EXAMINATION SYLLABUS for:

CPAC Level 3 :
Pipeline Welder

To achieve this Certificate of Qualification, applicants are required to pass a written examination. The examination is intended to verify the applicant’s knowledge, understanding and ability to apply appropriate codes, standards, and regulations in the joining of oil and gas pipeline systems. In addition to the knowledge requirements identified for the Level 2 Pipeline Welding Concepts qualification applicants will be tested on:

  • Z662 Terminology
  • Z662 Reference Documents
  • Section 3 – Management Systems
  • Annex A – Core Processes – Construction
  • Section 7 Joining, including:
    • WPS Development
    • WPS Qualification
    • Welder Qualification
    • Production Welding
    • Destructive and Non-Destructive Inspection
  • Section 12.7 – Distribution System Joining
  • Section 16.6 – Sour Service Joining
  • Informative Annex J
  • Informative Annex K
  • Informative Annex P

Applicants will be provided copies of the applicable regulations, codes, standards and a calculator for use during the examination. Use of electronic devices or personal materials for reference purposes is not permitted.

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.

Prerequisites and Equivalencies:

There is no prerequisite required to write the examination.

Issuance of the Certificate of Qualification for this CPAC Level 3 credential requires a review of education and experience. Applicants will be requested to submit a resume detailing formal education and experience. A minimum 2 years of welding experience will be verified. Suitability of training and experience remains the sole decision of the Company based on the roles being assigned, however issuance of this credential mandates a basis verification. Applicants found to have no formal welding training or experience will be provided examination results with details of the training or experience that must be achieved to attain issuance of the Certificate of Qualification. A Level 2 certificate may be issued with suitable results.

Applicants are further advised to have had training on the application and interpretation of codes and standards prior to writing the examination. Training from in-house programs, industry publications, code information sessions, online training courses, and lecture series may also be suitable.

There are no recognized equivalencies to this credential.