API 982
Announcing the API 982 Certification and Exam Preparation Course
A practical guide to what the certification validates, why API RP 982 matters, exam format, qualification requirements, and the key knowledge topics you're expected to know.
Authors:
Chris Davis
Instructor, API Certified
Basu Paudel, P.E.
Mechanical Engineer, Instructor
Key Takeaways
- API 982 certifies professionals to inspect and assess refractory linings in refinery equipment like fired heaters and sulfur recovery units.
- Candidates must hold a valid API 936 certification before attempting the API 982 exam.
- The exam consists of 165 multiple-choice questions (150 scored) over 4.5 hours; closed book, no aids permitted.
- Eligibility requires 1 - 3 years of specific refractory inspection experience depending on education level.
New course offer
We're launching our comprehensive online course for API 982 exam preparation soon, and we're giving away a full scholarship to one lucky person on our mailing list.
Join: Subscribe to our newsletter at mechintegrity.com/api-982
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Exam content focus & key topics
Refractory Materials & Lining Design (15–20%)
- Types of refractory materials (monolithic, brick, fiber, etc.)
- Material properties and selection criteria
- Typical refractory lining designs for different equipment
- Thermal properties and performance considerations
- Installation methods and quality control points
Damage, Defects, & Degradation Mechanisms (20–25%)
- Common defects: cracks, spalling, erosion, corrosion, chemical attack
- Causes and mechanisms of refractory degradation
- Signs of damage during in-service inspection
- Impact of operational conditions on refractory lifespan
In-Service Inspection Methods & Tools (20–25%)
- Visual inspection techniques
- Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods (ultrasound, infrared thermography, etc.)
- Use of borescopes, cameras, and other inspection tools
- Inspection planning and documentation procedures
- Safety considerations during inspection
Quality Control, Inspection, & Test Plans (10–15%)
- Developing and implementing inspection and test plans (ITPs)
- Acceptance criteria for refractory conditions
- Role of quality assurance in refractory installation and maintenance
- Recording and reporting inspection findings
Repair & Maintenance Methods (10–15%)
- Repair techniques: patching, re-lining, component replacement
- Repair materials and their compatibility
- Repair planning and execution
- Post-repair inspection and verification
Documentation & Reporting (10–15%)
- Inspection reports, records, and documentation standards
- Communicating findings effectively
- Recommendations for repairs or further assessment
- Maintaining traceability and compliance
*Note: The exam breakdown provided above is intended to guide your exam preparation focus only; the exact percentage weighting may vary on your actual exam.
Prepare for API 982 Success with Mech Integrity
Getting certified as an API 982 Refractory Inspector is a significant step in your career, demonstrating specialized expertise essential for the safety and efficiency of high-temperature refinery operations. At Mech Integrity, we understand the rigor of this examination and the need for focused, high-quality preparation.
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our comprehensive, online API 982 Certification Exam Preparation Course!
Designed by industry experts, this course distills the complex requirements of API RP 982 and associated API documents (like API 560, API 935, and the API Technical Reports) into a structured, easy-to-follow curriculum. Our goal is to equip you not just with memorized facts, but with the practical understanding needed to confidently ace the exam and apply the standards in the field.
What Our Course Offers
- Targeted Content: We cover every topic area outlined in the API 982 Body of Knowledge, from Refractory Materials & Design to In-Service Inspection Methods and Damage Mechanisms.
- Deep Dive into Reference Documents: Structured lessons on API RP 982, API 560, and the critical API Technical Reports (935, 977, 978, 979, 980, 981).
- Practice Quizzes and Mock Exams: Test your knowledge and get comfortable with the multiple-choice, closed-book format of the actual exam.
- Expert Instruction: Learn from certified professionals with extensive real-world experience in refractory inspection and mechanical integrity.
Objective of API 982 Certification
The API 982 certification is designed to validate the knowledge and competence of individuals responsible for the inspection and assessment of refractory linings in refinery and industrial equipment. It aims to establish a recognized standard of proficiency, ensuring that certified inspectors possess the necessary skills to evaluate refractory systems effectively.
This certification enhances industry confidence by identifying qualified personnel capable of performing inspections that promote equipment reliability, operational efficiency, personnel safety, and process safety.
Key objectives include
- Ensuring inspectors understand the properties and design of refractory linings.
- Equipping inspectors with the ability to identify defects, damage, and degradation mechanisms.
- Promoting the use of appropriate in-service inspection methods.
- Guiding the application of quality control, repair, and documentation practices.
- Supporting informed decision-making regarding refractory maintenance and repair.
