By Monique Roberts – Executive Director PODS Association | Pipeline Safety and Technology

We are excited to announce that the PODS Association Certification Program is now officially available to employees of all active PODS Member Companies, complete with a specialized PODS Certificate you can proudly share with your organization and professional network.

This certification represents a major step forward in supporting workforce development, strengthening data quality and governance across the global pipeline industry, and advancing the adoption of PODS Standards.

Why Become PODS Certified?

A PODS Certification empowers pipeline professionals with industry‑ recognized expertise in:

• Spatial data management and data modeling
• Digital twins and advanced GIS integration
• Data structures that support regulatory compliance
• PODS 7, with Esri’s APR, and Utility Network concepts
• Best practices for accurate, auditable, spatially aligned pipeline data

Certification benefits both individuals and organizations:

• Elevated professional credibility and validation of your technical skillset
• Improved organizational capability, reducing data inconsistencies and integration challenges
• Recognition for you and your company — certified individuals and their organizations will be listed on the PODS website
• Shareable achievement — your official PODS Certificate can be posted on LinkedIn, included in proposals, and used for internal training records

Program Access, Pricing, and Member Benefits

All courses in the PODS Certification Program are free for PODS Members to view and study. The exam fee is $200 USD per attempt, and many member companies receive free or discounted exam vouchers depending on their membership level. Please check with your organization’s PODS Lead Member, or email Chynna Huval at Chynna.Huval@pods.org, to confirm what vouchers your company may have available.

A PODS Certification empowers pipeline professionals with industry-recognized expertise in spatial data management, digital twins, and data for regulatory compliance. We expect that you will use the honor system and take this exam as an individual rather than as a group. The PODS Community has worked hard on creating this so we hope you can honor the integrity of the Certification.

Explore the program and additional community resources at: https://pods.org/community-resources/

Exam Structure and What to Expect

Completing all materials and videos across the 18 learning courses (approximately 7 hours of content) is not required to sit for the exam, but it is strongly recommended. Recertification will be required every three years.

Thorough preparation helps ensure first‑attempt success, especially since:

• Each exam attempt requires a voucher or a $200 payment
• The exam includes 35 questions
• A passing score is 80% or higher

There is no time limit, but please keep the following in mind:

• If you log out or lose your session, your answers are saved for only 10 minutes
• The exam typically takes about 1 hour to complete

For the best experience, begin the exam when you have at least one uninterrupted hour available.

Your Certification, Your Impact

Whether you are advancing your own career or strengthening your organization’s data maturity, a PODS Certification signals a commitment to excellence, safety via the digital twin and asset knowledge management, and innovation across the pipeline lifecycle.

We look forward to celebrating your achievements and welcoming you to the growing community of PODS Certified Professionals.