API Individual Certification Programs (ICP) SINGAPORE 2012

API Individual Certification Programs (ICP) SINGAPORE 2012 Tina Briskin – Manager, ICP

What are Individual Certification Programs? • Certification Programs designed to identify qualified, knowledgeable industry experts (inspectors) • Different programs cover different areas of knowledge, skills and expertise

What are Individual Certification Programs? • Done through independent, non-biased 3rd party certification process • API is an ideal 3rd party • Certification is based on testing • Applicants are tested against industry standards that are recognized and used with confidence worldwide

Benefits and Advantages of Using ICP • Provide knowledgeable specialized inspectors • Establish minimum standard of knowledge and skill for personnel • Provide higher management control of inspection practices • Increase employer’s confidence and peaceof-mind

Benefits and Advantages of Using ICP • API Inspection Standards represent the best industry practices available • Only people with experience are allowed to test • Help maintain safety and high level of performance • Reduce potential for downtime because of equipment failure

API Certified Inspectors Are: • Knowledgeable in the industry Codes/Standards requirements related to inspection for the type of equipment. • Knowledgeable in inspection procedures. • Capable in establishing necessary inspection intervals and specify the type of inspection to ensure equipment integrity.

API Certified Inspectors Are: • Knowledgeable in welding procedures and qualification evaluation. • Knowledgeable in various nondestructive examination techniques. • Knowledgeable in the type of NDE equipment for the needed examinations. • Can act independently and perform the needed NDE with minimal supervision.

Multi-Industry ICP Inspectors expertise is applicable across various industries • Petroleum • Chemical • Utility, food, pulp and paper

ICP Worldwide – we are international We test and certify inspectors worldwide: • US and Canada

• Middle East

• Europe

• India

• Australia

• Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia,

• South Africa • South America

• Other Asian countries

Our Expertise • Running certification programs since 1989 • 11 different certification programs ( basic and supplemental) • Paper-based exams, online quizzes and performance demonstrations are offered • Over 15,000 clients all over the world • Average of 45 testing sites for each exam

Reasons for our success • API standards truly represent the best practices • Scientifically designed, valid and legally defensible examinations • Professionalism • Fairness • Flexibility • Availability

ICP Worldwide Made Possible through: • Flexibility • Worldwide test locations • We can organize a test site almost anywhere with as few as 10 people • Translation capabilities

ICP Scope 3 Basic Programs ( 510, 570, 653) 3 Supplemental or advanced programs (571, 577, 580) 2 Specialized programs ( 936 and TES) 3 NDE programs ( performance demonstration)

ICP Scope 3 Tests Based on API Standards • API 510 - Pressure Vessel (1989) – over 6,000 certifications • API 653 - Tank Inspection (1992) – over 4, 000 certifications • API 570 - Pipe Inspection (1996) – almost 5,000 certifications

ICP Scope 3 Supplemental Tests Based on API Standards • API 571 - Corrosion Damage Mechanisms (2006) • API 580 - Risk Based Inspection (2007) • API 577 - Welding Inspection (2008)

• Supplemental certifications are intended for more advanced, knowledgeable inspectors, specializing in particular areas of expertise • Applicant must hold current certification in API 510, 570 or 653 to qualify

ICP Scope 2 Specialized Tests based on API Standards • API 936 – Refractory Personnel • API TES – Tank Entry Supervisor

ICP Scope 4 Performance Demonstration Tests of Skills • QUTE – Qualification of UT examiners (detection portion) 2001 • QUSE – Qualification of UT examiners (sizing portion) -2010 • QUTE – PA Phased Array method - 2011

ICP Method for written tests Certification method based on: • Applicant prequalification through a combination of minimum education and experience • Written examination • Special training is not required • Training on commercial basis is widely available and successful

Written Tests • All questions are multiple choice • Candidates have a right to challenge a question • Currently offered in English/Spanish/Chinese/Korean • Open and closed book sessions • Fully proctored and secure • 4 to 8 hours in length

Certification Process Experience/Education

Certification

Application Review

Examination

Initial Certification Fees, in US $ 510, 570, 653, TES

936

571, 577 580

QUTE QUSE

Nonmember price

800

500

275

850

Member price

600

350

225

650

Certification Fees Include: • First examination attempt • Three years of certification • Additional two consecutive attempts on the same application ( reschedule fees apply) • New application is required if the certificate is not obtained

Certification Process Step-by -Step 1. Check the minimum qualification requirements for your chosen certification program to determine your eligibility for certification. Our programs are NOT for the beginners. 2. Review API’s testing and certification policies. 3. Determine the most convenient test date and location for your chosen program.

