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Quality Assurance & Quality Control

QA/QC Engineering Course in Kerala

Master inspection, documentation, and international quality standards across fabrication and construction — study online, train hands-on in Kochi.

Duration3–6 months
ModeHybrid — Kochi campus block + live online
LocationKochi, Kerala + Online
CredentialSMIC Certificate in QA/QC Engineering
Aligned toCSWIP · ISO 9001 · AWS D1.1 · BGAS · ASNT · ASME · API
Course overview

About the QA/QC Engineering course

Quality assurance and quality control are the backbone of every compliant fabrication, construction, and manufacturing project. SMIC's QA/QC Engineering programme in Kochi, Kerala gives you a structured grounding in both disciplines — from understanding how QA systems are designed to performing hands-on QC inspections on real components. The curriculum maps directly to standards used by oil-and-gas clients, EPC contractors, and third-party inspection bodies worldwide, including ISO 9001, ASME, AWS D1.1, and API specifications.

The hybrid format means you complete live online theory sessions and recorded lectures from wherever you are — whether that is Kerala, the Gulf, or Europe — and then join a focused practical block on the SMIC campus in Kochi to work with inspection equipment, review actual weld procedures (WPS/PQR), and produce the inspection and test plans (ITPs) and non-conformance reports (NCRs) that employers expect on day one. This 'learn while you earn' structure is designed so working professionals can upskill without interrupting their income.

Graduates leave with the vocabulary, document-control discipline, and inspection confidence needed to step into QC Inspector, QA Engineer, or Welding Inspector roles in the construction, oil-and-gas, power, and infrastructure sectors. The programme also provides a strong foundation for those planning to sit CSWIP, ASNT, or BGAS certification examinations independently.

Curriculum & modules

What you'll cover

A structured, industry-mapped syllabus — practical on campus, theory and projects online.

01

QA and QC Systems — Principles and Frameworks

  • Distinction between quality assurance (process-focused) and quality control (product-focused)
  • Overview of ISO 9001:2015 quality management system requirements
  • Quality plans, project-specific QA/QC manuals, and document hierarchy
  • Non-conformance reports (NCRs), corrective action, and preventive action (CAPA) workflows
  • Role of third-party inspection agencies and client hold/witness points
02

Welding Inspection and Weld Procedure Documents

  • Reading and interpreting Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR)
  • Welder qualification testing per ASME Section IX and AWS D1.1
  • Common weld defects — types, causes, and acceptance criteria
  • Pre-weld, in-process, and post-weld inspection checkpoints
  • Overview of heat treatment requirements and hardness testing
03

Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs)

  • Structure and purpose of an Inspection and Test Plan in fabrication and construction
  • Assigning review (R), hold (H), and witness (W) points for client and third-party
  • Linking ITPs to applicable codes, standards, and project specifications
  • Maintaining inspection records and traceability documentation
  • Case studies from pipeline, structural, and pressure-vessel fabrication projects
04

Industry Standards and Codes

  • ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) — scope and relevant divisions
  • AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code — steel fabrication requirements
  • API standards relevant to pipeline and storage tank inspection
  • ISO 9001 quality management requirements in project contexts
  • Understanding BGAS paint and coating inspection standards
05

Practical Hands-On Inspection — Campus Block

  • Visual inspection (VT) of welds and fabricated assemblies using standard tools
  • Dimensional inspection using gauges, calipers, and measuring equipment
  • Surface preparation assessment and coating thickness measurement
  • Completing real-format inspection reports, ITPs, and NCRs under supervision
  • Simulated hold-point inspections replicating client and third-party audit scenarios
06

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) — Awareness Module

  • Overview of NDT methods: RT, UT, MT, PT, and VT — scope and applications
  • Reading and interpreting radiographic and ultrasonic test reports
  • ASNT SNT-TC-1A levels and qualification framework for NDT personnel
  • Coordination between QC inspectors and NDT technicians on site
07

Documentation, Reporting, and Quality Audits

  • Controlled document management — revision control, distribution, and archiving
  • Preparing material traceability records (MTRs) and mill certificates
  • Internal quality audit process — planning, checklisting, findings, and closeout
  • Preparing final dossiers and handover documentation for project completion
  • Digital QMS tools — introduction to commonly used inspection software
08

Career Readiness and Certification Pathways

  • Overview of CSWIP 3.1 Welding Inspector certification — exam structure and eligibility
  • ASNT and PCN certification pathways for NDT-linked QC roles
  • CV preparation, interview techniques, and QC competency frameworks
  • Understanding client vendor-approval and pre-qualification processes
  • Guidance on applying to EPC contractors, inspection companies, and oil majors
Skills you'll learn

Job-ready capabilities

Visual and dimensional inspection to international codes
Welding procedure and welder qualification document review
Inspection and test plan (ITP) creation and management
Non-conformance report (NCR) and CAPA administration
ISO 9001 quality management system application
Document control and traceability record-keeping
Internal quality audit planning and execution
Reading ASME, AWS D1.1, and API project specifications
Coating and surface preparation inspection (BGAS awareness)
Cross-functional coordination with NDT, procurement, and engineering teams
Career opportunities

Where this course can take you

Roles our graduates target across Kochi, Kerala, the Gulf and beyond.

