Determining the quality of training materials should not be a guessing game. Too much rides on ensuring that the training you buy has been designed to meet the highest standards of quality. API developed the Training Provider Certification Program to help buyers and users of industry training sort out the best from the rest.
The TPCP is designed in the tradition of other API quality programs, which set the benchmark for industry equipment, products, service and safety. We have applied similar quality standards to the evaluation of industry-wide training programs using API’s Training Program Evaluation Criteria and course-specific requirements.
The TPCP was inspired by recognition of the need for a third-party certification program to evaluate and certify a variety of oil and gas industry training courses. API certified training courses tell your customers that the expert in industry standards has evaluated the essential elements of your course. We look at course development, content, student objectives and instructional materials. API also examines instructor qualifications, course evaluations, administration, and actual course delivery.
When you become a certified training provider, you create an alliance with API. As an API training partner, you can use the API TPCP logo on your course materials, for marketing and promotions, and on course completion cards. Your company’s full contact information will be included in both our printed and on-line versions of the API Composite Catalog, which lists all participants of our quality programs. You will also be able to display a link to your website in the on-line catalog.
What's New in TPCP?
Upcoming Events
Process Safety Training Subgroup Forum on October 8, 2012
API TPCP Forum on October 17, 2012
API's Training Provider Certification Program is pleased to announce the establishment of process safety training curricula for the Advancing Process Safety.
Who Can Apply for Certification?
All industry training providers are welcome to complete an application for certification. This includes training providers involved in any aspect of industry training. Eligible courses must be based on at least one of the following criteria:
(a) API publications
(b) API contracted or volunteer subject matter experts.
(c) Collaborative industry-based volunteer or contracted subject matter experts.
(d) Federal regulations applicable to the oil and gas industry training.
(e) National or international standards generally recognized by the oil and gas industry.
Get Certified Now
Here’s how the certification process works:
1. Complete the Application Packet and submit to API. The application must include course objectives and outline, training manual table of contents, and other specified course-related materials. Please use the checklists as a self-assessment of your training management system and return with the application. API will utilize a similar checklist in assessing your training program.
2. API staff reviews the application packet for completeness.
3. When the application is accepted, an auditor is assigned.
4. The auditor uses a checklist to evaluate the training program using the API Evaluation Criteria.
5. If there are no findings, or non-conformances, a certificate is issued.
6. If non-conformances are found, an API review panel reviews the findings and a letter describing the shortcomings is sent to the provider. Typically, the provider will be given 30 days to correct the deficiency.
7. Once a program is certified, it will be audited every three years
Contact TPCP
The Training Provider Certification Program belongs to you, its members. We welcome your feedback on the TPCP as well as any API publications upon which your training is based. We want to continually improve the TPCP and keep it as relevant and useful as possible. API publications are only as good as the expert input that the drafting committee receives from interested parties. Your comments on publications will be sent to the appropriate API committee for consideration.
Help us keep the TPCP and related publications working for you. Please email your comments or questions to tpcp@api.org or call 713-964-2662.