The easiest way for API inspectors to stay compliant, stay current, and stay certified.

Keeping your American Petroleum Institute (API) certifications active is a critical part of maintaining your professional credibility. Whether you hold API 510, 570, 653, 577, 580/581, or any other API credential, the clock toward recertification never stops ticking. And the one thing every inspector eventually searches for?

CPD Hours. Continuing Professional Development.

If you’re looking for convenient, affordable, API-recognized CPD hours, you’re in the right place.

At Integrity Inspector Academy, our mission is simple:
Provide high-quality online training specifically designed for API inspector recertification.

What Are CPD Hours—and Why Do API Inspectors Need Them?

API requires inspectors to complete Continuing Professional Development activities before each 3-year recertification cycle. This ensures inspectors remain technically competent in codes, standards, and industry best practices.

Why CPD Hours matter:

They keep your certification active
They help you avoid costly lapses or retests
They demonstrate ongoing technical competency
They ensure you stay aligned with API’s evolving guidelines
They can be completed 100% online through approved training providers

API now emphasizes structured, documented CPD activities—meaning you need verifiable training hours with certificates.

That’s exactly what we deliver.

Why Integrity Inspector Academy Is the Best Option for Earning CPD Hours Online

We built our platform specifically for inspectors.

✔ API-Recognized Topics

Every course is developed around industry-specific material approved by API for CPD hours. No fluff. No generic training.

✔ Instant Certificates (CPD Hours Included)

After completing a course, download your certificate instantly. All certificates include the required documentation to upload for API recertification.

✔ Learn at Your Own Pace—100% Online

No travel. No scheduling. Take your courses anytime, from anywhere.

✔ Designed by Inspectors, for Inspectors

Our content is created by professionals who have decades of experience in API inspection, mechanical integrity, PRD inspection, metallurgy, corrosion mechanisms, risk-based inspection, and more.

✔ Affordable Courses With High Value

No overpriced seminars. No unnecessary subscriptions.
We offer straightforward pricing that works for individuals and companies.

Who Needs CPD Hours?

If you hold any of the following API certifications, you must earn documented CPD hours before your recertification date:

API 510 – Pressure Vessel Inspector
API 570 – Piping Inspector
API 653 – Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector
API 577 – Welding Inspection
API 580/581 – Risk-Based Inspection
API 936, 1169, SIFE, and others

Whether you need 6, 8, 12, or more hours, our library has courses ready to go.

Popular Courses Available Now

These are some of our most in-demand CPD courses:

🔧 Understanding API 571 Damage Mechanisms

A deep dive into corrosion and degradation mechanisms inspectors must understand.

🔥 API 576 – PRD Inspection & Testing

Covers relief devices, test intervals, failure modes, and best practices.

🛠 Metallurgy for API Inspectors

A practical approach to materials, heat treatments, phase changes, and service degradation.

📘 Introduction to Risk-Based Inspection (API 580 Principles)

Perfect for 510/570 inspectors wanting to grow into RBI and MI engineering roles.

🔍 Interpreting P&IDs for Mechanical Integrity

Essential for new and developing inspectors.

More courses launch every month—each one eligible for CPD hours.

How Many CPD Hours Do You Need for Recertification?

API typically requires 24 CPD hours every 3-year cycle, though some certifications vary. Always check your recertification portal.

Inside your API portal, you’ll see:

Required CPD hours
Accrued hours
Upload options for certificates

Our certificates are formatted to meet all CPD upload requirements.

How to Claim Your CPD Hours Through Integrity Inspector Academy

Getting CPD hours should be simple. Here’s how we make it painless:

Choose your course on Integrity Inspector Academy
Complete the online training at your own pace
Download your certificate instantly
Upload to your API recertification dashboard
Done.

Inspectors use our certificates every day to meet their recertification hour requirements without issue.

Why Now Is the Best Time to Start Your CPD Hours

Waiting until the last month—like many inspectors do—creates unnecessary stress. Plus, the API portal sometimes gets backed up near deadlines.

Knock out your hours early.
Stay compliant.
Stay certified.

And keep your career moving forward.

Start Earning CPD Hours Today

If you’re ready to complete your CPD hours quickly and confidently, explore our growing library of courses:

👉 Visit: Integrity Inspector Academy

Whether you’re renewing 510, 570, 653, or any other certification, we’ve got you covered with API-recognized, industry-specific training.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CPD hour under API ICP?

A CPD hour is equal to one contact hour (at least 50 minutes) of verified, industry-related education or professional development.

How many CPD hours do I need for recertification?

Starting in 2025, API requires 24 CPD hours every three years and at least 8 hours per calendar year. Earlier cycles (2023 and 2024) required 8 and 16 hours respectively.

What activities count toward CPD hours?

Accepted CPD activities include online training, webinars, classroom courses, conferences, self-study, technical writing, teaching, and structured work-based learning—provided they are relevant and documented.

Does self-study count as CPD hours?

Yes. Self-study counts if it is structured, relevant to inspection or mechanical integrity, and properly logged with dates, materials, and time spent.

What documentation do I need for CPD hours?

Acceptable documentation includes certificates, attendance logs, course outlines, webinar confirmations, study logs, or proof of teaching or technical writing. Documentation must show your name, date, hours, and activity title.

Does regular inspection work count toward CPD hours?

No. Routine inspection work does not qualify. CPD hours must come from structured learning, not normal job duties.

Can I use online courses for CPD hours?

Yes. Online courses are fully acceptable as long as they include proper documentation.
You can earn online CPD hours here: Integrity Inspector Academy

Can I carry extra CPD hours into my next cycle?

Yes. If you complete more hours than required before your certification expires, some CPD hours may be carried over according to API’s carry-over rules.