API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book

1. API-650 lists materials to be used in the construction of tanks covered by the standard. Is
it permissible to use materials other than those listed in the standard?
a) No only materials listed in API-650 may be used in tank fabrication
b) Yes as long as the manufacturer accepts full liability for tank failure
c) Yes providing it is certified as meeting all requirements of a material listed in the
standard and is approved by the API-653 Inspector
d) Yes providing it is certified as meeting all the requirements of a material listed in the
standard and is approved by the purchaser
2. Regardless of tank size, what is the minimum number of settlement point measurements?
a) Four
b) Eight
c) Twelve
D
d) Based on the formula: N =
10
3. Pontoon type floating roofs shall have sufficient buoyancy to remain afloat on a liquid
with a specific gravity of____
a) 1.0
b) .87
c) .85
d) .70
4. In order to properly protect them, employees using tank lining materials should consult
which of the following?
a) Their immediate supervisor
b) The owner/operators specifications
c) Previous inspection reports
d) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
5. Which of the following is not listed as a settlement component?
a) Uniform settlement
b) Rigid body tilting of a tank (planar tilt)
c) Out-of-plane settlement (differential settlement)
d) Soil undermining (total tank sinking)
6. According to API-653, what is the minimum diagnostic length of each radiograph?
a) The minimum diagnostic length of each radiograph shall be six inches
b) The minimum diagnostic length of each radiograph shall be three inches
c) The minimum diagnostic length of each radiograph shall be nine inches
d) The minimum diagnostic length of each radiograph shall be twelve inches
7. What methods of inspection must be considered when establishing inspection
frequencies?
a) On-stream core sample inspection
b) On-stream nondestructive inspection
c) In-service aerial inspection
d) In-service groundwater inspection
API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
8. Changes to a WPS require re-qualification when all but which of the following changes
are made?
a) Changes to Supplemental Essential Variables (when they are required)
b) Changes to Essential variables
c) Changes of a Non-Essential Variable to suit production
d) Any change affecting the ability of the weldment to meet Code requirements
9. Under what condition does API-653 require two tension specimens to be taken at right
angles to each other from a corner of each plate? One of those specimens must meet the
specification requirements.
a) When the direction of rolling is not definitely known
b) When the welding will be conducted at a temperature less than 32F
c) When the plate is not a full size plate and may be installed with the grain running
vertical
d) When the material is not a P- 1 material
10. If existing plates are to be used to reconstruct the tank, they shall be checked for which of
the following?
a) Chemical compatibility with other plates used in the reconstruction
b) Excessive corrosion and pitting
c) Mechanical strength including impact properties
d) Inadequately reinforced openings
11. Close visual inspections of aboveground storage tanks, from the ground, is required. This
inspection may be performed by owner/operator personnel who may be other than the
Authorized Inspector. The interval of such inspections shall not exceed:
a) At least every five years or 1/4 the corrosion rate life of the shell whichever is less
b) 12 months
c) 6 months
d) 1 month
12. In repairing butt-weld flaws, what type and extent of examination is required to comply
with API-653?
a) Random examination by radiography or ultrasonic methods
b) Examined full length by liquid penetrant or magnetic particle methods
c) Examined at three foot intervals by radiography or ultrasonic methods
d) Examined full length by radiography or ultrasonic methods
13. Thick film linings are typically what thickness?
a) Greater than 20 mils or more
b) Greater than 30 mils or more
c) Greater than 40 mils or more
d) Greater than 50 mils or more

API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
14. Openings in tank shells, larger than that required to accommodate a ____ flanged or
threaded nozzle shall be reinforced.
a) 2 inch
b) 2.5 inch
c) 3 inch
d) 3.5 inch
15. What is the main disadvantage in using large size particles in the soil cushion material?
a) The large particles may puncture the tank bottom
b) The large particles may trap moisture and allow general corrosion to form
c) If large particles are used, differential aeration corrosion may result where the
particles contact the tank bottom
d) The large particles are more difficult to transport
16. According to API-575, the context of scheduling inspections, Similar Service uses
experience from tanks ____ to establish corrosion rates.
a) in different locations but in the same service
b) fabricated of the same material in different locations but in the same service
c) similar locations and service
d) similar locations but different services
17. What are the requirements regarding mill test reports according to API-650?
a) No material shall be used in the construction of an AST unless it is accompanied by a
mill test report
b) Mill test reports are required only on shell plate material
c) Mill test reports shall be furnished to the purchaser only when specified in the
original purchase order
d) Mill test reports shall be furnished to the purchaser prior to final acceptance of the
AST
18. A discontinuity is an interruption of the typical structure of a material and:
a)
b)
c)
d)

