External Inspection7:27
5.6.5 Internal, On-stream, & Thickness Measurement Inspection: API 510 Playbook7:40
5.6.6 Pressure-relieving Devices: PRDs - API 510 and API 5766:59
5.6.7 Deferral of Inspections, Tests, and Examinations: API 510 Vessel Deferrals6:52
5.6.8 API 510 Deferral of Inspection Repair Recommendation Due Dates7:32
5.6.9 Review of Inspection Repair Recommendations: API 510 Section 5.6.9 Myth7:57
5.7 Inspection Data Evaluation, Analysis, and Recording: Decoding Section 76:39
5.7.1 API 510 Corrosion Rate Determination8:06
5.7.2 API 510 Remaining Life Calculation9:10
5.7.3 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) Determination: Demystifying MAWP8:01
5.7.4 Analysis of Corroded Regions: API 510 - Math Lifelines8:31
5.7.5 FFS Evaluations: API 510 Fitness-For-Service8:16
5.7.6 Required Thickness Determination: API 510 Inspector Loopholes7:59
5.7.7 Evaluation of Existing Equipment With Minimal Documentation: Vessel Rescue8:38
5.7.8 API 510: Reports and Records6:40
5.8 Repairs, Alterations, and Rerating of Pressure Vessels and PRV Devices6:22
5.8.1 Repairs and Alterations: API 510 Repairs & Carbons6:54
5.8.2 API 510 Temporary Repairs7:35
5.8.3 Permanent Repair: API 510 - Repair Mistake7:26
5.8.4 API 510 Welding and Hot Tapping5:43
5.8.5 Mastering API 510 PWHT7:16
5.8.6 Preheat or Controlled-deposition Welding (CDW) Alternatives to PWHT6:17
5.8.7 API 510: NDE of Welds6:09
5.8.8 Weld Inspection for Vessels Subject to Brittle Fracture7:18
5.8.9 Rerating Pressure Vessels8:34
5.9 Annex A (normative) Code Exemptions7:35
5.10 Annex B (normative) Inspector Certification: API 510 Survival Guide5:46
5.11 510 Annex C (informative) Sample Pressure Vessel Inspection Record6:30
5.12 Annex D Sample Repair, Alteration, or Rerating of Pressure Vessel7:28

6. API RP 571 — Damage Mechanisms (3rd Ed., Mar 2020)5:34
6.1 Terms and Definitions: Cracking the API 571 Code8:46
6.1.1 Definitions: API 571 Inspector's Toolkit8:04
6.1.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations: Decoding API 571 Acronyms8:49
6.2 API 571 Damage Mechanisms — Selected7:42
6.2.1 Amine Stress Corrosion Cracking: Amine SCC - Invisible Cracking9:04
6.2.2 Atmospheric Corrosion6:43
6.2.3 Boiler Water and Steam Condensate Corrosion7:24

