An automatic apparatus for testing tubular specimens for creep under torque and axial load applied in stages was designed. The apparatus incorporates a bed and parts of the tensile loading unit of the MP-3B testing machine, a new electromechanical loading unit for program loading, a device for stabilizing the load, and a system for continuous recording of strain. The precision control unit VRT-3 maintains constant temperature with an accuracy of plus or minus 0. 5 degree C up to 1000 degree C.