Certification Process Step-byStep 4. Download the application on your computer from www.api.org/icp. Save it. 5. Type in the info filling the application completely. 6. Print and mail your application, all supporting documentation, and payment to API by the deadline indicated. 7. Download and study the Body of Knowledge for your chosen program.

Certification Process Step-byStep 8. Obtain necessary technical documents and publications. 9. Prepare for the examination. Training programs are optional and not provided by API. 10.Take the examination on the scheduled day. 11.Scores and results of the examination are provided to each applicant approximately (8) weeks after the examination. 12.A certification number is issued to each applicant who has provided all necessary paperwork and has passed the examination.

Certification Process - Timeline 1. Application deadline – usually 10-11 weeks before the test date – we need time to secure exam rooms and proctors 2. Applications are processed in the order they are received (if the payment is attached) 3. Once application is processed, (within 6 weeks after application deadline) API sends each applicant an acknowledgement letter via e-mail.

Certification Process – Timeline 4. If we are not sure whether the applicant qualifies, we will contact him by e-mail to obtain more info. 5. If the applicant appears to be qualified but the application is incomplete, we will send him a deficiency letter – yes, by e-mail. 6. 4 weeks before the test API completes a roster and no scheduling changes can be made at that time. 7. 3 weeks before the test API sends each applicant an admission ticket.

How to Prepare an Application • Download application from ICP website and save it on your PC • Fill out completely in English and submit by the application deadline • Payment must be attached • May be submitted to API directly or through a third party • Application lifespan – 1 year

Application Includes: • Names, birthdates, addresses, telephones, etc. • History of education and proof ( copies of diplomas) • Work history and proof (employment reference form, letters from management) • Legal Agreements between inspector and API

How to Prepare an Application • Use full names – given and surnames • Provide a valid e-mail address • Provide all necessary documents to prove your educational background • Provide all necessary documents to prove your experience • Sign legal agreements

Verification of Experience • Is necessary to ensure applicants’ qualifications • Endorsed by a supervisor and notarized • Reviewed by API staff and periodically audited • In the countries where notaries are not available, other methods of confirmation may be used

Employment Verification • The ERF must be signed by a supervisor. • Company stamp is utilized in lieu of the notary stamp • In addition to the ERF the applicant must provide an “employment confirmation letter”. This letter must be submitted on company letterhead, and signed by a higher company official.

Qualification Requirements (API 510/570/653) Education

Minimum Experience

Skills Required

Bachelor degree in science /technology

I year

Supervision or performance of inspection activities

Associate degree (2 yrs) in science/technology

2 years

Design, construction, repair, operation, or inspection, of which 1 year must be in supervision or performance of inspection activities

High School

3 years

As above

No formal education

5 years

As above

Qualification Requirements (API 571/577/580) • Must hold at time of application a current certification in one of API 510, 570 or 653. • Must take and achieve a passing grade in the examination. • Passing point for these exams is fixed at 70%

Important Considerations • If a candidate appears to be not qualified, he will not be allowed to test • If a candidate appears to be qualified, but the proof of experience is not sufficient, he will be allowed to test • Certification will not be granted without a valid proof of experience, even if the candidate passed the test

When Submitting Your Application • Apply on time • Complete all pages • Pay in full • Type, not write, your information • Provide your name, ID and a unique, valid email address • Check your e-mail frequently

Examinations • Held two or three times a year for each testing program ( dates are NOT flexible) • New examination version each time • Offered at multiple locations throughout the US and worldwide • Fully proctored, completely secure