Significance of API RP 982
Published in October 2023, API RP 982 provides industry-specific guidelines for the inspection and assessment of refractory linings in refinery equipment such as fired heaters, reformers, sulfur recovery units, and other high-temperature vessels. It emphasizes:
- Enhancing operational reliability
- Promoting safety
- Improving energy efficiency
- Supporting informed decision-making for refractory maintenance
By aligning with other API standards like API 936, API 975, and API 976, API RP 982 helps establish high standards for refractory installation, inspection, and testing, contributing to safer, more efficient, and more reliable refinery operations.
API 982 Certification Exam Outline
Exam overview
- Exam Duration: 4.5 hours
- Number of Questions: 165 total (150 scored + 15 pretest, not scored)
- Format: Multiple-choice, closed book
- Materials Allowed: None (no reference materials or aids permitted)
Qualification Requirements
To qualify for the API 982 exam, candidates must meet the prerequisites below.
API 936 Certification
Candidates must hold a valid API 936 Refractory Personnel certification, which covers refractory installation quality control, inspection, and testing.
Experience & Education
Candidates must demonstrate minimum competency through a combination of education and experience, as outlined in API RP 982 Annex C:
| Education Level | Specific refractory inspection / supervision experience | Total refractory industry experience |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree in engineering/technology | 1 year | 3 years |
| Two-year Degree / Certificate or 2 years of Military Service (discharge not dishonorable) | 2 years | 3 years |
| High School Diploma or Equivalent | 3 years | 5 years |
Note: Experience refers to hands-on refractory installation, quality control, or supervision activities.
Minimum Active Engagement
Candidates must have been actively engaged in inspection activities for at least three years and have performed inspection or supervision tasks for a minimum of 20% of their recent three-year certification period.
Recertification process
Validity period: Certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance.
Recertification requirements
Candidates must demonstrate ongoing active engagement in inspection activities, defined as either:
- Spending at least 20% of their time performing or supervising refractory inspections during the last three years, or
- Performing inspection activities in specific areas outlined in API RP 982.
Recertification examination
If not actively engaged, candidates must retake and pass the API 982 written exam to recertify. The recertification exam is similar in format and scope to the initial exam, ensuring that inspectors maintain their competency.
API 982 Certification Program: knowledge topics overview
| Topic Area | Standards / Reports | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Refractory Inspection & Assessment | API RP 982 | Inspection techniques and procedures for refractory linings. Assessment of refractory condition and damage. Evaluation of lining integrity and remaining life. Documentation and reporting of inspection findings. |
| Fired Heaters & Thermal Processes | API Standard 560 | Design and operation of fired heaters in refinery service. Material selection and refractory considerations for high-temperature environments. Heat transfer, thermal efficiency, and safety aspects. |
| Thermal Conductivity & Material Properties | API Publication 935 | Measurement techniques for thermal conductivity of refractory materials. Impact of thermal properties on refractory performance. Optimization of refractory compositions for thermal efficiency. |
| Erosion & Resistance Testing | API Technical Report 977 | Variability in ASTM C704 testing methods. Erosion resistance of refractory materials. Data analysis for improving refractory formulations for critical applications. |
| Manufacture, Properties, & Selection of Monolithic Refractories | API Technical Report 978 | Manufacturing processes of monolithic refractories. Mechanical and thermal properties. Criteria for selecting appropriate monolithic refractory materials. |
| Applications & Usage of Refractory Materials | API Technical Report 979 | Practical applications of various refractory lining materials. Compatibility and performance in different refining processes. Best practices for application and maintenance. |
| Installation & Dryout Procedures | API Technical Report 980 | Installation techniques for monolithic refractories. Dryout procedures to prevent damage. Quality control during installation. Post-installation inspection and testing. |
| Thermal Expansion & Creep Testing | API Technical Report 981 | Methods for evaluating thermal expansion under load. Creep behavior of refractory materials. Comparison of testing methods and their implications for refractory design and performance. |
Summary
The API 982 certification is a comprehensive and industry-recognized credential designed to validate the expertise of professionals in inspecting and assessing refractory linings within critical refinery equipment. To attain this certification, candidates must possess relevant experience, hold the API 936 certification, and successfully pass a rigorous exam that covers key topics such as refractory inspection and assessment, fired heater operation, thermal properties, erosion testing, monolithic refractory selection, installation procedures, and material behavior under thermal stress.
Valid for three years, recertification requires active engagement in the industry or retaking the exam to maintain credentials. This certification plays a vital role in ensuring that refractory inspections are performed by qualified personnel, ultimately enhancing the safety, efficiency, and reliability of refinery operations.