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Institute For Oil & Gas Training
OGI-1267 New

BPVC Section V Non-Destructive Testing Training Course

Duration
5 days
CPD hours
15
Language
English
Next date
26 Oct 2026
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Overview

The BPVC Section V Non-Destructive Testing Training Course from Institute For Oil & Gas Training develops the technical capability required to interpret and apply ASME Section V requirements for nondestructive examination across oil and gas inspection activities. The course equips inspection professionals with a structured understanding of NDT methods, examination procedures, documentation requirements and the technical controls that support reliable inspection results across pipelines, pressure vessels, process equipment and other critical assets.

Non-destructive examination is an essential part of asset integrity management because it enables inspection personnel to identify material discontinuities and assess component conditions without compromising the serviceability of the equipment being examined. In oil and gas operations, inspection quality directly influences maintenance planning, equipment availability, fabrication acceptance and the management of pressure-containing systems. Organisations therefore require personnel who understand the technical principles behind inspection methods and can apply documented examination requirements consistently.

The BPVC Section V Non-Destructive Testing course addresses the gap between familiarity with inspection equipment and the ability to apply recognised examination requirements within controlled industrial procedures. Personnel must understand how examination techniques are selected, how equipment is configured, how inspection variables affect results and how findings are recorded for technical review. Inconsistent procedures, inadequate equipment calibration, incomplete records and incorrect interpretation of examination requirements create avoidable uncertainty in quality assurance and asset integrity decisions.

ASME Section V provides technical requirements for non-destructive examination methods used within the broader ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code framework. Its provisions address examination techniques and associated controls, while the applicable construction code, engineering specification, contract or inspection plan establishes the acceptance requirements for the component under examination. Understanding this distinction is fundamental to applying BPVC Section V Non-Destructive Testing correctly in operational environments.

Institute For Oil & Gas Training delivers this course for professionals involved in inspection, quality control, fabrication, maintenance and engineering assurance. The programme focuses on practical interpretation of examination requirements, method selection, procedure implementation and inspection documentation. Participants develop a clearer understanding of how to connect written requirements with field activities and how to maintain consistency between the approved examination procedure, the equipment used and the resulting inspection records.

The course addresses the principal NDT methods associated with industrial inspection, including visual testing, liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, radiographic testing and ultrasonic testing. It also examines the role of other relevant examination techniques where applicable to the component, material, inspection objective and governing requirements. Rather than treating each method as an isolated activity, the programme considers how examination planning, personnel competence, equipment suitability, procedure control and reporting work together within an effective quality management system.

The programme is particularly relevant to organisations managing pressure vessels, piping systems, storage and processing facilities, refineries, gas processing plants and pipeline infrastructure. It supports personnel who need to review examination procedures, coordinate inspection contractors, verify technical documentation or contribute to decisions concerning fabrication quality and equipment integrity.

Through structured technical discussions, practical scenarios and procedure-based exercises, Institute For Oil & Gas Training helps participants develop a disciplined approach to nondestructive examination. The resulting capability supports more consistent inspection execution, stronger technical communication and better-informed quality assurance decisions throughout the asset lifecycle.

Objectives

  • Interpret the purpose, scope and application of ASME Section V within the broader pressure equipment inspection and construction framework.

  • Explain the principles, capabilities and limitations of the principal NDT methods used in oil and gas inspection.

  • Identify the procedural information required to plan and conduct controlled nondestructive examination activities.

  • Evaluate examination requirements against component materials, geometry, surface conditions, access restrictions and inspection objectives.

  • Distinguish examination technique requirements from the acceptance criteria established by the applicable construction code or engineering specification.

  • Review written examination procedures for technical completeness, consistency and alignment with the governing requirements.

  • Recognise the importance of equipment suitability, calibration, verification and controlled examination parameters.

  • Assess the factors that influence the reliability and interpretation of visual, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, radiographic and ultrasonic examination results.

  • Identify common procedural deviations and determine appropriate corrective actions.

  • Strengthen the accuracy, traceability and completeness of examination reports and inspection records.

  • Improve coordination between inspection teams, quality assurance departments, engineering personnel and external NDT service providers.

  • Apply a structured approach to examination planning, technical review and inspection quality control across oil and gas assets.

Training methodology

Institute For Oil & Gas Training uses an industry-focused delivery approach that combines technical instruction, worked examples, case studies, guided exercises and realistic inspection scenarios. The methodology connects the requirements of ASME Section V with the practical responsibilities of professionals working in fabrication, maintenance, inspection and asset integrity environments.

