Top 10 Pipeline Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for pipeline engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise, knowledge, and experience. They also provide employers with a way to assess the skills and qualifications of potential employees. Certifications show employers that a pipeline engineer has the necessary knowledge and experience to perform the job successfully. Certification can also open doors for career advancement and can help an individual stand out from other applicants in a competitive job market.

This article reviews some of the most important certifications for Pipeline Engineers and explains how they can help to advance a pipeline engineer's career.

What are Pipeline Engineer Certifications?

Pipeline engineer certification is a formal program offered by several organizations that provides a comprehensive education in pipeline engineering, construction and operations. This certification helps to ensure that pipeline engineers have the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and effectively design, construct and operate pipelines. The certification program includes courses in topics such as safety management systems, environmental regulations, construction methods, materials selection, corrosion control and maintenance procedures. It also covers topics such as project management, risk analysis, budgeting and scheduling.

The certification can be beneficial for those looking to enter the field of pipeline engineering or for those already working in the industry who want to stay up-to-date on best practices. By earning a pipeline engineer certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to the profession as well as their expertise in the areas of pipeline engineering. This can help them stand out among other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions within their current organization or when searching for new opportunities with other employers. Additionally, having a recognized credential may help professionals gain access to more complex projects or higher pay grades within their current role.

Pro Tip: When looking for a pipeline engineer certification, make sure to research the requirements of the organization you are applying to. Many organizations have different requirements for certifications, so having an understanding of what is required will help you ensure that you are well-prepared and meet all the criteria needed to obtain your certification.

Related: What does a Pipeline Engineer do?

Top 10 Pipeline Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Pipeline Engineers today.

1. Certified Pipeline Professional (CPP)

Certified Pipeline Professional (CPP) is a professional certification program that provides comprehensive training and education to pipeline professionals. The program was developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API) in conjunction with the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in pipeline operations, maintenance, and safety.

The CPP program consists of four modules: Pipeline Operations, Maintenance, Safety and Regulatory Compliance. Each module requires successful completion of an exam and must be completed within two years. The exams are offered online or in person at approved test centers.

To get certified as a CPP, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements. These include having at least five years of experience working in the oil and gas industry, or holding a degree in engineering or related field from an accredited institution.

Once eligible, individuals can register for the CPP program through API’s website. The cost of registration is $1,500 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. After registering for the program, individuals will receive access to course materials and exams for each module.

Once all four modules have been completed successfully, applicants will receive their official CPP certification from API. This certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

2. Certified Pipeline Inspector (CPI)

Certified Pipeline Inspector (CPI) is a professional certification program designed to ensure that pipeline inspectors have the knowledge and skills necessary to inspect pipelines safely, accurately, and in accordance with applicable codes and regulations. The program is administered by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

To become a Certified Pipeline Inspector, an individual must have at least five years of experience in pipeline inspection or related activities. They must also pass a written exam that covers topics such as pipeline safety regulations, inspection techniques, corrosion control methods, and other relevant topics.

In order to take the exam, individuals must first register with API and pay the associated fees. The cost of registration is typically around $400 USD. Once registered, individuals can then schedule their exam at one of several testing centers located throughout the United States. The exam typically takes about four hours to complete.

Once an individual has passed the exam they will receive their CPI certification from API. This certification is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed. Renewal requires passing a recertification examination which is similar in scope to the original exam but may include additional topics depending on changes in industry standards or regulations during the three-year period since initial certification was granted.

3. American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified Pipeliner

The American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified Pipeliner is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to safely and effectively install, inspect and maintain pipeline systems. The certification is valid for five years and requires recertification every five years.

To obtain the API Certified Pipeliner certification, applicants must meet certain criteria such as having at least two years of experience in the field of pipeline construction or maintenance, passing an exam administered by the API and completing a background check. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions covering topics related to pipeline safety, construction, inspection and maintenance.

The cost for the API Certified Pipeliner certification varies depending on the type of examination taken. For example, if taking the online version of the exam, it costs $150 USD; however, if taking the paper version of the exam it costs $175 USD. There are also additional fees associated with obtaining a background check which can range from $50-$100 USD depending on where you live.

4. National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Certified Pipeliner

The National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Certified Pipeliner is a certification program for individuals who work in the pipeline industry. It is designed to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of corrosion engineering, pipeline construction, and maintenance.

