CPD Hour Requirements (API ICP Guide)
Your complete reference for understanding CPD hour requirements for API 510, API 570, and API 653 inspectors.
Introduction: Why CPD Hours Matter for API Inspectors
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours are now a formal requirement for recertification under the API Individual Certification Program (ICP). Beginning with the 2023–2025 recertification cycle, inspectors must complete industry-relevant CPD activities to maintain their credentials.
CPD ensures inspectors remain current with:
- Mechanical Integrity practices
- API code updates
- Changes in inspection techniques
- Damage mechanisms (API 571)
- Evolving safety and regulatory expectations
For a deeper overview of CPD and how it works, visit:
👉 CPD Hours: Complete Guide for API Inspectors
1. CPD Hour Requirements Explained
API implemented a staged rollout of CPD requirements. Here’s what each renewal cycle requires:
A. First Phase – Certifications Expiring in 2023
Inspectors were required to complete:
✔ 8 CPD Hours
This was the introductory requirement to help inspectors transition into the new CPD system.
B. Second Phase – Certifications Expiring in 2024
Inspectors were required to complete:
✔ 16 CPD Hours
The CPD workload increased as API moved toward a standardized 3-year cycle requirement.
C. From 2025 Onward – All Certifications
Every API 510, 570, and 653 inspector must complete:
⭐ 24 CPD Hours every 3-year cycle
AND
⭐ A minimum of 8 CPD Hours per calendar year
This applies regardless of which certification(s) you hold.
Full multi-year details and examples are available in:
👉 Your Complete Guide to Earning CPD Hours for API Recertification (2025 Update)
2. CPD Hours Must Be Completed Before Recertification
API requires all CPD hours to be completed within your active 3-year certification cycle. Hours cannot be carried over from past cycles or borrowed from future cycles.
✔ Your submission must include:
- Total hours completed
- Documentation for each activity
- Verification information
- Provider/course name
For easy access to online, documented CPD hours:
3. Documentation Requirements for CPD Hours
API requires every CPD activity to be verifiable. You must upload documentation during your recertification application.
Acceptable CPD Documentation Includes:
- Certificates of completion
- Attendance logs or sign-in sheets
- Course syllabus, agenda, or description
- Study logs for approved self-study
- Proof of authorship for technical writing
- Screenshot confirmations (for webinars or virtual sessions)
Your documentation must show:
- Your name
- Provider or instructor
- Activity name
- Number of CPD hours
- Completion date
- Verification number (if applicable)
If you’re unsure which activities count as CPD, see the companion article:
👉 What Counts as CPD Hours? Examples, Rules, and Documentation (You’ll insert your article URL once published)
4. Acceptable CPD Topics Under API ICP
CPD hours must be related to inspection, mechanical integrity, safety, or technical competencies relevant to your certification.
Common accepted activity categories include:
✔ Inspection-related online training
✔ Damage Mechanism reviews (API 571)
✔ Welding fundamentals & inspection (API 577)
✔ Risk-Based Inspection content (API 580/581)
✔ NDT-related education (MT, PT, UT, RT, VT)
✔ Mechanical Integrity fundamentals
✔ Pressure equipment basics & advanced refreshers
To explore approved, inspector-focused online training:
5. Recertification Beyond CPD Hours
CPD is just one part of the recertification requirements. API also requires inspectors to show:
✔ Ongoing inspection experience
(Example: API 510 requires 20% inspection-related work)
✔ A valid certification status throughout the 3-year cycle
(No lapses — late fees apply but late CPD submissions are not accepted)
✔ Completion of any API-assigned web quiz (if required)
Some cycles include a short quiz tied to code updates.
✔ Accurate and complete application submission
Incorrect applications are one of the top reasons inspectors are delayed or rejected.
6. How to Stay Organized With CPD Hours
The easiest way to avoid scrambling before recertification is to track CPD throughout the year.
⭐ Recommended:
- Maintain a CPD log sheet
- Scan/upload certificates immediately
- Store documents in your inspector compliance folder
- Complete at least 8 hours per year (API mandatory minimum)
Want the simplest way to stay compliant?
👉 Earn CPD Hours Anytime Online — Inspector-Focused Courses
7. Summary — What This Page Covers
This page explains the required number of CPD hours, API submission rules, and documentation expectations for inspectors seeking recertification.
Use this page to understand:
- How many total hours you need
- How many hours per year
- What API expects when you submit
- The difference between CPD requirements vs. CPD activities
If you need to learn which activities qualify as CPD, go to:
👉 “What Counts as CPD Hours? Examples, Rules & Documentation” (link your new article here)
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many CPD hours are required for API recertification?
API requires 24 CPD hours every three years, with a minimum of 8 hours completed per calendar year beginning in 2025.
Do CPD hours need to be documented?
Yes. API requires certificates, attendance logs, study logs, or other verifiable documents proving completion of CPD activities.
Can online training be used for CPD hours?
Yes. Online courses count toward CPD hours if they are industry-related and include valid documentation.
Earn CPD hours online here: Integrity Inspector Academy
Can CPD hours carry over to the next certification cycle?
No. All CPD hours must be completed within your active certification cycle.
Are CPD hours required for every certification I hold?
Yes. API requires CPD hours for each certification cycle, but overlapping cycles may allow combined hours.
