Every week, our team receives questions from candidates preparing to start their IADC RigPass training. Many of these questions involve common misunderstandings about what RigPass covers, how the programme is delivered, and what the certificate means. Understanding these points can help candidates choose the appropriate training and avoid assuming that one certificate covers requirements that may be separate.
Here are some of the most common mistakes and misconceptions about IADC RigPass.
Mistake 1: Assuming RigPass Is a Single, Fixed Course
IADC RigPass is a standardized safety orientation programme for oil and gas operations, both onshore and offshore. The IADC accreditation system identifies the core elements of safety orientation programmes and provides a means of recognizing programmes that meet those requirements.
Accredited training providers may develop and use their own training activities to customize the programme, while still meeting the applicable IADC requirements. RigPass programmes can also include applicable onshore/land or offshore endorsement content.
This is why it is important to choose a training provider whose RigPass programme is accredited by IADC. IADC maintains a list of accredited RigPass providers and provides a facility for verifying IADC certificates.
Mistake 2: Confusing RigPass with H2S Training or WellSharp
RigPass is a general safety orientation programme designed to prepare personnel for oil and gas operating environments. It is not the same as H2S Awareness training or WellSharp.
H2S training focuses specifically on the hazards and safe working practices associated with hydrogen sulphide, while WellSharp is an IADC well-control training and assessment programme.
Depending on the employer, position and worksite, candidates may be required to complete additional training or certifications. Always check the specific requirements for the role rather than assuming that one certificate covers every requirement.
Mistake 3: Thinking Onshore and Offshore Content Are the Same
RigPass has a common safety orientation component, but applicable land/onshore and offshore endorsements address the different operating environments.
Offshore operations can involve additional safety considerations associated with marine operations, helicopter transportation, personnel transfer and water-related hazards. Land/onshore operations have different considerations, including hazards associated with excavation, trenches, pits and ponds.
If you are preparing for an offshore position, make sure you understand which endorsement your RigPass programme is qualified to issue. IADC-accredited providers may be qualified to issue the Land/Onshore Endorsement, Offshore Endorsement, or both, depending on their accreditation.
Mistake 4: Believing eLearning Certification Is Less Valid Than Classroom Training
The delivery method does not by itself determine whether a RigPass programme is accredited. What is important is that the programme is delivered under an applicable IADC accreditation.
IADC's current list of accredited RigPass providers includes programmes delivered through eLearning, demonstrating that electronic delivery can be used by appropriately accredited programmes.
However, candidates should always verify that the specific provider and programme are currently accredited and qualified to issue the applicable endorsement.
Mistake 5: Assuming RigPass Certification Has an Expiry Date
One of the most common misconceptions is that an IADC RigPass student certificate needs to be renewed after a fixed period.
According to IADC, student certificates do not expire. This is different from IADC RigPass instructor certificates, which expire after five years.
Therefore, once a student successfully completes an accredited RigPass programme and receives an IADC Certificate of Completion, the student certificate does not have an expiry date or routine renewal requirement.
Mistake 6: Assuming RigPass Guarantees a Job
Completing RigPass does not guarantee employment.
IADC describes RigPass as a standardized safety orientation programme intended to prepare personnel for oil and gas operating environments and to confirm that personnel have met basic safety-orientation requirements defined by safety and training professionals in the drilling industry.
RigPass is therefore a safety orientation credential, not a job placement programme, employment guarantee or technical/trade qualification. Employers may have additional requirements based on the position, worksite and specific responsibilities.
Mistake 7: Skipping Knowledge Assessment Preparation
Because RigPass is a safety orientation programme, candidates should take the knowledge assessment seriously.
IADC's accreditation procedures require completion of the HSE RigPass orientation to be documented through a knowledge assessment. The procedures specify a minimum passing score of 80%. If a trainee does not pass, one reassessment must be made available. If the trainee does not pass the reassessment, the trainee must attend the full course again and pass the assessment to achieve certification.
Candidates should therefore review the course material carefully rather than simply clicking through the eLearning modules without understanding the content.
Mistake 8: Not Verifying the Provider's Accreditation Status
Not every course using the name "RigPass" should automatically be assumed to be an IADC-accredited programme.
IADC maintains an official list of accredited RigPass training providers. It also provides a system for verifying IADC Certificates of Completion.
Before enrolling, candidates should verify the provider's accreditation status and confirm that the provider is qualified to issue the endorsement required for their intended work environment.
IADC RigPass Training at Elite Offshore Pvt. Ltd.
Elite Offshore Pvt. Ltd. is listed by IADC as an Accredited Commercial Training Program and is qualified to issue the Onshore and Offshore Endorsement. IADC's current listing shows the programme as being delivered in English.
Candidates completing an accredited IADC RigPass programme receive an IADC Certificate of Completion upon successfully meeting the applicable requirements. IADC states that student certificates do not expire.
Contact Elite Offshore Pvt. Ltd. for course information and enrolment details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does IADC RigPass certification expire?
No. According to IADC, student certificates do not expire. IADC RigPass instructor certificates are subject to a five-year expiry period, but this does not apply to student certificates.
Is IADC RigPass eLearning valid?
IADC-accredited RigPass programmes can be delivered through electronic learning where the programme and provider meet the applicable IADC accreditation requirements. IADC's current accredited-provider listing includes RigPass programmes delivered through eLearning. Candidates should verify the accreditation status of the specific provider and programme before enrolling.
Is IADC RigPass the same as H2S or WellSharp training?
No. RigPass is a standardized safety orientation programme, while H2S training and WellSharp address different training requirements. Depending on the job and employer, additional training may be required.
Does RigPass guarantee a job on a rig?
No. RigPass confirms completion of an accredited safety orientation programme; it does not guarantee employment. Employers may have additional training, certification, experience and competency requirements for specific positions.
What is the passing score for the RigPass knowledge assessment?
IADC's accreditation procedures specify a minimum passing score of 80% for the knowledge assessment. One reassessment must be made available if the trainee does not pass the initial assessment.
Write a public review