Qualification Program

Qualification Levels

The purpose of the CPAC Qualification system is to provide companies with a recognized format that can be integrated with their Competency Management Programs (CMP) establishing specific levels of code based qualification to recognized Codes, Standards and regulatory requirements. The levels have been developed with the level of understanding required for various roles and responsibilities within an organization. While demonstrating code comprehension through qualification is a small part of an organization’s CMP it is critical.

Each Qualification level identifies a body of knowledge which can be added to the job description within the company’s CMP. Unlike code qualifications, the required determination of training and experience is based on a companies individual need for specific positions it is difficult to standardize and must be established inhouse. The CPAC system offers the code qualification in a plug and play fashion by incrementally moving the qualifications from entry level to subject matter expert. The levels and certificates offered are as follows:

Entry Level Qualification – CPAC Level 1

Basic Pipeline Concepts and Content for the CSA Z662-19 Oil and Gas Pipeline Ssystems
Basic Concepts and Content for the CSA Z276 – 18 Liquefied Natural Gas

This qualification demonstrates basic knowledge of codes and regulations and would typically be required for all staff as a minimum.

Intermediate Level Qualification – CPAC Level 2

Pipeline Design and Material Concepts
Pipeline Construction Concepts
Pipeline Welding Concepts
Pipeline Operation and Integrity Concepts
Pipeline Quality Control Auditing and Inspection Concepts
Pipeline Distribution Systems
Pipeline Electrical Systems
Pipeline Facility Concepts

This qualification demonstrates general code knowledge and more in depth awareness of a specified topic. This would typically be required for all staff performing supervised work in the declared subject matter area. Typical job descriptions using this credential are often referred to as ‘in-training’ or ‘junior’.

General Practitioner Level Qualification – CPAC Level 3

Pipeline Designer
Pipeline Construction Technician
Pipeline Welder
Pipeline Operating and Integrity Technician
Pipeline Management System External Auditor
Pipeline Facility Construction Technician
Pipeline System Electrical Technician

This qualification demonstrates general code knowledge with sufficient awareness of a specified topic to be able to execute responsibilities with little or no supervision. Typical job descriptions using this credential are often referred to as ‘designer’ ‘inspector’ or ‘operator’.

Subject Matter Expert – CPAC Level 4

Pipeline Project Manager
Lead Auditor Pipeline Management Systems
Chief Inspector
Pipeline Facility Inspector
Pipeline Welding Inspector
Pipeline Coating Inspector
Pipeline Cathodic Protection Inspector
Trenchless Pipeline Installation Inspector

This qualification demonstrates expert level code knowledge with detailed awareness of a specified topic to be able to execute or direct the work. Typical job descriptions using this credential are often referred to as ‘lead’ or ‘chief’.