API API-936 Practice Exam Questions & Answers
7 Free Questions
· Last reviewed: October 23, 2026
· Prepared & Reviewed by the ValidExamDumps Editorial Team
Exam Facts
API API-936 Exam Details
Key details for this exam, checked against the published exam outline
85
Practice Questions (Our Bank)
195 minutes
Exam Duration
- Exam Code
- API-936
- Full Name
- API 936 Refractory Personnel
- Issuing Body
- American Petroleum Institute (API)
- Question Format (Our Bank)
- Multiple Choice, Drag & Drop
- Passing Score
- Scaled score benchmarked to approximately 70% correct
- Official Exam Fee
- USD 450 (API members), USD 625 (nonmembers)
- Delivery
- Prometric test centres or remote proctored
- Eligibility
- Any experience in petroleum and petrochemical industries, or applicants wanting to gain industry experience
Practice Questions
Free API-936 Practice Questions
Each question shows the correct answer and an explanation of why it is right
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Every question and its answer is checked by our API-936 exam
preparation team, who also write the explanation shown with each one.
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[Terms, Definitions, and Abbreviations]
Materials that are easily reduced to a granular or powdery condition after placement are known as:
Correct Answer:
A
Explanation
Creep is a material property that describes permanent deformation happening over time under a sustained load, even when stress levels remain constant. This is a fundamental concept in understanding how refractories behave in service. The answer accurately captures this definition as time-dependent deformation under continuous load. Other options might confuse creep with elastic deformation, thermal expansion, or other mechanical properties that operate differently.
[Responsibilities and Qualifications]
Surface preparation and welding procedures are the responsibility of the:
Correct Answer:
B
Explanation
ASTM standards require a specific number of test specimens to ensure reliable cold crushing strength data. For non-erosive service applications, two specimens per sample is the required minimum. This sample size provides adequate statistical confidence in the results without excessive testing. Using fewer specimens would compromise data reliability, while using more is unnecessary for this particular service condition and adds cost without benefit.
[Installation Procedures]
The contractor on a field vibration casting job is preparing for a continuous pour that will last for three 12-hour shifts. The weather report predicts a nighttime low temperature of 35F (2C). How should the contractor be prepared?
Correct Answer:
D
Explanation
Chemically bonded refractories rely on chemical reactions that continue during the curing period. Exposure to moisture interferes with these chemical reactions and can compromise the bond development. Keeping the surface uncovered and dry allows the bonding chemistry to proceed properly. Other refractory types like fired ceramics or slag-bonded materials do not have this same moisture sensitivity during early curing stages.
[Terms, Definitions, and Abbreviations]
Which term is used to describe a newly installed monolithic refractory lining that has not been exposed to either a dry-out or initial heating?
Correct Answer:
B
Explanation
Environmental control during application is essential for proper installation. A nighttime low of 35F (2C) is too cold for concrete or hydraulic materials to cure properly. Industry standards require keeping installation materials and the shell above 50F (10C) to ensure adequate hydration and strength development. Colder temperatures slow or halt the chemical reactions needed for the material to set correctly, risking material failure and poor performance.
[Acceptance Criteria]
Sections of the lining below minimum thickness shall be:
Correct Answer:
D
Explanation
When installation of hydraulic bonded or chemical setting refractories is interrupted, the partially set material must be cut back to expose the shell and anchors. This prevents weak interfaces and ensures a good bond when installation resumes. Leaving partially cured material creates a plane of weakness that could separate during thermal cycling or service. Cutting back to the shell allows the new material to form a full chemical bond with a clean surface.
[Responsibilities and Qualifications]
Conflicts in documents and/or drawings shall be resolved by the:
Correct Answer:
B
[Installation Procedures]
When installing refractory castables in hot weather conditions, which of the following is acceptable? (This may have more than one correct answer; please select all that apply.)
