API 510 Exam Fees and Dates for 2026 and 2027
API 510 exam fee, the 2027 exam windows and application deadlines, reschedule and late fees, and what the fee covers. Checked against API in October 2026.
Written by Nilanjan SenReviewed by Deepak Rawtal
Published 18 Oct 2026Reviewed 16 Oct 20262 min read
The cost of API 510, the exam windows, and the deadlines that decide which window you can make. All figures are from API's schedule and fees page, checked against API's own pages on 16 October 2026. API changes them from time to time, so check the page before you pay.
Short answer: US$875 for API members and US$1,125 for non-members, rising to US$890 and US$1,140 in 2027. API 510 runs in January, May and September. The January 2027 deadline is 29 October 2026.
The fee
| API member | Non-member | |
|---|---|---|
| Exam fee (2026) | US$875 | US$1,125 |
| Exam fee (2027) | US$890 | US$1,140 |
| Reschedule | US$350 | US$350 |
| Late application | US$200 | US$200 |
The fee covers the exam seat only. The codes you study from, including ASME Section VIII, and any preparation are extra.
For the full cost, including recertification fees, codes and preparation, read what an API certification really costs.
Exam windows and deadlines
| Exam window | Apply by |
|---|---|
| 2 to 22 January 2027 | 29 October 2026 |
| 7 to 28 May 2027 | 4 March 2027 |
| 3 to 24 September 2027 | 2 July 2027 |
API's current API 510 effectivity sheet covers exams from September 2026 to May 2027. Download it from API's API 510 page and match your books to it.
The exam format, in brief
- 170 questions, 140 scored and 30 unscored pretest items.
- 110 closed-book in 2 hours 45 minutes, a 45-minute lunch, then 60 open-book in 3 hours 45 minutes with the listed codes as on-screen PDFs.
- 7.5 hours in all. API's page says the exam is given in person at designated test centres only.
- The certificate is valid for 3 years.
For what happens on the day, read API 510 and 570 exam day, hour by hour.
Is January 2027 realistic?
Only if your application can be in by 29 October 2026 and you are already well into your study. For most people starting now, May 2027 is the better target: apply by 4 March, and you have around six months to prepare.
Next step
Check you qualify in API 510 eligibility, then use the API 510 study plan. Exam details and sample questions are in our API 510 certification guide.
