API SIRE exam-day guide
API SIRE · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original ID used at registration; the name must match your API record exactly. Confirm accepted ID types and whether a second form of ID is required with API and the test provider. Needs review: provider-specific ID rules.
Exam appointment confirmation
Save or print the appointment confirmation with test-center address, date, time, and delivery mode. Confirm whether the exam is at a test center or remote-proctored. Needs review: delivery mode and arrival instructions.
Current API candidate handbook or exam bulletin
Read the current API SIRE candidate bulletin for allowed items, calculator policy, breaks, scoring, and retake rules. Policies change, so use the version linked to your authorization. Needs review: confirm the edition applies to your appointment.
Exam content outline and domain weights
Review the API SIRE content outline so you know which rotating-equipment domains carry the most questions. Use it to plan final review only; do not bring it into the exam. Needs review: confirm the outline version on the API site.
Test-center logistics plan
Confirm address, parking, transit, and recommended arrival time; many centers ask for 30 minutes, but confirm with the provider. Plan a backup route.
Calculator policy check
Confirm whether the testing system provides an on-screen calculator or an approved handheld. Do not bring a personal calculator unless explicitly allowed. Needs review: calculator type and allowed models.
Reference-material check
API SIRE is expected to be closed-book; confirm that no books, tabbed standards, notes, or formula sheets are allowed. If references are permitted, bring only approved originals. Needs review: allowed-reference policy.
Scratch paper and pen
Test centers usually provide scratch materials and collect them afterward; confirm. Do not bring your own paper or pen unless the provider permits it. Needs review: scratch-paper policy.
Personal-items plan
Plan to store phone, smartwatch, wallet, keys, and bag in a locker or leave them at home. Confirm locker availability and prohibited items. Needs review: locker and secure-storage availability.
Name discrepancy and accessibility arrangements
If your ID name differs from registration, contact API before exam day and confirm the correction deadline. If you need accommodations, confirm approval is already in place. Needs review: correction and accommodation deadlines.
Plan the day
Confirm appointment, ID, test-center route, and the current candidate bulletin. Re-read the API SIRE content outline and do focused review of your two weakest domains: rotating-equipment fundamentals, inspection and testing, nondestructive examination, and quality assurance. Practice calculations and standard-scope questions. Stop studying new topics.
Do light review only: formulas, definitions, standard scopes, and your own summary sheet for use before the exam, not inside it. Prepare ID, confirmation, clothing, food, and travel. Confirm your wake-up plan. Sleep at your normal time; avoid cramming.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and arrive at the test center at the confirmed time, often about 30 minutes early. Bring only approved items. Leave study materials outside the test room. Complete check-in and follow proctor instructions.
Read each question fully and identify the equipment or standard context. Answer easier questions first, flag uncertain ones, and return to them. Track time against the number of questions; confirm the question count and duration at check-in. Use the provided calculator and scratch materials. Answer every question unless the bulletin states a guessing penalty; confirm that policy. Review flagged items before submitting.
Rules to check
Bring the same government-issued photo ID used at registration; the name must match exactly. If your ID name differs, contact API before exam day and confirm the correction deadline and accepted documents.
Leave phones, smartwatches, and other electronics secured or in a locker; do not access them during the test. Confirm the test center's personal-item policy before arrival.
The exam is expected to be closed-book. Do not bring notes, books, or reference materials unless the current API candidate bulletin explicitly permits them; confirm before you travel.
Use only the calculator provided by the testing system or approved by the proctor. Do not bring your own unless the provider confirms it is allowed.
Follow all proctor instructions and the confidentiality agreement. Do not discuss, copy, or share exam content.
Confirm whether scheduled breaks are available and whether the exam clock stops during them. Unscheduled breaks usually require permission and may count against your time; verify the policy with the provider.
API certification exams are typically scored pass/fail against a scaled passing standard. Confirm the passing score, score-report timing, and retake policy in the candidate handbook.
Arrive early; late arrivals may be denied entry or forfeit fees. Confirm the test center's arrival and late-arrival policy with the provider.