EXAMINATION SYLLABUS for:

CPAC Level 4:
Pipeline Facility Inspector –
Based on National Requirements for Inspection of Oil and Gas Pipeline Facilities in Canada

This content is suitable for CPAC Pipeline Facility 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 credential.

In addition to the above prerequisites, applicants for this credential are required to pass a supervised examination. The examination is optional for those individuals who carry a CPAC Level 3 Facility Construction Technician Certificate to the current edition of the CSA Z662. 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 Facility 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 (State) and Municipal Requirements

5. Pipeline Facility Requirements (60% exam content)

  • CSA Z662 mandates
  • CSA B51 content and use
  • ASME B31.3 application
  • Code breaks and transition management
  • Visual inspection requirement
  • Documentation of non-conformances

Knowledge Expectations

Examination Requirements

  • Z662 Table of Contents
  • Scope and Application of General Inspection Practices
  • Z662 Terminology
  • Z662 Section 6 Construction
  • Z662 Section 8 Testing
  • B51 General Requirements
  • B51 Design registration requirements
  • ASME B31.3 Type K requirements
  • Canadian Regulatory Requirements including Environmental Mandates
  • Z662 Document Control and Evidentiary Requirements
  • The Roles and Responsibilities of a Pipeline Facility Inspector

The construction practices used to build, alter or repair oil and gas pipeline facilities are varied and complex. Certified Pipeline Facility Inspectors must possess a clear and demonstrable understanding of all aspects of pipeline construction as well as highly specialized knowledge and experience specific to facility requirements. The scope of this understanding must include all elements applicable to the pipeline facility as well as demarcations between codes and authorities.

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 B51-19, Boiler Pressure Vessel and Pressure Piping Code
  • National Energy Board – Onshore Pipeline Regulation
  • Provincial Pipeline and Pressure Regulations
  • CEPA Foundation, A Practical Guide for Pipeline Facility Inspectors
  • ASME B31.3 – 2019 Process Piping
  • ASME BPVC section IX
  • 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 Facility 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 demonstrate 2 years of Pipeline industry Inspection experience.

A CPAC Level 3 Pipeline Facility Technician qualification is considered equivalent to the examination required for this credential.

*IMPORTANT:

  • US issued API 1169 certificates are not an acceptable prerequisite for Canadian Level 4 designations as they are deemed Level 2 under the Canadian system.
  • Canadian issued API 1169 certificates noting the Z662 code of construction are not acceptable prerequisite for US Level 4 designations.
  • Red Seal API 1169 certificates are deemed an acceptable prerequisite for either Canadian or US Level 4 designations.