NDT Certification – The Whole Story
There are several ways to approach NDT Certification. This has caused some confusion over the years. We will try to explain the options.
Let’s start by looking at the basic requirements.
ASNT – The American Society for Non-Destructive Testing is one of the organizations who has created recommendations and guidelines for certifying NDT Technicians. They are based in the United States. These guidelines are used by most companies here in the States and accepted globally in many cases. But, we’ll also cover some of the other requirements in a later segment.
We’ll begin by looking at their guidelines since most of the other organizations around the world use something similar.
Recommended NDT Qualifications
ASNT publishes a document referred to as ASNT SNT-TC-1a. This document outlines recommended practices for the proper qualification and certification of NDT Personnel.
In addition to having a high school diploma, ASNT recommends the following:
- Formal Training Time in each method in which you are seeking certification.
- Three Tests in each method – General, Specific, and Practical
- On-the-Job Time/On-the-Job Training (OJT)
The actual number of hours, test scores, and OJT hours vary according to the NDT Method you are working on.
These recommendations become mandatory when companies or organizations create a “Written Practice” which outlines how the people in their company are properly qualified and then certified as technicians. We’ll explain the difference between qualification vs. certification in a moment.
For now, let’s discuss the above listed qualifications.
You are allowed to complete the above qualifications in any order, but you must have met all three requirements to become certified in each method.
Each Method Has Its Own Pathway to NDT Certification
It is possible to be a TRAINEE in PT (Liquid Penetrant), a LEVEL ONE in MT (Magnetic Particle), a LEVEL TWO in UT (Ultrasonic Testing), and a LEVEL III in VT (Visual Inspection) all at the same time!
The hours of formal training and OJT hours vary according to each method. Some methods are more complex. Therefore, the amount of time required for training and hands-on experience in order to acheive NDT Certification are obviously more for those methods. For example:
If you are seeking NDT certification for Level II Liquid Penetrant, you would need a minimum of 12 hours of Formal Training and 210 hours of OJT. (According to the ASNT Guidelines.) However, you would need 80 hours of Formal Training and 840 hours of OJT if you were pursuing Level II for Ultrasonic Testing. UT is quite a bit more complex than PT. Therefore, ASNT has determined a minimum number of hours of training, both classroom/online and on-the-job, for each based on that fact.
Breaking Down the Main 3 Qualifications
Qualification #1 – Formal Training
Formal Training is primarily considered classroom or online courses. In these classes, you will learn the basic theory and application of the NDT Method being studied. In our classes, we base the study on hands-on applications for each method. We spend a lot of time using the equipment and practicing hands-on techniques based on actual work procedures. We believe that this form of education is the best way to learn. So, without hands-on time in the classroom, the learning is all in your head. Putting your hands on the equipment every day in class is the best way to get a full understanding of how things work in this industry!
Successfully completing each NDT Course requires passing a basic knowledge test. This is referred to as a General Test. Some companies use the General test score you earned in the NDT Course to apply toward your NDT Certification requirements.
The number of Formal Training Hours required for each method is outlined in the ASNT Guidelines or in the company’s Written Practice. To see an overview of the ASNT Formal Training Guidelines, CLICK HERE.
Qualification #2 – Testing
There are three test scores required for NDT Certification in each method:
- General Test – Basic knowledge test covering the theory of the method
- Specific Test – Tests your ability to read and interpret a work procedure
- Practical Test – Hands-On test to prove your ability to apply the method to test samples or actual work material
General Test
As I mentioned above, to successfully complete the NDT Course, you must pass a general knowledge exam. It is a closed-book test with an appropriate number of questions, as outlined by ASNT SNT-TC-1a.
Specific Test
The Specific Test is an open-book test. You are given a work procedure to review. The questions on the test are based on the requirements of the procedure. Once you are doing NDT work out in the field, you will be working to similar procedures. This tests your ability to read, interpret and apply what the procedure says. This is a VERY IMPORTANT SKILL to develop in order to become a successful NDT Technician.
Special Note – At NDT Training and Testing Center, we use actual work procedures for these Specific tests and for our hands-on tests. As we teach the class, we use the procedure to show you how to apply what you are learning to actual job situations. This helps prepare you for working in the field. Most NDT Schools DO NOT administer the Specific and Practical Tests in their regular classes. WE DO! Therefore, you are ready for your first interview without any additional cost to you.
Some employers will simply use the test scores that you earned during our classes as qualification tests toward your NDT certification. We have a good reputation for our training and testing programs. However, some employers will give you their own Specific and Practical Tests before hiring you, in order to make sure you know what you are doing. After all, they are taking responsibility for the work that you will be doing, so it only makes sense to make sure you were tested properly. Our classroom tests help prepare you for those tests.
Practical Test
The Practical Test is a hands-on test to prove your ability to apply the NDT method correctly. Therefore, in our classes, we practice the techniques that you will be using as we move through the class material. We follow the work procedures that we mentioned above, so that you have a good understanding of how it all works in the field.
You are asked to perform a hands-on test using several test samples to prove your ability to:
- Follow the procedure correctly
- Apply the proper techniques
- Find flaws in the test samples
- Document your findings accurately
You will have practiced the entire process several times before being tested. Therefore, you should have no trouble conducting the tests.
Special Note – Again, I want to emphasize the fact that we at NDT Training and Testing Center conduct All 3 of the Required Qualification Tests during our classes. They are included in the price of the classes. No additional charges. We want to you to be as prepared as possible for your first interview, due to the fact that in that interview, you may be asked to demonstrate what you know. We have over 40 years of experience preparing people for a career in the NDT industry and likewise, NDT Certification. Therefore, we know what to expect and how to prepare you for a successful start.
One other note about the tests. In order to pass each test, you must score a minimum score of 70% on each test. But, the composite score (average) of the three tests must be a minimum 80% average.
For Example, let’s say that you took a class and scored 79-79-79 on the three tests. You would have passed each test, but not have met the minimum average of 80% in order to fulfill the testing requirements for the method. You would not have to take the course over again, but only one of the tests, possibly two, in order to achieve an 80% average.
Each NDT School or Company has their own policy related to how this is handled.
The Last Piece of the NDT Certification Puzzle
Everything we have listed above can be accomplished at our NDT school. However, you will not leave school as a CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN!
NDT Schools can train and test individuals, helping them to earn two of the three qualifications for NDT Certification.
However, what we CANNOT DO, and neither can any other NDT School, Community College, University or otherwise, is meet the last requirement for OJT.
It is up to the employer to document OJT for their NDT Technicians.
In order to meet the third qualification requirement, YOU HAVE TO FIND A JOB! That’s correct, you MUST BE EMPLOYED in order to become NDT Certified in any method.