Frequently Asked Questions

Oil and gas training certifications play a crucial role in advancing your career in the energy sector. When you complete any course from PetroSkills®, or any other brand under The Competency Alliance®, you are issued a Certificate of Completion, which is recognized for Professional Development Hours (PDH) and Continuing Education Units (CEUs), essential for maintaining engineering, geoscience, and professional certifications. Investing in these training programs demonstrates your commitment to ongoing professional development, enhances your skillset, and keeps you abreast of the latest industry standards and technologies. This not only enhances your credentials but also opens doors to new career opportunities, promotions, and a competitive edge in this dynamic field. Whether you're looking to uphold your current certification or aiming to acquire new ones, our comprehensive courses cater to your continuous learning needs.

Identifying the best certifications for oil and gas professionals depends on your specific career goals and specialization within the industry. It's advisable to consult with your professional certification body or industry association to understand which certifications are most valued in your field. Commonly sought-after certifications include those focusing on safety, project management, technical skills, and environmental management. PetroSkills® offers a range of industry-relevant courses that align with these certifications, helping you stay competitive and proficient in the ever-evolving oil and gas sector. Whether you're an engineer, geoscientist, project manager, or technician, there's a certification that can enhance your expertise and career trajectory.

Yes, PetroSkills® offers continuing education in project management specifically designed for professionals seeking PMI certification. PetroSkills® Project Management courses counts toward PMI Project Development Units (PDUs) through continuing education, ensuring they meet the high standards required for professional development in this field. These courses cover essential principles and techniques applicable to large international projects, combining theoretical knowledge with practical case studies. Participants gain insights into project management's complexities, especially in international contexts, and earn PMI Project Development Units (PDUs) upon completion. These courses are ideal for experienced project managers and engineers involved in large-scale international projects. Completion Certificates may be submitted to PMI as required to document third-party training. Browse our Project Management offerings

The prerequisites for Petroleum, Net-Zero, or Renewable sectors courses vary depending on the specific certification body and the course level. We offer a diverse range of training options to accommodate different levels of expertise and time commitments. Our courses range from brief 2-hour modules to comprehensive 10-day courses, catering to both beginners and advanced professionals. Some courses have short recommended prerequisites, while others are more intensive. This flexibility allows individuals to choose the training that best fits their current qualifications and career goals. You can explore our detailed course offerings to find the perfect match for your needs.

The topics covered in PetroSkills' oil and gas training programs are comprehensive and span the entire spectrum of the industry. Our curriculum includes key areas such as upstream, midstream, and downstream processes, encompassing everything from exploration and production to transportation, refining, and distribution. Additionally, we delve into specialized topics like geoscience, which covers petroleum geology and geophysics, all the way through to drilling, completions, production, and reservoir engineering. Past the wellhead, we cover all aspects of gas and process facilities, mechanical and ICE, transportation and refining. In the past years additional content on LNG and current issues like energy transition have rounded out the portfolio. These programs are designed to provide a thorough understanding of each aspect of the oil and gas sector. For more detailed information on the specific courses and topics, you can visit our course guide.

Yes, PetroSkills® offers a range of energy transition (ET) training programs through The Competency Alliance®. These innovative courses cover topics such as carbon capture and sequestration, geothermal energy, hydrogen technology, and greenhouse gas management. These programs are designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the evolving energy landscape. See more information here.

The duration of PetroSkills' continuing education and training programs varies, offering great flexibility to suit different learning preferences and schedules. Our self-paced eLearning options range from concise 90-minute sessions to the equivalent of a 10-day course. A unique feature of our programs is their adaptability; for instance, an 80-hour course can be completed in as little as 5 days or spread over several months up to a year, depending on your pace and convenience. Additionally, we offer blended learning options that combine eLearning with instructor-led sessions, providing a comprehensive educational experience.

You will need to check with your certifying group, but yes, you can certainly earn Certificates of Completion online through PetroSkills®. We offer a robust selection of over 1,000+ eLearning courses that are self-paced, allowing you to learn at your convenience. Additionally, we provide live virtual instructor-led courses, which are also recorded for on-demand access, catering to various learning styles and schedules. Browse digital learning offerings here.

