Question 1

What is API Exam Prep?

Accepted Answer

A focused practice platform for working inspectors prepping for API 510, 570, 653, 1169, and 580. Every question is written against the actual governing code (ASME B31.3, API 653, NACE SP0188, etc.), not generic test-prep filler. The free practice test above is live now; the full 2,000+ question bank is launching next. Try a few questions above before you read another word.

Question 2

Who built this?

Accepted Answer

Built in Ohio by people who have sat for these exams. Every question is reviewed against the current code edition, with the exact section cited so you can verify it. We do not generate questions from AI alone, and we do not buy bulk question banks. If you find a citation that does not match, email us and we will fix it within 24 hours.

Question 3

Is the practice test really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The 25 questions above are free with no signup, no email gate, no credit card. The full bank (2,000+ questions across all 5 exams) will be a paid product when it launches, but the free practice is a permanent fixture. If you like the free questions, drop your email below and we will let you know when the full bank opens.

Question 4

What if I do not pass the exam?

Accepted Answer

Individual certification access is 8 months from purchase, which covers the full API exam cycle including a retake window. The lifetime bundle covers all 5 certifications forever, which means it never expires no matter how many cycles you sit for. Specific terms are on the Terms page. If a question stands in your way, email support and we will work through it with you.

Question 5

Do you sell my data?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to anyone. Our data partners are limited to: Stripe for payments (when paid product launches), Resend for transactional email, and a privacy-respecting analytics setup. No ad pixels, no third-party trackers, no Facebook/Google ad networks. Full details on the Privacy page. Read the Do Not Sell page (about 90 seconds) for the legal version.

Question 6

Which certifications are covered?

Accepted Answer

API 510 (Pressure Vessel Inspector), API 570 (Piping Inspector), API 653 (Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector), API 1169 (Pipeline Construction Inspector), and API RP 580 (Risk-Based Inspection). The free practice test includes 5 questions from each. The full bank will have 400+ per certification. Use the tabs in the practice widget above to filter to one exam.

Question 7

Are the questions written to the current code editions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every question is reviewed against the edition that API is currently using for the exam. When API moves to a new edition (typically annually), we update the affected questions within 60 days and tag any changes in your account. The free 25 questions are current as of launch. If a code section changes and we have not updated yet, email us - we will give you the answer manually.

Question 8

How does the API exam cycle work?

Accepted Answer

API runs each certification on a fixed annual or twice-yearly window. You apply to API directly, they assign your test window, and you sit at a Prometric center or via remote proctoring. Individual access (8 months) covers one full cycle including a retake. See the Body of Knowledge in API's Inspector Certification Programs publication for the exact dates. If you are unsure of your eligibility, API's own page is the source of truth - we do not handle exam scheduling.

Question 9

Is the API exam open book?

Accepted Answer

All API ICP exams are partly open-book and partly closed-book. The open-book portion lets you use the publications listed in API's Body of Knowledge for that certification (typically the API recommended practices, ASME code sections, NACE standards, etc.). Our questions mark which ones you should be able to look up versus memorize. If you do not own the code books yet, API sells them as bundles - that is the only legal source.

Question 10

Can I see sample questions?

Accepted Answer

The widget above is 25 sample questions, fully revealed with explanations and code references. No signup, no email gate. The full bank will have the same depth on 2,000+ more. Try five questions above (about 3 minutes) - you will know quickly if the depth matches what you need.

Question 11

What does lifetime access mean?

Accepted Answer

Lifetime access on the bundle means access for as long as API Exam Prep operates as a service. If we ever discontinue the service, you will receive at least 90 days written notice and the ability to export your account data. Access is non-transferable and tied to your account. Full legal version on the Terms page. If lifetime feels like a marketing word to you, we get it - read the Terms before you trust it.

Question 12

What is your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

When the paid product launches, refunds will be available within 14 days of purchase as long as you have not consumed more than 10% of the question bank. If you fail the API exam despite using us, email support and we will work with you - we are not in the business of taking money from inspectors who tried. If you are unsure about buying, email support@apiexamprep.io before you buy - not after.

Question 13

Does this work on my phone and tablet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The site is built to work on phones in portrait and landscape, tablets in either orientation, and desktops at any size. The practice widget adapts to its container, not just the viewport, so it stays usable on a 320px screen as well as a 4K monitor. If something looks wrong on your device, screenshot it and email support - we fix layout bugs fast.

Question 14

Is the site accessible?

Accepted Answer

We build to WCAG 2.2 AA at minimum. Keyboard navigation works throughout, focus indicators meet the contrast and size requirements, the practice widget answer buttons are real radio inputs (screen-reader correct), and we honor prefers-reduced-motion. We are still improving and welcome feedback. If you use assistive tech and hit a wall, email support - accessibility complaints get priority.

Question 15

What data do you collect from me?

Accepted Answer

On the free practice test, we collect nothing tied to your identity. Server logs include your IP for rate-limiting and abuse prevention and are rotated. When you sign up for the paid product, we will collect email, name, and payment details via Stripe. We do not run ad pixels or third-party trackers. Full breakdown is on the Privacy page - the short version is, we collect what we need to run the product and nothing else.

Question 16

I still have questions - how do I reach you?

Accepted Answer

Email support@apiexamprep.io. A real person reads every message, usually within one business day. We do not have a chatbot, we do not gate replies behind a ticket system, and we do not outsource support. Click the help icon in the bottom-right corner of the page to send a message without leaving the site.

25 questions across 5 certifications.

Full bank launching soon.

Questions inspectors ask