API 570 Practice Questions, With Answers and Explanations
Everything you need to pass the API 570. In one place.
2,000+ exam-style questions with answer explanations, closed book and open book practice, timed mock exams and smart flashcards. Study at your own pace, on any device. Start free right now.
Bank size counted in October 2026. Editions and Body of Knowledge references last verified in September 2026, including the 2027 sheets.
See InspectAhead in action: a two-minute tour, with two real questions worked step by step.
Try one right here. No account, no email. Pick an answer, then see the explanation.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: A, the owner has ultimate responsibility for the piping system's compliance with ASME B31.3. This responsibility encompasses design, materials, fabrication, inspection, and testing, rather than only one stage of the work. (ASME B31.3, Para. 300(b)(1))
Answer 5 more questions free → Still no account needed.
- First 5 questions: no account needed
- 20 free flashcards with a free account
- One-time payment. No subscription.
Everything you need to walk in ready
2,000+ exam-style questions
Every question includes the answer, a clear explanation, and the code reference where available. Drill by Body of Knowledge domain.
Closed book and open book practice
Train both phases of the real exam: closed-book drills, or open-book sessions with the codes at your side.
Full timed mock exams
Sit the real structure: 110 closed-book questions in 2 h 45, a 45-minute break, then 60 open-book questions in 3 h 45. Quick and Half formats included.
Smart flashcards
Question-based cards with spaced repetition. Rate how it felt, and the deck brings weak topics back at the right time.
Know where you stand
Your dashboard tracks mastery by domain and activity, so you always know what to review next. The AI coach goes further with a paid pass.
Study on any device, at your pace
Pause, resume, switch devices. Your progress is kept, and your access window follows your pass.
See the questions for yourself
20 sample multiple-choice questions from the InspectAhead bank, with answers and explanations. References are included where available; verify the applicable code edition for your exam window.
Q. Determine the Corrosion Rate (LT or ST), UT thickness Insp Interval (Class 1 piping) & MAWP of corroded pipe given the detailed information below! Given: Design pressure/temp = 500 psig/500°F for A106 Gr B, Pipe = NPS 20 Schedule 40, having a baseline measured thickness in 2001 = .560 in., in 2006 = .530 in., in 2011 = .500 in. Has RL greater than 10 years, and assume a 5 year interval for MAWP calc!
A. Corrosion rate is 5 MPY, UT inspection interval = 10 years, and MAWP = 848 psi
B. Corrosion rate is 6 MPY, UT inspection interval = 5 years, and MAWP = 836 psi
C. Corrosion rate is 6 MPY, UT inspection interval = 5 years, and MAWP = 868 psi
D. Corrosion rate is 10 MPY, UT inspection interval = 10 years, and MAWP = 883 psi
Show answer
Answer: B, The corrosion rate is 6 MPY, the Class 1 UT interval is 5 years, and the MAWP matches option B using the standard tables.
Q. A piping system is designed for 300 psig at 700°F. The allowable stress value at test temperature is 20 ksi. The allowable stress at design temperature is 15 ksi. Which of the following pressures is to be used in a pneumatic test?
A. 440 psig
B. 450 psig
C. 562 psig
D. None of these
Show answer
Answer: A, Pneumatic test pressure is 1.1 times design pressure, adjusted for the ratio of allowable stress at test temperature to design temperature: 300 psig × 1.1 × (20/15) = 440 psig. (ASME B31.3 §345.5.4)
Q. How often must the accuracy of magnetizing equipment equipped with an ammeter (including visible and black light meters) shall be verified and calibrated as necessary:
A. Each year
B. Every 2 years
C. When possible
D. Every 6 months
Show answer
Answer: A, Magnetizing equipment with an ammeter, including visible and black light meters, must have its accuracy verified at least annually.
Q. When a corroded area of pipe exceeds ½ pipe size diameter, a temporary patch about equal to the size of a corroded area may be installed by fillet welding (temporary repair)if:
A. Patch corners shall have at least a 1” radius
B. Diameter of electrode is 5/32 in. or more
C. A full encirclement sleeve is used
D. All of the above
Show answer
Answer: C, If the corroded area exceeds half the pipe diameter, API 570 requires a full-encirclement sleeve.
