Learn on your schedule
Narrated learning modules, training videos, a printed course manual, and 90-day course access from enrollment.
ATC / Free training preview
Technical discipline.
Practical experience.
Experience how ATC connects material chemistry, testing practice, and sound PMI decisions. Start with a two-minute PMI of Welds lesson preview.
Public preview · No account required · No exam credit
01 / See the instruction
PMI of Welds
A two-minute preview from ATC’s modern PMI of Welds module. See how transferred wire-wheel material can alter a surface reading and why representative preparation matters.
What to look for: how wire-wheel material can alter a weld surface reading, why measured chemistry matters, and how preparation and retesting support a sound PMI decision. This excerpt introduces the topic; the complete lesson is part of paid training.
02 / Know what is included
API RP 578 Comprehensive PMI Training
A structured online course connecting material verification guidance with analytical technology and practical applications.
Demonstrate your knowledge
Complete the required curriculum and pass both exams: main exam, 80 of 100 correct (80%); weld dilution exam, 54 of 60 correct (90%).
Document completion
Earn the common ATC Certificate of Completion titled “API RP 578 Comprehensive PMI Training,” documenting 16.0 CPD Hours.
Required learning modules
18 learning modules + 5 supplemental videos · Approximately 16½ hours of required learning, plus exams. Complete the training at your own pace within your 90-day access period.
Approximate module times include narrated instruction and required review activities.
- 01 — Introduction to API RP 578 Approx. 28 minutes
- 02 — XRF Technology Approx. 65 minutes
- 03 — Radiation Safety Approx. 72 minutes
- 04 — OES Technology Approx. 68 minutes
- 05 — LIBS Technology Approx. 70 minutes
- 06 — Statistical Terminology Approx. 38 minutes
- 07 — Calibration Techniques Approx. 93 minutes
- 08 — Sample Preparation Approx. 87 minutes
- 09 — Stainless Steels Approx. 36 minutes
- 10 — Carbon Equivalency Approx. 22 minutes
- 11 — HF Alkylation Approx. 96 minutes
- 12 — Sulfidation Corrosion Approx. 93 minutes
- 13 — Pipeline API 5L and the PHMSA Mega Rule Approx. 24 minutes
- 14 — PMI of Welds Approx. 34 minutes
- 15 — Weld Dilution Approx. 66 minutes
- 16 — Marking, Color Coding and Reporting Approx. 28 minutes
- 17 — Basic 8 Chemistry Approx. 14 minutes
- 18 — Handheld XRF vs. LIBS Approx. 27 minutes
Supplemental training videos
These videos appear at the relevant points throughout the course.
| Video | Runtime |
|---|---|
| XRF Technology | 3 min 33 sec |
| OES Technology | 6 min 55 sec |
| HF Alkylation Case Study | 2 min 23 sec |
| Sulfidation Corrosion Case Study | 8 min 15 sec |
| PHMSA Mega Rule | 3 min 4 sec |
Total required learning time: approximately 16 hours, 24 minutes, plus exams.
Separate optional operator resources: X-550 and Z-900 courses are included with paid API RP 578 enrollment. They are separate from its required curriculum, exams, completion certificate, and 16.0 CPD Hours. Operator certificates are deferred.
03 / Plan your enrollment
Answers before you enroll.
Who is the training designed for?
Inspectors, technicians, engineers, and teams involved in positive material identification and material verification. If you are new to PMI or unsure whether this course fits your responsibilities, contact ATC for guidance.
How long do I have access?
Online course access lasts 90 days from enrollment. Complete the required lessons and exams within that window. A failed or pending payment does not start an approved enrollment.
What are the exam and retake rules?
The main exam contains 100 questions and requires 80% (80 correct). The weld dilution exam contains 60 questions and requires 90% (54 correct). Each exam allows one attempt during your access period. If you fail either exam, Brian Wilson must evaluate and approve a retake before an administrator resets the attempt. There are no automatic retries. Unfinished attempts may be resumed.
