About

Determining the quality of training materials should not be a guessing game.  Too much rides on ensuring that the training you buy has been designed to meet the highest standards of quality.  API developed the Training Provider Certification Program to help buyers and users of industry training sort out the best from the rest.  The TPCP was inspired by long-standing recognition of this need and more recent changes by the Mineral Management Service’s (MMS) in its school accreditation program.

MMS formerly accredited schools for well-completion, well-workover, and well-servicing operations and for drilling and production safety systems.  MMS’s accreditation program covered API T-2 (Offshore Production Safety Devices) schools. When MMS decided to discontinue accrediting these schools, API sought to fill the gap with the TPCP.  API recognizes the continued need for a third-party certification program to evaluate and certify exploration and production safety training.   However, the program is not limited to exploration and production training providers. 

What Is The Training Provider Certification Program?

The TPCP is a quality management system that identifies key elements that must be present in an effective training program.  The heart of this management system is the TPCP Evaluation Criteria.   The TPCP will evaluate and certify instructor-led training programs and off-the-shelf electronic courses (e.g. computer-based, web-based training).

Who Can Apply for Certification?

All industry training providers are welcome to apply for certification (click here for an application).  This includes training providers involved in any aspect of industry training. All training courses considered for certification shall meet one or more of the following course content criteria to be eligible for API TPCP certification. Content must be based on:
(a) API publications
(b) API contracted or volunteer subject matter experts 
(c) Collaborative industry-based volunteer or contracted subject matter
     experts.
(d) Federal regulations applicable to the oil and gas industry training
(e) National or international standards generally recognized by the oil and gas
     industry