API API-936 Practice Exam Questions & Answers
5 Free Questions
· Last reviewed: September 5, 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
- 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.
How we research and review these pages
[Material Requirements]
For non-erosive service, what is the required number of test specimens per sample for cold crushing strength?
Correct Answer:
B
Explanation
High-moisture castables need careful curing to prevent damage. The 3-hour air-dry limit prevents surface drying while the interior remains wet, which creates stress and cracking. A curing compound applied within this window keeps moisture in the material uniform. Letting it air dry longer breaks this rule and risks the lining. The other options either extend the time too long or skip the curing compound entirely, both of which compromise the castable's integrity.
[Inspection and Testing Requirements]
Abrasion resistance of a material is reported as loss of:
Correct Answer:
C
[Inspection and Testing Requirements]
For erosion service, density results are determined from which of the following specimens?
Correct Answer:
D
[Inspection and Testing Requirements]
What is the ASTM test designation for cold crush strength?
Correct Answer:
D
[Inspection and Testing Requirements]
Gunning test panels are constructed with removable back panels:
Correct Answer:
B
Explanation
TR 980 gives specific guidance for minimizing cracking in sensitive castables. Air curing for 24 hours lets surface moisture evaporate slowly and lets the material develop some strength before heat is applied. The slow 50-degree-per-hour ramp up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit is gradual enough that internal and external temperatures stay close together, preventing the stress cracks that come from thermal shock. Faster heating rates or skipping the air-cure step create steep temperature gradients that cause the material to fail before it's ready.
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.
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 questions from this domain above:
Q2Q3
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.
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 questions from this domain above:
Q1Q4Q5
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.
