API 570 exam windows, fees and the 6-month application rule

Published exam windows and application deadlines

API runs three API 570 windows a year. Each one sits about a month after the matching API 510 window. API 510 candidates can see theirs on the API 510 exam schedule.

• 6 to 27 February 2026: applications closed 5 December 2025.
• 5 to 26 June 2026: applications closed 3 April 2026.
• 9 to 30 October 2026: applications closed 7 August 2026.
• 29 January to 19 February 2027: apply by 26 November 2026.
• 4 to 25 June 2027: apply by 1 April 2027.
• 8 to 29 October 2027: apply by 5 August 2027.

Add every API 510 and 570 deadline to your calendar: subscribe (it updates itself) or download the .ics file.

The deadline is the application date, not the start of the window, and it falls about nine weeks before testing opens. API lists the exam day as 7.5 hours.

Initial exam fees

API's fee page shows two fee tables, in page order 2026 then 2027:

• 2026 initial certification: $875 API member; $1,125 non-member.
• 2027 initial certification: $890 API member; $1,140 non-member.
• Reschedule application: $350 for either membership category in both years.
• Late application: $200 for either membership category in both years.

All amounts are in U.S. dollars. API 570 shares one fee row with API 510 and API 653, as our API 510 vs 570 vs 653 comparison shows. To total your own fee, retakes, books and travel, use the API exam cost calculator. For the full budget, with references, preparation and travel, see the API 570 requirements and cost guide.

What the six-month rule means

Under ICP Policies, a new application stays valid for 6 months from the first exam date requested, however many exams you schedule or take. If you have not obtained certification in that period, API requires a new application and the full fee again. Changing a booking does not restart the clock, so track the validity period alongside the window deadline and your appointment.

Certification also waits until application deficiencies are cleared, even after a passing exam result. Gather your piping experience record before choosing a window, so the exam result and the application review finish together.

Appointment changes and window changes

Prometric appointment charges are separate from API's reschedule-application fee. API's policy lists $35 for changes or cancellations 30 to 60 calendar days before the appointment, and $70 at 5 to 29 days. Changes or cancellations are unavailable less than 5 days before the appointment.

Once your exam is booked with Prometric, it cannot move into another testing window. Another application and additional fees are required, and the same applies if you fail to book a seat during your selected window.

Choose a workable study window

The API 570 certification page states the exam is given in person at designated test centers only, so include travel and time off work in your plan. A date that fits the application calendar can still clash with a turnaround or shift rotation.

If 26 November is too close, the June 2027 window gives you about four extra months. The API 570 study plan for the June 2027 window counts 14 weeks back from 4 June, and the API 570 study plan before 26 November lays out the January window week by week, and the API 570 exam guide covers the format and the five Body of Knowledge sections.

Pick your window with a score in hand

The free 10-question API 570 check takes a few minutes, needs no signup and shows which Body of Knowledge sections need the most work, so you can choose a window that fits. The Long Seam course builds your study plan from the exam date you pick, with a lesson for each section and timed practice exams. See the API 570 course. Back to the site overview.

FAQ

When is the next API 570 exam window?

The next window on API's schedule is 29 January to 19 February 2027, with an application deadline of 26 November 2026. Later windows: 4 to 25 June 2027 (apply by 1 April 2027) and 8 to 29 October 2027 (apply by 5 August 2027).

How much does the API 570 exam cost?

The 2027 initial fee is $890 for API members and $1,140 for non-members. The 2026 table shows $875 and $1,125. A late application adds $200 and a reschedule application costs $350.

How much does it cost to reschedule the API 570 exam?

Prometric charges $35 for changes or cancellations 30 to 60 calendar days before the appointment and $70 at 5 to 29 days, and changes are unavailable less than 5 days before. API's reschedule-application fee of $350 is separate.

Can you take the API 570 exam online?

No. API states the exam is given in person at designated test centers only, and you book your seat at a Prometric center after API authorizes you.

What happens if you don't certify within six months?

A new application stays valid for 6 months from the first exam date requested. If you have not obtained certification in that period, API requires a new application and the full fee again.

Sources

Show the list

• ICP Schedules & Fees, American Petroleum Institute
• ICP Policies: Applications & Exams, American Petroleum Institute
• API 570 Piping Inspector, American Petroleum Institute