API 570 Exam Guide, Format, Syllabus & Practice
Understand the API 570 piping inspection certification: exam structure, topics and preparation. InspectAhead offers online practice; study sessions require an internet connection.
API 570 certification in 60 seconds
- Who can sit it: API decides. The published criteria combine education with relevant piping experience, and the two are always read as a pair. See eligibility and requirements.
- The exam: 170 questions, 140 scored plus 30 unscored pretest items, in two parts. Closed book, 110 questions in 2 h 45, then a 45-minute break, then open book, 60 questions in 3 h 45 with the codes on screen. Delivered at Prometric test centers.
- Passing standard: a scaled score of 400, equated per exam window, with no negative marking.
- When: API runs the exam in windows rather than on a single day, and each window carries an application deadline that closes well before it opens. The published effectivity windows are February, June and October. See exam dates and registration.
- What it costs: the certification fee is set by API and published with the exam calendar. We do not quote a figure that would go stale. See exam cost and study budget.
- Where to start: answer 5 practice questions free, no account needed, then drill by Body of Knowledge domain.
Start here
Before you apply
Prepare for the exam
Choose your path
After certification
The official exam format
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Questions | 170 total, 140 scored + 30 unscored pretest |
| Part 1, closed-book | 110 questions · 2 h 45 |
| Break | 45 minutes |
| Part 2, open-book | 60 questions · 3 h 45 (codes on screen) |
| Passing standard | Scaled score 400 (equated) · no negative marking |
| Delivery | Prometric test centers |
The Body of Knowledge
- I, Calculations: minimum thickness, corrosion rates, remaining life, MAWP.
- II, Welding: procedure qualification (ASME IX), weld examination.
- III, NDE: radiography, ultrasonics, magnetic particle, penetrant (ASME V).
- IV, General practice: inspection programs, roles and responsibilities, records, API 570 & 574.
- V, Specific practice: damage mechanisms (RP 571), repairs (RP 577/578), in-service re-rating.
What InspectAhead gives you
- Exam-style question bank covering five Body of Knowledge domains, with explanations and code references where available.
- Three modes: Learn uses FSRS spaced repetition; Practice provides question sets with feedback; Mock Exams offers full-length and shorter timed formats. A free account provides limited access; full access requires a paid pass.
- Full-length mock exams: closed-book then open-book sections, navigation grid, question flagging, timer, per-domain report.
- Internet connection required: the app interface may reopen offline after an online visit, but study sessions and AI coaching require a connection.
- Preparation index (0-100), experimental, honest progress tracking, no fake official score.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the API 570 exam?
The full exam has 170 questions: 140 scored plus 30 unscored pretest items. It is split into a closed-book section of 110 questions (2 h 45) and an open-book section of 60 questions (3 h 45), with a 45-minute break between them.
What score do you need to pass the API 570 exam?
The published passing standard is a scaled score of 400, equated per exam window. API does not publish a raw-score or percentage pass mark, treat any fixed percentage claim with caution. There is no negative marking. Recent pass rates: 68.9% (Feb 2026), 66.3% (Oct 2025).
How does the open-book section work?
The codes (API 570, RP 571/574/576/577/578, ASME B31.3, BPVC Section V and IX, B16.5, PCC-2) are available on screen only, as English PDFs. Nothing personal may be brought into the test centre, no papers, notes or books, and no annotated documents.
Does InspectAhead work offline?
Not for study sessions. After a first online visit, the cached app interface may reopen without a connection. Access to the question bank, session corrections and AI coaching requires an internet connection.
Is there French support?
The interface and coaching are available in English and French. The question bank is primarily in English; translations of every question, explanation and learning card are not guaranteed.
Are there free questions?
Yes, you can start immediately without an account: your first questions are free, then an account is needed to continue and save your progress. No credit card required to try.