7. API RP 572 — Inspection Practices for Pressure Vessels (5th Ed., Nov 2023)10:40
7.1 Scope: Mastering API 510 & API 5725:58
7.2 Normative References: API 572 - The Ecosystem7:52
7.3 Terms, Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviations: API 572 Survival Guide9:27
7.3.1 Terms and Definitions: API 572 Pressure Vessels7:08
7.3.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations: Cracking API Inspection Code7:39
7.4 Introduction to Pressure Vessels: API 510 Form & Function7:04
7.4.1 Shell & Tube Exchangers8:35
7.4.2 Air-cooled Heat Exchangers8:50
7.4.3 The Chemical Reactors7:12
7.4.4 Engineering Spheres8:31
7.4.5 Other Vessels: Hidden Vessel Dangers8:16
7.5 Pressure Vessel Design and Construction: API 510 Inspector7:33
7.5.1 Design and Construction Standards: The Vessel Lifecycle8:19
7.5.2 Methods of Construction: Predicting Vessel Failure8:01
7.6 Reasons for Inspection: API 572 Hidden Economics5:54
7.6.1 General: Inspection7:24
7.6.2 Safety: API 510 Safety Focus6:26
7.6.3 Regulatory Requirements: API 510 Compliance Rules6:03
7.6.4 The Economics of Reliability7:21
7.7 Inspection Plans: The API 510 Blueprint6:16
7.7.1 Developing Inspection Plans: API Detective Work8:03
7.7.2 Reviewing and Updating Inspection Plans: Living Inspection Plans6:38
7.7.3 Integrity Operating Windows8:18
7.7.4 Newly Commissioned Vessel Inspection8:19
7.8 Strategies for Establishing Frequency and Performing Inspection7:39
7.8.1 General: Illusion of Precision7:27
7.8.2 API 510: Fixed Interval7:32
7.8.3 Risk-Based Inspection: Mastering RBI Strategy8:13
7.8.4 On-stream in Lieu of Internal Inspection: API 510 On-Stream Inspections7:32
7.8.5 Opportunities for Inspection6:43
7.9 Safety Precautions and Preparatory Work: API 572 - Safety Prep7:18
7.9.1 Safety Precautions6:55
7.9.2 Preparatory Work: Vessel Entry Safety6:05
7.9.3 Vessel Cleaning and Surface Preparation: Vessel Cleaning & Prep7:07
7.10 Inspection Methods and Limitations7:07
Decoding API 510 7.10.1: General8:31
7.10.2 External Inspection8:46
7.10.3 Internal Inspections Guide8:26
7.10.4 Nondestructive Examination: Seeing the Invisible7:01
7.10.5 Metal Sample Extraction6:21
7.11 API 572 Inspection Results6:37
7.11.2 Determination of Follow-Up Actions7:14
7.11.3 Using Fitness-For-Service: API 579 FFS Demystified8:28
7.12 Rerating and Repair7:23
7.12.1 API 510: Rerating of Pressure Vessel7:50
7.12.2 Repairing the Vessel Degradation: Vessel Repair & Testing6:59
7.13 Pressure Testing Field Guide6:46
7.13.1 Performing a Pressure Test: Hydrostatic Testing8:48
7.14 Reports / Records6:00
7.15 Annex A (informative) Exchangers: Shell & Tube Exchangers7:16
7.16 Annex B (informative) Towers: Tower Diagnostics7:48

8. API RP 576 — Inspection of Pressure-relieving Devices (5th Ed., Sep 2024)8:58
8.1 Scope: API RP 576 Scope Guide6:03
8.2 API 576 Normative References6:52
8.3 Terms, Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviations: RP 576 - Relief Valves7:49
8.3.1 Terms and Definitions: Anatomy of a Valve Trap7:19
8.3.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations: RP 576 Acronyms7:30
8.4 Pressure-relieving Devices (PRDs): RP 576 - PRDs11:41
8.4.1 General: Mastering PRDs7:52
8.4.2 Pressure-relief Valve (PRV): API 510 - Mastering PRV's5:50
8.4.3 Direct-acting PRV8:24
8.4.4 Pilot-operated PRVs: Mastering Plot PRV's7:57
8.4.5 Rupture Disk Devices7:24
8.4.6 Pin-actuated Devices5:42
8.5 Causes of Improper Performance: PRV Lifecycle - 10 Failures8:14
8.5.1 Damaged Seating Surfaces: PRV Seat Damage Mastery5:49
8.5.2 Failed Springs: Diagnosing PRV Spring Failures6:31
8.5.3 Improper Setting and Adjustment: API 576 - PRV Setting7:32
8.5.4 Plugging and Fouling5:24
8.5.5 Valve Galling7:02
8.5.6 Misapplication of PRV Material6:24
8.5.7 Improper Location, History, or Identification: PR Identification Tags5:12
8.5.8 Improper Handling: The PRV Paradox8:16
8.5.9 Improper Differential Between Operating and Set Pressures: Simmering Valve6:57
8.5.10 Improper Inlet/Outlet Piping Test Procedures6:52
8.6 API RP 576: PRV Inspection and Testing6:43
8.6.1 Responsibilities: API 510 Responsibility6:59
8.6.2 API 510 Operating History5:19
8.6.3 Reasons for Inspection and Testing: PRD Testing Reality7:52
8.6.4 RP 576: Inspection Methods7:20
8.6.5 Inspect/Test/Maintain/Set Direct Spring-operated Safety Valves8:05
8.6.6 Inspect/Test/Maintain/Set Pilot-operated PRVs7:27
8.6.7 Inspect/Test/Maintain/Set Weight-loaded Pressure and/or Vacuum Vents5:13
8.6.8 Inspection and Replacement of Rupture Disk Devices: Explained7:17
8.6.9 Inspection Frequency: Optimizing PRD Inspections6:41
8.7 Records and Reports: The Inspector's Shield7:49
8.7.1 General / 8.7.2 Need to Keep Records / 8.7.3 Sample Record/Report System7:29

