Chief Pipeline Inspector Master Class

Based on the CFR 49 mandatory requirements with application guidance for process and human factors management

Chief Inspector Training –
14 hours Technical Instruction with Level 4 Chief Inspector Exam – $1298

Course Overview

UPCOMING INSTRUCTOR LED SESSIONS
March 18-19, 2027 – Houston, TX

Training Overview

This training combines online training videos and scheduled instructor led sessions to provide a comprehensive understanding of 49 CFR Parts 192 & 195 and the CSA Human Factors document, as they apply to managing inspection teams and processes for energy pipeline construction in the United States.

The course integrates fundamental principles with advanced technical and management training, focusing on the practical application of API 1173 recommendations for Pipeline Safety Management System (PSMS) elements, construction, and testing concepts from a leadership perspective.

Emphasis is placed on managing various types of inspectors, ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations under the jurisdiction of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

The training also covers human and organizational factors for effective team management to achieve project compliance and safety.

The training content focus is the correct application of API principles and the mandatory requirements dictated under Federal and State regulations.

On Demand Training

This course contains a combination of on demand videos and scheduled instructor led sessions.

Students are encouraged to ask questions during the instructor led sessions and will have access to the instructor at the conclusion of online modules.

This course requires access to a suitable electronic device (computer/laptop/tablet) with an internet connection for access to the training dashboard and videos, as well as instructor led sessions.

Students will establish a unique login credential for accessing the Training Dashboard during the registration process.

Who Should Attend

Ideal for experienced general inspectors looking to advance into senior roles with responsibilities for managing personnel and inspection processes.

This training is also valuable for those involved in the design, construction, or operation of energy pipeline projects, providing both foundational and advanced training in the application of codes, regulations, and standards.

The course provides foundational and advanced training for the effective management of inspection teams, including adherence to mandatory federal and state regulations for energy pipeline projects.

The training includes details on the forthcoming requirements for hydrogen and hydrogen blend pipelines.

Prerequisites

  • A valid API 1169 or API 1184 Inspectors Certificate (equivalents may be considered)
  • NOTE: Participants using foreign credentials (Canadian, European, and Australian) to meet their prerequisite will be required to write a US regulatory knowledge check.

Course Materials Included

  • Digital access to 49 CFR Parts 192 & 195 and CSA Human Factors for Optimal Pipeline Performance
  • Pipeline Practical Guide, API Inspector Body of Knowledge Recommendations
  • Access to supplementary pre- and post-course videos and sample test questions (aligned with the Chief Inspector’s Examination)

Course Overview

  • Essential for those managing inspection and oversight of energy transportation projects in the U.S. pipeline sector
  • Covers 49 CFR 192 & 195 Safety and Loss Management Systems requirements, with additional instruction on human factors
  • Practical guidance for regulatory compliance, OC verification, and project performance oversight, with emphasis on time and personnel management

Learning Objectives

This training course provides participants with an overview of the PHMSA requirements and guidance for proper application of regulations, codes, and standards in managing the oversight process during the construction lifecycle.

Upon completion participants will:

  • Master the hierarchy between federal/state regulations, company policies, and contracts.
  • Understand the use of reference documents such as ASME B31.4 & ASME 31.8.
  • Understand the application of defined terms including ‘High Consequence Area’ (HCA) and ‘Class Location’.
  • Understand the mandatory legal requirements from PHMSA and other state regulatory bodies.
  • Apply management system requirements for pipeline inspection as outlined in CFR Parts 192 & 195.
  • Understand the process for resolving technical conflicts, contractual disagreements, and non-conformances.
  • Understand the effective use of general inspectors and the role of specialty inspectors in supporting oversight tasks.
  • Understand principles of inspection time management and resource allocation in the delegation of inspection team tasks.
  • Master the document control process and evidentiary requirements for inspector sign-off during various stages of the construction lifecycle.
  • Understand the application of directions from assessments for converting existing pipelines for use with hydrogen blends.

Agenda

The lecture and course videos will address the following:

  • Review of 49 CFR Parts 192 & 195 and the U.S. regulatory system
  • Document Scope and Authority
  • CFR requirements for Safety and Loss Management System concepts and application for managers
  • Regulatory Scorecard and mandatory minimum legal requirements
  • Management Systems – inspection process requirements
  • Minimum design criteria awareness, including the application of hydrogen considerations
  • Advanced oversight and delegation
  • Procurement overview with supplementary administrative and technical requirements
  • Review and implementation of inspection and testing plans
  • Construction requirements using non-metallic materials
  • Human factors including conflict resolution
  • Competence verification and monitoring
  • Turnover package review and endorsement

Training dashboards are activate 8 weeks prior to the live session. Dashboards contain approximately 5 hours of recorded lectures, required reading materials, and sample exam questions.

Day 1 of the live presentation runs from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Day 2 runs from 8:00 am to 10:00 am, followed by the examination from 10:15 am to 12:15 pm.

In order to execute compliant projects in the US Oil and Gas Pipeline transportation sector, companies require personnel to be trained and qualified with functional knowledge of both the regulatory and ASME requirements.

This course contains minimum regulatory requirements for Liquid and Gas Pipelines and is a critical element for anyone who must demonstrate oversight competency required by regulation in the US Oil and Gas industry.

Assessment Method

The fee for this Master Class includes all program requirements including the Chief Pipeline Inspector qualification exam.

At the conclusion of your training, you will be issued a course completion verification.

Qualification Exam

This Master Class includes a code qualification exam. This is an in person proctored examination lasting 2 hours.

Appropriate reference material for use in the exam will be provided. No external materials will be permitted.

Chief Pipeline Construction Inspector Examination – minimum pass mark 80%

Certificate of Personnel Competence (CoPC)

Once all program requirements have been fulfilled you will be issued a CoPC as a Chief Pipeline Construction Inspector.

Your credentials will be registered on the AP Index.

On-Site Training Available

This course can be provided at your location and is suitable for customization to meet your corporate training program requirements.

Contact Us to arrange for your customized training today!