The course begins by establishing the relationship between examination methods, written procedures and governing construction requirements. Participants examine how technical specifications are translated into inspection instructions and how the scope of an examination influences method selection, equipment configuration and reporting. This foundation helps attendees understand why an NDT method must be applied within a defined technical framework rather than selected solely on the basis of equipment availability or operator familiarity.

Case studies illustrate common inspection challenges, including incomplete examination instructions, inconsistent equipment settings, inadequate surface preparation, unsuitable technique selection and insufficient reporting detail. Participants review these scenarios to identify procedural weaknesses, assess their possible consequences and determine the corrective actions required to improve examination reliability.

Guided procedure-review exercises develop the ability to interpret technical documents and identify the information needed for controlled inspection activities. Participants consider examination scope, material characteristics, component geometry, access limitations, equipment requirements and applicable acceptance criteria. They also examine the importance of recording the variables and results necessary to demonstrate that the examination followed the approved procedure.

Method-specific discussions address the operational principles of visual, penetrant, magnetic particle, radiographic and ultrasonic examination. Worked examples explain the relationship between inspection objectives, method capabilities and the limitations that influence the reliability of findings. These activities reinforce the importance of selecting a suitable method for the actual examination requirement and recognising when additional technical review is necessary.

Group exercises encourage participants to evaluate inspection scenarios from different professional perspectives. Quality assurance personnel consider documentation and verification requirements, inspection personnel assess examination techniques, and engineering participants consider the implications of findings for component integrity and maintenance decisions. This approach improves communication between departments and clarifies the responsibilities associated with inspection planning, execution and review.

Practical simulations focus on decision-making rather than unsupported assumptions about equipment performance. Participants work through examples involving inspection preparation, procedure compliance, result recording, non-conformance identification and escalation of technical concerns. The exercises demonstrate how small procedural deviations can affect confidence in inspection results and why corrective action must be supported by documented evidence.

The methodology also incorporates structured discussions on reporting quality, traceability and record retention. Participants review examples of clear and incomplete examination reports, identify missing information and develop an understanding of the records required for technical verification. These activities help establish consistent reporting practices that support audits, repair decisions, fabrication release and ongoing asset management.

Throughout the programme, the emphasis remains on workplace application. Institute For Oil & Gas Training connects technical knowledge with the day-to-day demands of oil and gas inspection operations, enabling participants to apply a more systematic approach to examination planning, procedural control and quality assurance.

Organisational impact

Stronger Inspection Quality and Consistency

A consistent understanding of BPVC Section V helps organisations standardise the way examination requirements are interpreted and implemented. When inspection personnel work from controlled procedures and understand the purpose of each examination variable, the organisation improves consistency across contractors, facilities and maintenance activities.

The course supports more effective reviews of examination instructions, equipment requirements and reporting practices. These improvements help reduce avoidable procedural discrepancies, incomplete records and unnecessary repetition of inspection activities. They also strengthen confidence in the technical evidence used to support fabrication acceptance and asset integrity decisions.

Improved Asset Integrity Management

Reliable nondestructive examination supports the identification of discontinuities and other conditions that require engineering assessment. Personnel who understand method capabilities and limitations are better positioned to recognise the boundaries of inspection findings and communicate when further examination or technical evaluation is required.

For operators responsible for pipelines, pressure vessels, storage facilities and process equipment, this capability strengthens the information available for maintenance prioritisation, repair planning and inspection follow-up. It also helps prevent inspection results from being treated as definitive evidence beyond the scope of the method and procedure used.

More Effective Compliance and Quality Assurance

The programme reinforces the distinction between examination requirements and acceptance criteria. This is important because ASME Section V establishes technical requirements for examination methods, while applicable construction codes and specifications determine the acceptance requirements for the relevant component or application.

A clearer understanding of this relationship supports better technical reviews, more reliable inspection documentation and more consistent implementation of quality assurance controls. Organisations can use the knowledge developed through the course to strengthen internal procedure reviews, contractor oversight and the verification of inspection deliverables.

Reduced Rework and Inspection Delays

Inspection activities that begin with incomplete instructions or unsuitable techniques often require clarification, repeat examinations or additional review. Improved procedure interpretation and examination planning help organisations identify these issues before work begins.

The course supports more effective coordination between inspection planners, field teams, engineering functions and quality control personnel. Better preparation, appropriate method selection and complete reporting help reduce avoidable disruption to fabrication schedules, maintenance windows and equipment handover activities.

