API 653 Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector
Certification Exam Prep Document 2026/2027 | Tank
Inspection, Integrity Management & Industry Codes |
100 Verified Questions with Detailed Rationales
Section 1: Scope, Definitions & Roles
1. API Standard 653 is intended for use with tanks designed and constructed in
accordance with which standard?
• A) API 620 only
• B) ASME Section VIII
• C) API 650 and its predecessor standards (API 12C)
• D) ASME B31.3
Rationale: API 653 was developed using API 650 as the basis for design and
construction and explicitly extends to tanks built to API 12C, the predecessor of API
650. API 620 covers low-pressure storage tanks with a different design basis, and
ASME codes cover pressure vessels and piping.
2. According to API 653, who bears ultimate responsibility for compliance with
the standard's provisions?
• A) The inspector
• B) The repair contractor
• C) The owner/operator
• D) The API Committee
Rationale: API 653 places ultimate responsibility for compliance, including
inspection scheduling, repairs, and alterations, on the owner/operator of the tank.
,The inspector carries out evaluations but does not bear ultimate accountability;
the contractor executes work as directed.
3. API 653 defines a "Storage tank engineer" as:
• A) A registered professional engineer in structural steel fabrication
• B) A person or organization knowledgeable and experienced in the
engineering disciplines associated with evaluating the integrity and
reliability of aboveground storage tanks
• C) The engineering department of a contractor who makes repairs to
aboveground storage tanks
• D) A professional engineer licensed in the state where the tank is located
Rationale: API 653 defines a Storage Tank Engineer as a person or organization
knowledgeable and experienced in the engineering disciplines associated with
evaluating the integrity and reliability of aboveground storage tanks. This
definition emphasizes competence rather than just licensure.
4. For an in-service tank, which document governs over the original construction
code in cases of conflict?
• A) The original construction code always governs
• B) API 653 always governs
• C) The purchaser's specification
• D) ASME Section V
Rationale: API 653 explicitly states that for tanks already placed in service, API 653
governs over the requirements of the original construction standard. The original
code and purchaser specs are subordinate once a tank is in service.
,5. Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the API 653 Inspector?
• A) Determining inspection intervals
• B) Evaluating corroded areas
• C) Designing replacement shell courses
• D) Reviewing welding procedures
Rationale: The inspector evaluates, inspects, and makes recommendations but
does not perform engineering design. Design of replacement components is the
responsibility of the Storage Tank Engineer.
6. Under API 653, the owner/operator is responsible for:
• A) Performing NDE procedures
• B) Maintaining the tank's integrity
• C) Ensuring repairs are performed to code
• D) All of the above
Rationale: The owner/operator bears ultimate responsibility for all aspects of tank
integrity, including inspection scheduling, repairs, alterations, and compliance with
API 653 requirements.
7. API 653 Section 1 establishes the scope of the standard. Which of the
following is covered?
• A) In-service inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of
aboveground storage tanks
• B) New tank construction only
• C) Pressure vessel design
• D) Pipeline transportation
, Rationale: API 653 covers in-service inspection, repair, alteration, and
reconstruction of aboveground storage tanks. New tank construction is covered by
API 650.
8. A "major repair" under API 653 is defined as:
• A) Any weld repair
• B) A repair that affects the structural integrity of the tank
• C) Any repair requiring welding
• D) A repair costing more than $10,000
Rationale: Major repairs affect structural integrity and require more stringent
documentation and inspection than routine maintenance. Partial or complete
jacking of a tank shell is specifically considered a major repair.
9. The API 653 certification is valid for a term of:
• A) 1 year
• B) 2 years
• C) 3 years
• D) 5 years
Rationale: API 653 certification is valid for a three-year term and is accredited by
ANSI under ISO 17024. Recertification requires demonstration of work in the
industry and earning 24 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
10. The API 653 exam is composed of:
• A) 110 closed-book and 60 open-book questions
• B) 60 closed-book and 110 open-book questions
Certification Exam Prep Document 2026/2027 | Tank
Inspection, Integrity Management & Industry Codes |
100 Verified Questions with Detailed Rationales
Section 1: Scope, Definitions & Roles
1. API Standard 653 is intended for use with tanks designed and constructed in
accordance with which standard?
