API 653 Aboveground Storage Tank
Inspector Certification Practice Exam
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of API 653?
A. Design of pressure vessels
B. Inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of storage tanks
C. Pipeline construction
D. Welding procedure qualification
Answer: B
Rationale: API 653 specifically covers inspection, repair, alteration, and
reconstruction of aboveground storage tanks.
2. Which standard is typically used for the original construction of
aboveground storage tanks?
A. API 510
B. API 570
C. API 650
D. ASME Section VIII
Answer: C
Rationale: API 650 is the standard for welded steel tanks for oil storage.
,3. Minimum metal thickness requirements in API 653 are primarily based on:
A. Tank diameter
B. Corrosion rate
C. Stress and corrosion allowance
D. Tank color
Answer: C
Rationale: Thickness calculations consider stress and corrosion allowance
to ensure integrity.
4. What is the primary cause of tank bottom corrosion?
A. Wind
B. UV radiation
C. Soil-side exposure
D. Paint failure only
Answer: C
Rationale: Soil-side corrosion is the most common cause of bottom plate
deterioration.
5. Who is responsible for determining inspection intervals?
A. Welder
B. Owner/operator
C. Contractor
D. Government agency
Answer: B
Rationale: The owner/operator determines inspection intervals based on
risk and standards.
6. External inspections should typically be performed at least every:
A. Month
B. 6 months
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
Answer: C
, Rationale: API 653 recommends external inspections at intervals not
exceeding 5 years.
7. Internal inspections are primarily intended to:
A. Check paint color
B. Evaluate corrosion and integrity
C. Inspect piping only
D. Measure temperature
Answer: B
Rationale: Internal inspections assess corrosion, cracking, and structural
condition.
8. Settlement of a tank can lead to:
A. Improved strength
B. Structural distortion
C. Reduced corrosion
D. Better drainage
Answer: B
Rationale: Uneven settlement causes distortion and potential failure.
9. The critical zone for corrosion in a tank bottom is:
A. Center
B. Shell-to-bottom weld area
C. Roof
D. Nozzle
Answer: B
Rationale: This area is highly stressed and prone to corrosion.
10.Which NDT method is commonly used for detecting surface cracks?
A. UT
B. RT
C. MT
D. Visual only
Answer: C
Inspector Certification Practice Exam
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of API 653?
A. Design of pressure vessels
B. Inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of storage tanks
C. Pipeline construction
D. Welding procedure qualification
Answer: B
Rationale: API 653 specifically covers inspection, repair, alteration, and
reconstruction of aboveground storage tanks.
2. Which standard is typically used for the original construction of
aboveground storage tanks?
A. API 510
B. API 570
C. API 650
D. ASME Section VIII
Answer: C
Rationale: API 650 is the standard for welded steel tanks for oil storage.
,3. Minimum metal thickness requirements in API 653 are primarily based on:
A. Tank diameter
B. Corrosion rate
C. Stress and corrosion allowance
D. Tank color
Answer: C
Rationale: Thickness calculations consider stress and corrosion allowance
to ensure integrity.
4. What is the primary cause of tank bottom corrosion?
A. Wind
B. UV radiation
C. Soil-side exposure
D. Paint failure only
Answer: C
Rationale: Soil-side corrosion is the most common cause of bottom plate
deterioration.
5. Who is responsible for determining inspection intervals?
A. Welder
B. Owner/operator
C. Contractor
D. Government agency
Answer: B
Rationale: The owner/operator determines inspection intervals based on
risk and standards.
6. External inspections should typically be performed at least every:
A. Month
B. 6 months
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
Answer: C
, Rationale: API 653 recommends external inspections at intervals not
exceeding 5 years.
7. Internal inspections are primarily intended to:
A. Check paint color
B. Evaluate corrosion and integrity
C. Inspect piping only
D. Measure temperature
Answer: B
Rationale: Internal inspections assess corrosion, cracking, and structural
condition.
8. Settlement of a tank can lead to:
A. Improved strength
B. Structural distortion
C. Reduced corrosion
D. Better drainage
Answer: B
Rationale: Uneven settlement causes distortion and potential failure.
9. The critical zone for corrosion in a tank bottom is:
A. Center
B. Shell-to-bottom weld area
C. Roof
D. Nozzle
Answer: B
Rationale: This area is highly stressed and prone to corrosion.
10.Which NDT method is commonly used for detecting surface cracks?
A. UT
B. RT
C. MT
D. Visual only
Answer: C
