1.1rev.4~NDT Personnel Qualification and Certification

Section 1Section 1

NDT Personnel Qualification NDT Personnel Qualification and Certificationand Certification

NDT Level III Study GuideNDT Level III Study GuideBasicBasic

Pg. 9-55Pg. 9-55

Overview Overview

Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1ARecommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A ASNT Level III CertificationASNT Level III Certification

– NDT Level IIINDT Level III– PdM Level IIIPdM Level III

ANSI/ASNT CP-189ANSI/ASNT CP-189

Part 1- Part 1- Recommended Practice No. Recommended Practice No.

SNT-TC-1ASNT-TC-1A


Pg. 13-42Pg. 13-42

SNT-TC-1ASNT-TC-1A

Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A, Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A, Personnel Qualification and Certification Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testingin Nondestructive Testing: first document : first document widely used for the qualification and widely used for the qualification and certification of NDT personnel.certification of NDT personnel.

History of SNT-TC-1AHistory of SNT-TC-1A

1950-1960: Corporations, government 1950-1960: Corporations, government agencies and other technical societies agencies and other technical societies asked ASNT if the training and asked ASNT if the training and qualification of NDT personnel was qualification of NDT personnel was properly the domain of the Society.properly the domain of the Society.

History of SNT-TC-1AHistory of SNT-TC-1A

1961: The Society, through its Technical 1961: The Society, through its Technical Council, assigned a task group to study Council, assigned a task group to study the feasibility of preparing such a the feasibility of preparing such a document.document.

The Task Group endeavored to prepare a The Task Group endeavored to prepare a recommended practice containing the recommended practice containing the consensus of expert opinion for training consensus of expert opinion for training and qualification of NDT personnel: and qualification of NDT personnel: Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1ARecommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A

SNT-TC-1A – Section 1SNT-TC-1A – Section 1

1.0 Scope:1.0 Scope:– States that document provides guidelines States that document provides guidelines

for the establishment on a qualification and for the establishment on a qualification and certification program.certification program.

– Recognizes that the guidelines may not be Recognizes that the guidelines may not be appropriate for certain employer’s appropriate for certain employer’s circumstances.circumstances.

– Allows the employer to modify these Allows the employer to modify these recommendations to meet particular recommendations to meet particular needs.needs.


2.0 Definitions:2.0 Definitions:– Defines the primary terms used in SNT-TC-Defines the primary terms used in SNT-TC-

1A.1A.


3.0 Nondestructive Testing Methods:3.0 Nondestructive Testing Methods:– Lists the NDT Methods currently Lists the NDT Methods currently

recognized by Recommended Practice No. recognized by Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A.SNT-TC-1A.

– Standard two- and three-letter Standard two- and three-letter abbreviations are also shown.abbreviations are also shown.


4.0 Levels of Qualification:4.0 Levels of Qualification:– Lists the three basic levels of qualification, Lists the three basic levels of qualification,

Levels I, II & III, with a description of what Levels I, II & III, with a description of what tasks a person qualified to each Level tasks a person qualified to each Level should be capable of performing. should be capable of performing.

(Note: “Trainee” is defined as a person in the process of being (Note: “Trainee” is defined as a person in the process of being initially trained, qualified and certified)initially trained, qualified and certified)


5.0 Written Practice:5.0 Written Practice:– Describes the need for an employer to Describes the need for an employer to

establish a written practice that describes establish a written practice that describes the training, experience and examination the training, experience and examination requirements for each Level of certification.requirements for each Level of certification.

– Note that the word “Note that the word “shallshall”, instead of ”, instead of “should” is used to denote that a written “should” is used to denote that a written practice is required, what it is to cover, and practice is required, what it is to cover, and that it shall be kept on file.that it shall be kept on file.


6.0 Education, Training and Experience:6.0 Education, Training and Experience:– Requirements for Initial QualificationRequirements for Initial Qualification

» Level II: references to Table 6.3.1A, which lists Level II: references to Table 6.3.1A, which lists recommended initial training and experience recommended initial training and experience times. Table 6.3.1B shows alternative times.times. Table 6.3.1B shows alternative times.

(Care should be taken to read the notes under both Tables)(Care should be taken to read the notes under both Tables)

» Level III: Paragraph 6.3(2) [Discussed later]Level III: Paragraph 6.3(2) [Discussed later]


7.0 Training:7.0 Training:– Sufficient organized training to understand the Sufficient organized training to understand the

principles and practices for the Level and Method.principles and practices for the Level and Method.– Comprehension examinations recommendedComprehension examinations recommended– References Topical Outlines from SNT-TC-1AReferences Topical Outlines from SNT-TC-1A– Employer is responsible for ensuring outside Employer is responsible for ensuring outside

services meet the employer’s written practice.services meet the employer’s written practice.


