ASME B31Q

Pipeline Personnel Qualification

Updated May 2026

Pipeline Personnel Qualification (OQ) is a regulatory requirement designed to ensure that individuals performing covered tasks on pipelines are qualified, capable of recognizing, and able to react to abnormal operating conditions (AOCs). The industry standard ASME B31Q provides the framework for identifying these tasks, evaluating personnel, and managing qualifications.

The ASME B31Q Task List courses are specialized training and assessment programs designed to meet the requirements for the qualification of pipeline operators (OQ). These courses are offered by various providers and cover over 100 specific tasks, including corrosion protection, pressure testing, and valve maintenance. They include both computer-based training and performance assessments.

The ASME B31Q task list is a comprehensive, standardized list of over 150 tasks that are critical to the safety and integrity of piping systems. Defined as part of the ASME B31Q standard for the qualification of piping professionals, it defines, evaluates, and manages qualifications for tasks such as the installation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of piping systems.

ASME B31Q Courses: List of Tasks

ASME-0001 Measure Structure -to-Electrolyte Potential

explains the knowledge required to perform cathodic protection tests, including an overview of cathodic protection systems and test equipment, and the procedure for measuring structure-toelectrolyte potential.

ASME-0011 Conduct Close Interval Survey

explains the purpose of a close interval survey, the preparation work for the survey, the steps to perform the close interval survey, including how to take structureto-soil potentials and log data.

ASME-0021 Measure Soil Resistivity

covers soil resisitivity measurement methods, the appropriate measuring equipment and tools, proper testing locations, how to measure soil resisitivity and record data.

ASME-0031 Inspect and Monitor Galvanic Ground Beds/Anodes

explains how to inspect and monitor galvanic ground beds and anodes by verifying their test location, taking structure-to-electrolyte potentials, analyzing the remaining life of the anodes, and documenting the results.

ASME-0041 Installation and Maintenance of Mechanical Electrical Connections

explains how to install mechanical electrical connections, verify the test equipment, perform maintenance on damaged test leads, and verify mechanical integrity and electrical continuity.

ASME-0051 Installation of Exothermic Electrical Connections

explains the purpose of installing electrical connections, discusses the knowledge required prior to performing the exothermic welds, describes the steps and equipment for performing exothermic welds.

ASME-0061 Inspect or Test Cathodic Protection Bonds

explains the purpose of cathodic protection bonds, types of bonds, the use of shunts, the procedure for inspecting and testing.

ASME-0071Inspect or Test Cathodic Protection Electrical Isolation Devices

explains the purpose of electrical isolation devices, the locations and types of isolating devices, the procedures for inspecting and testing isolation devices.

ASME-0081 Install Cathodic Protection Electrical Isolation Devices

explains the purpose of installing electrical isolating devices, the knowledge and skills required, the procedures and for installing various electrical isolating devices.

ASME-0091 Troubleshoot Active Cathodic Protection System

explains the purpose of troubleshooting cathodic protection systems and describes the equipment needed for troubleshooting and the troubleshooting procedures.

ASME-0101 Inspect Rectifier and Obtain Readings

reviews the role of a rectifier in cathodic protection, explains the procedures for inspecting a rectifier and obtaining electrical output readings to verify the proper performance of the rectifier.

Create a Safe and Healthy Workplace

ASME-0111 Maintain Rectifier

reviews the role of a rectifier in cathodic protection, identifies the knowledge and skills required for performing maintenance on a rectifier and explains the procedure for performing rectifier maintenance.

ASME-0141 Visual Inspection for Atmospheric Corrosion

explains the purpose of visual inspections for atmospheric corrosion, and illustrates the types of coating failures.

ASME-0151 Visual Inspection of Buried Pipe and Components When Exposed

explains the purpose of the inspection; defines the terms related to external corrosion, coatings, coating anomalies, and coating methods.

ASME-0161 Visual Inspection for Internal Corrosion

describes the types of corrosion that may be discovered while visually inspecting the internal surfaces of a pipe or component and explains the inspection procedure.

ASME-0171 Measure External Corrosion

describes various types of corrosion that may be encountered while measuring external corrosion on steel pipe and explains how to measure external corrosion.

ASME-0181 Measure Internal Corrosion

describes various types of corrosion that may be encountered while measuring internal corrosion on steel pipe and explains the measuring and mapping procedure.

ASME-0191 Measure Atmospheric Corrosion

examines types and characteristics of atmospheric corrosion on aboveground pipelines, surface preparations, equipment checks and measurement methods.