Is considered a defect
Is reason for rejection
Is not necessarily considered a defect
Is usually crack like in appearance

19. API 653 permits the addition of reinforcing plates to existing un-reinforced nozzles.
What requirement is necessary to add this reinforcement to the inside of the tank?
a) The reinforcement plate may not be added to the inside of the plate
b) A telltale hole shall be drilled through the shell opposite the reinforcement plate
c) The reinforcement plate is the same material as the nozzle and is attached to the
nozzle by full penetration weld
d) Sufficient nozzle projection must exist

API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
20. When a lapped patch repair plate is used to reinforce the thickness of a shell, which of the
following is correct?
a) The repair plate thickness shall be based on the latest edition of API-650 and 653
using a joint efficiency not exceeding 0.35
b) The repair plate thickness shall be based on the applicable as-built standard and API
Standard 653 using a joint efficiency not exceeding 0.35
c) The repair plate thickness shall be based on the latest edition of API-650 and 653
using a joint efficiency not exceeding 0.70
d) The repair plate thickness shall be based on the applicable as-built standard and API
Standard 650 using a joint efficiency not exceeding 0.70
21. If more extensive repairs are required, within the Critical Zone, than those listed in
API- 653, what must be done with the bottom plate?
a) As long as the repairs do not involve the bottom plate, nothing needs to be done
b) The bottom plate under the bottom shell course shall be cut out and a new plate
installed
c) The bottom plate shall be subjected to suitable nondestructive examination to ensure
it has not be adversely affected by the repair
d) The bottom plate and the bottom shell course shall be replaced as an assembly
22. During reconstruction, no welding of any kind may be performed when the surfaces to be
welded are wet from rain, snow, or ice. When rain or snow is falling or during high wind
conditions, welding is permitted provided:
a) The welder is secured to an anti-fall device and the work is properly grounded
b) The welder has agreed to work in such conditions
c) The welder and the work are properly shielded
d) The owner/operator takes full responsibility for the safety of the welder and the
quality of the welds
23. During the filling of an aboveground storage tank for initial testing, leakage was observed
in a horizontal seam. Repairs are to be completed with the test water in the tank. The tank
is 61 feet high and the leak is discovered 29 feet below the top of the tank. Where must
the water level be during the repair?
a) The water level shall be not more than 31 feet from the bottom of the tank
b) The water level shall be not less than 26 feet from the top of the tank
c) The water level shall be at the maximum design liquid level
d) The water shall be removed from the tank
24. According to API Standard 653, if the material specification for the steel from an existing
tank is unknown or obsolete what must be done?
a) The material can not be used for tank reconstruction
b) Test coupons for the WPS shall be taken from the actual plate to be used
c) Test coupons for the WPS may be taken from a similar material of known
specification
d) Test coupons for the WPS shall only be taken from weld filler metal and not from the
base metal

API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
25. The magnetizing force of yokes used in magnetic particle examination shall be checked
at least once each year, or whenever the yoke has been damaged. What are the lifting
power requirements for D.C. yokes?
a) They must lift 40 pounds at the minimum pole spacing to be used.
b) They must lift 40 pounds at the maximum pole spacing to be used.
c) They must lift 10 pounds at the maximum pole spacing to be used
d) They must lift 10 pounds at the minimum pole spacing to be used
26. What is the minimum required weld length that must be clearly shown on each
radiograph of a new aboveground storage tank?
a) 2 inches
b) 3 inches
c) 6 inches
d) 8 inches
27. Radiographs and radiograph records of all repaired welds shall be marked with what
letter(s)?
a) RW (Repaired Weld)
b) WR (Weld Repair)
c) A (Accepted repair)
d) R
28. When it is necessary to install a hot tap connection or add a reinforcing plate to an
existing un-reinforced penetration, API 653 requires what type, extent, and purpose of
examination.
a) Magnetic particle examination for slight sub-surface discontinuities shall be
performed in an area equal to twice the diameter of the opening
b) Radiographic examination for cracking shall be performed in the immediate area
c) Ultrasonic examination for cracking shall be performed in the immediate area
d) Ultrasonic examination for lamination shall be performed in the immediate area
29. What welds do not require welders identification?
a) All welds require identification
b) Vertical welded joints which are located within the final shell course since this course
will be subjected to relatively low stresses
c) Roof plate welds and flange-to-nozzle-neck welds
d) Roof plate welds and bottom plate welds
30. Generally, tanks in petroleum service use _______ on the internal surfaces to control
internal corrosion.
a) AC Current instead of DC current cathodic protection systems
b) Coatings
c) Cathodic protection in conjunction with coatings
d) Since pure hydrocarbon fluids are usually not corrosive experience shows that
internal corrosion will never occur therefore, corrosion control is not necessary