Q. During a leak test of buried piping, the Inspector checked the pressure four hours after the initial pressurization of the piping system and noted a pressure drop of about 3%. The Inspector requested that the line be repressurized to the original test pressure and isolated from the pressure source (test pump). After remaining time in the test period passed (another 4 hours), a final check of the test gauge showed a reduction in the test pressure (450 psi), which was reduced to 425 psi. What action(s) should the Inspector recommend in accordance with API 570?
A. Piping should be visually inspected externally (full excavation)
B. Piping should be visually inspected internally (wherever this is possible, if it is possible)
C. Request sonic measurements to locate suspected leaks as a result of this pressure drop
D. All of the above, and the test results should not be accepted
Show answer
Answer: D, A sustained pressure drop makes the test unacceptable and calls for external and internal examination plus acoustic leak location.
Q. Determine MAWP from the following given information and state whether the proposed interval of 5 years is acceptable: API 5L Grade X-60 (Fusion welded), NPS 16 Sch. 160, Piping installed 1982 (No baseline UT records) 2007 UT = 1.279 inches, 2012 UT = 1.115 in, Design = 500 psig/400°F
A. 468 psig, 5-yr interval = unacceptable
B. 675 psig, 5-yr interval = acceptable
C. 975 psig, 5-yr interval = acceptable
D. 2336 psig, 5-yr interval = acceptable
Show answer
Answer: A, Choice A is consistent with a high corrosion rate and an unacceptable 5-year interval; the exact calculation depends on the code tables.
Q. The pipe has an insulated area of 200 sq. ft. that is exposed to a susceptible temperature and the mist spray of a cooling tower. According to API 570, how much of the minimum area is recommended for NDT survey for CUI during an external inspection?
A. 100 sq. ft.
B. 50 sq. ft.
C. 66 sq. ft.
D. 150 sq. ft.
Show answer
Answer: C, The recommended CUI survey area here is about one third of 200 ft², i.e. 66 ft².
Q. Which of these Remaining Life values are recognized by API 570 to exempt piping systems from the NDE inspection recommended in Table 3 for CUI?
A. RL is equal to 10 years or greater
B. RL must be greater than 10 years
C. RL is equal to 5 years or greater
D. RL must be greater than 5 years
Show answer
Answer: B, API 570 grants the Table 3 CUI exemption when the remaining life is greater than 10 years.
Q. In addition to thickness measurement intervals by Class (also Injection Points & S/A), Table 2 also contains the recommended:
A. Maximum inspection intervals for External Inspection by Class or ½ RL, use lesser value
B. Maximum inspection intervals for External Inspection by Class or ½ RL, use greater value
C. Maximum inspection intervals for External Inspection by Class (½ RL calc is not applicable)
D. Maximum inspection intervals for External Inspection by Class or full RL, use greater value
Show answer
Answer: C, Table 2 also gives the external inspection intervals by class; the ½ RL calculation does not apply there.
Q. Issues to consider when assessing quality of existing welds include all of these except:
A. Original fabrication inspection method and acceptance criteria & the length of time in service
B. Extent/magnitude/orientation of imperfections, repair & heat treatment history, weld hardness
C. Potential for environmental cracking and fatigue (mech/thermal)/impact/transient loadings
D. Operating conditions of the piping system
Show answer
Answer: D, Existing weld quality is assessed mainly through service history, imperfections, hardness and damage modes; option D is the least specific.
Q. Valve body and/or closure tests performed after repairs (servicing) shall be per:
A. API 570
B. API 578
C. API 598
D. API 576
Show answer
Answer: C, Valve body and/or closure tests performed after repairs (servicing) shall be in accordance with API 598, which covers valve inspection and testing. (API 598)
Q. Control valves or other throttling valves, particularly in high-pressure drop-and-slurry services can be susceptible to localized corrosion/erosion, & this is typically found (where)?
