Abstract: An external axis parallel alignment sytem is provided for monitoring and adjusting the alignment of conduits employed to form substantially vertically disposed pipe strings prior to joining a conduit to a previously installed conduit so that the conduits are aligned and have a common central axis extending therethrough. The apparatus employed in the alignment of the conduits includes a signal generating unit capable of producing a signal representative of a vertical plumb line of the conduit being joined to a previously installed conduit, and a target element adapted to receive the signal from the signal generating unit. The apparatus further includes support and connecting assemblies for connecting the signal generating unit and target element to the conduits being aligned and joined.