EXAMINATION SYLLABUS for:

QC Inspector – Based on CSA Z662-19 and API 1169 criteria for Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems

This content is suitable for CPAC Pipeline Inspector Certification examinations conducted July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2019

General:
To achieve this Certification applicants are required to pass a supervised examination. The intent of the examination is to verify the applicants knowledge and understanding of, and/or ability to use relevant reference documents and quality control concepts. While QC and inspections concepts are universal, specific code and regulatory requirements may vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. At the application stage the candidate is required to identify their primary jurisdiction as Canadian or US. Once a certification is achieved, a code endorsement for the other jurisdiction can be written. Certificates of Qualification identify the code of construction and edition.

Pipeline QC inspectors should have of 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. Safety and Loss Management System (40% exam content)

• Quality Control Elements
• Personnel Competencies
• Records Management
• Document Control
• Non-Conformance Handling
• Root Cause and Lessons Learned
• Calibration of Test Equipment
• Material Storage and Handling
• Continuous Improvement
• Program Auditing

2. Pipeline Construction Safety (30% exam content)

• Basic Safety
• Confined Space
• Elevated Work Surface
• Excavation
• Pressure Testing
• Welding
• Coating
• NDT
• Hazardous Atmospheres

3. Pipeline Construction Inspection (25% exam content)

• Clearing and Grading
• Ditching
• Trenchless Construction (Bores and HDD)
• Stringing
• Pipe Bending
• Welding Basics
• Lowering In
• Backfill
• Tie-in’s
• Pressure Testing
• Clean-Up and Restoration

4. Environmental Protection Requirements (5% exam content)

• Environmental Hazard Identification
• Federal Requirements
• Sensitive Areas
• Wildlife

Reference Documents

The construction practices used to build, alter or repair oil and gas pipelines are varied and complex. Certified QC Inspectors must possess a clear understanding of Quality Management processes and an entry level understanding of pipeline construction inspection requirements. The scope of this understanding must include all elements applicable to pipeline construction from both regulatory and technical realms. A list of reference documents and inspection responsibilities is provided below.

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.

The examinations consist of between 60 to 80 weighted multiple-choice questions totalling 100 points. Applicants are permitted 2.5 hours to complete the examination.

Note: Separate examinations are administered for Canadian and US Jurisdictions. Candidates wishing to achieve qualification for both countries may write the QC exam version of their choice and then write a separate code endorsement exam for the alternate country. While many requirements are similar in the US and Canada, both countries have several unique elements requiring a dedicated understanding of content and function of the regulatory system.

Reference Publications