Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Sign up for oil and gas industry professional associations that provide educational seminars

Most oil and gas associations host seminars that appeal to a range of industry professionals. Seminars often take place at regional or national conferences and provide different levels of education and training, depending on the topic, which may be related to either the business or technical end of the industry.

I recommend: The American Gas Association hosts many industry events throughout the year that include educational presentations on public utilities, regulations and new technologies. The American Public Gas Association organizes conferences on development topics and workshops for professionals.

Consider classes through oil and gas professional associations

Training courses are another educational opportunity offered by many professional oil and gas organizations. Classes may cover a variety of topics including certification for specialized jobs, equipment training, safety training and exam study courses. Classes are offered online or in public training sessions. If a professional is a member of the organization, they may receive free or discounted training.

I recommend: The American Petroleum Institute (API) offers public training courses on a number of petroleum industry topics. API also offers the option for private, customized training for businesses. The Gas Technology Institute offers many options for online and classroom training.

Find oil and gas associations that offer continuing education

Professional industry organizations also provide continuing education courses to certify professionals in the oil and gas industry. Classes are offered both online and in-person. Most programs also offer continuing education credits for positions that require a certain number of credits each year.

I recommend: The American Association of Professional Landmen offers a wide variety of continuing education opportunities, including home study, online certification and public classes held all over the United States. Classes run by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists earn professionals continuing education credits; there are also discounts for professionals.

Guide to Oil and Gas Organizations

Oil and gas professional organizations offer an array of resources to the busy professional

By Kelly Shetsky, Anchor/Reporter

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Join oil and gas professional organizations to get your voice heard

Oil associations play a key role in lobbying of governmental policies. Gas and oil production affect every American. Joining an organization gives your voice more strength.

I recommend: Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA) is a petroleum association that represents the Texas oil and gas industry, with a goal of working toward the common good. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the prosperity of the oil and gas industry in Texas. Download a membership application. The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) offers statistics and information to its members. It's an informed segment of the industry that explores and produces gas and oil. Join IPAA online. Use Energy Personnel to find additional oil and gas associations throughout the country.

Pay annual dues to belong to oil organizations

Oil and gas associations' dues usually range depending on the membership level. Once you find an association you want to join, decide what type of commitment your company is willing to give.

I recommend: American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL) strives for the highest levels of performance for all land professionals. The goal is to encourage stewardship of mineral and energy resources and advance landmen's stature. Membership benefits include publications, certifications, networking and educational opportunities. American Gas Association (AGA) is the national trade association of energy utility companies that deliver natural gas. Their goal is to protect their industry's interest, address common concerns and promote excellence. Membership categories include full, associate, limited and international members. Apply for each one via the website.

Benefit individually and professionally from joining gas associations

When you join petroleum associations, you're linked to important industry information. Benefits typically include access to magazines, business reports, certification opportunities, courses, groups and forums.

I recommend: American Petroleum Institute (API) is the leading petroleum association of the oil and natural gas industry. There are more than 400 members from all parts of the industry. Benefits of membership include an annual meeting, discount on publications, support and representation. Watch an API membership video online. Join the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) if you're committed to boosting energy efficiency, using alternative energy service options, upgrading your facility operations and enhancing environmental management programs. Membership dues include subscriptions to publications, discounts on training programs and professional services and numerous networking opportunities.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make use of forums on oil organizations' websites. They link you to peers and encourage an exchange of ideas.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

ANSI, or American National Standards Institute

The ANSI is a nonprofit organization that coordinates the formation of guidelines and standards in U.S. business practices. It also oversees accrediting programs to promote voluntary conformity to these standards. ANSI certifies and accredits gas and oil products and personnel, energy-distribution systems and products, and personnel in many other industries.

I recommend: See American National Standards Institute for further descriptions of the institute's activities.

CERCLA, or Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act

The 1980 CERCLA is an expansion of the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976. These acts passed by Congress describe the necessary responsibilities of those who transport, store, treat or dispose of regulated hazardous substances. These substances include some oilfield materials.

I recommend: The Environmental Protection Agency offers a full description of the act and its purposes.

API, or American Petroleum Institute

The API is a national trade association that sets standards for the U.S. oil and natural gas industry. The API Monogram Program verifies that manufacturers are operating in compliance with industry standards.

I recommend: The American Petroleum Institute site describes a broad range of advocacy, education, research and standards and certification programs.

OPEC, or Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries

OPEC was organized in 1960 by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Its membership has grown since then. The member countries come from Asia, Africa, and the Americas, but membership does go up and down as member countries can be suspended.

I recommend: A history of OPEC is available at the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

MMS, or Minerals Management Service

The MMS is a branch of the United States Lands and Mineral Management Department. To manage and supervise the country's national resources, the MMS oversees oil and gas leasing, royalty collection and other areas involving the oil and gas industry, like drilling permits.

I recommend: The Minerals Management Service offers a full description of the operations of the bureau and its revenue management.

Downstream, upstream, midstream and integrated companies

Downstream refers to the refining and marketing areas of the oil and gas industry. Upstream refers to the exploration and production areas of the industry. Midstream is a term used to refer to those activities that fall between the upstream and downstream portions of the industry, such as the pipeline transportation of crude oil and natural gas. Integrated companies are those that operate in both the upstream and downstream sectors of the industry.

I recommend: The Society of Petroleum Engineers offers an extensive online glossary of terminology used in the industry.