Petroleum Processing Technology Series

The Petroleum Processing Technology Series is designed to give a broad understanding of the operational techniques of petroleum processing, and the function and construction of the plant and equipment used in the processing of petroleum reservoir fluids.

The series consists of 10 units, as detailed below:

• Oil and gas separation
• Gas dehydration
• Petroleum gas compression
• Natural gas liquids recovery
• Oil pumping and metering
• Water injection
• Produced water treatment
• Gas flow
• Process flow and piping and instrument diagrams
• Oil treatment (dehydration)

The recommended study time per unit is between 20 - 40 hours.

Learners can purchase units individually or enrol for the complete series – units are non-transferrable and can only be assigned to one learner. Each unit is assessed by examination and an individual certificate accredited by City & Guilds is awarded to successful learners.

Each exam which is passed successfully will contribute to one certificate of unit towards ‘The Certificate in Petroleum Processing Technology. The series certificate will be awarded after all 10 certificates of unit have been successfully completed.

Units are presented in a digital workbook PDF format.

Workbooks contain:

• Syllabus breakdown
• Training targets for learners to achieve by the end of each unit
• ‘Test yourself’ questions
• ‘Check yourself’ answers
• Workbook activities
• Chapter summaries.

The Petroleum Processing Technology series is intended for:

• New starts and experienced staff looking to gain an industry recognised qualification, or who wish to refresh their knowledge of petroleum processing technology
• Managers and supervisors of oil, service and manufacturing companies looking to gain a solid knowledge base
• New technical or engineering graduates
• Administrative staff that require an introduction to the technical background and technical language.

There is a written exam at the end of each unit.

Exams can be held any time at an approved venue. There is no set time limit between starting a unit and sitting the exam.

When a learner is ready to take the exam an invigilator must be appointed on their behalf. The invigilator may be a Training Manager, Offshore Installation Manager or Senior Manager. The invigilator is responsible for the receipt of the exam papers, security of the papers, invigilation of the exam and return of the paper.

The invigilator must contact the Open Learning team at the UK office to arrange the dispatch of exams. Included with the papers will be an invigilation form for the invigilator's signature and rules and procedures for the exam.

The learners can also sit the exam at local college or learning centre. These arrangements must be made by the learner. Some colleges may charge an invigilation and room hire fee which the learner will be responsible for.

The examination is a two-hour closed book written exam. Section A has 20 short questions similar to the Test Yourself in the books. Section B comprises three questions of which two must be answered – these require good, neat, correctly labelled drawings and a good descriptor.

Pass Marks:

60%-74% - Pass

75%-84% - Credit

85%-100% - Distinction

‘Test Yourself’ questions are available in the workbooks to help you prepare for your exams.

There is no registration or examination fee. However, in order to be registered to sit the exam, the learner must have purchased each unit.

If learners do not achieve the required pass mark (60%) a re-sit exam can be arranged at no extra cost, only a pass grade will be awarded irrespective of the result. Should learners require a re-sit of the same unit more than once, there will be an examination fee of £30.00 GBP.

Exam Tips

The examination is a two-hour closed book written exam.

Section A

Section A comprises 20 short answer questions similar to the Test Yourself section in the workbooks.

Learners should:

• Read and understand what is being asked by the questions.
• Some questions have more than one answer.
• Check your answer for errors.

Section B

Section B comprises three questions of which two must be answered (25 marks each split approx. 10 marks for the diagram, 15 for description) – these require neat, correctly labelled drawings and a good descriptor. All questions in the paper relate to the information given in the workbooks.

• When taking exams, it's crucial for learners to thoroughly understand and address the questions asked. Often, learners may identify keywords in a question and write everything they know about that topic without considering the specific task outlined. 
• Before writing responses, learners should carefully read the questions, plan their answers, and ensure they fully address all aspects of the question. Well-planned answers demonstrate a structured and professional approach. Responses must be clear, credible, and directly relevant to the question posed. 
• It's essential to provide legible, credible answers and address all components of the question. Moreover, concise or insufficient reports, as well as inaccurate or poor-quality drawings, will result in lost marks. Written content should be easily readable, and the use of workplace-specific abbreviations should be avoided. Only piping and valve symbols provided in the Open Learning study book are acceptable, and marks will be deducted for incorrect symbols. 
• Learners should not assume that the marker will understand references or accept omitted sections due to perceived obviousness. Reports on processes or equipment should be thoroughly explained, with operations clearly depicted in accompanying sketches.

Exam Procedures

• Procedure for sitting exams locally
• Procedure for sitting exams at place of work

Digital PDF units vary in price from £210 to £135 GBP.

Payment may also be made by way of:

• Sage pay (card payment)
• An authorised company Purchase Order

Terms and conditions: 

Customers are entitled to cancel an order and return the goods within seven working days of receipt - this will result in a full refund. Customers can cancel their order by contacting the team in the UK office and quoting the order number supplied. The refund will be paid within 30 days.

Any goods returned should be in their original condition. The customer is responsible for the cost and risk of loss or damage when returning the goods.