API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
31. API 650 requires telltale holes in reinforcing plates. What is the required dimension of
this hole and what should be done with it after the initial re-pad pressure test?
a) The hole shall be 3/8 inch diameter and shall be left open to the atmosphere
b) The hole shall be 1/4 inch diameter and shall be left open to the atmosphere
c) The hole shall be 3/8 inch diameter and shall be closed after testing
d) The hole shall be 1/4 inch diameter and shall be closed after testing
32. A soil analysis reveals the pH of a native soil cushion to be 6.25. This soil is considered
to be:
a) Moderately corrosive
b) Mildly corrosive
c) Corrosive
d) Very corrosive
33. Leakage of product from the tank bottom can cause accelerated corrosion by creating
a) Stray current corrosion
b) Corrosion cells where none existed before
c) More positively charged electrons
d) A film that would block electrical current flow
34. During the installation of a new steel bottom over an existing steel bottom, which has
been repaired, if water or other electrolyte intrudes into the annulus, what can happen?
a) A galvanic cell may form which will cause the new steel tank bottom to corrode at an
accelerated rate
b) An electrochemical reaction may take place creating hazardous gasses
c) A galvanic cell may form which will cause the old tank bottom to corrode at an
accelerated rate
d) A galvanic cell may form which will turn the old tank bottom into an anode
35. Several common mechanisms of internal storage tank bottom corrosion are listed in API652. Which of the following is not a common corrosion mechanism?
a) Galvanic cell corrosion
b) Concentrated cell corrosion
c) Chloride stress corrosion
d) Corrosion caused by sulfate-reducing bacteria
36. To facilitate inspection and to ensure good adhesion of the lining, surface preparation
should extend _______ beyond the area to be lined.
a) Several inches
b) Several feet
c) Not less than 6 inches
d) Not less than 12 inches

API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
37. If a variable is not monitored during the welding of the test coupon, must it be recorded
on the PQR?
a)
b)
c)
d)

It shall be recorded on the PQR

All variables monitored or not shall be recorded on the PQR
It shall not be recorded on the PQR
It shall be recorded in the fabrication guidelines

38. In Magnetic Particle examination, each area should be examined at least twice with the
lines of flux during examination approximately ____ to the lines of flux during the other?
a)
b)
c)
d)

60
120
Perpendicular
Parallel

39. When it is necessary to install a new tank bottom above an existing bottom, it may be
necessary to alter existing shell penetrations. This procedure may require the existing
reinforcing plate to be removed and a new reinforcement plate added. This is not
permitted when what condition exists?
a) The assembly was originally hardness tested
b) The existing assembly was not impact tested
c) The existing assembly was fabricated from re-claimed material
d) The existing assembly was stress relieved
40. Industry experience has shown that if a conductive electrolyte exists between an old and a
new tank bottom:
a) The current flow and metal loss will be from the old bottom
b) The current flow and metal loss will be from the new bottom
c) The current flow will be from the old bottom and metal loss will be from the new
bottom
d) The current flow will be from the new bottom and metal loss will be from the old
bottom
41. In ultrasonic thickness, the higher the temperature of the steel being examined, the:
a)
b)
c)
d)