To become NACE Certified Pipeliner, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as corrosion science, materials selection, welding technology, pipeline design and construction, regulations and standards related to pipelines, and safety practices. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the NACE Certified Pipeliner exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the pipeline industry or equivalent education/training. Applicants must also be members of NACE International or one of its affiliated organizations.

The cost for taking the NACE Certified Pipeliner exam is $695 USD for members of NACE International or one of its affiliated organizations. Non-members may take the exam for $895 USD. There are no additional fees associated with taking the exam or becoming certified.

Once an individual passes the exam, they will receive their official certification from NACE International within four weeks. The certification is valid for five years after which time an individual must retake the test in order to maintain their certification status.

5. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certified Pipeliner

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certified Pipeliner is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who demonstrate expertise in the installation, maintenance, and repair of pipelines. The program is designed to ensure that those who work on pipelines have the necessary qualifications to do so safely and effectively.

To become ASME Certified Pipeliner, you must have at least three years of experience working with pipeline systems, including installation, maintenance, and repair. You must also pass an exam administered by ASME which covers topics such as safety regulations, welding techniques, pipefitting practices, and other related topics.

The exam consists of both written and practical components. The written portion consists of multiple-choice questions based on material from the ASME Pipeline Systems Manual. The practical portion involves demonstrating your ability to install and maintain a pipeline system according to established standards.

It typically takes between two to four weeks to complete the certification process once you have met all the requirements. Once you are certified, your certification is valid for five years before it needs to be renewed.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it generally ranges from $150-$200 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining any required materials or tools needed for the exam or training courses offered by ASME or other organizations.

6. International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Certified Pipeliner

The International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) Certified Pipeliner is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the safe and efficient operation of pipeline systems. The certification is designed to provide employers with assurance that their personnel possess the necessary skills to safely and effectively operate pipelines.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the program, depending on individual experience and availability. To get certified, applicants must first register for the IADC Certified Pipeliner Program. This requires a non-refundable fee of $200 USD. After registering, applicants must complete an online training course, which covers topics such as safety, operations, maintenance, and regulations. Once applicants have successfully completed the online course, they must pass a written exam administered by an IADC-approved proctor. Upon passing the exam, applicants will be awarded their IADC Certified Pipeliner Certificate.

The cost of becoming an IADC Certified Pipeliner includes the registration fee ($200 USD) and any applicable proctoring fees (typically around $50 USD).

7. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Certified Pipeliner

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Certified Pipeliner is a certification program designed to recognize professionals in the pipeline industry who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the areas of safety, quality, environmental protection, and other related topics. The certification is issued by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

To become ISO Certified Pipeliner, an individual must pass a series of examinations that cover topics such as pipeline operations, maintenance, inspection, construction and repair. The examinations are administered by an independent third-party organization approved by API. It typically takes up to six months to complete all of the required exams.

The cost of becoming ISO Certified Pipeliner varies depending on the number of exams taken and any additional fees associated with the testing process. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 USD for all of the necessary tests and fees associated with obtaining this certification.

In addition to passing the required exams, applicants must also demonstrate a minimum level of experience in order to be eligible for ISO Certification. Specifically, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in pipeline operations or related fields. They must also provide proof that they have completed all necessary training courses associated with their job duties.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their ISO Certified Pipeliner certification from API upon successful completion of all tests and verification of experience.

8. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Certified Pipeliner

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Certified Pipeliner is a certification program for individuals who work in the pipeline industry. The certification is designed to ensure that workers are knowledgeable about safety procedures, regulations, and best practices for working on pipelines. It also serves as an assurance of quality workmanship and safety compliance.

To become OSHA Certified Pipeliner, you must complete a training program approved by OSHA. This typically includes classroom instruction, hands-on training, and a written exam. The length of the program varies depending on the provider but can range from two to five days.

The cost of the program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500 to $1,000. Some employers may cover part or all of the cost of certification for their employees.

Once you have completed your training and passed the written exam, you will receive your OSHA Certified Pipeliner card which is valid for three years from date of issue. You must renew your certification every three years by completing additional training or taking a refresher course in order to maintain your certification status.

9. Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Certified Pipeliner

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Certified Pipeliner is a certification program that provides an industry-recognized credential for individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the area of pipeline construction and maintenance. This certification is designed to ensure that certified pipeliners are knowledgeable, competent, and qualified to perform their duties safely and effectively.

