Bolting Specialist Qualification Program

The Bolting Specialist Qualification Program is designed to train and evaluate a bolter’s ability to inspect, assemble, disassemble and tighten bolted joints in an effective and safe manner. Through online courses and hands-on training, successful candidates will understand and demonstrate the principles and practices to safe bolted joint assembly as outlined in Appendix A of ASME PCC-1: Guidelines for Pressure Boundary Bolted Flange Joint Assembly.

The program consists of four self-paced eLearning courses and a one-day instructor-led practical learning session. Candidates who successfully complete the online courses and pass the online final examination as well as the hands-on instructor's evaluation will receive the ASME Certificate for the Qualified Bolting Specialist.*

*This qualification does not make any determination of an individual's capabilities in applying this general knowledge within a specific work environment or under actual working conditions. It remains the sole responsibility of the employer of the individual to determine competency for assigned tasks and work. It is not a certification.

You Will Learn To

• Explain the objectives and methods involved in bolting assembly
• Perform bolting tasks safely in compliance with applicable standards and procedures
• Identify and evaluate bolted joint problems
• Contribute to a safe work environment for bolting assembly

The Program is divided into 3 parts: 

Part 1 – Foundational Knowledge

our online self-paced eLearning courses to address bolting principles and procedures;

• Online Course 1: Principles of the Bolted Joint and ASME PCC-1
• Online Course 2: Flanges, Fasteners and Gaskets
• Online Course 3: Putting It Together/Taking It Apart
• Online Course 4: Bolting Safety and Tool Handling

View course outline.

Part 2 – Evidence: Bolting Specialist Application and Final Exam

After completing the 4 self-paced eLearning courses and respective multiple-choice quizzes, learners will need to submit an application to enroll in the Final Exam.

In the application, a professional reference is required to complete a form which verifies applicant’s completion of at least 6 months of work experience in bolted joint assembly. Once the application is approved, the candidate will be enrolled in the online Final Exam. A passing grade of at least 90% is required to qualify for the hands-on training and skills assessment.

Part 3 – Performance Assessment

Hands-on instructor-led practical learning session and competency assessment of assembly practices and tool operation.

This part of the program is delivered in a one-day training session where learners will review, observe, and participate in actual tool handling and safety checks at an ASME-authorized training provider (ATP) where hand-on tool demonstration and testing are available. This requires a separate registration with an ATP.

Candidates who successfully complete all parts of the program will receive the ASME Certificate for the Qualified Bolting Specialist as well as 1.2 CEUs (12 PDHs) for the 4 online courses.

Who Should Attend

Engineers and technicians involved in the assembly, disassembly or quality assurance of bolted joints for major plants, operators and contractors involved in oil and gas, petrochemical and power generation, or any industry that employs pressure boundary bolted flange joints. Learn more about the ASME's Bolting Specialist Qualification Program. 

Already an ASME Bolting Qualified Specialist?  
ASME’s PCC-1 recommends that joint assemblers and supervisors be qualified by an organization in accordance with the requirements contained in Appendix A. In order to maintain this qualification, the Qualified Bolting Specialist shall take and pass the Bolting Specialist Qualification Exam at least once every 3 years.  

Sign up to renew your qualification.