The American Petroleum Institute this month held its first certification programs workshop in Cairo, Egypt , attended by 60 professionals, representing pipeline and refinery operations and equipment manufacturers. With the support of its representative in Egypt , Moody International, the full day event covered API’s Certification Programs and its standards and training programs.

Of particular interest was the API Individual Certification Programs (ICP) which allow for individuals to be tested on their knowledge of selected API standards, such as API 510, Pressure Vessel Inspection Code, API 570, Process Piping Inspection Code, and the API 653 Aboveground Storage Tank Inspection Code. Upon successfully passing the exam, individuals carry the certification necessary to perform important inspections, a qualification very important in the oil and natural gas industry.

                                                                         API is scheduling additional training opportunities and organizing exams to be administered in Egypt by mid-2006 as a result of the large interest demonstrated in the API’s certification programs at this first workshop.

This event follows the September 2005 agreement between API and Moody International for the joint promotion of API’s Certification Programs in Egypt . The agreement is designed to identify and implement new methods to improve local industry awareness of API Certification Programs, increase participation, and facilitate the exchange of vital industry information.

                                                                           API Certification Programs included in the agreement are the Monogram Program, ISO 9001 Registration, ISO 14001 Registration, ISO TS 29001 Registration, API Spec Q1 Registration, Training Provider Certification, Individual Certification Programs, and Engine Oil Licensing and Certification.

API’s Monogram Program licenses facilities that produce products to meet API standards. More than 70 product specifications are included in this program. API’s Certification Programs play a vital role in the global oil and natural gas industry which relies on equipment, products and services approved through these programs