Better Contractor and Supplier Oversight

Oil and gas organisations frequently rely on specialist NDT contractors to support fabrication, turnaround, maintenance and operational inspection programmes. Effective oversight requires an understanding of examination methods, procedure requirements and the records needed to demonstrate that the work was performed as specified.

Participants develop a stronger basis for reviewing contractor procedures, questioning incomplete technical submissions and identifying inconsistencies between planned and reported examinations. This improves communication with external service providers and supports more systematic verification of inspection deliverables.

Stronger Technical Decision-Making

Inspection findings inform engineering assessments, repair decisions, component acceptance and maintenance planning. Organisations benefit when personnel understand the limitations of examination methods and distinguish observed indications from engineering conclusions.

The programme helps improve the quality of technical discussions by establishing a common understanding of examination scope, procedural compliance and reporting requirements. This supports more informed decisions and clearer escalation of findings that require engineering evaluation.

Personal impact

Enhanced Technical Understanding

Participants develop a structured understanding of BPVC Section V and its role in industrial nondestructive examination. They learn how method-specific requirements relate to examination procedures, equipment controls, inspection results and documentation.

This knowledge provides a stronger foundation for handling inspection-related responsibilities and interpreting technical information encountered in oil and gas projects.

Improved Procedure Interpretation

Attendees strengthen their ability to review examination instructions, identify missing information and recognise inconsistencies between written requirements and planned inspection activities. These skills support more effective preparation, technical coordination and quality control.

Participants also develop a clearer understanding of when an issue requires clarification from an authorised technical authority rather than an informal adjustment to an approved procedure.

Greater Confidence in NDT Method Selection

The programme explains the capabilities and limitations of principal examination methods. Participants develop a more informed approach to evaluating whether a method is appropriate for a particular material, component geometry, discontinuity type and inspection objective.

This understanding improves their ability to contribute to inspection planning discussions and communicate technical requirements to colleagues and service providers.

Better Reporting and Documentation Skills

Accurate reporting is essential for traceability and technical review. Participants learn to identify the information needed to document examination scope, procedure references, equipment details, results and relevant observations.

These capabilities support clearer communication between field personnel, inspection coordinators, quality assurance teams and engineering departments.

Stronger Cross-Functional Communication

The course establishes a shared technical vocabulary for professionals involved in inspection, maintenance, fabrication and engineering. Participants gain a clearer understanding of the responsibilities and information requirements of different functions, supporting more effective collaboration throughout inspection activities.

Professional Development

The knowledge gained supports professional development in NDT coordination, inspection supervision, quality assurance, fabrication inspection and asset integrity management. Participants gain a stronger basis for handling procedural reviews, supporting inspection programmes and contributing to quality improvement initiatives.

The course provides technical training and a Certificate of Completion. It does not, by itself, establish professional certification or authorisation to perform or approve NDT examinations where separate qualifications, employer authorisation or other requirements apply.

Who should attend

  • NDT Technicians and Examiners: Strengthen their understanding of examination requirements, method limitations and procedure compliance.

  • NDT Level II and Level III Personnel: Develop a broader understanding of code application, technical review and examination documentation within their assigned responsibilities.

  • Welding Inspectors: Improve coordination between weld quality requirements and the NDT activities used to examine welded components.

  • Quality Control Inspectors: Strengthen verification of examination procedures, inspection records and quality documentation.

  • Quality Assurance Managers: Improve oversight of inspection processes, contractor deliverables and documented quality controls.

  • Pipeline Integrity Engineers: Understand how examination methods and their limitations affect pipeline inspection planning and the interpretation of results.

  • Mechanical and Pressure Equipment Engineers: Strengthen their understanding of examination requirements for pressure vessels, piping and related equipment.

  • Inspection Engineers and Coordinators: Improve the preparation, review and coordination of inspection activities across operating facilities and projects.

  • Corrosion and Materials Engineers: Develop a clearer understanding of the examination techniques used to investigate material conditions and discontinuities.

  • Maintenance and Reliability Engineers: Improve their ability to interpret inspection documentation and coordinate appropriate technical follow-up.

  • Fabrication and Welding Supervisors: Understand how examination procedures support fabrication quality control and inspection readiness.

  • NDT Contractor Supervisors: Strengthen supervision of examination execution, procedural compliance and reporting quality.

  • Project Engineers and Construction Managers: Improve coordination of inspection requirements during fabrication, construction, commissioning and equipment handover.

  • Technical Authorities and Inspection Managers: Strengthen technical oversight of examination procedures and inspection deliverables.

  • Procurement and Contract Engineers: Improve understanding of the technical documentation and examination requirements that need to be defined in NDT service contracts.

