EXAMINATION SYLLABUS for:

API 1169 General Pipeline Construction Inspector –
Based on CSA Z662-19 & API 1169 2nd edition criteria; or ASME B31.4-2019, ASME B31.8-2018 & API 1169 2nd edition criteria for Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems

This content is suitable for CPAC Canadian and US Pipeline Inspector Certification examinations conducted July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021

To achieve this Certification applicants are required to pass a supervised examination. The intent of the examination is to verify the applicant’s knowledge and understanding of, and/or ability to use relevant reference documents and standardized inspection practices. While API 1169 inspections concepts are universal, specific code and regulatory requirements may vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. At the application stage the candidate is required to identify their primary jurisdiction as Canadian or US. Certificates of Qualification identify the jurisdiction with code of construction and edition. Candidates are also required to submit information confirming Pipeline experience. A detailed request will be provided after application.

An API 1169 level inspector should have general knowledge of the following to allow the effective application of their skills in executing the roles and responsibilities of the position.
The examination will include questions to ascertain knowledge of the following:

1. Safety and Loss Management System (15% exam content)

  • Quality Control Elements
  • Management Commitment and Policies
  • Roles and Responsibilities
  • Competency Requirements
  • Communication Systems
  • Document Control and Records Management
  • Management of Change
  • Continual Improvement

2. Pipeline Construction Inspection (55% exam content)

  • Operational Controls for Construction
  • Survey, Clearing and Grading
  • Ditching and Trenchless Construction (bores and HDD)
  • Stringing
  • Pipe Bending
  • Welding Basics
  • Coating Basics and Cathodic Protection
  • Lowering In
  • Backfill
  • Tie-in’s
  • Pressure Testing
  • Clean-Up and Restoration

3. Pipeline Construction Safety (15% exam content)

  • Basic Safety
  • Confined Space
  • Excavations and Elevated Work
  • Welding and Joining
  • NDT
  • Pressure Testing
  • Hazardous Materials and Atmospheres

4. Environmental Protection Requirements (15% exam content)

  • Environmental Hazard Identification
  • Federal Requirements
  • Provincial (State) and Municipal Requirements
  • Water Use
  • Sensitive Areas
  • Wildlife

Reference Documents

Canadian Examination Requirements

  • Z662 Table of Contents
  • Scope and Application of General Inspection Practices
  • Z662 and API Terminology
  • Z662 Inspection Requirements
  • API 1169 Inspection Requirements with Canadian Deviations
  • Z662 Reference Documents for pipeline construction practices
  • Canadian Regulatory Requirements including Environmental Mandates
  • Z662 Document Control and Evidentiary Requirements
  • Stages of Construction
  • The Roles and Responsibilities of the Contractor’s Quality Control Inspector
  • The Roles and Responsibilities of an 1169 Level 3 Inspector

U.S. Examination Requirements

  • Table of Contents for 49 CFR 192, 193 and 195
  • Table of Contents for API 1173 and ASME codes of Construction
  • Scope and Application of General Inspection Practices
  • ASME and API Terminology
  • ASME Inspection Requirements
  • API 1169 Inspection Requirements
  • Pipeline Construction Practice Reference Documents
  • US Regulatory Requirements including Environmental Mandates
  • API 1173 Document Control and Evidentiary Requirements
  • Stages of Construction
  • The Roles and Responsibilities of Pipeline Inspectors

The construction practices used to build, alter or repair oil and gas pipelines are varied and complex. Pipeline Inspectors Certified to the API 1169 Recommended Practice must possess a clear and demonstrable understanding of all aspects of pipeline construction. The scope of this understanding must include all elements applicable to pipeline construction from both regulatory and technical realms. A list of reference documents and inspection responsibilities is provided below.

Applicants will be provided copies of the applicable sections of all relevant reference documents for use during the exam. No external documents are permitted to be used for this examination. Electronic devices are not permitted to be used during the exam.

The examinations consist of between 50 to 75 weighted multiple-choice questions totaling 100 points. Applicants are permitted 2.5 hours to complete the examination.

Note: Separate examinations are administered for Canadian and US Jurisdictions. Candidates wishing to achieve qualification for both countries may write the API 1169 exam version of their choice and then write a separate code endorsement exam for the alternate country. While many requirements are similar in the US and Canada, both countries have several unique elements requiring a dedicated understanding of content and function of the regulatory system.

Reference Publications

Canadian Reference Publications

  • ISO 9000 – Quality Management Systems
  • CAN/CSA – ISO 9001:16 Quality Management Systems – Requirements
  • CAN/CSA Z662-19, Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems
  • Canadian Energy Regulator – Onshore Pipeline Regulation
  • Provincial Pipeline Regulations
  • CEPA Foundation, A Practical Guide for Pipeline Construction Inspectors
  • CGA (Common Ground Alliance) Best Practices
  • API 1169 2nd edition, Basic Inspection Requirements – New Pipeline Construction
  • Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHS)
  • Transport Canada, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations
  • Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
  • Species at Risk Act. 2002
  • Fisheries Act ,R.S.C., 1985
  • Migratory Bird Convention Act, 1994
  • Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, Pipeline and associated Watercourse Crossings, 2012
  • Navigation Protection Act, R.S.C.,1985

U.S. Reference Publications

  • ISO 9001-15 Quality Management Systems
  • API 1173, Pipeline Safety Management Systems
  • API 1169 2nd edition, Basic Inspection Requirements – New Pipeline Construction
  • INGAA Foundation, A Practical Guide for Pipeline Construction Inspectors
  • CGA (Common Ground Alliance) Best Practices
  • ASME B31.4-2019, Pipeline Transportation Systems/or Liquids and Slurries
  • ASME B31.8-2018, Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems
  • API 1104, Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
  • 49 CFR 192, Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards:
  • 49 CFR 193, Liquified Natural Gas Facilities
  • 49 CFR 195, Transportation of Hazardous Liquids by Pipeline
  • 29 CFR 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards
  • 29 CFR 1926, Safety and Health Regulations for Construction:
  • 49 CFR 172, Hazardous Materials Table, Special Provisions:
  • 40 CFR 300, National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan:
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: Office of Energy Projects
  • Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures
  • Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation, and Maintenance Plan