100+ Free API SIRE Practice Questions

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Question 1

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An ITP lists a casing hydrostatic test as a 'hold point' (H) for the source inspector. What does that mean for the manufacturer?

The manufacturer may proceed once an internal inspector has signed

The manufacturer may perform and ship the casing before the inspector reviews the report

Hold points apply only at the end of the job

The manufacturer must stop and not proceed past that activity without the inspector physically present or authorizing a release

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: API SIRE Exam

110

Total Questions

100 scored + 10 pretest

3h 15m

Exam Time

API SIRE exam page

Closed-book

Exam Format

API SIRE exam page

~$850

2026 Exam Fee

API ICP schedules & fees

3 years

Certification Term

API recertification cycle

API 610 / 617 / 618

Core Standards

SIRE Body of Knowledge

As of May 2026, the API SIRE exam remains a 110-question closed-book CBT (100 scored plus 10 pretest) delivered in a 3-hour-15-minute window through API ICP testing centers and remote proctoring. Certification is valid for three years. API publishes the official body of knowledge through the SIRE Body of Knowledge and Publications Effectivity Sheet but does not publish a public percentage-by-domain blueprint, so the percentages below are practice-weighted estimates based on the current BOK emphasis and the relative weight of API 610, 617, and 618 in shop source inspection work.

Sample API SIRE Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your API SIRE exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under API Standard 610, what does the abbreviation 'OH2' designate?

A.An overhung, single-stage, foot-mounted pump

B.An overhung, single-stage, centerline-mounted process pump

C.A between-bearings, two-stage horizontal pump

D.A vertically suspended single-casing pump

Explanation: API 610 classifies pumps in three families: OH (overhung), BB (between-bearings), and VS (vertically suspended). OH2 is the centerline-mounted, single-stage overhung process pump that is the workhorse of refinery hot service. OH1 is foot-mounted, while BB designations describe between-bearings configurations.

2An inspector is verifying a centrifugal pump casing hydrostatic test per API 610. What is the minimum hydrostatic test pressure relative to the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) at the pumping temperature?

A.1.0 times MAWP

B.1.1 times MAWP

C.1.5 times MAWP

D.2.0 times MAWP

Explanation: API 610 requires the pressure-containing parts of a pump to be hydrostatically tested at not less than 1.5 times the maximum allowable working pressure at the pumping temperature. The test fluid is typically water and the hold time and acceptance criteria are also specified in API 610 Section 8.

3Per API 610, what is the minimum hold time at full hydrostatic test pressure for a pump casing during the inspection witness?

A.5 minutes

B.10 minutes

C.30 minutes

D.60 minutes

Explanation: API 610 requires the test pressure to be held for at least 10 minutes (and longer if the inspector requires time to inspect the casing). The casing is considered acceptable when there is no leakage through the pressure-containing parts, gasket joints, or the shaft seal during the hold period.

4During an API 610 performance test, which test point is normally used to establish the guaranteed performance of the pump?

A.Shut-off (zero flow) head

B.Runout flow at the right end of the curve

C.The rated point shown on the pump data sheet

D.Best efficiency point of the next-larger pump in the series

Explanation: API 610 performance tests measure head, flow, power, and efficiency at several points across the curve, but the guarantee point is the rated point listed on the data sheet (often near the best efficiency point). Tolerances on head, flow, and power are applied at this rated point.

5Per API 610, what is the standard tolerance band on rated total head measured during a centrifugal pump performance test for a pump in the typical mid-size range?

A.Plus or minus 1 percent

B.Plus or minus 3 percent

C.Plus or minus 5 percent

D.Plus or minus 10 percent

Explanation: API 610 specifies acceptance tolerances for the performance test at the rated point. The standard tolerance on rated total head for typical pumps is generally plus or minus 3 percent (tighter tolerances apply for some categories and energy-rated pumps). Source inspectors should always verify which tolerance band applies from the purchase specification.

6What is the primary purpose of an NPSH test on a centrifugal pump per API 610?

A.Verify the casing can hold maximum allowable working pressure

B.Verify that the pump operates without cavitation at the specified NPSH available

C.Verify the bearing temperature rise at full load

D.Verify the coupling alignment tolerance

Explanation: An NPSH test verifies the suction performance of the pump by measuring NPSHr (required) at the rated flow and confirming that it falls within the value specified on the data sheet. This protects the user from cavitation when the installed NPSH available approaches the design margin.

7An API 610 pump has a measured impeller balance grade of G6.3. Which statement is correct?

A.G6.3 satisfies the API 610 single-plane balance requirement, which is generally G1.0 or better

B.G6.3 is the API 610 minimum requirement for rotor balance

C.G6.3 fails the API 610 balance requirement, which is generally G1.0 or better

D.Balance grade is not addressed by API 610

Explanation: API 610 requires impellers and balance drums to be dynamically balanced to ISO 1940-1 grade G1.0 (or better, depending on the latest edition's criteria). G6.3 is far coarser than required and would be rejected. Inspectors should witness the balance and review the printed balance report against the contract requirement.

8Which API 610 designation describes a vertically suspended, single-casing, diffuser-type pump with discharge through the column?

A.OH3

B.BB3

C.VS1

D.VS6

Explanation: API 610 VS1 is a vertically suspended, single-casing, diffuser pump with discharge through the column. VS6 is a vertically suspended, double-casing diffuser pump. Inspectors must recognize VS classifications because the column, suction can, and bowl assemblies are inspected differently from horizontal OH/BB pumps.

9Per API 610, what is the maximum allowable peak-to-peak shaft vibration at the rated condition during a pump performance test for many process pumps in this range?