8.0 Examinations:8.0 Examinations:– Level III has administration and grading Level III has administration and grading

responsibility; may delegate to a qualified responsibility; may delegate to a qualified representative if documented.representative if documented.

– Composite grades are by simple averaging.Composite grades are by simple averaging.– Visual exams: Near vision in one eye, to Jaeger Visual exams: Near vision in one eye, to Jaeger

J-2 or equiv, at not less than 12”.J-2 or equiv, at not less than 12”.– Color contrast: must differentiate contrast among Color contrast: must differentiate contrast among

colors or shades of graycolors or shades of gray– Suggested initially and at 3-year intervalsSuggested initially and at 3-year intervals


8.0 Examinations (Cont’d)8.0 Examinations (Cont’d)::– Levels I & II:Levels I & II:

» General Written General Written » Specific WrittenSpecific Written» PracticalPractical

– Level III:Level III:» BasicBasic» MethodMethod» SpecificSpecific

(Failed exams may be retaken after 30 days or additional training.)(Failed exams may be retaken after 30 days or additional training.)


9.0 Certification:9.0 Certification:– Certification is the responsibility of the Certification is the responsibility of the

employer.employer.– Qualification to Sections 6,7 & 8 may be Qualification to Sections 6,7 & 8 may be

modified by the employer’s written practice.modified by the employer’s written practice.– Outside Level III services may be used, but Outside Level III services may be used, but

the employer retains certification the employer retains certification responsibility.responsibility.

– Personnel files SHALL be maintained on Personnel files SHALL be maintained on file. Items to be maintained are listed.file. Items to be maintained are listed.


9.5 Recertification:9.5 Recertification:– All Levels may be re-certified by:All Levels may be re-certified by:

» Evidence of continuing satisfactory performance;Evidence of continuing satisfactory performance;» Re-examination as deemed necessary by the employer’s Re-examination as deemed necessary by the employer’s

NDT Level III.NDT Level III.

– Recommended recertification intervals:Recommended recertification intervals:» Level I & II: 3 yearsLevel I & II: 3 years» Level III: 5 yearsLevel III: 5 years

– Employer may retest an employee at any time to Employer may retest an employee at any time to extend or revoke certification.extend or revoke certification.

– Written practice should cover duration of interrupted Written practice should cover duration of interrupted service for reexamination and recertification.service for reexamination and recertification.


10.0 Termination:10.0 Termination:– Certification is revoked upon termination.Certification is revoked upon termination.– New Employers may recertify all Levels based on New Employers may recertify all Levels based on

examination if the following are met:examination if the following are met:– Proof of prior certification;Proof of prior certification;– The employee worked as certified within 6 months The employee worked as certified within 6 months

of termination;of termination;– The employee is re-certified within 6 months of The employee is re-certified within 6 months of

termination.termination.– Employees not meeting the above should receive Employees not meeting the above should receive

additional training as deemed necessary by the additional training as deemed necessary by the NDT Level IIINDT Level III

Official ASNT Position on the Official ASNT Position on the Use of SNT-TC-1AUse of SNT-TC-1A

““...SNT-TC-1A is published to serve as a ...SNT-TC-1A is published to serve as a guideline to employers in establishing their guideline to employers in establishing their own written practice for the qualification and own written practice for the qualification and certification of NDT personnel. It is not certification of NDT personnel. It is not intended to be a strict specification. The intended to be a strict specification. The intent is to provide guidelines for proficiency intent is to provide guidelines for proficiency levels required for personnel involved in levels required for personnel involved in nondestructive testing…”nondestructive testing…”

Materials EvaluationMaterials Evaluation, July 1980, July 1980

Part 2-Part 2-ASNT Level III CertificationASNT Level III Certification


Pg. 45-50Pg. 45-50

ASNT Level III CertificationASNT Level III Certification

In 1977, the Society offered NDT Level In 1977, the Society offered NDT Level III examinations for the first time.III examinations for the first time.

Examinations administered by ASNT in Examinations administered by ASNT in eleven different NDT methods are now eleven different NDT methods are now offered throughout the United States and offered throughout the United States and other countries.other countries.

Through January 1996, over 6,000 Through January 1996, over 6,000 persons have been certified as persons have been certified as ASNT NDT Level IIIs. ASNT NDT Level IIIs.

ASNT PdM Level III ASNT PdM Level III CertificationCertification

Beginning in 2000, ASNT offered the Beginning in 2000, ASNT offered the first Predictive Maintenance (PdM) first Predictive Maintenance (PdM) Level III certifications.Level III certifications.

Certification can be obtained in Infrared Certification can be obtained in Infrared Testing (IR) and Vibration Analysis Testing (IR) and Vibration Analysis Testing (VA).Testing (VA).