reading cannot be obtained

higher the reading
lower the reading
reading will not be affected

API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
42. API-575 states that atmospheric storage tanks are used for fluids having a true vapor
pressure at the storage temperature that is _____
a) equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure
b) at least 2.5 psi above atmospheric
c) at least 2.5 pounds per square foot above atmospheric
d) less than atmospheric
43. Where will the extent of radiographic examination be specified?
a) The extent of any examination will be dictated by the Authorized Inspector based on
his/her experience.
b) The extent of examination shall be as specified by the referencing Code.
c) The extent of examination will be as specified in SNT-TC-lA (1992 edition)
d) As required by the Material Specification
44. The voltage necessary to drive the required amount of current depends largely on what
two factors?
a) The type of power source available and the resistivity of the soil
b) The number and location of anodes and the resistivity of the soil
c) The number and location of cathodes and the resistivity of the soil
d) The number and location of the anodes and the resistivity of the special backfill
45. A welder qualified with a P-1 test coupon (using SMAW E7018 electrodes). May the

welder weld P-4 material using E-8028 electrodes in production (Assume the P-4
procedure using E-8028 electrodes has been qualified)?
a) No, the welder is only qualified to weld P-1 to P-1 material
b) No, the welder must re-qualify using a WPS for P-1 to P-4
c) Yes, P numbers are not a welders variable
d) Yes, qualification with P-1 also qualifies through P-11

46. Where would you expect to find paint blisters?

a) On the roof and on the side of the tank on the north side
b) On the roof and on the side of the tank subjected to mist over-spray from cooling
towers
c) On the roof and on the side of the tank adjacent to another tank
d) On the roof and on the side of the tank receiving the most sunlight
47. After the valve has been installed on the flange, a pressure test of at least _______ shall
be performed on the nozzle prior to mounting the hot tap machine.
a) The same pressure as the pneumatic test of the reinforcing pad
b) 1.25 times the hydrostatic head
c) 1.5 times the hydrostatic head
d) 2.0 times the hydrostatic head (to account for the added stress of the machine)

API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
48. Internal corrosion in the vapor space above the liquid of crude oil and petroleum product
tanks is commonly caused by _________
a) Hydrogen sulfide vapor, water vapor, caustic vapors or any combination of the three
b) Hydrogen sulfide vapor, nitrogen vapors, oxygen or any combination of the three
c) Hydrogen sulfide vapor, water vapor, oxygen or any combination of the three
d) Hydrogen sulfide vapor, water vapor, nitrogen or any combination of the three
49. In conducting a preliminary visual inspection, what is the recommended sequence of the
inspection?
a) The bottom, shell, internal supports, and roof in that order
b) The shell, bottom, internal supports, and roof in that order
c) The internal supports, roof, shell, and bottom in that order
d) The roof, internal supports, shell, and bottom in that order
50. ASME Section IX defines a corner joint as which of the following?
a) A joint between two members located approximately at right angles to each other.
b) A joint created by welding from around the outer edge of a rectangular vessel
c) A joint made up of two or more members aligned within 30 or less from centerline
d) A joint made up of two or more members aligned within 60 or more from centerline
51. Which of the following is a correct statement regarding oxygen concentration of the
electrolyte.
a) Oxygen concentration in the electrolyte has no impact on the corrosion cell
b) Areas of lower oxygen concentrations become anodic and areas of higher
concentrations become cathodic.
c) Areas of lower oxygen concentrations become cathodic and areas of higher
concentrations become anodic
d) Areas of lower oxygen concentrations become acidic and areas of higher
concentrations become alkaline
52. There is a combination of three critical factors that, when reached, will allow brittle
fracture to occur. Of the following, which is not one of these factors?
a)
b)
c)
d)

The amount of residual and applied stresses on the flaw

The materials fracture toughness
Operating temperature below -20F in all cases
The size, shape, and stress concentration effect on the flaw

53. Intervals between internal inspections shall be determined by the corrosion rates
measured during previous inspections or anticipated based on experience with tanks in
similar service. The internal inspection interval shall not exceed how many years?
a) Ten years
b) Fifteen years
c) Twenty years
d) Twenty-five years

API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
54. According to ASME Section V Nondestructive Examination Personnel shall be qualified
in accordance with which of the following?
a) SNT-TC-lA (2001 edition), recommended Practice for NDE Personnel Qualification
and Certification
b) ANSI/ASNT CP-l89 (2001 edition), ASNT Standard for Qualification and
Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
c) Both A or B
d) Neither A or B
55. If during your inspection, you find distortion around a nozzle connection, what additional
action would you recommend?
a) All seams and the shell in this area should be examined
b) All horizontal welds around the tank in the course that contains the nozzle should be
examined
c) All vertical welds within 36 inches of the nozzle should be examined
d) An area measuring two nozzle diameters square should be examined around the
nozzle
56. That property of a ferrous alloy that determines the depth and distribution of hardness
induced by quenching is a definition of:
a)
b)
c)
d)

