What an API Certification Really Costs: 2026 and 2027 Fees, and Everything Else
API exam fees for 2026 and 2027 from API's own schedule, plus the other costs to plan for: codes, preparation, reschedules, late fees, recertification.
EIM Editorial Team16 Oct 20265 min read
"How much does API 510 cost?" usually gets a one-number answer: the exam fee. The real cost of getting and keeping an API certification is broader: the exam, the codes you must study, your preparation, the time off work, and the fees to keep the certification current. This guide sets out API's own published fees for 2026 and 2027, and the other costs to plan for.
Short answer: API's non-member fee for the API 510, 570 or 653 exam is US$1,125 in 2026 and US$1,140 in 2027 (member rates US$875 and US$890). The supplementary certifications API 571, 577 and 580 are US$440 in 2026 and US$450 in 2027 for non-members. Add codes, preparation, possible reschedule or late fees, and recertification every three years.
API's exam fees
| Initial certification | 2026 member | 2026 non-member | 2027 member | 2027 non-member |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| API 510, 570, 653 | $875 | $1,125 | $890 | $1,140 |
| API 571, 577, 580 | $380 | $440 | $390 | $450 |
| API 936 | $450 | $625 | $465 | $645 |
| SIFE, SIRE, SIEE | $380 | $500 | $390 | $515 |
| API 1169, 1184 | $435 | $580 | $445 | $590 |
API member rates apply to eligible participants from API member companies; most individuals should check their eligibility with API before assuming the lower rate.
Fees that catch people out
| Fee | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Reschedule: API 510, 570, 653 | $350 | $350 |
| Reschedule: 571, 577, 580, 936, SIFE, SIRE, SIEE and others | $200 | $200 |
| Late application (all programmes) | $200 | $200 |
Two of these are easy to avoid. Apply before the deadline: for the January 2027 API 510 window, for example, API's deadline is 29 October 2026, and for the January to February 2027 API 570 window it is 26 November 2026. And plan your exam date carefully, because rescheduling a 510, 570 or 653 exam costs US$350.
Keeping your certification
API 510, 570 and 653 inspectors apply for recertification every three years, with requirements that include continued relevant work. The recertification fee for API 510, 570 and 653 is US$855 for non-members in 2026 and US$870 in 2027 (US$745 and US$760 for members). For API 571, 577 and 580 it is US$320 in 2026 and US$330 in 2027 for non-members. Recertification also includes an online quiz at set intervals, with its own effectivity sheet.
So, in 2027 terms, an API 510 holder paying non-member rates spends US$1,140 to certify and then US$870 at each three-year recertification, before any change in fees.
The costs beyond API's fees
- Codes and standards. You need the editions on your exam's effectivity sheet, bought from authorised sources. For API 653 in 2027 that includes new editions of API 650, RP 652 and the ASME code; see what changed for 2027.
- Preparation. Self-study, courses, question banks or a mix: the choice, and the cost, are yours.
- Time. The study hours, and a full day off for a 7.5-hour exam such as API 510.
- Travel to a test centre. API's 510 page states that exam is given in person; API lists select programmes as available remotely, so check yours.
- Retakes. If you do not pass, plan for the fee of a later attempt; check API's retest policy for your programme.
Building a sensible certification budget
- Decide the sequence. For example, API 510 first, then API 571 and 580, which 510 holders can sit without further experience. In 2027 non-member terms, that sequence costs US$1,140 + US$450 + US$450 = US$2,040 in API exam fees.
- Ask your employer. Many employers sponsor certifications, especially where clients require them.
- Avoid avoidable fees: apply on time and book a date you can keep.
- Buy the right editions once. Check the effectivity sheet before buying any book.
- Plan recertification from day one, including logging the work that recertification requires.
Is it worth it?
That depends on your role and market. In many Gulf job adverts, API 510, 570 or 653 is a stated requirement, which means the certification opens doors rather than adding a premium. Our guide to API inspector salaries shows what published data and adverts suggest, with the caveats. No certification guarantees a particular job or salary.
Preparing with EIM
EIM is an independent training provider; API sets and collects these fees. EIM's exam pages explain each certification, and self-paced preparation is built for API 653, API 571 and API 580, each with a question bank, practice mode with explanations, timed mock tests, study notes and flashcards, and one year of access. See the exam pages. Before exam day, read API Exam Day, Hour by Hour.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the API 510 exam fee?
API's non-member fee is US$1,125 for 2026 and US$1,140 for 2027. The member fee is US$875 for 2026 and US$890 for 2027.
How much does it cost to reschedule an API exam?
US$350 for API 510, 570 and 653, and US$200 for most other programmes, according to API's fee schedule.
Is there a late application fee?
Yes, US$200 for all programmes, for both new certification and recertification.
How often do I pay to recertify?
API 510, 570 and 653 inspectors recertify every three years. The 2027 non-member recertification fee for these is US$870.
Do the fees include the codebooks?
No. Codes and standards are bought separately, in the editions listed on your exam's effectivity sheet.
Sources
- API: ICP Schedules & Fees (2026 and 2027 fees and windows)
- API: API 510 certification page (recertification every three years)
- All checked 7 October 2026. Fees change; re-check before you budget.
