The API 1169 Exam: What It Is, What’s Tested, and How to Pass on Your First Attempt

If you work around pipeline construction, you’ve heard of API 1169. This credential, formally the API 1169 Pipeline Construction Inspector certification, validates that an inspector understands the standards, safety practices, environmental requirements, and quality principles needed to oversee new onshore pipeline construction. It’s become a preferred (and often required) qualification across North America.

Below, I’ll break down the exam from end to end (format, topics, references, scheduling, and prep strategy) and then show how Velocity Training’s updated 2025–2026 courses (online and classroom) help you pass with confidence.

​Who the API 1169 certification is for

API 1169 is designed for professionals who perform or oversee pipeline construction inspection, including:

• Owner/operator and 3rd party inspectors
• Field coordinators and construction supervisors
• Quality, safety, and environmental specialists working on new pipeline projects

If your job touches clearing and grading, welding, coating, lowering-in, testing, restoration, or records/quality verification, API 1169 is a strong career move.

​Exam format at a glance

• Delivery: Computer-based exam at a test center
• Length: 3 hours (180 minutes)
• Questions: 115 total (100 scored; 15 unscored pretest)
• Style: Multiple choice (single & multiple response), matching, and drag-and-drop
• Closed-book: You won’t use personal notes; follow the proctor’s rules
• Scoring: API uses an equating process (the pass point can vary slightly by form)

Tip: Time management matters. With 115 questions in 180 minutes, you must navigate both "regulation references" (~20%) and "closed book memory-based" (~80%) questions flag tricky items and return on your 2nd and 3rd pass through.

​What API 1169 tests (Body of Knowledge)

The exam focuses on the four core areas that drive construction quality and compliance:

1. Inspector Roles and Responsibilities
   Documentation, reporting, ethics, communication, coordination, and interface with owners/contractors/regulators.
   
2. Pipeline Construction Inspection
   Survey through restoration: right-of-way prep, stringing, field bending, welding (API 1104 principles), NDT basics, coating/holiday detection, lowering-in, tie-ins, backfilling, hydrostatic/pressure testing, and records.
   
3. Pipeline Construction Safety
   Field safety culture, jobsite hazards, pressure testing safety, excavation, electrical/energy isolation, heavy equipment, traffic, and weather.
   
4. Pipeline Construction Environmental
   Erosion/sediment control, wetlands and waterbody work, spill prevention/response, waste, restoration, and permit compliance.
   

Common references you’ll encounter in your study plan include API RP 1169, API 1104, API 1110 (pressure testing), pressure-testing safety guidance, one-call/CGA best practices, and applicable federal regulations (such as 49 CFR 192 and 195). Always align your study with the current Publications Effectivity Sheet for your test window.

​Applying, schedules, and fees

• Apply: API ICP portal — Apply for API Exam → https://www.api.org/products-and-services/individual-certification-programs/apply
• Schedules & fees: Exam Schedules & Fees → https://www.api.org/products-and-services/individual-certification-programs/schedules-and-fees
• API 1169 overviews: API 1169 Overview → https://www.api.org/products-and-services/individual-certification-programs/certifications/api-1169

You’ll submit your application, wait for authorization, then select your exam appointment at a test center.

​How to build a winning study plan (practical timeline)

4–6 weeks out (or more):

• Map the Body of Knowledge to your calendar.
• Work through structured lessons a little every day (90 - 120 minutes).
• Start light quizzing to build recall before heavy practice testing.

2–3 weeks out:

• Increase timed practice exams to simulate pressure and pacing.
• Note misses by topic and return to those lessons.
• Practice code-reference thinking: what section would I look up if this were open-book?

Final 7–10 days:

• Take at least two full timed practice exams and review every miss.
• Focus on safety/environmental questions—they’re common and easy to rush.

​Why so many candidates struggle (and how to avoid it)

• They treat it like a memory test. It isn’t. You’re being tested on the judgment you’d use in live field scenarios.​
• They don’t practice under time. The clock changes how you think. Simulate it.
• They skip “boring” topics. Environmental and documentation questions are frequently the deciders.
• They cram references last-minute. Start early so terminology and heavy question loads feel familiar.

Train with Velocity:
​Updated 2025–2026 courses built for first-attempt success

​Since March 2015, Velocity Training has helped thousands of inspectors prepare for API 1169. Our approach blends clear instruction, hands-on practice, and realistic exam simulation—while supporting working professionals with flexible options.

Option 1: Online Exam Training (Self-Paced)
​Study anywhere, anytime in our 24/7 virtual campus. You’ll get:

• Full voice-over (narrated) interactive lessons that simplify complex topics
• Practice tests and unlimited timed practice exams with instant feedback
• Hundreds of knowledge checks and focused key takeaways to lock in learning
• Downloadable offline study documents and reading assignments
• Instructor support via chat, email, and phone
• 40-hour Certificate of Completion (PDH/CE)
• Access lengths to fit your schedule: 7, 30, 60, 90, 120, or 180 days
• Public Catalog: https://vtes.digitalchalk.com/catalogs/api-1169-practice-training-courses
• Course Page: https://www.velocitytrained.com/api-1169-prep

Online-only students typically achieve approx. 90% pass rates with a disciplined study plan.

Option 2: 4-Day Classroom (Instructor-Led)A focused, in-person bootcamp taught by an API 1169-certified inspector using our proven 10+ year method.
You’ll experience:

• Engaging code/regulatory discussions that mirror real project decisions
• Structured homework + computer-based practice exams between class days
• The same online campus access to reinforce learning
• 37 assessment quizzes, timed & graded practice exams, 900+ questions, and 17 offline study documents
• Immediate access to pre-class intro materials upon registration
• Class runs 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (final day typically until noon)
• Tuition: $795 USD per seat
• Catalog (dates & locations): https://vtes.digitalchalk.com/catalogs/api-1169-classroom-training-practice-tests
• Classroom Page: https://www.velocitytrained.com/api-1169-classroom-training

Our classroom pass rate has averaged approx. 95% over the last 8 years while our current instructors’ students pass at about 99%.
Training Guarantee (classroom & eligible online plans):
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you may retake a public 4-day classroom or receive a 30-day online course at no additional tuition before your re-test (7-Day online excluded).

​Which format should you choose?

• Online if you need flexibility, are comfortable self-directing, and want to spread study over weeks with unlimited exam simulations.
• Classroom if you prefer a guided, instructor-led experience, fast feedback, and a focused 4-day push that organizes the entire Body of Knowledge for you.

Some candidates do both: add a short online access plan before a classroom date to warm up, or after class to keep skills sharp until test day.

Getting Started

Choose your training path below, or contact us and we’ll help you map a study plan that fits your schedule.

Online Training (API 1169) Classroom Training (API 1169)

Public Catalogs (All API 1169 Options)

• Online: Browse Online Catalog →
• Classroom: Browse Classroom Catalog →

Questions? We’re Here to Help

Call 505-404-7160 or 888-491-0336
Email [email protected]

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