Hardness
Tempering
Upper transformation limit
Hardening or hardenability

57. The welding of the ____ during fabrication of an AST shall be practically complete prior
to welding-out the bottom joints.
a) Nozzle reinforcement periphery welds
b) Shell-to-bottom weld
c) All vertical and horizontal shell welds
d) All external attachment welds
58. Special consideration must be given to what area of the tank bottom with regard to thickfilm lining?
a) The center because this is the area that will be subjected to the most stress
b) The critical zone
c) Any butt weld joints in the tank bottom
d) The coving at the transition from the tank bottom to the shell
59. Thin film tank bottom linings are typically what thickness?
a) Less than 20 mils
b) Seldom less than 20 mils
c) 40 mils or less
d) Thin film linings are not used in aboveground storage tanks

API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

10

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
60. All tanks shall be given a visual external inspection, by an Authorized Inspector, at what
frequency?
a) Inspection conducted at least every 20 years or at the quarter corrosion rate of the
bottom whichever is less
b) Inspection conducted at least every 5 years or at the quarter corrosion rate of the
bottom whichever is less
c) Inspection conducted at least every 5 years or at the quarter corrosion rate of the shell
whichever is less
d) Inspection conducted at least every 20 years or at the quarter corrosion rate of the
shell whichever is less
61. Fretting-related corrosion may occur in hydrocarbon service:
a) On the soil side of the tank bottom
b) On the bottom side of the strike plates
c) On the bottom side of external floating roofs
d) On the internal shell side just below the liquid interface
62. A service life of______ years should be expected from a properly selected and applied
lining system.
a) 10 to 20
b) 15 to 30
c) 20 to 30
d) 25 to 30
63. According to API-650, what are the dimensions of a standard vacuum testing box?
a) 6 wide by 30 long
b) 6 wide by 24 long
c) 6 wide by 36 long
d) 6 wide by 32 long
64. Peaking and banding of reconstructed tanks is determined using a horizontal sweep board
for peaking and a straight edge vertical sweep board for banding. What is the required
length of the sweep boards?
a) 48 inches
b) 24 inches
c) 42 inches
d) 36 inches
65. With regards to new welds attaching shell plate to shell plate for plate thickness greater
than one inch, what additional extent and method of examination is required by API-653?
a) The back gouged surface of the root and final pass (each side) shall be examined for
its complete length by the Inspector
b) The back gouged surface of the root and final pass (each side) shall be examined for
its complete length visually
c) The back gouged surface of the root and final pass (each side) shall be examined for
its complete length by magnetic particle or liquid penetrant
d) The back gouged surface of the root and final pass (each side) shall be examined for
its complete length by ultrasonic
API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

11

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
66. API-653 requires the number and location of radiographs to in accordance with API-650.
In addition, API-653 requires how many and what location for new or repaired shell
vertical joints?
a) For new or repaired shell vertical joints one radiograph shall be taken in each fifty
foot length
b) For new or repaired shell vertical joints one radiograph shall be taken in each twentyfive foot length
c) For new or repaired shell vertical joints one radiograph shall be taken in every joint
d) For new or repaired shell vertical joints one radiograph shall be taken in every other
joint
67. Grounding connections should be visually checked for corrosion at the point where they
enter the earth. What is the approximate total resistance from the tank to earth?
a) Should not exceed 100 ohms
b) Should not exceed 75 ohms
c) Should not exceed 50 ohms
d) Should not exceed 25 ohms
68. To minimize evaporation losses and reduce potential hazard to workers, no more than
____ of the roof seal system should be out of an in-service tank at one time.
a) One-eighth
b) One-fourth
c) One-half
d) Three-quarters
69. When a tank is of welded construction and has significant distortion, weld seams may
crack. When cracking is suspected, what is the preferred method of nondestructive
examination?
a) Radiography
b) Ultrasonic
c) Liquid Penetrant
d) Magnetic Particle
70. Lapped patch shell repairs are not permitted on shell courses exceeding what thickness?
a) 1/2 inch
b) 3/4 inch
c) 1 inch
d) 1 1/4 inch
71. The thickness to be used for each shell course, of a reconstructed tank, when checking
tank design shall be based on:
a) Measurements taken within 30 days prior to relocation
b) Measurements taken within 60 days prior to relocation
c) Measurements taken within 120 days prior to relocation
d) Measurements taken within 180 days prior to relocation