ASME-0201 Visual Inspection of Installed Pipe and Components for Mechanical Damage

explains the purpose of visually inspecting for mechanical damage, the terms related to mechanical damage, the procedure for visually inspecting and for mechanical damage.

ASME-0211 Measure and Characterize Mechanical Damage on Installed Pipe and Components

explains the purpose and procedure for measuring and characterizing mechanical damage, defines terms regarding mechanical damage.

ASME-0221 Inspect, Test, and Maintain Sensing Devices

explains the purpose and different types of sensing devices; the procedure for inspecting, testing, and maintaining a sensing device.

ASME-0231 Inspect, Test, and Maintain Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

explains how to check the test equipment, visually inspect PLCs for damage, isolate and test them for proper operation, maintain them as needed, and return them to service.

ASME-0241 Inspect, Test, and Maintain Liquid Leak Detection Flow Computers

explores how to inspect, test, and maintain flow computers to detect liquid leaks and prevent potential damage to pipelines.

ASME-0271 Prove Flowmeters for Hazardous Liquid Leak Detection

examines the use of master meters and conventional displacement provers for proving flowmeters for hazardous liquid leak detection.

ASME-0281 Maintain Flowmeters for Hazardous Liquid Leak Detection

lists types of flowmeters and how they work. The course also examines the procedure for maintenance of flowmeters, including removal and repair.

ASME-0291 Inspect, Test, and Maintain Gravitometers/Densitometers For Hazardous Liquid Leak Detection

explains qualifications and knowledge required, initial inspection, maintenance, and returning the instruments to service.

ASME-0301 Manually Opening and Closing Valves

explores the manual operation of valves by using tools and also by manually operating actuators. The course includes preparations for the task, impact of pressure changes as a result of manual operation.

ASME-0311 Adjust and Monitor Flow or Pressure − Manual Valve Operation

describes how to prepare for manual operation of valves, explains the processes for adjusting or monitoring flow or pressure and describes the types of valves.

ASME-0321 Valve Corrective Maintenance

describes how to prepare for valve corrective maintenance and discusses the types of valve corrective maintenance that may need to be performed.

ASME-0331 Valve - Visual Inspection and Partial Operation

describes the purpose of a visual inspection and partial operation of pipeline valves, explains how to visually inspect and partially operate valves and discusses how to perform routine lubrication of valves.

ASME-0351 Pneumatic Actuator/Operator Inspection and Testing, Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

explains how to perform a visual inspection, conduct preventive and corrective actions, adjust setpoints, and conduct a performance test on actuators/operators.

ASME-0361 Electric Actuator/Operator Inspection and Testing, Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

explains how to perform a visual inspection, conduct preventive and corrective actions, adjust setpoints, and conduct a performance test on actuators/operators.

ASME-0371 Hydraulic Actuator/Operator Inspection and Testing, Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

explains how to perform a visual inspection, conduct preventive and corrective actions, adjust setpoints, and conduct a performance test on actuators/operators.

ASME-0381 Spring-Loaded, PressureRegulating Device - Inspection and Testing, Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

explains the purpose of inspecting and maintaining regulators; describes how to inspect, test, and maintain them.

ASME-0391 Pilot-Operated, PressureRegulating Device - Inspection, Testing, Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

describes how to inspect, test, and maintain pilot-operated and pressure-regulating devices.

ASME-0401 Controller-Type, PressureRegulating Device - Inspection, Testing, Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

explains the purpose of inspections and maintenance; describes how to inspect, test, and maintain controller-type and pressure-regulating devices.

ASME-0411 Spring-Loaded, PressureLimiting, and -Relief Device - Inspection, Testing, Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

explains the purpose and steps for inspecting a relief device, describes preventive and corrective maintenance.

ASME-0421 Pilot-Operated, PressureLimiting, and -Relief Device - Inspection, Testing, Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

explains the purpose and steps for inspecting a relief device, describes preventive and corrective maintenance.

ASME-0551 Explosive Atmosphere Detection and Alarm System Performance Test and Corrective Maintenance

explains the purpose of the detection and alarm system and discusses system inspections, performance tests and corrective maintenance.

%LEL / %UEL / PPM / PID Lower and Upper Explosive Limits

ASME-0561 Pressure Test: Nonliquid Medium - MAOP Less Than 100 psi

explains how to prepare for and conduct a pressure test on a pipeline with an MAOP less than 100 psi using a nonliquid medium, such as air or an inert gas.

