Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours are now a core requirement for API 510, API 570, and API 653 recertification. But one of the biggest questions inspectors ask is:

“What exactly counts as a CPD hour?”

This guide gives you the complete breakdown:
✔ Accepted CPD activities
✔ What does not count
✔ Real examples
✔ API rules
✔ Documentation requirements
✔ How to earn CPD hours online

This article is written specifically for inspectors under the API Individual Certification Program (ICP).

What Are CPD Hours?

CPD hours are structured learning activities that help inspectors stay technically competent and current with API codes, inspection techniques, mechanical integrity practices, and safety requirements.

To qualify, a CPD hour must be:

✔ Relevant

Industry-related and applicable to inspection, MI, NDT, corrosion, equipment, or API codes.

✔ Structured

Planned learning with a topic, purpose, and measurable time.

✔ Documented

You must be able to prove it happened.

✔ Verifiable

API must be able to confirm the activity, provider, or learning outcome.

Accepted CPD Activities (API ICP)

Here is the full list of accepted CPD activity categories under API’s rules.

⭐ 1. Online Training Courses (Most Popular)

Online courses count as CPD hours when they include:

Technical instruction
Industry relevance
Certificate or documentation
A clear number of hours

Examples:

API code overviews
Damage mechanisms (API 571)
NDT method refreshers
Mechanical integrity fundamentals
Pressure equipment basics
Corrosion topics
Welding fundamentals (API 577)

👉 Inspectors often prefer online courses because they are self-paced and provide instant documentation.

Earn acceptable CPD hours online here:
https://api-cpd.org/earn-api-cpd-hours-online/

⭐ 2. Instructor-Led Training (Classroom or Virtual)

Instructor-led training counts as CPD when you receive:

An attendance record
Certificate
Agenda or syllabus

Examples:

Technical workshops
In-person inspection training
NDT training sessions
Metallurgy seminars
Process safety courses
MI program training

⭐ 3. Webinars & Conference Sessions

These qualify when:

They are technical
You receive proof of attendance

Examples:

NDE webinars
API code update meetings
Materials or corrosion sessions
Inspection technology presentations

⭐ 4. Structured Self-Study (YES — This Counts)

API accepts self-study when documented properly.

This includes:

Reviewing API 510/570/653 codes
Studying API 571 damage mechanisms
Reading inspection or MI technical articles
Studying P&IDs, isos, or inspection calculations
Preparing for an exam (study time counts, not exam time)

Requirements:

Keep a study log with:
- Date
- Time spent
- Topic studied
- Materials used

Self-study is one of the easiest ways to fill missing CPD hours near recertification.

⭐ 5. Technical Writing or Teaching

API recognizes technical contribution to the industry.

Examples:

Writing inspection-related articles
Teaching an inspection or MI course
Presenting at conferences
Developing training modules
Creating inspection procedures

These count as long as you can document the preparation or teaching time.

⭐ 6. Structured Work-Based Learning

This must be learning-oriented, not routine work.

Examples that do count:

✔ RBI review participation
✔ Damage mechanism reviews
✔ Documented MI improvement training
✔ Structured internal training programs
✔ Facilitator-led code review sessions

Examples that do NOT count:

✘ Daily inspection work
✘ Job tasks you already do routinely
✘ Toolbox talks
✘ Shift handovers
✘ Informal conversations

❌ Activities That Do NOT Count as CPD Hours

API rejects CPD hours when the activity is:

Not relevant
Not documented
Routine job work
Non-technical
Generic safety or HR training
Unstructured or unverifiable

Examples:

❌ Daily inspection rounds
❌ Safety meetings
❌ Soft-skill training
❌ Watching random YouTube videos
❌ Vendor lunches
❌ Team meetings
❌ Onboarding or HR programs

When in doubt, ask:

“Can I document this, and does it help me grow as a technical inspector?”

⭐ How Many CPD Hours Do You Need?

API’s updated requirements:

2023 recertification → 8 hours
2024 recertification → 16 hours
2025+ all inspectors →
✔ 24 CPD hours every 3 years
✔ At least 8 hours per year (minimum)

Full requirements here:
👉 https://api-cpd.org/cpd-hour-requirements-api-icp-guide/

⭐ Documentation Requirements

You must submit documentation for every CPD activity.

Acceptable documentation includes:

Certificates
Attendance logs
Course outlines
Webinar confirmations
Study logs
Proof of authorship
Training materials created

Documentation must show:

Your name
Date
Provider/instructor
Activity title
Hours completed

API will reject undocumented hours.

⭐ Easiest Way to Earn CPD Hours

Online, self-paced, inspector-focused courses are the fastest way to earn CPD hours that meet API ICP rules.

✔ Immediate documentation
✔ Technical content
✔ Inspector-focused topics
✔ Accepted by API ICP

Earn CPD hours today:
👉 https://api-cpd.org/earn-api-cpd-hours-online/

Summary

This guide covers the full breakdown of what counts as CPD hours under API ICP:

✔ Online training

✔ Instructor-led training

✔ Webinars

✔ Structured self-study

✔ Technical writing and teaching

✔ Structured work-based learning

❌ Does NOT include

Routine work, general safety meetings, or undocumented activities.

For requirements (how many hours you need):
👉 https://api-cpd.org/cpd-hour-requirements-api-icp-guide/

To earn your hours online:
👉 Integrity Inspector Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities count as CPD hours for API inspectors?

CPD hours can be earned through online training, webinars, classroom courses, technical writing, teaching, structured work-based learning, and documented self-study. Activities must be relevant to inspection, mechanical integrity, or API codes.

Do online courses count toward CPD hours?

Yes. Online courses are accepted by API ICP as long as they are industry-related and include proper documentation such as a certificate of completion.

Does API accept self-study as CPD hours?

Yes. Self-study counts when it is structured, relevant, and documented with a study log that includes dates, topics studied, and total time spent.

What does NOT count as CPD hours?

Daily inspection tasks, toolbox talks, general safety meetings, HR or soft-skill training, undocumented activities, and routine job duties do not qualify as CPD hours.

How do I document my CPD hours for API ICP?

Documentation may include certificates, attendance logs, webinar confirmations, study logs, course outlines, or proof of authorship/teaching. Each document must show your name, date, activity title, provider, and hours completed.

Can webinars or virtual classes be used as CPD hours?

Yes. Webinars and virtual instructor-led classes count as long as they are technical and you receive proof of attendance or completion.

How many CPD hours are required for recertification?

Starting in 2025, all API 510, 570, and 653 inspectors must complete 24 CPD hours every three years, with at least 8 hours per calendar year.

Where can I earn CPD hours quickly?

You can complete inspector-focused online CPD courses anytime here:
👉 Integrity Inspector Academy