API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

12

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
72. According to API-653, what is the maximum acceptable undercut for vertical and
horizontal butt - welded joints?
a) Maximum for vertical butt joints is 1/32 and 1/64 for horizontal butt joints
b) Maximum for vertical butt joints is 3/32 and 1/64 for horizontal butt joints
c) Maximum for vertical butt joints is 1/64 and 1/32 for horizontal butt joints
d) Maximum for vertical butt joints is 1/64 and 3/32 for horizontal butt joints
73. The minimum dimension for a replacement shell plate shall be ____ inches or ___ times
the thickness of the replacement plate whichever is ____.
a) 12, 12, greater
b) 12, 12, lesser
c) 18, 18, greater
d) 18, 18, lesser
74. The risk of tank failure due to brittle fracture is considered minimal after what
condition(s)?
a) The tank has demonstrated its ability to withstand the combined effects of maximum
liquid level (highest stresses) and highest operating temperature
b) The tank has demonstrated its ability to withstand the combined effects of
intermediate liquid level (highest stresses) and lowest operating temperature
c) The tank has demonstrated its ability to withstand the combined effects of maximum
liquid level (highest stresses) and lowest operating temperature
d) The tank has demonstrated its ability to withstand the combined effects of maximum
liquid level (highest stresses) and intermediate operating temperature
75. No known tank failures, attributed to brittle fracture, have occurred at shell metal
temperatures of ____ F and above.
a) -20
b) 20
c) 40
d) 60
76. After fabrication is completed but prior to filling an aboveground storage tank with test
water, reinforcing plates shall be tested. What method of test and pressure shall be used?
a) A hydrostatic pressure test at up to 15 psig
b) A pneumatic pressure test at up to 15 psig
c) A vacuum test at a partial pressure of 2 psig
d) A pneumatic pressure test at up to 25 psig
77. An impressed current cathodic protection system is installed; the installing contractor
connected the positive connection of the rectifier to the tank. Is this a satisfactory
installation?
a) Yes it does not matter how the leads are connected
b) No the positive lead should have been connected to anode so the tank bottom would
be the anode
c) Yes the connection is correct the tank bottom will act as the anode as intended
d) No the connection is incorrect, the tank bottom will now act as the anode resulting in
rapid corrosion of the tank bottom
API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

13

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
78. What percentage of the selected spot radiographs must be at junctions of vertical and
horizontal welded joints of aboveground storage tanks during fabrication?
a) 25 percent
b) 50 percent
c) 75 percent
d) 15 percent
79. The base metal goes into solution (corrodes) by releasing electrons and forming positive
metal ions. This statement describes what takes place at what component of a corrosion
cell?
a) The cathode
b) The electrolyte
c) The metallic connection between the cathode and the anode
d) The anode
80. What two things are critical for long-term protection against atmospheric corrosion in
corrosive environments?
a)
b)
c)
d)

Installing the systems indoors and keeping the environment clean

Surface preparation and proper welding
Surface preparation and proper coating application
Keeping operating temperatures above 250F or below 32F

81. The most common and potentially the most damaging stray currents are:
a) Direct currents
b) Alternating currents
c) Intermittent currents
d) Close proximity alternating currents
82. As a general rule, the temperature of the steel surface should be ____ and the humidity
should be ______ during the application and curing of the lining.
a) 25F above the dew point - below 80%
b) 5F above the dew point - below 80%
c) 5F below the dew point - above 80%
d) 5F above the dew point - above 80%
83. Manholes are required in floating roofs for access to the tank interior and for ventilation.
What is the minimum nominal diameter of these manholes?
a) 24 inches
b) 20 inches
c) 18 inches
d) 15 inches
84. Internal floating roofs shall be designed to safely support at least
a) 500 pounds over 1 square foot
b) 500 pounds over 1 square inch
c) 500 pounds over 1 square yard
d) 500 pounds over 1 square meter

