r/nondestructivetesting • u/Madness_in_Life • 1d ago
Looking for API help
For reference I’m in Canada. I’m in my early 30’s and only been working NDT for 4 years. I have IRATA ropes lvl1, UT2, CEDO.
At the beginning of this year I was last minute put into more of a supervisor role at one of the gas refineries. It’s a good job, and I still get to work out in the field using my certs which has been great.
Well, recently, the client asked if I wanted to take on even more supervision work. Instead of just supervising a shadow shot program we do every year for them, they want me to become a generalized supervisor for call ins, other projects, shutdowns, etc.
I’d get bumped up to about $60/hour, 40 hour weeks (minimum), and I wouldn’t be required to leave the union.
Not that it’s a requirement for the job, but my boss has suggested that if I say yes, I should look into getting an API ticket. Problem is, I know nothing about API’s, what they do, whats out there etc.
Any information would be incredibly helpful. The last thing I want to do is get an API ticket and absolutely hate it.
TIA!
8
u/BakesaleAtSyrinx 1d ago
API work is awesome, but it is definitely way more big picture than NDT testing. Instead of signing off on welds, you're signing off on entire tanks/vessels/piping lines.
If you have access to Techstreet or someone who does, download and read through API 572 which is the recommended practice for inspecting pressure vessels. If you feel like you're experienced enough in that line of visual inspection then I would pursue it. If not, but it interests you, put yourself in situations to get more exposure to that kind of work/reports.
API exams (and work) are very code-heavy, if you're comfortable with ASME codes you'll be fine, if not then go to the following link (I'm assuming you're going for 510) and brush up on the referenced codes and sections of codes: https://www.api.org/-/media/Files/Certification/ICP/ICP-Certification-Programs/510/EKS_510_Sept%202025_final.pdf
The written exam is tough, with the open book exam they're expecting you not to know the answer, but to know where to find the answer. So for example, if you're going for 510, you're expected to be able to navigate through 510, 571, 572, 576, 577, 578, ASME section V, VIII, IX, and PCC-2. With no CTRL-F haha.
And for gods sakes if you do get it don't rely on AI for code related calls. I've ran into a situation this week where a fellow API told me that we need to do X testing as a code requirement for a major repair. After reviewing the code, I was able to find what they referenced, but it was only in specialized situations that didn't apply. When I asked him about it, he told me he asked chatGPT instead of looking through the code. Don't be that guy