Oil and gas training certifications and licenses differ in their purpose and application. Certifications, often obtained through educational courses, demonstrate a mastery or proficiency in a specific area of the industry, such as safety or technical skills. These are typically offered by educational institutes or professional bodies. Licenses, on the other hand, are legal authorizations granted by a governing body, permitting individuals to practice in a regulated profession or carry out specific tasks. Licenses are often mandatory for certain roles in the oil and gas sector and require adherence to regulatory standards.

PetroSkills® has been involved with many with professional societies across the oil and gas industry. The training hours from our courses are recognized and count towards the development requirements of most certification bodies associated with these societies. Additionally, our instructors are long-standing members of leading professional entities, including the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE), the Gas Processors Association (GPA), and many more.

Courses at PetroSkills® are taught by a diverse group of experienced instructors. These instructors are not only experts in their respective fields within the petroleum industry but also skilled educators, trained in active learning techniques. They bring real-world experience and a practical approach to their teaching, making the learning experience engaging and relevant for professionals in the oil and gas industry. The instructor team at PetroSkills includes technical specialists, consultants, and professionals from various sectors of the industry, all dedicated to effectively communicating their expertise. Browse our team of industry experts here.

Yes, there are specific certifications for offshore oil and gas training, and PetroSkills® offers a variety of relevant courses in this area. These include programs focused on offshore systems, subsea technologies, and other specialized topics pertinent to offshore operations. For more detailed information on these courses and to explore certification options, see our Offshore & Subsea offerings.

The renewal requirements for oil and gas industry certifications can vary depending on the specific certification and the governing body or society that issued it. It's important to check with the relevant society to understand their renewal criteria and ensure you're acquiring the necessary continuing education credits. PetroSkills® offers a range of eLearning and public learning options to help you meet these requirements and stay compliant with your governing bodies.

As the energy industry evolves, PetroSkills® is at the forefront of emerging trends in training. Key developments include:

• Energy Transition Skills: We're expanding our courses to include training for net-zero and renewable energy technologies, equipping oil and gas professionals with the skills needed for the evolving energy landscape.
• Blended Learning: Our training approach embraces the flexibility of blended learning. Professionals can now enjoy a mix of on-demand, online, and in-person training, tailored to fit their schedules and learning preferences.
• Sustainability Focus: Recognizing the industry’s shift towards sustainability, our courses now integrate topics on environmental impact and sustainable practices in energy production.

Effective energy training is crucial for enhancing both safety and operational efficiency. It ensures that professionals are well-versed in the latest safety protocols and regulatory requirements, reducing risks on-site. Additionally, training in advanced operational techniques and technologies leads to more efficient and sustainable energy production. Our courses are designed to meet the rigorous standards set by industry regulators, ensuring that our certifications provide the assurance businesses need for optimal safety and efficiency.

The cost of our petroleum training courses and certifications varies, with options to suit different needs and budgets. For eLearning courses, prices start at around $250, while instructor-led training can range up to $10,000 per individual. We also offer onsite classes for organizations looking to invest in their talent, providing a cost-effective solution with proven ROI through faster competency development and enhanced operational efficiency.

Employers highly regard PetroSkills' oil and gas training programs. As a leading provider in the industry, our training is backed by the PetroSkills Alliance, formed by industry leaders who agree on essential competencies needed in the field. This collaboration ensures that our courses meet the highest standards and are directly aligned with the skills and knowledge employers seek in their workforce. See more information on the Alliance.

Onsite training provides a hands-on, interactive learning experience, ideal for comprehensive skill development and team-building. It allows for direct interaction with instructors and peers, enhancing the learning process. Online training, on the other hand, offers unmatched flexibility and convenience. Participants can access course materials anytime, anywhere, making it a great option for busy professionals seeking to balance work and learning. PetroSkills® offers both, in coordination for a blended learning approach or as singular learning mediums.

PetroSkills® is proud to be an authorized provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) since 2006.

Your employees can earn Continuing Education Units for every PetroSkills® eLearning program they successfully complete. We offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for successful completion of eLearning under the ANSI/IACET Standards.

To be granted IACET Accredited Provider designation, organizations demonstrate they are compliant with the ANSI/IACET 2018-1 Standard for Continuing Education and Training. The IACET Accredited Provider application and review is a rigorous process that involves extensive hands-on evaluation by the IACET Commission.