QC Inspector

Performs in-process and final inspection of fabricated components for EPC contractors and third-party agencies.

QA Engineer

Designs and maintains quality management systems, audits, and documentation for manufacturing or construction projects.

Welding Inspector

Reviews weld procedures, qualifies welders, and conducts weld inspections to ASME, AWS, or client-specific codes.

Third-Party Inspector

Works with inspection companies (Bureau Veritas, Intertek, SGS, etc.) to provide independent project-stage verification.

Site Quality Engineer

Manages day-to-day quality activities on construction or fabrication sites, liaising between contractors and clients.

Document Controller

Maintains controlled document registers, distributes revisions, and archives project quality records for handover.

Coating / Paint Inspector

Inspects surface preparation and protective coatings to BGAS or client specifications on pipelines, tanks, and structures.

Quality Auditor

Plans and conducts internal and supplier audits to verify compliance with ISO 9001 and project quality plans.

Material Traceability Inspector

Verifies mill certificates, heat numbers, and material grades to ensure full traceability on pressure and structural items.

Why choose SMIC

Trained for the job, not just the test

Practical Campus Block in Kochi

Unlike purely online programmes, SMIC's on-campus practical block lets you handle real inspection tools, produce authentic documents, and experience simulated hold-point inspections — the kind of hands-on confidence that shows up clearly in interviews.

Standards-Aligned Curriculum

Every module is built around the codes that clients and employers actually reference: ISO 9001, ASME, AWS D1.1, API, and BGAS. You learn the standards in context, not in isolation.

Designed for Working Professionals

The hybrid 'learn while you earn' model lets you study live online sessions and recorded lectures from Kerala, the Gulf, or anywhere else — and join the campus block when your schedule allows, without resigning from your current role.

Gateway to CSWIP, ASNT, and BGAS Certification

The programme builds the theoretical and practical foundation aligned to CSWIP 3.1 Welding Inspector, ASNT, and BGAS certification requirements, so you are exam-ready to pursue these credentials independently after the course.

Industry-Experienced Instructors

Sessions are delivered by instructors who have worked on oil-and-gas, petrochemical, and infrastructure projects — bringing real document examples, site stories, and recruiter insights into every class.

Kerala's Growing QA/QC Job Market

Kerala's engineering diaspora in the Gulf and the expanding domestic infrastructure sector mean strong demand for qualified QA/QC professionals. SMIC's Kochi location connects you directly to this network.

Eligibility

  • Diploma or bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Civil, Production, Metallurgical, or related engineering discipline
  • ITI or vocational certificate holders in relevant trades (welding, fabrication, pipe-fitting) with relevant site experience may also apply
  • Working professionals in fabrication, construction, or oil-and-gas seeking to formalise their quality knowledge are welcome
  • No prior QA/QC certification is required — the programme starts from first principles
  • Basic proficiency in written and spoken English (course materials and standards are in English)
  • Reliable internet access for the online component; ability to travel to Kochi, Kerala for the campus practical block
Check your eligibility
FAQs

QA/QC Engineering — your questions

The theory and live classes are delivered online, so you can join from anywhere in Kerala, across India, or from the Gulf and Europe. The hands-on practical block takes place at SMIC's campus in Kochi, Kerala. Exact campus block dates and duration are confirmed at enrolment based on your intake batch.

The curriculum covers ISO 9001:2015, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code, API pipeline and storage standards, and BGAS coating inspection requirements. These are the codes most commonly referenced by EPC contractors, oil majors, and third-party inspection agencies.

No — CSWIP, ASNT, and BGAS are independent certifications awarded by their respective bodies after separate examinations and experience verification. This programme is designed to give you the knowledge and practical grounding to be exam-ready for those credentials, but the certifications themselves are pursued separately.

Yes. The hybrid format is specifically designed for working professionals. Live online sessions are typically scheduled in the evenings or on weekends, and recorded sessions are available for replay. You join the Kochi campus block during an agreed period — usually planned well in advance so you can arrange leave.

The programme runs between 3 and 6 months depending on your chosen pace and batch schedule. The online component runs throughout; the campus practical block in Kochi is approximately 3–4 weeks and is embedded within the programme timeline.

Graduates typically apply for roles such as QC Inspector, QA Engineer, Welding Inspector, Third-Party Inspector, and Site Quality Engineer. These positions are available with EPC contractors, inspection agencies (Bureau Veritas, SGS, Intertek), oil-and-gas operators, and infrastructure developers in Kerala, across India, and in the Gulf.

A diploma or degree in a relevant engineering discipline is the standard entry path. However, ITI holders and experienced tradespeople in welding or fabrication are also considered on a case-by-case basis. If you are unsure whether your background qualifies, contact our admissions team in Kochi for a quick assessment.

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