Regular Sites/ Special Sites • 15-20 standardized test sites • We bring the exam to you • Additional locations are available upon request - special site administrations • No administrative fees with a minimum of 1012 new candidates • Sliding scale of fees if fewer

Preparing for an Examination API publishes: • List of documents to study • Body of knowledge • Few sample questions • Self-study or training class • Training class is not a requirement

Study list of documents For example, to prepare for API 510: • API Standard 510, Pressure Vessel Inspection Code: InService Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration • API Recommended Practice 571, Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry • API Recommended Practice 572, Inspection of Pressure Vessels • API Recommended Practice 576, Inspection of PressureRelieving Devices • API Recommended Practice 577 – Welding Inspection and Metallurgy • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Section VIII, Section IX

Body of Knowledge • Lists all the reference material and publications necessary for exam preparation • Describes in detail what sections of the reference material and publications are relevant • Covers all the topics included in the exam • Published on API’s website

Examinations • API 510, 570 and 653 8 hours and 150 questions • API 2015 TES 4 hours, 120 questions • API 936 4 hours and 75 questions • API 571, 580 and 577 4 hours, 70 questions

Examinations API 510, 570 and 653 • Open book (about 50 questions, 4 hours, difficult problems, requiring the use of charts, graphs, etc) • Closed book (about 100 questions, 4 hours, easier questions – candidates must know material by heart) • Total 8 hours and 150 questions • Fully proctored and observed

Examination Grading • Not graded on a bell curve and no quotas used • Initial passing point is determined by the panel of the industry experts – as a benchmark • Test graded by the “equating process”, comparing the difficulty of each test to the benchmark • Floating passing point (usually between 67 and 73%) • Passing percentage – usually between 50 and 60%

Recertification For API 510, 570 and 653 • Every 3 years - by proof of experience • Every 6 years - by online examination • Questions derived from changes to API codes over the last 6 years • Recertification exam grading is immediate showing pass/fail status For all others • Every 3 years by proof of experience

Online Quiz

Website Services and Features • Applications (new, reschedules, recertification) • Policies, procedures, exam information • Dates and locations for exams • Inspector search and verification • My ICP: online quizzes, personal info updates and verification • Inspector directory

ICP Directory • Lists all credentials for those certified individuals who choose to be included • Searchable by country, state, or certification type • Employers use it to find employable, qualified inspectors in their area • Certified individuals can also maintain their personal information

ICP Directory

ICP Statistics Currently: • 13,700 certified individuals • Certified Individuals in over 70 countries • 23,800 active certifications • Approximately 75% of certified individuals reside in North America • 8,000 applicants tested in 2011

ICP Rapid Growth 25000

23842

19449

20000

API 570

17576 15655

15000 10000

14061

8843

10006

11074

11611

API 653

12661

Other Programs Total

5000 0

API 510

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

ICP Popularity and Growth Overseas • 8 years ago only 2% of ICP certifications were held by individuals residing outside of North America • Currently 30% of all ICP certifications are held by individuals residing outside of North America ( last year – 25%) • API Inspection Standards are the most accepted and used all over the world

Registered Applicants 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

36.5%

39.0% 44.4%

53.2%

55.2%

Overseas North America

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Volume of API Certifications 100% 90%

13.1%

16.3%

19.2%

21.0%

23.7%

80%

29.8%

70% 60%

Overseas

50% 40%

86.9%

83.7%

80.8%

79.0%

76.3%

2009

2010

30%

70.2%

20% 10% 0% 2006

2007

2008

2011

North America

Countries with most Certifications Countries USA Canada India Malaysia Saudi Arabia Singapore United Kingdom Egypt UAE Qatar

Certificates held 13898 2841 1559 547 577 430 411 420 372 341

Our Future • Web-based application system – no more paper • Instant access to information: status, examination schedules, results, missing information, certificates. • Communication link to API staff and resources to questions answered • Automatic e-mail updates and notifications • Quicker turnaround for applications/requests

ICP Contact Information Website:

www.api.org/icp

Customer Service: Telephone: (202) 682-8064 E-mail: [email protected] Tina Briskin, Manager Telephone: (202) 682-8191 E-mail: [email protected]