Correct Answer:
A, C, D
Explanation
ASTM C704 and ASTM C133 are standardized refractory testing methods that specify firing refractories to a consistent temperature. 1500F (815C) is the standard firing temperature for these particular tests. This temperature is chosen to simulate typical refractory service conditions and provide repeatable results for quality control. Using different temperatures would make test results incomparable between samples and different manufacturers.
Full Access
Get the complete API-936 question set
- 85 questions covering all exam domains
- Correct answers with explanations, like the free questions above
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Domain 1: Laboratory Testing Procedures
Covers test methods including C704, CCS, PLC and density calculations, material qualification, testing equipment and dimensional requirements. Includes mastery of curing and firing procedures, and acceptance and rejection criteria based on test results.
Sample questions from this domain above:
Q1Q2Q6Q7
Domain 2: Applicator and Material Qualification
Focuses on installation methods such as gunning, casting, ramming and hand packing. Requires knowledge of water content, mixing procedures, equipment qualification, test panel requirements and environmental controls.
Sample question from this domain above:
Q4
Domain 3: Installation
Covers detailed execution plans, design details and quality standards for refractory installation. Includes gunite procedures, casting, ramming and hand packing methods, plus knowledge of flash set, environmental controls and equipment variables.
Sample question from this domain above:
Q5
Domain 4: Inspection
Addresses visual and nondestructive test methods such as hammer testing, sonic testing and radiography. Includes lining design requirements, material verification, acceptance and rejection criteria, and repair procedures.
Domain 5: Post-Installation
Covers dryout requirements, sealing methods and curing procedures. Includes knowledge of heating equipment and schedules, placement of temperature sensing probes, and applicable heating rates for various refractory classes.
Sample question from this domain above:
Q3
FAQ
API-936 Exam FAQ
Common questions about the exam itself
What background do I need to take the API-936 exam?
You need any experience in the petroleum and petrochemical industries, or you can be someone wanting to gain industry experience. There are no formal prerequisites like prior certifications. Most candidates have practical work in refining, petrochemical plants or related facilities.
How many questions are on the API-936 exam and how long do I have?
The exam has 85 total questions, but only 75 are scored. The remaining 10 are pretest questions that do not count toward your score. You have three hours and fifteen minutes (195 minutes) to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for API-936?
You need to achieve a scaled score benchmarked to approximately 70% correct answers. The exact number of questions you must answer correctly varies slightly based on the difficulty of the questions in your sitting, but the benchmark is consistently around 70%.
How much does the API-936 exam cost?
The exam fee is USD 450 for API members or USD 625 for nonmembers. These are the official exam fees charged by the American Petroleum Institute. Some training providers offer preparatory courses that are separate from the exam fee.
Where and how do I take the API-936 exam?
You can take the exam at a Prometric test centre or remotely via proctored testing. Testing is offered during four approximately three-week windows per year. The exam is closed-book with no reference materials allowed.
How long is the API-936 certification valid?
Your certification is valid for three years from the date you pass. After three years, you must renew by submitting a recertification application. No re-examination is required for renewal if you apply within the 90-day window before expiration.
Which objective area on API-936 is the hardest and how should I prepare?
Installation procedures tend to be the most challenging because they involve many interrelated variables like water temperature, air pressure, humidity and equipment settings that all affect the final lining quality. Focus on understanding how each variable impacts the outcome and practice working through scenario-based questions.
How long should I spend preparing for API-936?
Most candidates spend eight to twelve weeks preparing, depending on their prior experience with refractory work. If you have hands-on field experience in installation or inspection, you may need less time. If you are new to refractories, allow twelve weeks to build both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding.
Can I retake the API-936 exam if I fail?
Yes, you can retake the exam. You will need to submit a new application and pay the exam fee again. There are typically rescheduling fees if you need to move your appointment, and late application fees apply if you miss deadlines.
What job roles does API-936 certification qualify me for?
API-936 certifies you as an authorised refractory inspector or technician. This qualification is widely required for positions overseeing installation, inspection, testing and repair of monolithic refractory linings in FCC units, sulfur recovery units, reformers, fired heaters and other refractory-lined equipment in refineries and petrochemical facilities.