ASME-0581 Pressure Test: Liquid Medium

explains how to pressure test a pipeline using a liquid medium, such as water or another liquid medium designated by the operator.

ASME-0591 Leak Test at Operating Pressure

examines leak testing of pipelines at operating pressure, including the importance of tight pipeline connections and leak-free components; calibration, certification, and testing of equipment or media; and using leak-detection equipment.

ASME-0641 Visually Inspect Pipe and Components Prior to Installation

explains the importance of inspection of pipe and pipe components, possible defect terms and the procedure for the inspection.

ASME-0671 Joining of Plastic Pipe: Solvent Cement

explains the purpose of joining plastic pipe with solvent cement, lists the materials needed, describes how to prepare and make the connection and discusses how to inspect the connection.

ASME-0681 Joining of Plastic Pipe: Stab Fittings

explains the purpose of joining plastic pipe with stab fittings, materials needed, preparing for the connection, making the connection, and inspecting the connection.

ASME-0691 Joining of Pipe: NonbottomOut Compression Couplings

examines the procedure for joining pipe 2 inches or less in outside diameter with nonbottom-out compression couplings and inspection of the joined pipe as well.

ASME-0701 Joining of Pipe: Bottom-Out Compression Couplings

examines the procedure for joining pipe 2 inches or less in outside diameter with bottom-out compression couplings, including proper preparation and tightening and inspection of the joined pipe.

ASME-0711 Joining of Pipe: Compression Couplings

examines the selection, preparation, installation, and inspection of compression couplings for joining pipe greater than 2 inches in diameter.

ASME-0721 Joining of Pipe: Threaded Joints

explores how to join pipe with a threaded fitting and inspect the completed joint. The course examines key concepts such as pipe wall thickness and grade, diameter, thread type, pressure rating, and material.

ASME-0731 Joining of Pipe: Flange Assembly

examines the steps necessary to assemble flanges, bolt them in sequence, and apply the proper torquing. Types of flanges and gaskets are discussed as are preparations for flange assembly and inspection of the completed assembly.

ASME-0751 Joining of Plastic Pipe - Butt Heat Fusion: Manual

discusses how to join plastic pipe using the butt fusion manual method and it also describes how to achieve an acceptable butt fusion joint.

ASME-0761 Joining of Plastic Pipe - Butt Heat Fusion: Hydraulic Machine

discusses how to join plastic pipe using the butt fusion manual method using a hydraulic machine. It also describes how to prepare the pipe for joining, how to place the pipe in the hydraulic machine, and how to achieve a properly fused joint.

ASME-0771 Joining of Plastic Pipe: Sidewall Heat Fusion

discusses the sidewall heat fusion method for joining plastic pipe and the associated steps of the task, including the required preparation and the heating and fusion process. It also describes a proper and improper heat fusion joint and lists common problems and causes of failed joints.

ASME-0781 Joining of Plastic Pipe: Electrofusion

discusses the electrofusion method of joining plastic pipe and the associated steps of the task, including the required preparation and the clamping and fusion process. It also describes proper and improper heat fusion and lists common problems and causes of failed joints or connections.

ASME-0791 Joining of Plastic Pipe: Socket Heat Fusion

discusses the purpose of the socket heat fusion method and the associated steps of the task, including preparation of the equipment, pipe, and fitting, as well as the heating and fusion process. It also describes a proper and improper socket heat fusion joint and lists common causes of failed joints.

ASME-0821 Tubing and Fitting Installation: Instrument, Control, and Sampling

examines the service requirements for tubing installation, the adequacy of tubing and fittings for the intended service, and installation of tubing and fittings, including tube cutting and bending, and joining of tubing and fittings.

ASME-0861 Installation of Steel Pipe in a Ditch

discusses how to properly install steel pipe in a ditch. Discussion points include proper pipe handling procedures, ditch and pipe inspection and pipe installation.

ASME-0871 Installation of Steel Pipe in a Bore

discusses the purpose for installing a steel pipe in a bore, as well as proper pipe handling, inspection of pipe and coating, and the pull-in method into the bore.

ASME-0881 Installation of Steel Pipe Plowing/Pull-In

explains the plowing/pullin method for installing steel pipe, including preparing the pipe and equipment, inspecting exposed pipe and its coating, placing and attaching the pipe, and plowing the pipe into the ground.