9. API RP 577: Welding Processes, Inspection & Metallurgy (3rd Ed., Oct 2020)6:27
9.1 Scope: API RP 577: Guide vs Law5:49
9.2 API RP 577: Normative References7:09
9.3 API RP 577 Terms, Definitions, and Acronyms7:11
9.4 Welding Processes: API 510 Inspector Toolkit9:08
9.5 Welding Materials Explained7:26
9.6 Welding Procedures8:59
9.7 Welder Qualification: WPQ Demystified9:04
9.8 Nondestructive Examination7:23
9.9 Welding Inspection — documentation and nonconformance handling8:05
9.10 API 510 Metallurgy7:19
9.11 Refinery and Petrochemical Plant Welding Issues: API 577 Survival Guide9:15
9.12 Safety Precautions: API RP 577 Welding Inspections7:18
9.13 Annex A (normative) Terminology and Symbols7:36
9.14 Annex B (normative) Actions to Address Improperly Made Production Welds7:32

Requirements

Basic familiarity with pressure vessels or mechanical equipment helpful but not required.
Access to a copy of the current API 510 standard (recommended for practice).
Calculator for code calculations and a willingness to work through practice problems.
No formal certification required; motivated beginners and technicians welcome.

Description

This course contains the use of artificial intelligence.

Disclaimer: This course is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the American Petroleum Institute (API). It summarizes and teaches concepts from the API 510 standard for educational purposes only. Students should obtain and reference the current official API 510 standard for authoritative code language. Completion of this course does not guarantee passing the API 510 certification exam; certification decisions are made solely by the API and its exam administrators. Always follow your employer’s policies and applicable laws when performing inspections.

This course package includes:

Exam Review Manual
Dictionary
Online Practice Test (Set G to H)
Practice Test Manual (Set A and H)

Note:

To download the files, please refer to Lecture 01: Introduction Overview.
Practice Test (Set A to F) are available separately in Pressure Vessel Inspector (API 510) Practice Test.

Pass the API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector Certification Exam with Confidence!

Are you preparing for the API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector Exam but feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of codes and calculations?

This comprehensive, code-focused exam prep course provides a practical, step-by-step pathway from fundamental concepts to complete exam readiness. Whether you are navigating the API 510 code, ASME Section VIII, ASME Section IX, or API 571, this course is designed to help you understand the material, master the math, and pass your certification exam on the first try.

What You Will Learn:

Code Navigation & Structure: Master the scope, structure, and inspector responsibilities outlined in the API 510 standard.
Essential Calculations: Step-by-step walkthroughs for calculating MAWP (Maximum Allowable Working Pressure), required thickness, corrosion rates, and remaining-life assessments.
Inspection & Damage Assessment: Deep dives into weld inspection, corrosion assessment, mechanical damage recognition, and API 571 damage mechanisms.
NDE Methods: Understand Nondestructive Examination techniques and their practical applications in pressure vessel inspection.
Exam Strategy & Time Management: Learn how to interpret tricky API code questions quickly, avoid common traps, and manage your time during the timed, open-book exam.

Course Features & Resources:

Real-World Examples: Move beyond theory with practical, worked examples that mirror actual exam questions.
Full-Length Mock Exams: Test your knowledge under real exam conditions with complete practice tests and performance feedback.
Downloadable Study Materials: Refer to API 510 Inspector Review Manual.
Knowledge Checks: Reinforce your learning at the end of every technical module with short quizzes and practical assignments.

Who This Course Is For:

Entry-Level Inspectors & Technicians aiming to achieve their API 510 certification to advance their careers.
Maintenance & Reliability Engineers who need a deep, practical understanding of pressure vessel mechanical integrity.
Experienced Personnel seeking a focused, efficient code refresher before recertification.
QA/QC Professionals looking to expand their expertise into in-service pressure vessel inspection.

Prerequisites:

A basic understanding of mechanical engineering or industrial maintenance concepts.
Access to the required API and ASME code books (recommended reading list provided in the course).

Why wait? The API 510 certification is one of the most highly respected and sought-after credentials in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. Equip yourself with the strategies, calculation skills, and code knowledge you need to succeed.

Enroll today and take the next big step in your inspection career!

Who this course is for:

Entry-level inspectors, maintenance engineers, and technicians preparing for the API 510 certification; also useful for experienced personnel needing a code refresher.

API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector Exam Prep Course

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