THE API 1169, PCI 2100, AND PLI 2200. why do they exist?
The API 1169 examination (or some type of equivalent like the PCI-2100) should become an industry requirement for the inspection staff involved in mainline projects in the United States, Canada, and the rest of the world for that matter. There are requirements in the refineries, nukes, chemical plants, and everything in between for inspectors to hold one or more API (or equivalent) certifications in order to be considered qualified to work in the capacity as an inspector. Why should the pipeline be any different? The simple answer is, it shouldn't.
We have seen a few comments from industry professionals that imply that training is not needed to pass the API 1169 examination. The numbers tell a different story.
World-wide, as of the date of this article, there are only 159 listed API 1169 certified pipeline inspectors. Let that sink in for a minute. This certification has been around for over a year now. People with job classifications such as engineers, pipeline designers, inspectors, project managers, and NDT professionals along with life time pipeliners have tried their luck at passing this exam. Only 159 have succeeded.... WORLDWIDE. This examination is offered in over 16 different countries. Still think it's an easy test? |
We hear all the time from "pipeliners" that a certification like the PCI-2100 or API 1169 does not make you qualified to be a good pipeline inspector.
We agree that, by themselves, the API 1169 or PCI-2100 certifications do not qualify you completely. However, the nay-sayers are missing the point that the certifications are a piece of the qualification requirements of the new pipeline inspector. It is highly unlikely that without enough experience and training, you could pass either one of these exams. We know of several "pipeliners" that have been in the industry for 20 plus years and can not pass the exams. Why is that? We think it is because, while they might know what to do because they "have been there, done that", they have little or no idea about the regulations involved in the pipeline construction process. This knowledge, ladies and gentlemen, is what separates you from the rest. The certification is how you prove you have that knowledge. |
We created the PCI-2100 and PLI-2200 certification courses as a challenge to the industry professional. A challenge that they could be better. A challenge to improve the industry. The PCI-2100 and PLI-2200 are not just examinations, like the API 1169. These courses provide the training behind the purpose of the exams. It's easy to make a test. What is difficult is making a comprehensive course that can train you to pass it. These courses are designed for anyone that works on the right-of-way, from contractors to inspectors to office staff and support personnel.
The PCI-2100 and PLI-2200, just like the API 1169, tests your specific knowledge (your ability to locate and answer questions according to codes and standards) and your general knowledge base. We don't throw you to the wolves though - We provide the training and mentor-ship to back it up. This will continue long after you have taken the course.
The PCI-2100 and PLI-2200, just like the API 1169, tests your specific knowledge (your ability to locate and answer questions according to codes and standards) and your general knowledge base. We don't throw you to the wolves though - We provide the training and mentor-ship to back it up. This will continue long after you have taken the course.