New inspection learners
This course supports new inspectors, QA/QC personnel, NDE techs, welder helpers, dig-crew labor hands, and students entering the pipeline inspection field.
PCI-1100 Certificate Course
Introduction to Pipeline Construction Inspection.
Start building pipeline inspection knowledge with a beginner-friendly online course covering construction sequence, inspector reporting, safety awareness, code basics, and field inspection terminology.
100% online
90-day access
Beginner-friendly
Certificate upon passing
Lesson quizzes and final exam
$295Online course tuition
90 daysSelf-paced Virtual Campus access
10-20 hrEstimated student effort
PCI-1100Certificate awarded upon passing
Course fit
A practical starting point for new and developing pipeline inspectors.
PCI-1100 is designed for students who need a clear introduction to pipeline construction inspection before moving into deeper certificate training, API 1169 exam preparation, or field-specific assignments.
Construction process awareness
Students learn the basic flow of pipeline construction from sweep and right-of-way preparation through restoration, reporting, and final documentation.
Self-paced online training
Complete online lessons, quizzes, and a final exam through the Virtual Campus. Students can pause, resume, and repeat lessons during the 90-day access window.
What you will learn
Build the foundation before taking on more advanced inspection training.
The course introduces construction phases, inspector responsibilities, reporting basics, terminology, safety awareness, code references, and introductory technical topics.
Pipeline construction inspection fundamentals
- Core pipeline construction processes from sweep to restoration
- Inspector roles, reporting habits, and field documentation basics
- Code reference skills and regulatory basics connected to PHMSA and OSHA awareness
- Introductory concepts for NDT, welding, coating, and hydrostatic testing
Course syllabus
Pipeline construction sequence from first activity to final restoration.
The PCI-1100 syllabus gives students a broad, practical overview of the construction sequence plus safety, reporting, and code basics.
BasicsPipeline basics, pipeline terms, definitions, acronyms, PHMSA basics for 49 CFR 192 and 49 CFR 195, and OSHA basics.
Right-of-waySweep process and reporting, clearing and grading process and reporting, mats, and material inspection.
Pipe handlingStringing process and reporting, field bending process and reporting, set-up, and pipe facing process and reporting.
ExcavationTrenching and excavation process and reporting, including the inspection awareness needed before pipe is lowered into the ditch.
Welding and NDTWelding basics, NDT basics, abrasive blasting process and reporting, and coating basics with reporting expectations.
InstallationLowering-in process and reporting, post-construction survey, borings, HDD basics, tie-ins, and cathodic protection basics.
TestingBackfill process and reporting, hydrostatic testing basics, and restoration process and reporting.
Certificate pathway
Use PCI-1100 as the first step in a larger training path.
Students often begin with PCI-1100 to build vocabulary and process awareness, then move into construction, integrity, craft inspector, or API exam preparation pathways.
Next step
PCI-2100 Pipeline Construction Inspector
Continue into deeper construction inspection training covering mainline processes, safety, reporting, welding, NDT, and regulatory foundations.
Integrity pathPLI-2200 Pipeline Integrity Inspector
Build knowledge for integrity and maintenance digs, anomaly work, repairs, records, and related inspection topics.
Exam prepAPI 1169 Online Training
Move into focused Pipeline Construction Inspector exam preparation when you are ready for the API 1169 certification pathway.
Not sure where to start?
If you are still researching how to become a pipeline inspector, start with the career guide and then compare the certificate pathway. This helps you understand where introductory training, field experience, API 1169, API 1184, and specialty training may fit.
- Good first step for students new to inspection language
- Useful before API 1169 exam prep if you need construction-process background
- Helpful for employers introducing new personnel to pipeline construction inspection concepts
Common questions
Introduction to Pipeline Construction Inspection FAQs.
These answers help students decide whether PCI-1100 is the right starting point before deeper certificate training or API exam preparation.
Who should take PCI-1100?
PCI-1100 is designed for new inspectors, QA/QC personnel, NDE techs, welder helpers, dig-crew labor hands, and students entering the pipeline inspection field. It is also helpful for anyone who needs a structured overview of pipeline construction sequence and reporting basics.
How long do I have to complete the course?
Students receive 90 days of online access through the Virtual Campus. The course is self-paced, so students can pause, resume, and repeat lessons during the active access period.
How long does the course take?
Most students spend about 10-20 hours completing the lessons, reviewing the material, and preparing for the final exam.
Do I receive a certificate?
Yes. Students who successfully complete the final exam are awarded the PCI-1100 Intro to Pipeline Construction Inspection certificate.
Is PCI-1100 the same as API 1169 exam prep?
No. PCI-1100 is a foundational certificate course that introduces pipeline construction inspection concepts. Students who are ready to prepare specifically for the API 1169 Pipeline Construction Inspector certification exam should review API 1169 Online Training.
What should I take after PCI-1100?
Many students continue with PCI-2100 Pipeline Construction Inspector, PLI-2200 Pipeline Integrity Inspector, or API 1169 Online Training, depending on their experience level and career goal.
Where can I learn more about becoming a pipeline inspector?
Students who are still exploring the career path can read the pipeline inspector career guide and then compare the PipelineCourses.com certificate courses.
Start with the fundamentals.
PCI-1100 gives new and developing learners a practical introduction to pipeline construction inspection before moving into advanced certificate training or API exam preparation.