API 653 Certification
Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector certification from API for tank inspection, repair, and alteration.
About API 653 Certification
API 653 certifies Authorized Aboveground Storage Tank Inspectors under API’s Individual Certification Program (ICP), qualifying holders to inspect, repair, alter, and reconstruct welded and riveted aboveground storage tanks built to API 650 (or the older API 12C). It is essential across petroleum storage terminals, refineries, and bulk-fuel facilities, where tank-bottom and shell integrity directly govern environmental release risk and SPCC compliance. Eligibility uses the standard API education-and-experience matrix, with qualifying tank-related experience earned within the prior ten years under an authorized program. The examination is a single 7.5-hour closed-book + open-book sitting in which candidates apply API 653, API 650, and supporting documents to settlement, minimum-thickness, and repair-scope problems. Certification is valid for three years on the standard ICP recertification cycle. In practice, API 653 work centers on bottom-plate inspection (often magnetic flux leakage floor scanning supported by ultrasonic verification), shell-course thickness and corrosion-rate trending, roof and appurtenance condition, and foundation-settlement evaluation against API 653 Annex B criteria to set the next internal-inspection interval.
Certification Levels
Single level - API 653 Authorized Tank Inspector, certified to apply the full API 653 code to in-service aboveground storage tanks.
Requirements
- Education-plus-experience matrix per the API ICP
- Qualifying tank-inspection experience earned within the previous 10 years under an authorized program
- Pass the 7.5-hour closed-book + open-book ICP examination
- Working knowledge of API 653, API 650, API 651 (cathodic protection), API 652 (tank-bottom linings), API 571, and ASME Section V
- Recertify every 3 years (CPD hours + minimum inspection activity); periodic online open-book quiz
Exam Topics
Applicable NDT Methods
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Register as ProviderAPI 653 Certification FAQ
What is API 653 Certification (API 653)?
API 653 certifies Authorized Aboveground Storage Tank Inspectors under API’s Individual Certification Program (ICP), qualifying holders to inspect, repair, alter, and reconstruct welded and riveted aboveground storage tanks built to API 650 (or the older API 12C). It is essential across petroleum storage terminals, refineries, and bulk-fuel facilities, where tank-bottom and shell integrity directly govern environmental release risk and SPCC compliance. Eligibility uses the standard API education-and-experience matrix, with qualifying tank-related experience earned within the prior ten years under an authorized program. The examination is a single 7.5-hour closed-book + open-book sitting in which candidates apply API 653, API 650, and supporting documents to settlement, minimum-thickness, and repair-scope problems. Certification is valid for three years on the standard ICP recertification cycle. In practice, API 653 work centers on bottom-plate inspection (often magnetic flux leakage floor scanning supported by ultrasonic verification), shell-course thickness and corrosion-rate trending, roof and appurtenance condition, and foundation-settlement evaluation against API 653 Annex B criteria to set the next internal-inspection interval.
Who issues the API 653 certification?
API 653 is issued and recognised by American Petroleum Institute.
What are the requirements for API 653?
Key requirements include: Education-plus-experience matrix per the API ICP; Qualifying tank-inspection experience earned within the previous 10 years under an authorized program; Pass the 7.5-hour closed-book + open-book ICP examination; Working knowledge of API 653, API 650, API 651 (cathodic protection), API 652 (tank-bottom linings), API 571, and ASME Section V; Recertify every 3 years (CPD hours + minimum inspection activity); periodic online open-book quiz.
What does the API 653 exam cover?
Exam topics include: API 653 Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration and Reconstruction Code; API 650 welded tank construction and material requirements; Bottom-plate inspection and MFL floor scanning with UT verification; Shell-course minimum thickness and corrosion-rate calculations; Foundation settlement evaluation per API 653 Annex B; Roof, nozzle, and appurtenance inspection; Repair, alteration, and reconstruction rules; brittle-fracture and out-of-service criteria.
How long is API 653 valid?
API 653 certification is valid for 3 years, after which renewal or recertification is required.
Which NDT methods does API 653 apply to?
API 653 applies to: UT, MT, VT, MFL, AE.
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