A. At the office
B. Uniform through the valve
C. Upstream of the orifice
D. Downstream of the orifice
Show answer
Answer: D, Control valves or other throttling valves in high-pressure drop and slurry services are susceptible to localized corrosion/erosion, typically found downstream of the orifice due to turbulence and high velocity. (API 570 §7.1.2)
Q. Gate valves in a severe corrosive/erosive environment should have thickness readings taken (where and how)?
A. Thickness readings are not taken (use calipers)
B. Between valve seats using UT methods
C. The valve bonnet
D. The valve ends
Show answer
Answer: B, In severe corrosive/erosive environments, gate valves should have thickness readings taken between the valve seats using UT methods to assess wall loss in the most critical area. (API 570 §7.1.2)
Q. Per API 578, which of these is NOT an example of acceptable identification markings?
A. Documentation showing both the PMI test results and the PMI test locations
B. Low-stress stamp marking indicating that the PMI test has been performed
C. Color coding by alloy (Such as using the PFI-ES-22 system)
D. Visual verification of Mill Test Report (MTR) results
Show answer
Answer: D, API 578 provides examples of acceptable identification markings, which include documentation showing both PMI test results and PMI test locations, low-stress stamp marking indicating that PMI has been performed, and color coding by alloy (such as the PFI-ES-22 system). Visual verification of Mill Test Report (MTR) results is not listed as an acceptable identification marking. (API 578 §5.3)
Q. Which of these statements are false regarding PMI personnel qualifications per 578?
A. Owner/users should ensure that personnel are adequately trained not only in a specific PMI testing instrument but also in the alloys they will be examining
B. Personnel should know all aspects of PMI testing equipment operation and test methods used
C. Personnel quals/training/experience should be submitted for review/approval by the Inspector
D. In some cases for critical application, some form of testing of personnel may be required
Show answer
Answer: C, API 578 states that owner/users should ensure that personnel are adequately trained in the specific PMI testing instrument and the alloys they will be examining, that personnel should know all aspects of PMI testing equipment operation and test methods used, and that in some cases for critical applications, some form of testing of personnel may be required. It does not require that personnel qualifications be submitted for review or approval by the Inspector. (API 578 §6.2)
Q. The primary testing methods for PMI include all of the following except for:
A. Examining Material Test Reports (MTRs)
B. Portable Optical Emission Spectroscopy
C. Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)
D. Laboratory Chemical Analysis
Show answer
Answer: A, API 578 lists the primary testing methods for PMI as portable optical emission spectroscopy, portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and laboratory chemical analysis. Examining Material Test Reports (MTRs) is not a primary testing method for PMI; it is a documentation review. (API 578 §5.1)
Q. Historically, the greatest number of material nonconformances of serious consequence has involved what materials being inadvertently substituted into another material system?
A. CS into Low Alloy (LA) steel systems (1.25Cr-1/2Mo, 2.25Cr-1Mo, 5Cr-1/2Mo, 9Cr-1Mo)
B. SS into Low Alloy (LA) steel systems (1.25Cr-1/2Mo, 2.25Cr-1Mo, 5Cr-1/2Mo, 9Cr-1Mo)
C. CS into Austenitic Stainless Steel systems (such as 304, 316, 321, 347, etc)
D. LA into Austenitic Stainless Steel systems (such as 304, 316, 321, 347, etc)
Show answer
Answer: A, API 570 notes that historically, the greatest number of material nonconformances of serious consequence has involved carbon steel being inadvertently substituted into low alloy steel systems (such as 1.25Cr-1/2Mo, 2.25Cr-1Mo, 5Cr-1/2Mo, 9Cr-1Mo). (API 570 §8.2.1)
Q. When a Material Verification Program assessment leads to retroactive PMI testing & the identification of components not meeting acceptance criteria, items are then targeted for replacement. In this case, who shall establish a component replacement schedule?
A. Owner/user and Authorized Piping Inspector, in consultation with Corrosion Specialist
B. Owner/user and Authorized piping Inspector, in consultation with Repair Organization
C. Owner/user and Engineering Organization, in consultation with a Corrosion Specialist
D. Owner/user only, in consultation with a Corrosion Specialist
Show answer
Answer: A, When a Material Verification Program assessment leads to retroactive PMI testing and identification of components not meeting acceptance criteria, API 570 requires that the owner/user and the Authorized Piping Inspector, in consultation with a Corrosion Specialist, shall establish a component replacement schedule. (API 570 §8.2.4)
Q. Who shall assess the need for and extent of an application of a material verification program addressing inadvertent material substitution in existing alloy piping systems?
