API TES case studies
API TES · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The API Tank Entry Supervisor Certification (TES) is an individual certification offered within the American Petroleum Institute's Individual Certification Programs (ICP), the same certification family that sits alongside API's standards, training, and assessment offerings under Global Industry Services. The credential is intended for personnel who supervise entry into petroleum storage tanks - the people responsible for authorizing entry, controlling the work, and keeping entrants safe during inspection, repair, and cleaning operations. Because the exam's published domains split evenly, preparation should be balanced: roughly half of the content addresses tank entry supervision (entry decisions, hazard evaluation, permitting, attendant and entrant control, rescue readiness, and documentation) and half addresses tank cleaning and entry safety practices (isolation and lockout, atmosphere testing, ventilation, PPE, and safe work procedures around confined spaces). Candidates typically prepare by studying the applicable API tank inspection, cleaning, and safe-entry standards alongside their own site permit and confined-space programs, then practicing scenario-based judgment questions rather than memorizing definitions. The API TES case studies are 5 cases and about 1,866 words.
1Atmospheric Monitoring Gap During a Confined Space Entry
A 12 m diameter floating-roof gasoline storage tank has been emptied and isolated. The entry supervisor arrives at 06:00 for a planned internal inspection.
421 words, about 2 min2Residual Sludge and Ventilation Strategy in a Product Tank
A 20 m diameter, 14 m high tank previously held diesel and now contains approximately 40 cm of sludge and scale on the floor. The plan is to have two workers enter and shovel sludge to a vacuum hose.
400 words, about 2 min3Hot Work Adjacent to a Tank Being Cleaned
A tank that last contained crude oil is being cleaned. Workers inside are using hand tools to remove scale; the atmosphere currently reads 0% LEL with continuous ventilation.
363 words, about 2 min4Attendant Leaves Post During Entry
A single entrant is inside a 6 m deep vertical tank performing inspection. The attendant is stationed at the top manway with a radio and retrieval line.
350 words, about 2 min5Cleaning Method Selection for a Tank with Unknown Residuals
A tank of unknown prior service is to be cleaned before demolition. Records are incomplete; the tank may have held either a light hydrocarbon or an aqueous chemical.
332 words, about 2 min