Course outline

This module establishes the technical foundation for applying BPVC Section V Non-Destructive Testing requirements in oil and gas inspection activities. Participants examine the relationship between examination methods, written procedures, applicable construction codes and project specifications. The focus is on understanding how examination requirements are established, documented and verified before inspection begins.

The module also addresses examination planning for pressure vessels, piping systems, welded components and other industrial assets. Participants consider component geometry, material properties, inspection access, examination objectives and procedural controls when reviewing an inspection plan. Particular attention is given to distinguishing the requirements governing the examination process from the criteria used to accept or reject a component.

  1. ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V

    • Establishes technical requirements for nondestructive examination methods covered by the code.

    • Provides method-specific requirements and associated controls for examination activities.

    • Supports the preparation and implementation of examination procedures within the applicable code framework.

    • Works alongside relevant construction codes, specifications and contractual requirements that establish the applicable acceptance criteria.

    • Provides a technical reference for reviewing examination documentation and determining whether specified examination requirements have been addressed.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the purpose and scope of ASME Section V in industrial inspection.

    • Identify the relationship between examination requirements and the governing construction code.

    • Determine the principal information required to plan an examination.

    • Review inspection instructions for clarity, completeness and technical consistency.

    • Recognise the importance of controlled procedures and documented examination requirements.

    • Identify situations requiring technical clarification before inspection proceeds.

Visual examination provides essential information about component condition, weld appearance, surface preparation and visible discontinuities. This module examines the role of visual testing within inspection programmes and its relationship with other NDT methods. Participants consider how examination conditions, access, lighting, viewing equipment and surface condition affect the quality of visual observations.

The module also addresses the documentation of visual findings and the need to distinguish observable conditions from conclusions that require further examination. Participants review practical inspection scenarios involving welds, fabricated components and equipment surfaces, developing a consistent approach to recording observations and escalating conditions that require additional technical assessment.

  1. ISO 17637

    • Defines requirements for visual testing of fusion-welded joints in metallic materials.

    • Addresses visual examination before, during and after welding where applicable to the examination scope.

    • Supports consistent examination practices for weld geometry, visible surface conditions and workmanship.

    • Provides a recognised reference for visual testing when applicable to the component and project requirements.

    • Requires the relevant acceptance criteria to be established through the applicable specification or governing standard.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the role of visual examination in industrial quality control.

    • Identify the factors affecting visibility and the reliability of visual observations.

    • Recognise visible weld and surface conditions that require recording or further assessment.

    • Review visual examination instructions for adequate scope and documented requirements.

    • Distinguish visual observations from acceptance decisions governed by separate criteria.

    • Produce clearer inspection records that support traceability and technical review.

This module focuses on two surface examination methods widely used to investigate relevant discontinuities in suitable materials. Participants examine the principles of liquid penetrant testing and magnetic particle testing, including their respective applications, limitations and procedural controls. The module explains why material characteristics, surface preparation and examination conditions influence the suitability of each method.

The programme considers the sequence of examination activities, equipment and material controls, observation of indications and documentation of results. Practical scenarios demonstrate the importance of following approved examination procedures and recognising conditions that compromise examination reliability. Participants also examine the distinction between an observed indication and a final acceptance decision under the applicable specification.

  1. ISO 3452-1

    • Specifies general principles for liquid penetrant testing of industrial materials.

    • Addresses the essential stages of the penetrant examination process.

    • Provides a recognised technical reference for implementing controlled penetrant testing procedures.

    • Supports consistent consideration of examination conditions and process requirements.

    • Must be applied alongside the relevant product specification, examination procedure and acceptance criteria.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the operating principles and typical applications of liquid penetrant testing.

    • Identify material and surface conditions that affect penetrant examination suitability.

    • Describe the principal stages of a controlled penetrant testing process.

    • Explain the basic principles of magnetic particle testing and its application to suitable ferromagnetic materials.

    • Recognise how surface preparation, equipment condition and examination variables influence results.

    • Identify procedural deviations that require correction or technical review.

    • Record examination findings clearly and distinguish them from formal acceptance decisions.

Radiographic and ultrasonic testing provide complementary approaches to examining components for internal discontinuities and other conditions within the capabilities of the selected technique. This module examines the operating principles, typical applications and limitations of both methods, with particular attention to welded joints and pressure-containing equipment.