ASME-0891 Field Bending of Steel Pipe

explains how to perform field bending of steel pipe, including proper pipe preparation and equipment setup, the procedure for field bending steel pipe, and postprocedure inspection.

ASME-0901 Installation of Plastic Pipe in a Ditch

explains how to properly handle the plastic pipe, visually inspect the ditch and the pipe, install the pipe and tracer wire, visually inspect the installed pipe and document the task.

ASME-0911 Installation of Plastic Pipe in a Bore

explains how to handle plastic pipe, install the pipe in a bore and visually inspect the pipe after installation.

ASME-0921 Installation of Plastic Pipe Plowing/Pull-In

explains how to properly handle the plastic pipe, install the pipe using the plowing/pull-in method, visually inspect the pipe after installation, and document the task.

ASME-0931 Installation of Plastic Pipe by Plowing/Planting

explains how to handle plastic pipe, how to install the pipe using the plowing/planting method and how to visually inspect the pipe after installation.

ASME-0935 Relocation of a Pipeline

explains reasons you would move a pipeline, describes the preparation work and the process of moving a pipeline.

ASME-0941 Install Tracer Wire

explains the purpose of tracer wire for plastic pipe, how to install tracer wire, how to test the mechanical integrity and continuity after the wire is installed.

ASME-0951 Installation of Pipe Aboveground

explains requirements for installing pipe aboveground, including the proper handling of pipe, anchor and support requirements, and inspections points.

ASME-0961 Above-Ground Supports and Anchors: Inspection, Preventive, and Corrective Maintenance

explains the purpose of inspecting and maintaining above-ground pipe supports and anchors, and the procedure for inspecting and maintaining above-ground pipe supports and anchors.

ASME-0971 Installation and Maintenance of Casing Spacers, Vents, and Seals

describes the basic components of casing systems; explains the procedures for installing and maintaining casing spacers and vents.

ASME-0981 Backfilling

describes how to prevent damage to a pipeline while backfilling a trench after maintenance and explains the procedure for backfilling a trench.

ASME-0991 Coating Application and Repair: Brushed or Rolled

explains how to prepare and apply protective coating to pipes, tanks, and other industrial surfaces using the brushed and rolled application techniques. It also discusses surface preparation, application techniques and inspection points.

ASME-1001 Coating Application and Repair: Sprayed

explains how to apply protective coating to pipes, tanks, and other industrial surfaces using the sprayed application technique. The course also covers surface preparation, proper application technique, and visual inspection points.

ASME-1011 External Coating Application and Repair: Wrapped

explains how to apply protective coating to pipes, tanks, and other industrial surfaces using the wrapped application technique. The course also covers surface preparation, proper application technique, and visual inspection points.

ASME-1041 Install Mechanical Clamps and Sleeves: Bolted

describes how to prepare for the installation of bolt-on mechanical clamps and sleeves, discusses precautions and installation procedures, and lists what to look for when inspecting installed clamps or sleeves.

ASME-1051 Fit-Up of Weld-Type Repair Sleeve

explains the purpose for weldtype repair sleeves, the preparations required for fitting up weldtype sleeves, how to properly fit up weld-type sleeves.

ASME-1071 Repair of Steel Pipe by Grinding

explains the purpose of grinding steel pipe for repairs, the importance of measuring pipe wall thickness and the steps for removing defects by grinding.

ASME-1081 Tapping a Pipeline (Tap Diameter 2 in. and Less)

explains the purpose of performing a pipeline tap, states the difference between a hot tap and a tap, lists the preparation work needed and describes how to perform a hot tap.

ASME-1101 Tapping a Pipeline With a Built-In Cutter

explains the purpose of performing a pipeline tap, states the difference between a hot tap and a tap and describes how to perform a tap using a fitting with a built-in cutter.

ASME-1111 Tapping Cast and Ductile Iron Pipe and Low-Pressure Steel Pipe

explains the purpose of hot taps; how to prepare for a hot tap; the steps for performing a hot tap, including preparations and pressure testing.

ASME-1121 Bagging and Stopping LowPressure Pipe

explains how to perform bagging and stopping of low-pressure pipe, including inserting and removing the gas bag and monitoring pressure during the task.

ASME-1131 Stopper (Stopple) Pipe

explains the purpose of stopper line stopping, preparations for line stopping, installing and operating line stopping equipment and installing completion plugs.

ASME-1141 Squeeze Off Plastic Pipe

explains the purpose of stopper line stopping, preparations for line stopping, installing and operating line stopping equipment and installing completion plugs.