A.Approximately 0.5 mils peak-to-peak

B.Approximately 2.0 mils peak-to-peak

C.Approximately 5.0 mils peak-to-peak

D.Approximately 10 mils peak-to-peak

Explanation: API 610 establishes unfiltered overall vibration limits during the performance test that depend on pump type, speed, and energy. For many horizontal process pumps with non-flexible rotors at typical speeds, the allowable peak-to-peak shaft vibration at the rated point is in the neighborhood of 2 mils peak-to-peak. Inspectors must check the exact limit using the current API 610 vibration tables and the data sheet.

10An API 610 pump baseplate is being inspected on a surface plate. What is the typical maximum out-of-flatness specified for the mounting surfaces that interface with the pump and driver feet?

A.Approximately 0.05 mm (0.002 in) per meter

B.Approximately 0.5 mm (0.020 in) per meter

C.Approximately 5 mm (0.200 in) per meter

D.Flatness is not specified by API 610

Explanation: API 610 specifies baseplate mounting-pad flatness on the order of 0.05 mm per linear meter (about 0.002 in/ft) so the pump and driver can be installed and aligned without excessive shimming or soft foot. This is one of the most commonly witnessed shop checks and is verified on a surface plate or with a precision level.

About the API SIRE Exam

API SIRE is the API Individual Certification Program for source inspectors working with rotating equipment at manufacturer and repair shops. The exam tests pump inspection per API 610, compressor inspection per API 617 and 618, turbine and gear inspection, NDE method selection, materials verification, mechanical run testing, and the documentation that drives shop-witness work.

Assessment

110 multiple-choice questions delivered closed-book (100 scored + 10 pretest)

Time Limit

3 hours 15 minutes

Passing Score

Scaled passing score (API ICP)

Exam Fee

~$850 (API ICP)

API SIRE Exam Content Outline

28% practice weight

Centrifugal Pump Inspection (API 610)

API 610 BB and OH pump configurations, materials selection, casing hydrostatic testing, performance and NPSH testing, mechanical seals, bearings, baseplate flatness, alignment criteria, and ITP/data-sheet review.

22% practice weight

Centrifugal and Axial Compressor Inspection (API 617)

Casing design and testing, rotor balancing, mechanical run tests, performance testing, lateral and torsional analysis review, vibration acceptance criteria, and shop witness/hold points for API 617 machines.

14% practice weight

Reciprocating Compressor Inspection (API 618)

Frame and cylinder requirements, valves, packing, crankshaft inspection, pulsation studies, mechanical run tests, and material verification for API 618 reciprocating compressor components.

14% practice weight

Turbines, Gears, and Appurtenances

Steam turbine drivers, gear units, lube and seal oil systems, couplings, and auxiliary equipment commonly inspected with rotating-equipment trains at the manufacturer's shop.

12% practice weight

NDE, Materials, and Welding for Rotating Equipment

ASME Section V NDE methods, ASNT SNT-TC-1A personnel qualification, ASME Section IX welding qualification, PMI, MTR review, and ASME BPVC code-stamping requirements applicable to pressure-containing rotating-equipment parts.

10% practice weight

Source-Inspection Practice and Documentation

ITP execution, witness versus hold points, document review (data sheets, GA drawings, sub-supplier reports), nonconformance handling, and shop quality-control oversight typical of SIRE work.

How to Pass the API SIRE Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled passing score (API ICP)
Assessment: 110 multiple-choice questions delivered closed-book (100 scored + 10 pretest)
Time limit: 3 hours 15 minutes
Exam fee: ~$850

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

API SIRE Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the API 610 pump classifications (OH1 through OH6, BB1 through BB5, VS designs) and the key configuration details inspectors are expected to recognize at the shop.

2Study API 617 mechanical run test, performance test, and vibration acceptance criteria so you can recognize a compliant test result without looking up the standard.

3Compare API 618 reciprocating compressor inspection (valves, packing, frame, crankshaft) against centrifugal-compressor inspection so you do not confuse the two on the exam.

4Build NDE method recognition for ASME Section V, ASNT SNT-TC-1A qualification, and typical acceptance criteria for forgings, castings, and welded rotating-equipment parts.

5Drill ITP witness-versus-hold-point judgment with realistic shop scenarios so you can quickly categorize inspection activities under time pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the API SIRE exam?

API states that the API SIRE exam contains 110 multiple-choice questions, but only 100 are scored. The remaining 10 are pretest items that do not count toward your result. All questions are delivered closed-book.

How long is the API SIRE exam?

API allows 3 hours 15 minutes for the SIRE exam. The exam is closed-book, so the time budget assumes you do not need to look up reference material during the test.

What references does API SIRE rely on?

The SIRE Body of Knowledge and Publications Effectivity Sheet point to API Standard 610 for centrifugal pumps, API Standard 617 for axial and centrifugal compressors, API Standard 618 for reciprocating compressors, applicable ASME BPVC sections, ASME B31.3 piping rules, ANSI/Hydraulic Institute (HI) standards for pump topics, and ASNT SNT-TC-1A for NDE personnel qualification.

Is the API SIRE exam open book or closed book?

Closed book. API's SIRE exam page states that all questions are multiple-choice and closed-book, and reference materials are not permitted during the exam. Candidates must memorize key inspection rules, acceptance criteria, and standard structures rather than rely on lookups.

How much does the API SIRE exam cost?

The API SIRE exam fee is approximately $850. Always verify the current fee on the API ICP schedules-and-fees page before applying because API updates pricing periodically.

How long is API SIRE certification valid?

API SIRE certification is valid for three years. Candidates must recertify before the expiration date by completing API ICP's recertification process, which opens approximately 90 days before expiration.