API 570 Body of Knowledge 2026 — Topics + Code Mapping + What Changed

API 570 Body of Knowledge 2026 — Official Outline + What Changed

The API 570 Body of Knowledge (BOK) is the official syllabus for the API 570 Piping Inspector exam. The 2026 edition introduces several scope adjustments — most notably refreshed CUI (corrosion under insulation) coverage and expanded API 581 RBI weight. This guide decodes the BOK topic by topic.

BOK Topic Areas (2026)

1. API 570 Code Itself — Sections 5-8 (inspection intervals, on-stream + external + internal inspection, TML monitoring, repair / alteration / rerating)
2. ASME B31.3 Process Piping — design + materials + fabrication + inspection
3. ASME Section V — NDE methods (Articles 2 RT, 4 UT, 5 UT-T, 6 PT, 7 MT, 9 VT)
4. ASME Section IX — welding qualification
5. API 571 (Damage Mechanisms) — piping-specific focus: CUI, sulfidation, naphthenic, sour cracking, MIC
6. API RP 574 (Inspection Practices for Piping) — TML grid design, corrosion-rate calc, dead-leg inspection
7. API RP 577 (Welding Inspection) — visual inspection criteria, weld discontinuities, code interpretation
8. API RP 583 (CUI) — temperature bands, insulation-condition assessment, inspection strategy
9. API 579-1 / ASME FFS-1 — fitness-for-service (Level 1 / 2 / 3)
10. API 580 / 581 (RBI) — risk-based inspection methodology

Reference Code Weight Map

Code	Scope	Weight
API 570	In-service piping inspection (home code)	~25%
ASME B31.3	Process piping design + fabrication	~15%
ASME Section V	NDE methods	~10%
ASME Section IX	Welding qualification	~8%
API 571	Damage mechanisms (piping focus)	~10%
API RP 574 / 577 / 583	Inspection + welding + CUI practices	~12%
API 579 / FFS-1	Fitness-for-service	~5%
API 580 / 581	RBI methodology (weight UP in 2026)	~10%
NDE method codes	UT, RT, MT, PT, ET, VT	~5%

What Changed in the 2026 BOK vs 2024

• API RP 583 CUI weight up: ~5-7% (was ~3%). New questions on temperature-band susceptibility, insulation-condition assessment, pulsed eddy-current through-insulation, thermal-imaging screening.
• API 581 RBI weight up: ~10% (was ~6%). PoF + CoF + risk-driven interval calc — more calculation-heavy questions.
• API RP 574 refresh: updated TML grid spacing guidance for dead legs + injection points + small-bore connections.
• API 571 piping focus: refined CUI + sulfidation + sour cracking + MIC questions; expect more "identify the damage mechanism from the indication" style.
• ASME B31.3 § 341: refreshed acceptance Table 341.3.2A wording.
• ASME Section V Article 4: PAUT + TOFD scope expanded.

Exam Format Recap

• 170 questions, 7.5 hours, open-book
• Minimum passing 70%
• PRINTED reference codes only
• Prometric centres globally
• Recertification every 3 years

Study Strategy for the 2026 BOK

1. Build BOK → page index across 8 reference codes
2. Drill API 581 RBI problems — PoF + CoF + interval (target 25+ worked examples)
3. Master API 571 piping damage-mechanism trigger table
4. Memorise API RP 583 CUI temperature bands + susceptibility matrix
5. 2-3 timed mock exams; < 90 sec per question average
6. Pair with API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector pressure-vessel for broader career mobility

How Atlantis NDT 5-Day Prep Maps to the BOK

Atlantis NDT 5-day intensive API 570 prep covers every BOK area with refreshed 2026 content on CUI + RBI + PAUT + ASME B31.3 acceptance. ASNT NDT Level III-led, 96% first-attempt pass rate, 3 timed mock exams, code-navigation drills, 12-month material access. request a free consultation for next cohort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When does the 2026 API 570 BOK take effect?

A: Per API ICP examination calendar — check the API ICP web portal.

Q2: How heavy is CUI in the 2026 exam?

A: ~5-7% via API RP 583. Plan ~10 hours of dedicated CUI study — temperature bands, susceptibility matrix, inspection methods (pulsed EC, thermal imaging, cup-window UT).

Q3: How does API 581 RBI weight up affect study time?

A: Plan extra 10-15 hours of RBI worked problems. ~2-4 more calculation questions on PoF / CoF / risk-driven interval.

Q4: Is the API 570 BOK harder than API 510?

A: Roughly equivalent. API 570 has more circuit + CUI + dead-leg content; API 510 has more vessel-design + HTHA. Most candidates take both.

Q5: Does the BOK cover sour service / NACE MR0175?

A: Limited — touched within API 571 damage-mechanism content. NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 is a specialised topic that comes up in 1-2 questions max.

Q6: What's the Atlantis NDT 5-day API 570 prep schedule?

A: Day 1 — API 570 + ASME B31.3 (home code + piping design); Day 2 — API 571 + 579 + 583 (damage + CUI + FFS); Day 3 — API 581 RBI + ASME V (NDE); Day 4 — ASME IX + API 574 + 577 (welding + practices); Day 5 — mock exam + debrief. 96% first-attempt pass.

Q7: What if I fail?

A: Wait 60 days, re-sit. Atlantis NDT 3-day retake cohort gives 88% second-attempt pass.

Q8: How does API 570 integrate with Atlantis Digital Twin platform?

A: TML data flows into the digital twin — Article 5 UT readings, corrosion-rate trends, RBI program design risk score per circuit. Atlantis NDT's integrated stack is the operational layer that pairs with the certification.

Related Atlantis NDT Resources

• ASNT certification — Level I/II/III pathway, pass rates, employer recognition
• API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector · API 570 Piping Inspector · API 653 Tank Inspector
• ASNT Level III consulting — outsourced Level III of record with SLA
• NDT reporting software — IACS-accepted Marine NDT report bundle
• Atlantis NDT ERP — affordable, accessible, fully customizable; 30+ Odoo apps included
• Atlantis Digital Twin platform — 3D inspection-data overlay, API 579 FFS, predictive maintenance

Atlantis NDT is led by Anoop Rayavarapu (ASNT NDT Level III, API 653 Authorized Inspector, ISO 9001 Lead Auditor). Free consultation for NDT inspection companies, training providers, and asset owners worldwide. request a free consultation. Pricing varies by region and scope, quote on request.