What certificate will I receive?
After completing the required instruction and passing both required exams, you receive the ATC Certificate of Completion titled “API RP 578 Comprehensive PMI Training,” with 16.0 CPD Hours. It is the common completion certificate used for online and in-person training. Acceptance of CPD documentation is determined by your employer or credentialing body.
Can I retrieve my certificate after course access expires?
Sign in to your student account and use My Certificates. Certificate access is separate from the 90-day learning window. Your issued certificate is private to your account; it is not a public download.
Is a printed manual included?
Yes. The printed course manual is included with online enrollment. Enter accurate shipping details. Contact ATC before enrolling if you need international delivery or have a delivery deadline so shipping arrangements can be confirmed.
Can students outside the United States enroll?
The course is delivered online. Contact ATC before purchasing to confirm payment availability and manual delivery for your country. The training does not automatically confer a local license or approval.
How does payment affect enrollment?
Card payments are processed through the existing Square checkout. Access begins after successful payment. Check, wire, bank transfer/ACH, invoice/PO, and cash registrations remain pending until ATC approves received payment. SciAps promotional enrollment requires ATC eligibility approval. A PO or a submitted registration alone does not activate access.
Are the X-550 and Z-900 courses required?
No. Both are separate optional operator resources included with paid API RP 578 enrollment. They are not required for either final exam, the API RP 578 completion certificate, or its 16.0 CPD Hours. Standalone operator purchases remain held until payment and access verification are complete; operator certificates are not issued.
Can ATC train our company team?
Yes. Ask about multiple online enrollments, private group training, or scheduled classroom seats. Provide your student count, location, instrument models, preferred format, and target dates on the corporate inquiry path.
Does the free preview count toward course completion?
No. This public excerpt demonstrates the teaching approach. It does not unlock paid lessons, register an exam attempt, or provide CPD credit or a certificate.
Still planning your training?
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Brian Wilson
Owner & Course Director
The experience behind the instruction
Meet Brian Wilson.
Practical PMI experience. Technical instruction you can apply.
Brian is the owner and course director of Analytical Training Consultants. His background connects PMI field work, training program development, and handheld analytical technology across energy and industrial applications.
- API RP 578 committee co-chair — contributing to material verification guidance.
- PMI field experience since 1999 — including analytical methods, application procedures, and technical training.
- Navy Nuclear Power Program graduate — with a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering Technology from Thomas Edison State University.
His instruction connects method selection, sample preparation, chemistry interpretation, instrument limitations, and documentation with practical material verification decisions.
ATC’s training record: more than 3,000 students trained since 2007.
ATC is an independent training provider. Committee service does not imply API approval or endorsement of ATC training.
Participant perspectives
What ATC participants say.
Feedback from participants in ATC’s training programs.
“ATC’s 578 course is full stop the place you need to be if you want to really understand PMI. What appears to be a qualified technique quickly turns into a realization it should be certified, and you can trust that ATC will send your personnel with the knowledge they need!”
Corporate Level III / General Manager of Advanced NDT
Superior Integrity Services
“This course is everything advertised, plus more. You have the opportunity to learn from and interact with the leading subject matter expert in PMI. Brian helped me build a solid foundation and provided a comprehensive look at what PMI as a whole can offer, strengthening my ability to support my team and clients.”
Asset Integrity Manager
“Ferguson Industrial has utilized the ATC API RP 578 training for certification of our PMI techs for years. Recent improvements to the curriculum have taken the course to another level. We now consider ATC a partner in our training program rather than just a "rubber stamp" certification. The course provides valuable insight into all aspects of PMI so that participants leave with an understanding of proper technique and the science behind it.”
Quality Manager
Ferguson Industrial
“Our company enrolled several students specifically to understand more about carbon equivalency, instrument performance and their application to pipeline integrity services. My colleagues and I were very encouraged by the capabilities of handheld LIBS.”