API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

14

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
85. What is the minimum number of circulation vents that must be located on the shell or
fixed roof above the seal of the floating roof when the tank is full?
a) 8
b) 4
c) 6
d) 2
86. How can the life of an impressed current anode be increased?
a) By installing a timing device that activates the current at thirty-second intervals
b) Properly installing the backfill material
c) Use a substitute anode material
d) Using AC current instead of DC current
87. The radiographic film for all junctions of vertical and horizontal joints in new fabrication
shall show at least ____ of weld length on each side of the vertical intersection.
a) 3 inches
b) 2 inches
c) 1 inch
d) 4 inches
88. For a typical vertical anode installation, the hole is excavated ____ inches in diameter by
approximately _______ feet deep.
a) Six to ten , five to ten
b) Eight to twelve, ten to twenty
c) Twelve to eighteen, twelve to twenty-four
d) Eighteen to twenty-four, eighteen to thirty
89. The API-653 standard states that many of the requirements for design, welding, and
materials of API-650 and API-12C can be applied with regard to
a) Repair, maintenance inspection, rating, and alteration.
b) Repair, personnel assignment, maintenance, and inspection.
c) Inspection, product in storage, rating, and alteration.
d) Alteration, refinery equipment, electrical controls, and repair.
90. Safe working practices procedures shall be developed according to the guidelines given
in which of the following?
a) API-650, API-651, & API-521
b) API-Standard-2015, API RP-2016, API Pub.-2217A
c) ASME Section VIII, National Board Inspection Code, Owner/User specifications
d) NFPA, Underwriters Laboratory, AWS Requirements
91. What are the two types of cathodic protection systems most commonly used?
a) Galvanic cathode system and impressed voltage system
b) Galvanic anode system and impressed current system
c) Galvanic anode system and interference current system
d) Galvanic anode system and interference voltage system

API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

15

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
92. To ensure suitability for service, what is the minimum permitted frequency of tank
foundation inspection?
a) Annually
b) Every five years
c) Monthly
d) Periodically
93. Atmospheric tanks that are designed for not more than 0.5 psig over the static pressure of
the liquid contained in the tank are normally tested:
a) By filling the tank with the liquid to be stored
b) By filling the tank with an inert gas
c) By filling the tank with water
d) By filling the tank with a soap solution
94. When must an evaluation, to determine the suitability for continued use, be conducted?
a) Evaluations shall be conducted when a tank inspection reveals a change has occurred
from the original physical condition of the tank.
b) Evaluations shall be conducted at least annually
c) Evaluations shall be conducted at an interval not to exceed the calculated tank
inspection frequency.
d) Evaluations shall be conducted once each ten years of service
95. Above what operating temperature shall API Standard 650, Appendix M, be considered
before changing the service of a tank?
a) 500F
b) 400F
c) 300F
d) 200F
96. Of the following, which is not an option available to the owner/operator if it is not
possible to satisfy the requirements for minimum thickness calculations for a welded
tank?
a) Repair damaged areas
b) Reduce allowable liquid level
c) Retire the tank
d) Reduce the fill rate so the tank fills slower and applies pressure gradually
97. In placing the anodes, how is better current distribution and more uniform polarization
obtained?
a) By distributing anodes uniformly around the tank or under the membrane for new
construction
b) By distributing anodes uniformly around the dike area or under the tank for new
construction
c) By distributing the cathodes uniformly around the tank or under the tank for new
construction
d) By distributing the anodes uniformly around the tank or under the tank for new
construction

API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

16

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book
98. API 650 covers the design, materials, fabrication, erection, and testing of aboveground
steel storage tanks. What is the maximum internal pressure for tanks not covered by
appendix F of this standard?
a) Maximum pressure shall not exceed 15 psig
b) Maximum pressure shall not exceed 15 psia
c) Maximum pressure shall not exceed the weight of the roof plates
d) Maximum pressure shall not exceed the weight of the floor plates
99. What is the maximum permitted under-run for shell, roof, and bottom plates?
a) 0.10 inch from the computed design thickness or minimum permitted thickness
b) 0.01 inch from the computed design thickness or minimum permitted thickness
c) 0.001 inch from the computed design thickness or minimum permitted thickness
d) 0.02 inch from the computed design thickness or minimum permitted thickness
100. According to API-650, tack welds _______
a) May be installed by welders who need practice
b) Can be considered as adding to the strength of a welded joint
c) Are not considered as having any strength value in the finished structure
d) Have strength value in the finished structure provided they are performed by a
qualified welder to a qualified welding procedure

API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

17

API-653 Examination Preparation Course

Practice Examination - Closed Book

API-653 Exam Prep Course 2007

BAY Technical Associates, Inc.

18