How Do I Become SP001 Certified?

To become SP001 certified, register for STI/SPFA’s SP001 Aboveground Tank System Inspector Training, prepare by becoming familiar with the STI SP001 Standard, complete the training, and meet the certification requirements established by STI/SPFA. The certification is used by professionals responsible for inspecting shop-fabricated aboveground storage tanks, portable containers, and small field-erected tanks.

What Is SP001 Certification?

SP001 certification is an STI/SPFA inspector certification for professionals who are responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair, and proper operation of aboveground storage tank systems. The information is also useful to people who design storage tank systems and maintain compliance with state and federal regulations that may apply to those systems.

The certification is connected to the STI SP001 Standard for the Inspection of Aboveground Storage Tanks and focuses on inspection practices for shop-fabricated aboveground tanks, portable containers, and small field-erected tanks. The certification allows qualified users to apply the SP001 Standard to establish that a storage tank within the scope of SP001 is being properly maintained.

An SP001 Certified Inspector can perform formal AST inspections and determine whether a tank is suitable for continued service. The standard is accepted by the USEPA for compliance with federal SPCC requirements and by many states for compliance with state AST inspection standards. It is also recognized as good engineering practice and can be used to support compliance with several other state and federally administered codes that may pertain to storage tanks.

The STI SP001 inspector certification program is widely used by professionals responsible for inspecting shop-fabricated aboveground storage tanks. The training helps inspectors understand the structure of the SP001 Standard, the knowledge areas covered in the program, and the types of inspections inspectors are expected to perform.

SP001 certification supports aboveground storage tank inspection, recordkeeping, and compliance activities. It is especially relevant for professionals involved in tank inspection programs, environmental compliance, SPCC planning, facility maintenance, repairs, and proper operation of aboveground storage tank systems.

How Does SP001 Certification Work?

SP001 certification works through a structured training and certification pathway. The process begins with understanding the STI SP001 Standard and registering for SP001 Aboveground Tank System Inspector Training.

Once an inspector is certified, they must maintain their certification by receiving follow-up training to stay current on updates to the standard. The inspector must also take a follow-up test to confirm their knowledge is current.

During training, participants learn about the knowledge areas covered by the standard and the types of inspections SP001 inspectors are expected to perform. The certification program is designed for professionals who inspect shop-fabricated aboveground tanks, portable containers, and small field-erected tanks.

Preparation is important. Familiarity with the SP001 Standard helps participants understand inspection categories, tank records, periodic inspections, formal external inspections, formal internal inspections, leak testing, suitability for continued service, and documentation requirements.

Steps to Become SP001 Certified

Review the SP001 Standard

The first step is to become familiar with the STI SP001 Standard for the Inspection of Aboveground Storage Tanks. The current edition includes topics such as safety considerations, AST inspector qualifications, inspection schedules, periodic AST inspections, formal external inspection guidelines, formal internal inspection guidelines, leak testing methods, suitability for continued service, and recordkeeping.

Confirm the Certification Applies to Your Work

SP001 certification is most relevant for professionals responsible for inspecting maintaining and repairing shop-fabricated aboveground storage tank systems, portable containers, and small field-erected tanks. Before registering, participants should understand whether the tanks they inspect fall within the scope of SP001 and whether SP001 is the appropriate inspection standard for the tank system.

Review Education and Experience Requirements

A candidate who is interested in taking the class must have a minimum amount of education, experience, and exposure to storage tank systems. Documentation of related experience and education is required prior to enrolling in the course. Minimum requirements include a Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university and at least one year of experience, a two-year degree or certification in engineering or technology and at least two years of experience, or a high school diploma or equivalent and at least three years of experience.

Register for the Training

STI/SPFA offers SP001 Aboveground Tank System Inspector Training for professionals pursuing STI SP001 certification. The training is available through STI/SPFA’s education and training program.

Prepare for the Training

Preparation includes reviewing the SP001 Standard, understanding basic aboveground storage tank components, becoming familiar with inspection terminology, and reviewing available STI/SPFA resources. STI/SPFA’s course What You Need to Know Before Taking the STI SP001 Certification Class provides an overview of the certification program, the knowledge areas covered in training, and the types of inspections inspectors are expected to perform.

Complete the Training and Certification Requirements

Participants complete the SP001 training and certification requirements established by STI/SPFA. The certification pathway is designed to help inspectors demonstrate knowledge of SP001 inspection practices and aboveground storage tank inspection requirements.

Maintain Knowledge of SP001 and Related Requirements

SP001 inspectors should stay current with the SP001 Standard, inspection practices, related STI/SPFA resources, and applicable regulatory or owner requirements. Changes to the tank system, inspection expectations, and compliance needs can affect how SP001 is applied in the field.

Why Is SP001 Certification Important?

SP001 certification is important because aboveground storage tank inspections support safe operation, environmental protection, maintenance planning, and compliance activities. Inspectors need to understand tank condition, inspection schedules, tank records, containment, leak detection, corrosion, appurtenances, and suitability for continued service.

The certification program helps establish a pathway for professionals who inspect aboveground storage tank systems. It gives inspectors training related to the SP001 Standard and the types of inspections they are expected to perform.

