EXAMINATION SYLLABUS for:

CPAC Level 2:
Quality Control Auditing and Inspection Concepts –
Based on CSA Z662-19 and CAN/CSA/ISO 9001-16; or API 1177 and ISO 9001-15

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

To achieve this certification, applicants are required to pass an examination. The intent of the examination is to verify the applicant’s knowledge and understanding of, and/or ability to use relevant reference documents in order to participate as an internal audit team member or to perform supervised quality control inspections of pipeline construction. At the application stage the candidate is required to identify their primary jurisdiction as Canadian or US. Certificates of Qualification identify the jurisdiction using reference to the code of construction and edition.

An internal auditor/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. Management Systems (50% 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 (20% 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

The construction practices used to build, alter or repair oil and gas pipelines are varied and complex. Certified pipeline QC auditors and inspectors 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 including regulatory and technical content. A list of reference documents and inspection responsibilities is provided below.

Applicants will be provided copies of the applicable Code sections for use during in person examinations. No external documentation or electronic devices are permitted to be used during the exam. Applicants writing computer-based examinations are permitted to use their own copies of the above noted reference material.

The examinations consist of 20 multiple-choice questions totaling 100 points. Applicants are permitted 1.0 hours to complete the examination.

Note: Separate examinations are administered for Canadian and US Jurisdictions. Candidates wishing to achieve qualification for both countries must complete both version in order to receive a Red Seal designation. While many requirements are similar in the US and Canada, both countries have several unique technical elements requiring a dedicated understanding of content and function of the regulatory system.

Reference Publications

Canadian Reference Publications

  • SO 9000 – Quality Management Systems
  • CAN/CSA – ISO 9001:16 Quality Management Systems – Requirements
  • CAN/CSA Z662-19, Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems
  • Canada 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, 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
  • Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, Pipeline and associated Watercourse Crossings, 2012

U.S. Reference Publications

  • ISO 9000 Quality Management Systems
  • API 1173 Pipeline Safety Management Systems
  • API 1177 Steel Pipeline Construction Management
  • API 1169, Basic Inspection Requirements – New Pipeline Construction
  • INGAA Foundation, A Practical Guide for Pipeline Construction Inspectors
  • CGA (Common Ground Alliance) Best Practices
  • ASME B31.4, Pipeline Transportation Systems/or Liquids and Slurries
  • ASME B31.8, 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

Prerequisites and Equivalencies:

There are no prerequisites required for this CPAC Level 2 qualification. Applicants are strongly advised to have a CPAC Level 1 Basic Concepts and Content qualification prior to writing this exam. Training from industry publications and information sessions, online training courses, and lecture series may also be suitable pre-study. Exam questions may include some Z662 concept questions.

A US issued API 1169 pipeline inspector certificate is deemed equivalent to this Level 2 qualification. It is recommended that holders of foreign qualifications complete training and certification on Canadian regulatory requirements to demonstrate their understanding of national requirements.