API 571 Corrosion and Materials | API

Products + Services / Individual Certification Programs (ICP) / Inspector Certification Programs (ICP) Certifications / API 571 Certification: Corrosion and Materials

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This exam can now be scheduled either at in-person test centers or through remote proctoring.

API welcomes highly specialized inspectors, corrosion engineers, chemical engineers and other professionals across the entire petrochemical industry to obtain the API 571 Corrosion and Materials certification as a validation of their profound knowledge of corrosion processes.

The API 571 certification will add significant value to your professional credentials, demonstrating to your employers and clients that you have obtained a high level of proficiency and understanding in this important field.

API 571 certification is valid for a three-year term.

1. Studying For The Exam

  • Exam questions for the API 571 Corrosion and Materials certification are derived from API RP 571 Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining Industry.
  • The Body of Knowledge for the API 571 exam consists of the entire API RP 571, 3rd edition (2020).

2. Exam Structure

  • The API 571 exam is 3.25 hours long. 
  • There are 110 questions, of which only 100 are scored. The remaining 10 are pretest, which are not scored. 
  • All questions are multiple-choice and closed-book. Paper and reference materials are not allowed into exams.
  • This exam has a set passing scaled score.
  • View the Exam Tutorial before exam day to familiarize yourself with the format. 

3. Additional Resources

Are you qualified to take the API 571 exam?

If you hold a current API 510, 570 or 653 certification, you automatically qualify to take the API 571 Corrosion and Materials certification exam.

If you do not hold a current API 510, 570 or 653 certification, then qualification is based on a combination of your level of education and industry experience acquired within the last 10 years.

Prior to submitting an application, please use the table below to determine if you qualify to take the API 571 exam. The minimum experience required MUST be documented on your application.


Education Years of Experience Experience Required
BS or higher in engineering or technology 1 year Any experience in the petrochemical industry
2-year degree or certificate in engineering or technology 2 years Any experience in the petrochemical industry
High school diploma or equivalent 3 years Any experience in the petrochemical industry
No formal education 5 or more years Any experience in the petrochemical industry
  1. The certification term for API 571 Corrosion and Materials is three years.
  2. At this time, employment verification is not required to recertify.
  3. You may apply for recertification 90 days prior to the certification expiration date. Apply online in the ICP Portal.
  4. API also allows a 90-day grace period for submitting a recertification application. Late fees will apply.
  5. If an application is not submitted by the end of the 90-day grace period, the certification will expire. A new application and fees must be submitted, and the candidate must pass a full examination in order to be recertified.
  • Circumstances such as heavy work schedule or work in other countries or remote areas do not relieve the inspector/examiner of the responsibility to file a timely renewal application.