For tank owners and facility operators, working with qualified inspectors can help improve inspection consistency, documentation, and decision-making when evaluating tank condition and next steps.

Who Should Become SP001 Certified?

SP001 certification is useful for professionals who inspect or manage aboveground storage tank systems. This may include tank inspectors, environmental managers, facility managers, tank owners, engineers, consultants, compliance professionals, tank manufacturers, and individuals responsible for SPCC-and fire code related AST inspection programs.

The certification is especially relevant for professionals working with shop-fabricated aboveground storage tanks, portable containers, and small field-erected tanks.

What Does SP001 Training Cover?

SP001 training covers the knowledge areas needed to understand and apply the STI SP001 Standard. The SP001 Standard includes safety considerations, AST inspector qualifications, inspection schedules, periodic AST inspections, formal external inspection guidelines, formal internal inspection guidelines, leak testing methods, suitability for continued service, and recordkeeping.

Additional subjects include a review of SPCC requirements for tanks, state and local tank regulations, fire code, recognized industry standards, storage tank design standards, tank venting requirements, overfill prevention, secondary containment requirements, tank integrity testing, piping requirements, electrical requirements for tank systems, corrosion control, and tank repairs.

Training also helps participants understand the types of inspections inspectors are expected to perform, including inspections of shop-fabricated aboveground tanks, portable containers, and small field-erected tanks.

Key Certification and Preparation Considerations

Becoming SP001 certified requires more than attending a class. Participants need to understand the SP001 Standard, aboveground storage tank inspection concepts, tank categories, inspection schedules, leak testing, recordkeeping, and suitability for continued service.

Important preparation considerations include reviewing the current edition of the SP001 Standard, understanding the types of tanks covered by SP001, reviewing available inspection checklists and tank records, and becoming familiar with the responsibilities of an SP001 inspector.

Participants also benefit from understanding the relationship between SP001 and SPCC compliance. SP001 was developed to help aboveground storage tank owners comply with EPA mandates related to Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure planning requirements.

SP001 Certification vs. API 653 Certification

SP001 certification and API 653 certification both relate to aboveground storage tank inspection, but they are used for different tank types and inspection situations.

The correct certification or inspection standard depends on the tank type, size, construction, service, owner requirements, regulatory expectations, and applicable inspection program.

Category	SP001 Certification	API 653 Certification
Primary Focus	Inspection of shop-fabricated aboveground storage tanks, portable containers, and small field-erected tanks	Inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of larger field-erected aboveground storage tanks
Typical Tank Types	Shop-fabricated ASTs, portable containers, and small field-erected tanks within the scope of STI SP001	Larger field-erected atmospheric storage tanks, often used in petroleum, petrochemical, and industrial service
Standard Used	STI SP001: Standard for the Inspection of Aboveground Storage Tanks	API 653: Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction
Common Users	Tank inspectors, environmental professionals, facility managers, compliance professionals, engineers, tank owners, and tank manufacturers	Tank inspectors, engineers, owner/operators, inspection companies, and professionals working with large field-erected storage tanks
Inspection Emphasis	Determining whether tanks within the SP001 scope are properly maintained and suitable for continued service	Evaluating larger field-erected tanks for continued service, repair, alteration, reconstruction, and integrity management
Typical Applications	SPCC compliance support, routine AST inspection programs, shop-fabricated tank inspections, portable container inspections, and small field-erected tank inspections	Large bulk storage facilities, terminals, refineries, chemical plants, and facilities with large field-erected tanks
Certification Body	STI/SPFA	American Petroleum Institute
Best Fit	Facilities with shop-fabricated ASTs, portable containers, or small field-erected tanks	Facilities with larger field-erected aboveground storage tanks
Key Difference	SP001 certification is generally focused on smaller and shop-fabricated welded steel AST systems covered by STI SP001	API 653 certification is generally focused on larger field-erected tanks covered by API 653

Common Misconceptions

Is SP001 Certification the Same as API 653 Certification?

No. SP001 certification and API 653 certification are different. SP001 certification focuses on shop-fabricated aboveground tanks, portable containers, and small field-erected tanks. API 653 certification is commonly associated with larger field-erected aboveground storage tanks and was primarily intended for use on vertical, cylindrical, single wall tanks.

Do I Need to Know the SP001 Standard Before Taking the Class?

While it is not required, familiarity with the SP001 Standard can help participants prepare for the certification course.

Does SP001 Certification Apply to Every Aboveground Storage Tank?

No. SP001 certification is tied to the STI SP001 Standard and is commonly used for welded steel shop-fabricated storage tanks, small field-erected aboveground storage tanks storing liquids and thermoplastics while operating at atmospheric pressure, and portable containers. Other standards or certifications may apply depending on the tank type, size, construction, service, and regulatory requirements.

Does Completing an SP001 Checklist Make Someone SP001 Certified?

No. SP001 checklists are inspection tools used in conjunction with the SP001 Standard. Certification requires completing the applicable STI/SPFA certification pathway.

Is SP001 Certification Only for Tank Inspectors?

No. SP001 certification is most directly related to tank inspection, but it can also be valuable for environmental managers, facility managers, engineers, consultants, compliance professionals, tank manufacturers, tank owners and others responsible for aboveground storage tank inspection programs.

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