EXAMINATION SYLLABUS for:

CPAC Level 4:
Pipeline Coating Inspector –
Based on National Requirements for Inspection Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems Coatings in Canada

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

To qualify for the issuance of this certification applicants are required to provide evidence of a valid API 1169 and NACE level 2 coating credential.

In addition to the above prerequisites, applicants for this credential 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 recognized management techniques. After registration processing, applicants will receive a documentation request identifying the minimum content and information required to be submitted in the form of a resume. A tentative examination date will be confirmed in accordance with the applicant’s registration request.

A Pipeline Coating 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 qualification examination will include questions to ascertain knowledge and comprehension of the following:

1. Pipeline Safety and Loss Management System (10% exam content)

  • Quality Control Elements
  • Competency Requirements
  • Communication Systems
  • Document Control and Records Management
  • Management of Change

2. Pipeline Construction Safety (10% exam content)

  • Basic Pipeline and ROW Construction Safety
  • Hazardous Materials and Atmospheres

3. Pipeline Construction Inspection (10% exam content)

  • Operational Controls for Construction
  • Stringing
  • Pipe Bending
  • Welding Basics
  • Tie-in’s
  • Pressure Testing
  • Clean-Up and Restoration

4. Environmental Protection Requirements (10% exam content)

  • Environmental Hazard Identification
  • Federal Requirements
  • Provincial and Municipal Requirements

5. Pipeline Coating Systems (60% exam content)

  • Selection of External Coatings
  • Application of External Coatings
  • Internal Coatings and Liners
  • Coating Inspection Requirements
  • Testing Requirements
  • Corrosion Control Records
  • Documentation of non-conformances

Knowledge Expectations

Examination Requirements

  • Z662 Table of Contents
  • Scope and Application of General Inspection Practices
  • Z662 Terminology
  • Z662 Section 9 – Corrosion Control
  • Z662 Section 16.7 – Corrosion Control in Sour Service Pipelines
  • Z662 Annex L – Alternative or supplementary test methods for coating property and characteristics evaluation
  • Canadian Regulatory Requirements including Environmental Mandates
  • Z662 Document Control and Evidentiary Requirements
  • The Roles and Responsibilities of a Pipeline Coating Inspector

The construction practices used to build, alter or repair oil and gas pipelines varied and complex. Certified Pipeline Coating Inspectors must possess a clear and demonstrable understanding of all aspects of pipeline construction as well as highly specialized knowledge and experience specific to protective coating requirements. The scope of this understanding must include all elements applicable to the pipeline coatings.

A list of reference documents identifying inspector knowledge and responsibilities is provided below.

Technical 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
  • CAN/CSA Z245.20 Series-18, Plant applied external coatings for steel pipelines
  • CAN/CSA Z245.30-18, Field applied external coatings for steel pipelines
  • National Energy Board – Onshore Pipeline Regulation
  • Provincial Pipeline and Pressure Regulations
  • Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHS)
  • Transport Canada, Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations

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. A calculator will be provided for use during the examination if required.

The Pipeline Coating Inspector examination consist of 65 – 70 weighted multiple-choice questions totaling 100 points. Applicants are permitted 2.5 hours to complete the examination.

Prerequisites and Equivalencies:

This Level 4 credential requires applicants to hold a valid Canadian API 1169 Certificate of Qualification and a NACE Level 2 Coating Inspection Certificate.

*IMPORTANT:

  • US issued API 1169 certificates are not an acceptable prerequisite for Canadian Level 4 designations as they are deemed a Level 2 credential under the Canadian system.
  • Red Seal API 1169 certificates are deemed an acceptable prerequisite for Canadian Level 4 designations examinations.