Participants explore the importance of technique selection, component geometry, material characteristics, examination coverage and equipment configuration. The module also considers the role of image quality, signal interpretation, equipment verification and documented examination parameters in supporting reliable results. Practical examples illustrate how examination findings are recorded and evaluated against the criteria specified by the applicable construction code or engineering requirements.

  1. ISO 17640

    • Specifies techniques for ultrasonic testing of welded joints in metallic materials within its defined scope.

    • Provides guidance on examination conditions, testing techniques and associated procedural requirements.

    • Supports consistent implementation of ultrasonic examination for applicable welded components.

    • Helps establish a structured approach to examining and documenting ultrasonic results.

    • Must be used within the applicable material, thickness, technique and acceptance requirements established for the inspection.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the fundamental principles of radiographic and ultrasonic examination.

    • Identify applications and limitations associated with each method.

    • Recognise the influence of material properties, geometry and access on examination planning.

    • Explain the importance of equipment suitability and controlled examination parameters.

    • Identify factors that affect radiographic image quality and ultrasonic signal interpretation.

    • Review examination documentation for completeness and procedural consistency.

    • Recognise when findings require further examination, technical review or engineering assessment.

This module brings together the examination principles addressed throughout the course and focuses on the controls required to maintain reliable NDT operations. Participants examine the relationship between written procedures, personnel competence, equipment controls, examination records and quality assurance arrangements. The module also addresses the importance of maintaining traceability between the component examined, the procedure followed, the results obtained and the technical review performed.

The programme considers how organisations verify that examination work meets specified requirements and how deficiencies in procedures or records are managed. Participants review examples of incomplete reports, procedural deviations and unclear technical findings. They develop a structured approach to identifying documentation gaps, recording corrective actions and escalating issues that require authorised review.

  1. ISO 9712

    • Establishes requirements for the qualification and certification of NDT personnel within its scope.

    • Addresses personnel competence in specified industrial NDT methods and certification levels.

    • Provides a recognised framework for demonstrating competence through defined qualification and certification processes.

    • Supports organisations in identifying appropriate personnel competence requirements for inspection assignments.

    • Does not replace applicable employer authorisation, written examination procedures or project-specific requirements.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the importance of personnel competence and appropriate authorisation in NDT operations.

    • Identify essential elements of controlled examination procedures and supporting documentation.

    • Review examination reports for traceability, completeness and technical clarity.

    • Recognise common documentation gaps and procedural non-conformities.

    • Explain how examination records support audits, quality assurance and asset integrity decisions.

    • Identify circumstances requiring corrective action or technical escalation.

    • Apply a systematic approach to reviewing NDT activities against applicable examination requirements.

    • Relate the principles of BPVC Section V to practical inspection governance and quality management.

Certificate

Attendees who successfully complete the BPVC Section V Non-Destructive Testing Training Course receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.

The certificate recognises participation in and completion of the training programme. Attendees are required to meet the course attendance requirements established by Institute For Oil & Gas Training to receive the certificate.

The Certificate of Completion is not a substitute for personnel certification under ISO 9712, employer-based qualification, method-specific authorisation or any separate competence requirements applicable to an individual's inspection responsibilities.

Course dates

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,600

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,600

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,600

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £3,600

Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the BPVC Section V Non-Destructive Testing Training Course?

The BPVC Section V Non-Destructive Testing Training Course is a professional training programme from Institute For Oil & Gas Training that develops understanding of ASME Section V requirements, NDT methods, examination procedures and inspection documentation. It focuses on applying examination principles to oil and gas equipment, welded components, pipelines and pressure-containing systems.

What topics are covered in the course?

The course covers ASME Section V application, examination planning, visual testing, liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing, procedure control, personnel competence and reporting. It also examines the relationship between examination requirements and the acceptance criteria established by applicable construction codes and specifications.

Who should attend this training course?

The course is designed for NDT technicians, inspection engineers, welding inspectors, quality control personnel, quality assurance managers, pipeline integrity professionals, maintenance engineers and technical supervisors. It is also relevant to project personnel and contractor representatives responsible for coordinating or reviewing nondestructive examination activities.

Does completing the course provide ASME or ISO certification?

No. Participants receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training after meeting the attendance requirements. The course provides professional training but does not itself confer ASME certification, ISO 9712 personnel certification or independent authorisation to perform or approve examinations.

How does the course benefit oil and gas organisations?

The course strengthens examination procedure interpretation, inspection planning, reporting quality and technical coordination. These capabilities support more consistent application of NDT requirements, improved traceability, fewer avoidable inspection discrepancies and better-informed quality assurance and asset integrity decisions.

Next: 26 Oct 2026

4 dates available

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