EXAMINATION SYLLABUS for:

CPAC Level 4:
Trenchless Pipeline Installation Inspector –
Based on for Inspection of the Construction of Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems in Canada or the United States of America

This content is suitable for CPAC Pipeline 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 for the requested jurisdiction. Applicants will also a demonstrable background in trenchless installations and 1 years of verifiable inspection experience.

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. At the application stage the candidate is required to identify their primary jurisdiction as Canadian or US. Certificates of Qualification identify the jurisdiction with primary code of construction and edition. 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 as well as any requirements for copies of certifications, qualifications and letter(s) of reference. A tentative examination date will be confirmed in accordance with the applicant’s registration request.

A trenchless pipeline installation 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 (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 Safety (5% exam content)

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

3. Pipeline Construction Inspection (5% 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
  • Tie-in’s
  • Pressure Testing
  • Clean-Up and Restoration

4. Environmental Protection Requirements (15% exam content)

  • Environmental Hazard Identification
  • Federal Requirements
  • Provincial (State) and Municipal Requirements

5. Pipeline Project Management and Human Factors (60% exam content)

  • Project planning and scheduling
  • Cost and resource management
  • Document review and sign-off
  • Regulatory Requirements for Trenchless Design and Installation
  • Equipment and Process
  • Documentation of non-conformances

Technical Reference Publications

Prerequisites and Equivalencies:

This Level 4 credential requires applicants to hold a valid API 1169 for the applied jurisdiction and demonstrate 1 year of Pipeline Inspection experience.

There are no equivalencies for this qualification.

*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.