Have questions about AICIP certification, examinations, or renewal processes? Our FAQs provide clear, straightforward answers to help you navigate every step. Whether you’re new to the industry or an experienced inspector, find the information you need to stay on track.
General Questions
How is AICIP managed?
As of mid-2025, AICIP is managed by Weld Australia.
Does AICIP facilitate training courses?
No, AICIP does not conduct training courses to ensure that there is no conflict of interest. AICIP only conducts examination and certification programs.
What types of inspection personnel and plant are likely to be covered by AICIP?
Pressure equipment.
Will certificates of competency issued by Australian organisations or overseas bodies be recognised for exemption from AICIP examinations?
No. AICIP has considered the issue and have decided that all candidates seeking AICIP certification must undertake the examinations.
What does AICIP certification mean to an employer of a person holding such certification?
It is the employer’s/owner’s responsibility to ensure that inspection is performed by a competent person. AICIP certification means that the inspector has been assessed as competent to undertake the work as required. However the employer of the inspector has the assurance that the inspector was independently examined and found to have certain competencies.
Can an employer recognise inspectors who have previously obtained recognition from Regulatory Authorities and overseas bodies?
It is the prerogative of the employer, owner user etc to employ whoever they wish. They must comply with the appropriate standards and regulations in place in States and Territories of Australia. AICIP offers them the opportunity to utilise a nationally recognised, independent certification program for them to make decisions to assist them with their responsibilities to employ a competent person.
How are examiners selected?
Examiners are selected from the National Panel of Examiners, have at least 10 years’ experience in the design; manufacture; installation; operation; maintenance of pressure equipment; and have at least 3 years’ inspection of pressure equipment or similar equipment; and shall understand the AICIP certification scheme. Examiners assist with question development; apply examination procedures; and shall be fluent in English (written and oral).
Examinations and Certification
When are exams held?
AICIP exams are held twice a year.
Where are exams held?
All exams are held online using Weld Australia’s platform – WeldQ.
How many Examination Papers are required to be sat for the In-Service Inspector of Pressure Equipment?
For the In-service Inspector of Pressure equipment applicants are required to sit three Examination Papers (A, B & E).
How many Examination Papers are required to be sat for the Senior In-Service Inspector of Pressure Equipment?
For the Senior In-Service Inspector Pressure Equipment applicants are required to sit two Examination Papers (C & D).
Can anyone sit the exam?
There are no prerequisites, prior qualifications, training and/or experience specified for AICIP In-Service Inspectors Examinations. However, candidates with insufficient industry experience will have difficulty passing the theoretical Paper B and Practical Paper E.
To have a reasonable likelihood of demonstrating the required competency and passing the ISI examinations (and to limit cost), it is strongly recommended that applicants have at least the following:
- Qualifications – Year 12 High School, a Trade Certificate or equivalent knowledge.
- Knowledge of common pressure equipment types and terminology used in Australian Standards.
- Basic mathematics ability e.g. to calculate the volume, thickness and hoopstress of a cylinder.
- Training – 100 hours formal, self or on-job training in pressure equipment inspection and AS/NZ3788.
- Experience depending on qualifications and training, 5 years (full time equivalent) including 2 years in inspection. Shorter times apply where qualifications and training are high but experience should be sufficient to develop basic technical skills and good communication skills.
- Personal – ability to read, write and communicate orally in the English language.
- Maturity and reliability, eyesight and hearing (with or without correction) and physical and mental ability to competently perform the proposed inspections
- Pressure Equipment Knowledge – Understand the main technical inspection terms relating to pressure equipment
For SISI applicants’ wider experience, calculation and technical ability is desirable in addition to the above.
Can I sit the SISI before the ISI?
Applicants must successfully pass the ISI to receive a certificate. Once certified, they can apply for the Senior In Service Inspector examinations.
Can you sit an exam outside the exam period?
Applicants need to sit exams on an AICIP scheduled examination date.
Are the examination(s) open book?
All AICIP Examinations are closed book exams. If reference material is required, appropriate data will be supplied.
When will I receive my examination results?
Applicants will be notified of their examination results by email within 8 weeks from the exam date.
When do I have to renew my certification?
Inspectors are required to renew their certification every 5 years from the original issue date. Inspectors will be notified of their expiry date at least 1 month prior to the expiry date, with follow-up reminders.
To ensure your renewal notification is sent to the correct email address, Inspectors should notify AICIP of their contact details via aicip@weldaustralia.com.au. It is the responsibility of the inspector to ensure that their contact details are maintained. If an inspector is wanting to renew their certification and does not receive their renewal email notification, it is the responsibility of the inspector to advise AICIP via: aicip@weldaustralia.com.au.
Inspectors should ensure a renewal application is lodged BEFORE your certification expiry date if you would still like to be certified by AICIP. If your certification has expired for a period longer than three months, your certification will lapse and you will be required to apply for re-certification (Paper F).
My AICIP Certification has expired what to do?
Applicants can apply for a renewal application by emailing aicip@weldaustralia.com.au.
How long do I have to renew my certification?
6 months from your expiry date.
What do I do if I cannot supply inspection reports?
An inspector must provide objective evidence to clearly show their continued competency as judged by their reports; their client’s satisfaction of their performance; and their employers assessment of performance. Reports should detail that critical pressure equipment is safe until the next nominated inspection.
Inspectors can submit inspection reports with all confidential information about the company/customer redacted ensuring that all necessary information to support you application is available.
If you are having difficulty submitting inspection reports, to comply with the above requirements, you will need to:
1. Provide a letter from your current or last employer and any disclosure will remain confidential; and
2. Provide 5 or more client contacts including their name and details of the responsible person; and
3. State in writing why you are unable to comply – citing specific reasons.