API 510, 570 and 653 test dates: 2027 and 2026 exam windows

Checked against the official API ICP schedule on October 18, 2026. Each programme has its own examination windows. Use API’s current schedule and your application record when making arrangements.

2027 examination windows and application deadlines

Source: API’s programme schedule (2027 tab), checked October 18, 2026. API’s fee schedule also lists a late application fee for both new and recertification applicants; ask API whether a late application can still be accepted for the window you want.

2026 windows (closed for applications)

Source: API’s programme schedule (2026 tab), checked October 18, 2026. Every 2026 application deadline has passed. If you missed one, apply for the matching 2027 window above.

A programme window is different from an appointment

An examination window identifies the programme’s testing period. It does not reserve a place at a particular testing centre or confirm that a candidate is eligible. Follow the authorization and scheduling instructions attached to your approved application. Check the exact location and appointment details before committing to travel.

API explains authorization and booking on its examinations page. The testing provider also publishes candidate instructions for API examinations. If the information differs, obtain clarification for your programme directly from API before booking.

Plan from the applicable requirements

Keep a record of the programme, intended window, application status and the publications effective for that window. Use the current programme documents when checking eligibility, examination content and permitted references. A general study article cannot determine whether your particular experience record qualifies.

For employer planning, separate study time from application processing, examination authorization and travel arrangements. Record who is responsible for each step. If an appointment changes, recheck the associated documents and communicate the change to the person coordinating site work.

What to do when a deadline has passed

Use the 2027 table above to find the next window for your programme and ask API which application or rescheduling route applies to your record. Do not treat an old article’s estimated opening date or a rolling-seat claim as authorization. The official schedule has a separate tab for each year; check the selected year before recording any dates.

Questions about API test dates

When is the next API 510 exam window?

API’s schedule lists January 2–22, 2027 as the next API 510 window, followed by May 7–28 and September 3–24, 2027. The application deadlines are October 29, 2026, March 4, 2027 and July 2, 2027.

What is the deadline to apply for the January 2027 API 510 exam?

October 29, 2026, according to API’s schedule checked on October 18, 2026. If you miss it, the next API 510 window is May 7–28, 2027, with an application deadline of March 4, 2027.

When are the 2027 API 570 and API 653 test dates?

API 570 is tested January 29–February 19, June 4–25 and October 8–29, 2027, with deadlines of November 26, 2026, April 1 and August 5, 2027. API 653 is tested March 12–April 2, July 9–30 and November 5–26, 2027, with deadlines of January 7, May 6 and September 2, 2027.

Can I take API 510 and API 570 in the same window?

Not in one window. API’s schedule assigns each window to one programme, so each exam is taken in its own window. In 2027 the January API 510 window (January 2–22) is followed by the first API 570 window (January 29–February 19).

Can I take the API 510 exam online?

No. API’s API 510 programme page states that the exam is administered in person at designated test centres only. The online element in the programme is the open-book recertification quiz, not the initial examination.

Does an exam window guarantee a test-centre appointment?

No. A window is the programme’s testing period. It does not reserve a seat at a particular test centre or confirm that you are eligible; follow the authorization and scheduling instructions attached to your approved application.

Where do I find the Body of Knowledge for my exam window?

On each programme page at api.org. API lists the current API 510 Body of Knowledge and Publications Effectivity Sheet as covering the September 2026 to May 2027 exams; API 570 and API 653 have their own documents on their programme pages.

Atlantis service scope

This page provides scheduling information. Atlantis does not offer API 510, API 570 or API 653 inspector training or administer those certification examinations. For an inspection programme that needs independent technical support, explore NDT and asset-integrity consulting. For NDT personnel training, use the separate NDT training pathways and confirm the employer or certification-body requirements.

Discuss an inspection consulting requirement.