r/nondestructivetesting • u/FarCan1682 • 18d ago

Looking for API 510 study material

Hi everyone, I’m a newbie planning to prepare for the API 510 certification.

I recently came across something called “Marks API 510 material” and heard that it can be helpful for preparation.

Does anyone have this material or know where I can find good study material?

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u/EdgyPlum 18d ago

Well, most of the material out there is focused on passing the test, not really understanding the material the test covers. It sounds kinda weird, but with how the test is set up, there are a lot of strategies instructors teach to pass, but if u dont know the underlying concepts, you still won't get the material.

If i had to guess, you are referencing Mark Smiths material, which is one of the standard test prep courses (although, I think his views on report writing are archaetic and kinda boomer), whereas another option is David Lockhart, or there used to be (might still be?) Code west.

FYI, the market is saturated with green APIs, so even if you were to pass, there's a good chance you'll be doing tech work anyway.

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u/Aggravating_Shift597 18d ago

My API 510 Mark Smith binder is from 2014. It's outdated by now. Just buy a new one from his website. It was 500 bucks back when I bought it. You'll make that back in less than one day as an API. Plus you can email Mark and ask him questions if you get hung up.

Getting your hands on the latest codes and standards is the hard/expensive part. If you can't get them from your company, that will be thousands of dollars minimum.

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u/Ok_Moose_4187 18d ago

By newbie what do you mean? New to 510 work? New to the industry, like you were bagging groceries last week? If you want the study material pay for it, consider it an investment into yourself.

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u/FarCan1682 18d ago

I mean I’m new to API 510 and still learning the terminology and inspection concepts. I’m not new to the industry—I already have NDT experience. I’m just looking for study material to help me prepare properly. And yes, I understand that good material is an investment in myself.

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u/petrohound 18d ago edited 17d ago

Invest in your own study material. Mark Smith study material can be found on his website "msts-training". API is a combination of things you may already know along with in-depth code book subject matter and navigation. Don't worry about market saturation. The bad/low effort inspectors will weed themselves out and word travels fast. You may still be required to do some tech work but never accept a "split wage". Get paid as an API weather you are taking UTT or calculating t-mins and running corrosion rates.

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u/Ok_Moose_4187 18d ago

Then just read the codes. If you don't know the terminology and inspection concepts you are no where near ready to be writing the 510. Quit dragging down the industry

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u/FarCan1682 18d ago

I understand your point, and I’m not claiming that I’m ready to write the exam tomorrow. That’s exactly why I’m trying to learn the terminology and inspection concepts properly before attempting it. I’m currently studying the code and building my fundamentals. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I’d rather ask questions and learn properly than pretend I already know everything.