ASME-1141 Squeeze Off Plastic Pipe

explains why squeezing off plastic pipe is necessary, how to make preparations to squeeze off plastic pipe, how to install the squeeze-off tool and how to perform a squeeze-off of plastic pipe.

ASME-1151 Squeeze Off Steel Pipe

examines what to watch for when installing a squeeze-off tool on steel pipe, the required equipment, the general squeeze-off procedure and pressure monitoring.

ASME-1161 Installation of Customer Meters and Regulators: Residential and Small Commercial

explains how to install customer meters and regulators for homes and small businesses. Regulator and meter operation, overpressure protection and gas testing.

ASME-1171 Installing Customer Meters: Large Commercial and Industrial

explains how to install customer meters for large commercial and industrial operations. The course includes all aspects of meter selection and installation.

ASME-1181 Installing/Maintaining Customer PressureRegulating/Limiting, and Relief Devices: Large Commercial and Industrial

explains the purpose of and procedure for installing and maintaining pressureregulating, pressure-limiting, and pressure-relief devices. It also discusses visual inspections and testing.

ASME-1191 Maintenance of Service Valves Upstream of Customer Meter

explains the purpose of the maintenance, visual inspections, maintenance and operation of the valve.

ASME-1201 Temporary Isolation of Service Lines and Service Discontinuance

discusses how to temporarily disconnect a service line, including how to identify the appropriate meter, close the gas riser valve, install a standard service lock, and cut and cap the line when required.

ASME-1211 Odorization: Periodic Sampling

explores the task of inspecting, testing, and maintaining odorization systems. Odorization technologies and detection instruments.

ASME-1231 Inside Gas Leak Investigation

explains the purpose of an inside gas leak investigation, test equipment verification, how to conduct the investigation, and the precautions that should be taken.

ASME-1241 Outside Gas Leak Investigation

explains the purpose of an outside gas leak investigation, test equipment verification, how to conduct the investigation, and precautions that should be taken.

ASME-1251 Hazardous Liquid Leak Investigation

explains the purpose of an outside gas leak investigation, test equipment verification, how to conduct the investigation, and precautions that should be taken.

ASME-1251 Hazardous Liquid Leak Investigation

explains the purpose of the investigation and the initial information required. It also discusses how to assess the suspected leak area, what to do if a leak is discovered, how to make the area safe, and whom to notify.

ASME-1261 Walking Gas Leakage Survey

explains the purpose of the survey, inspection of the test equipment, conduction of the survey and documentation for the survey.

ASME-1291 Locate Underground Pipelines

examines the procedure for locating underground pipelines, including placement of temporary markers. The One-Call System, locating methods, and the APWA Universal Color Code.

ASME-1301 Install and Maintain Pipeline Markers

discusses the location, placement, and maintenance of permanent pipeline markers.

ASME-1311 Inspect Pipeline Surface Conditions: Patrol Right-ofWay or Easement

explores preparations, procedures, and follow-up actions for inspection of pipeline right-of-ways.

ASME-1321 Damage Prevention During Excavation Activities by or on Behalf of the Operator

examines damage prevention activities before and during excavation.

ASME-1331 Damage Prevention Inspection During Third-Party Excavation or Encroachment Activities as Determined Necessary by Operator

explores damage prevention activities prior to excavation, how to conduct the inspection, and how to recognize and react to abnormal operating conditions.

ASME-1341 Provide or Ensure Adequate Pipeline Support During Operator-Initiated Excavation Activities

discusses supports for existing pipelines being excavated for maintenance or repair.

ASME-1351 Vault Inspection and Maintenance

discusses the requirements for inspecting and maintaining vaults that house pipeline system valves and other pressure-regulating or pressure-limiting equipment.

ASME-1361 Inspect, Test, and Maintain Station Emergency Shutdown System

addresses inspection, testing, and corrective maintenance of emergency shutdown systems for compressor and pumping stations.

ASME-1411 Indirect Inspection Techniques

examines four methods of indirect inspection for pipeline, including alternating and direct current voltage gradient surveys, close interval surveys, and soil resistivity tests.

ASME-1421 Direct Examination Techniques

addresses techniques used to assess damage in pipelines, including mechanical, coating, and corrosion damage.

ASME-1651 Purge - Flammable or Inert Gas

explains the purpose of purging pipelines with natural gas, air, and inert gas; lists preparations for purging a pipeline and describes how to perform the purge.