To obtain CSA Certified Pipeliner status, applicants must complete a series of courses which cover topics such as safety, welding, pipefitting, and other related topics. The courses typically take between 8-10 weeks to complete depending on the individual's prior experience. Upon successful completion of the courses, applicants must pass a written exam administered by CSA in order to receive their certification.

To get started with the CSA Certified Pipeliner program, applicants must first register with CSA and pay an initial fee of $150 CAD. Once registered, applicants can then select which course they would like to take from the list provided by CSA. After completing the coursework and passing the written exam, applicants will be awarded their CSA Certified Pipeliner certificate.

The cost of each course varies depending on its length and content but generally ranges from $500-$1000 CAD per course. In addition to this cost there may also be additional fees associated with taking the written exam or obtaining additional materials needed for studying for the exam.

10. Pipeline Safety Trust Accreditation Program (PSTAP)

The Pipeline Safety Trust Accreditation Program (PSTAP) is a voluntary program designed to recognize organizations that demonstrate a commitment to safety and compliance with federal pipeline safety regulations. The program provides an independent third-party assessment of an organization’s safety management system, ensuring that it meets the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

The accreditation process typically takes 6-9 months from start to finish. Organizations must first submit an application package that includes information about their safety management system, including policies, procedures, training programs, record keeping systems, and other relevant documents. Once the application is received, a PSTAP auditor will conduct an on-site review of the organization’s operations and review all documents submitted in the application package. If the organization passes this review, they will be awarded accreditation status by PHMSA.

The cost of PSTAP accreditation depends on several factors such as the size of the organization and its operations. Generally speaking, organizations can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 for PSTAP accreditation depending on their specific needs. This fee covers the cost of the initial audit as well as any follow-up audits or inspections required by PHMSA in order to maintain accreditation status.

Organizations interested in applying for PSTAP accreditation should contact PHMSA directly for more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Do You Really Need a Pipeline Engineer Certificate?

Pipeline engineering is an important and specialized field that requires a great deal of knowledge and skill. If you are considering a career in this field, then it is important to consider whether or not you need a pipeline engineer certificate. In some cases, the answer may be yes; in others, it may be no.

The most obvious benefit of obtaining a pipeline engineer certificate is that it will provide you with the necessary credentials to get hired for jobs in the industry. Employers will be more likely to hire someone with a recognized certification than someone without one. Furthermore, having such a credential can make your resume stand out from other job applicants. Additionally, having a pipeline engineer certificate may make you eligible for higher pay or more advanced positions within the industry.

On the other hand, there are certain instances when obtaining a pipeline engineer certificate may not be necessary. For example, if you already have experience in the field and/or possess relevant qualifications or certifications from another discipline, then employers may be willing to overlook your lack of an official certification in pipeline engineering. Additionally, many companies offer on-the-job training programs that allow employees to gain the necessary knowledge and skills without having to obtain an official certification first.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a pipeline engineer certificate depends on your particular circumstances and desired career path. If you want to pursue employment opportunities at higher levels or receive better pay offers, then obtaining such a credential could prove beneficial for you. However, if your current qualifications and experience are sufficient for your goals, then there may be no need to pursue this type of certification.

Related: Pipeline Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Pipeline Engineer Certifications

1. What is a Pipeline Engineer Certification?

A Pipeline Engineer Certification is a professional accreditation that shows employers you have the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a pipeline engineer. It covers topics such as engineering principles, construction and installation of pipelines, risk assessment, regulatory compliance and operational safety.

2. How do I get certified as a Pipeline Engineer?

To become certified as a Pipeline Engineer, you must complete an approved certification program which typically includes classroom instruction, laboratory experience and on-the-job training. After successful completion of the program, you will need to pass an exam administered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Pipeline Engineer?

The length of time it takes to become certified depends on your individual background and experience level. Generally speaking, most students can complete their certification program within six months to one year.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Pipeline Engineer?

Being certified as a pipeline engineer demonstrates your commitment to the profession and shows employers that you possess the skills necessary for success in this field. Additionally, having certification may make you more attractive for career advancement opportunities or higher salaries.

5. Is there any way to renew my Pipeline Engineering Certification?

Yes! You can renew your certification every three years by passing the ASME recertification exam or completing continuing education activities related to pipeline engineering topics.