API 510 vs API 570 vs API 653 — Which Certification Should You Get First?

You've decided to get an API certification. Great choice. But now you're staring at three options — API 510, API 570, and API 653 — and wondering which one to pursue first. Let me break it down for you. API 510 certifies you as a Pressure Vessel Inspector. API 570 certifies you as a Piping Inspector. API 653 certifies you as an Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector. All three are highly respected, all three can significantly boost your career and salary. But they're not interchangeable, and the right starting point depends on your situation.