Federal and state inspectors are at the front lines of pipeline safety, enforcing regulations along the nation’s 2.6-million-mile energy pipeline network. The Inspector Training and Qualifications Division (TQ), which is part of the Office of Pipeline Safety, provides inspectors with the nation’s only specialized training for understanding and applying federal pipeline safety regulations and standards incorporated by reference. 

The activities at the PHMSA Training Center located in Oklahoma City include in-depth classroom training and expanded outdoor/ lab areas to provide inspectors with hands-on opportunities to experience actual field scenarios. In addition to hands-on training, TQ offers comprehensive online training modules to keep inspectors current on provisions of new and revised regulations, national consensus standards, interpretations, relevant research and development, and noteworthy practices. Staff from TQ also provide technical assistance on committees that are critical to the pipeline sector.

Pipeline safety is a shared responsibility. While most of the TQ training activities are for federal and state inspectors, there are some public training modules designed to familiarize industry personnel and other stakeholders with the requirements of the pipeline safety regulations (Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 190-199). Interested stakeholders, including the general public, may view the Introduction to Pipelines tool and/or the Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators training tool.

Please note that PHMSA only trains federal and state pipeline inspectors; a full schedule of inspector training is available through the eLearning for Federal and State Partners website. Additionally, PHMSA participates in state seminars to provide updated information on the pipeline safety regulations and rulemakings.