• A) API 620 only
• B) ASME Section VIII
• C) API 650 and its predecessor standards (API 12C)
• D) ASME B31.3
Rationale: API 653 was developed using API 650 as the basis for design and
construction and explicitly extends to tanks built to API 12C, the predecessor of API
650. API 620 covers low-pressure storage tanks with a different design basis, and
ASME codes cover pressure vessels and piping.
2. According to API 653, who bears ultimate responsibility for compliance with
the standard's provisions?
• A) The inspector
• B) The repair contractor
• C) The owner/operator
• D) The API Committee
Rationale: API 653 places ultimate responsibility for compliance, including
inspection scheduling, repairs, and alterations, on the owner/operator of the tank.
,The inspector carries out evaluations but does not bear ultimate accountability;
the contractor executes work as directed.
3. API 653 defines a "Storage tank engineer" as:
• A) A registered professional engineer in structural steel fabrication
• B) A person or organization knowledgeable and experienced in the
engineering disciplines associated with evaluating the integrity and
reliability of aboveground storage tanks
• C) The engineering department of a contractor who makes repairs to
aboveground storage tanks
• D) A professional engineer licensed in the state where the tank is located
Rationale: API 653 defines a Storage Tank Engineer as a person or organization
knowledgeable and experienced in the engineering disciplines associated with
evaluating the integrity and reliability of aboveground storage tanks. This
definition emphasizes competence rather than just licensure.
4. For an in-service tank, which document governs over the original construction
code in cases of conflict?
• A) The original construction code always governs
• B) API 653 always governs
• C) The purchaser's specification
• D) ASME Section V
Rationale: API 653 explicitly states that for tanks already placed in service, API 653
governs over the requirements of the original construction standard. The original
code and purchaser specs are subordinate once a tank is in service.
,5. Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the API 653 Inspector?
• A) Determining inspection intervals
• B) Evaluating corroded areas
• C) Designing replacement shell courses
• D) Reviewing welding procedures
Rationale: The inspector evaluates, inspects, and makes recommendations but
does not perform engineering design. Design of replacement components is the
responsibility of the Storage Tank Engineer.
6. Under API 653, the owner/operator is responsible for:
• A) Performing NDE procedures
• B) Maintaining the tank's integrity
• C) Ensuring repairs are performed to code
• D) All of the above
Rationale: The owner/operator bears ultimate responsibility for all aspects of tank
integrity, including inspection scheduling, repairs, alterations, and compliance with
API 653 requirements.
7. API 653 Section 1 establishes the scope of the standard. Which of the
following is covered?
• A) In-service inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of
aboveground storage tanks
• B) New tank construction only
• C) Pressure vessel design
• D) Pipeline transportation
, Rationale: API 653 covers in-service inspection, repair, alteration, and
reconstruction of aboveground storage tanks. New tank construction is covered by
API 650.
8. A "major repair" under API 653 is defined as:
• A) Any weld repair
• B) A repair that affects the structural integrity of the tank
• C) Any repair requiring welding
• D) A repair costing more than $10,000
Rationale: Major repairs affect structural integrity and require more stringent
documentation and inspection than routine maintenance. Partial or complete
jacking of a tank shell is specifically considered a major repair.
9. The API 653 certification is valid for a term of:
• A) 1 year
• B) 2 years
• C) 3 years
• D) 5 years
Rationale: API 653 certification is valid for a three-year term and is accredited by
ANSI under ISO 17024. Recertification requires demonstration of work in the
industry and earning 24 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
10. The API 653 exam is composed of:
• A) 110 closed-book and 60 open-book questions
• B) 60 closed-book and 110 open-book questions
