In an industry defined by multibillion dollar assets serving thousands of people and entire communities, it’s striking that a seemingly innocuous piece of steel no bigger than a dinner plate has the power to bring operations to a grinding halt. Yet so it is with the bolted flange joint. A modest but essential connection used throughout the oil and natural gas industry.
Bolted flange joints are critical components in industries ranging from oil and gas to power generation, chemical processing, and manufacturing. They appear everywhere, in piping systems, pressure vessels, tanks and process equipment. But despite their importance and prevalence, the industry has never had a formalized way to confirm that the people assembling and inspecting them possess the specific skills needed to do the job consistently. And most important, safely.
That dynamic has now changed. API recently introduced the Bolted Flange Joint (BFJ) Certification Program, the first credentials dedicated entirely to verifying competency in the inspection and correct assembly of pressure-boundary flange joints.
Bolted flange joint certification takes two routes:
- The first focuses on inspectors, verifying assembly practices, confirming their ability to evaluate whether a joint has been properly assembled (according to ASME PCC-1) and ensuring compliance with recognized integrity requirements. That certification is live and ongoing.
- Additionally, an assembler certification is planned for 2026. That credential will assess proper assembly and tightening procedures, torque or tension application methods and best practices for gasket installation.
Together, these certifications reflect the industry’s movement toward more structured, standardized pathways for improving joint integrity and reducing risk.
“These certifications fill a vital industry need, bringing long-needed consistency to an essential craft,” said Andri Orphanides, Director of API’s Individual Certification Programs. “They recognize professionals for the expertise they already have, while helping industry ensure that critical work is performed safely, consistently and in alignment with recognized practices.”
Why certification matters
A bolted flange joint may be small, but improper assembly and application can ripple across entire operations. Incorrect bolt loads, misalignment and improper gasket compression can lead to leaks, downtime, environmental harm and costly disruptions.
While many roles in the industry require defined training, examinations and recertification cycles, many bolted-joint professionals have learned on the job, developing skills through experience rather than through formal qualification processes.
“The BFJ programs support the level of precision the industry increasingly demands,” Orphanides said. “Certifications help professionals document their skills and stay current with evolving practices. At the same time, they give operators assurance that the people responsible for these critical joints have met a defined, measurable standard based on recommended guidelines.”
Building confidence across the workforce
Developed under API’s Individual Certification Programs (ICP), the BFJ credentials deliver benefits for both individuals and operators.
For candidates, it provides an industry-recognized qualification that can differentiate them in a competitive job market. By achieving either the Inspector or Assembler credential, individuals join a recognized community of skilled professionals committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Professionals establishing a new technical career, transitioning from the military or advancing within refinery or contractor environments gain a verified credential that demonstrates mastery of bolted-joint inspection requirements.
For companies, certified personnel bring validated skills and offer reassurance that critical joints are assembled correctly. When every connection contributes to safety and reliability, documented competency becomes a strategic asset. As operators aim to maximize uptime and reduce emissions, improvements in bolted joint integrity can translate into measurable operational gains. Investing in employee certification also supports workforce retention by providing clear pathways for development and recognition, fostering loyalty and engagement.
Built from industry input
The BFJ Certification Program did not emerge in isolation. Recognizing the need for a global solution, API engaged a task force with 50 industry leaders including refinery operators, engineering contractors, bolting equipment manufacturers and technology providers to shape the program’s technical requirements and ensure alignment with ASME PCC-1 and current operational practices.
The result is a comprehensive certification program that would harmonize expectations, procedures, and qualifications. The two new credentials reflect real-world needs and provide the industry’s workforce with a structured pathway to advance their skills as industry expectations evolve.
Part of a broader certification ecosystem
The BFJ credential is also part of a larger suite of API’s Individual Certification Programs designed to elevate workforce competency across the industry, such as API 510 (Pressure Vessel Inspector), API 570 (Piping Inspector) and API 653 (Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector). These certifications reinforce a consistent, industry-wide approach to personnel competency.
As the industry faces increasing technical complexity and heightened performance expectations, this expanded certification framework provides a stronger, more reliable foundation for safety and operational excellence.
Strengthening safety, performance and opportunity
With the introduction of the BFJ certification, API is helping companies reduce safety risks, improve consistency and support the next generation of skilled bolting professionals. At the same time, individuals gain an opportunity to distinguish themselves through a credential that reflects both technical mastery and commitment to safe, reliable operations.
It’s a timely advancement for an industry that must get every detail right.
This article was developed by specialist Andri Orphanides and published as part of the seventh edition of Inspenet Brief February 2026, dedicated to technical content in the energy and industrial sector.