A. Repair Organization
B. Engineering Organization
C. Owner/User
D. Authorized Inspection Agency
Show answer
Answer: C, API 570 states that the owner/user shall assess the need for and extent of an application of a material verification program addressing inadvertent material substitution in existing alloy piping systems. (API 570 §8.2.1)
Q. If a piping system component should fail because incorrect material was inadvertently substituted for proper piping material, the extent of further verification will depend upon:
A. Owner/User decision and probability of failure
B. Probability of failure due to these material errors
C. Circumstances such as the probability of failure and further material errors
D. Circumstances such as the consequences of failure and probability of further material errors
Show answer
Answer: D, API 570 specifies that if a piping system component fails because incorrect material was inadvertently substituted, the extent of further verification will depend upon circumstances such as the consequences of failure and the probability of further material errors. This aligns with option D. (API 570 §8.2.3)
Explanations above are condensed. In the app, each question includes the full rule explanation, distractor analysis, and any available code reference. Check the applicable edition for your exam window.
Retaking the API 570?
A second attempt is a targeting problem. The fastest move is to find out which domains cost you the points, then spend your time there instead of rereading everything.
- Drill by Body of Knowledge domain, so your hours go where your score went.
- Sit timed mock exams in the real structure, 110 closed book then 60 open book, and read the result domain by domain.
- Practice open book with the codes at your side, and closed book without them, because the two sections ask different things of you.
- Answer 5 questions free, no account needed, before you decide anything.
API sets the rules and the deadlines for your next window. Read the current exam dates and registration guide, then build the plan backwards from that date.
Free to try. One payment for full access.
| What you get | Free preview | Full access |
|---|---|---|
| Practice questions | 5 without an account, 15 with a free account | The full bank: 2,000+ questions, all domains |
| Flashcards | 20 cards | Full deck with spaced reviews |
| Mock exams | One capped trial (8 to 20 questions) | Full, Half and Quick timed exams |
| Explanations | On every free question | On every question, with code references where available |
| Progress dashboard | Included | Mastery map, activity history, AI coach notes |
| Price | $0 | One-time: $149 / $249 / $499 |
Free allowances are one-time, not daily. Nothing resets, and your progress is kept.
Watch a question explained
One question, worked end to end: the rule, the trap, the reasoning. This is the depth behind every answer in the bank.
Pick your pass. Pay once. No subscription.
120-Day Pass
$249
The full study cycle: two to four months of unlimited access.
Get the 120-Day Pass →365-Day Pass
$499
About $1.37 a day. A full year of unlimited access.
Get the 365-Day Pass →Prices in USD. One-time payment, no renewal.
Every pass unlocks the same full access. Only the window changes. One-time payment, no automatic renewal. Secure checkout by Paddle, our merchant of record. Refunds are subject to our refund policy. A free account is required before payment.
Straight answers, before you commit
Are these the real exam questions?
No, and no honest prep product can offer that. Exam questions are copyrighted and confidential. Train with 2,000+ practice questions, plus flashcards and mock exams, organized by Body of Knowledge domain. They prepare you for the content and style, not a leaked question bank.
How much can I try for free?
Answer 5 practice questions right now, no account needed. A free account adds up to 15 questions in total, 20 flashcards and one capped mock-exam trial (8 questions in Quick, 13 in Half or 20 in Full). These allowances are one-time: nothing renews daily, and your progress is kept.
What do I get with a paid pass?
Full access unlocks 2,000+ practice questions, plus flashcards and mock exams, unlimited training by domain and detailed corrections. The 30-Day, 120-Day and 365-Day Passes include the same features, with a one-time payment and no subscription.
How does payment work?
One-time payment, no automatic renewal. Checkout is secure and runs through Paddle, our merchant of record. Refunds are subject to our refund policy. A free account is required before payment.
Is the content current for my exam window?
Content follows API effectivity windows (February, June and October). Editions and Body of Knowledge references were last verified in September 2026, including the 2027 sheets. When API publishes a change, affected questions are flagged and updated.
Will this make me pass?
Nobody can promise that, and be suspicious of anyone who does. What InspectAhead gives you: 2,000+ questions in exam format, full explanations, timed mocks in the real structure, and a clear view of your weak domains. You bring the work. We make sure none of it is wasted.
You have seen the questions. Now walk in ready.
Start free now, or unlock everything with a pass from $149.
Further reading
API 570 Guide · Mock Exams · Flashcards · Study Plan · Body of Knowledge · FAQ · Refund policy · Contact