API 577 - Welding Inspection and Metallurgy
Select Program:
This exam can now be scheduled either at in-person test centers or through remote proctoring.
API welcomes highly specialized inspectors, welding engineers, metallurgists and other professionals across the entire petrochemical industry to obtain the API 577 Welding Inspection and Metallurgy certification as a validation of their profound knowledge of welding processes and metallurgy.
The API 577 certification will add significant value to your professional credentials, demonstrating to your employers and clients that you have obtained a high level of proficiency and understanding in this important field.
API 577 certification is valid for a three-year term.
1. Studying For The Exam
- The API 577 Welding Inspection and Metallurgy certification exam tests the individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of welding and metallurgy.
- Publications Effectivity Sheet - Questions on the API 577 exam are derived from the publications listed in this document.
- API 577 Publications Effectivity Sheet for 2023 - November 2024 exams
- Body of Knowledge - List of specific topics included in the API 577 exam
- API 577 Body of Knowledge for 2025 exams
2. Exam Structure
- The API 577 exam is 3.25 hours long.
- There are 110 questions, of which only 100 are scored. The remaining 10 are pretest, which are not scored.
- Paper and reference materials are not allowed in the exams.
- This exam has a set passing scaled score.
- View the Exam Tutorial before exam day to familiarize yourself with the format.
3. Additional Resources
Are you qualified to take the API 577 exam?
If you hold a current API 510, 570 or 653 certification, you automatically qualify to take the API 577 Welding Inspection and Metallurgy certification exam.
If you do not hold a current API 510, 570 or 653 certification, then qualification is based on a combination of your level of education and industry experience acquired within the last 10 years.
Prior to submitting an application, please use the table below to determine if you qualify to take the API 577 exam. The minimum experience required MUST be documented on your application.
| Education | Years of Experience | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| BS or higher in engineering or technology | 1 year | Any experience in the petrochemical industry |
| 2-year degree or certificate in engineering or technology | 2 years | Any experience in the petrochemical industry |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 3 years | Any experience in the petrochemical industry |
| No formal education | 5 or more years | Any experience in the petrochemical industry |
- The certification term for API 577 Welding Inspection and Metallurgy is three years.
- At this time, employment verification is not required to recertify.
- You may apply for recertification 90 days prior to the certification expiration date. Apply online in the ICP Portal.
- API also allows a 90-day grace period for submitting a recertification application. Late fees will apply.
- If an application is not submitted by the end of the 90-day grace period, the certification will expire. A new application and fees must be submitted, and the candidate must pass a full examination in order to be recertified.
- Circumstances such as heavy work schedule or work in other countries or remote areas do not relieve the inspector/examiner of the responsibility to file a timely renewal application.