What is an ASNT Level III?What is an ASNT Level III?

An ASNT Level III is an individual who An ASNT Level III is an individual who assumes the title of Level III through:assumes the title of Level III through:

– a screening process offered by ASNT a screening process offered by ASNT under the scope of the Level III under the scope of the Level III Certification Program; andCertification Program; and

– satisfactory completion of both Basic and satisfactory completion of both Basic and Method examinations.Method examinations.

Level III Eligibility CriteriaLevel III Eligibility Criteria

Education and experience Education and experience requirements:requirements:

– Graduation with a degree in engineering, Graduation with a degree in engineering, physics, or science from a four year physics, or science from a four year college or university curriculum plus one college or university curriculum plus one year’s experience in NDT in an assignment year’s experience in NDT in an assignment at least comparable to that of a Level II at least comparable to that of a Level II inspector in the applicable test inspector in the applicable test method(s),or;method(s),or;



– Completion of at least two years of Completion of at least two years of engineering or science study at a engineering or science study at a university, college, or technical school with university, college, or technical school with passing grades plus two years experience passing grades plus two years experience in an assignment at least comparable to in an assignment at least comparable to that of an NDT Level II inspector in the that of an NDT Level II inspector in the applicable test method(s), or;applicable test method(s), or;



– Possession of four years of experience in Possession of four years of experience in an assignment at least comparable to that an assignment at least comparable to that of an NDT Level II inspector in the of an NDT Level II inspector in the applicable test method(s).applicable test method(s).

Basic ExaminationsBasic Examinations

A A BasicBasic Examination is given to all Examination is given to all applicants regardless of the methods for applicants regardless of the methods for which they seek certification.which they seek certification.


The NDT The NDT BasicBasic Examination covers the Examination covers the administration of SNT-TC-1A and CP-administration of SNT-TC-1A and CP-189, materials, fabrication, product 189, materials, fabrication, product technology (general knowledge), plus technology (general knowledge), plus general principles and applications of general principles and applications of commonly used NDT methods.commonly used NDT methods.


The PdM The PdM BasicBasic Examination covers the Examination covers the administration of SNT-TC-1A and CP-administration of SNT-TC-1A and CP-189, knowledge of predictive 189, knowledge of predictive maintenance, plus general principles maintenance, plus general principles and applications of commonly used and applications of commonly used PdM methods.PdM methods.

Method ExaminationsMethod Examinations

MethodMethod Examinations are given Examinations are given according to the applicant’s request, in according to the applicant’s request, in one or more of eleven different NDT one or more of eleven different NDT methods or two PdM methods.methods or two PdM methods.

Method ExaminationsMethod Examinations

Each Each MethodMethod Examination addresses a Examination addresses a specific test method and includes specific test method and includes method fundamentals and principles, method fundamentals and principles, the establishment of method the establishment of method techniques, and the interpretation of techniques, and the interpretation of codes, standards, and specifications codes, standards, and specifications relating to the method.relating to the method.

ExaminationsExaminations

All examinations are closed book, All examinations are closed book, multiple choice.multiple choice.

Reference material, if needed, is Reference material, if needed, is included in the body of the exam.included in the body of the exam.

Official ASNT Position onOfficial ASNT Position onASNT NDT Level III Certification:ASNT NDT Level III Certification:

““Individuals certified to Level III in any NDT method Individuals certified to Level III in any NDT method are considered to have met the guidelines of SNT-are considered to have met the guidelines of SNT-TC-1A (Basic examination and Method TC-1A (Basic examination and Method examination). Where proof of experience exists, examination). Where proof of experience exists, and is documented with or without examination, in and is documented with or without examination, in the preparation of codes, standards or the preparation of codes, standards or specifications and in the evaluation of test results, specifications and in the evaluation of test results, and is acceptable under the buyer-seller and is acceptable under the buyer-seller agreement, then the individual is considered to agreement, then the individual is considered to have met the guidelines of SNT-TC-1A (Specific have met the guidelines of SNT-TC-1A (Specific Examination).” Examination).” Materials EvaluationMaterials Evaluation, July 1980, July 1980

Employer Certification OptionsEmployer Certification Options Incorporate acceptance of ASNT NDT Level Incorporate acceptance of ASNT NDT Level

III certification into the employer’s own written III certification into the employer’s own written practice; orpractice; or

Incorporate acceptance of a Level III’s Incorporate acceptance of a Level III’s qualifications using an outside agency qualifications using an outside agency acceptable to the employer’s clientele in the acceptable to the employer’s clientele in the employer’s written practice; oremployer’s written practice; or

Incorporate the company’s own documented Incorporate the company’s own documented examination program acceptable to their examination program acceptable to their clientele in the written practice.clientele in the written practice.

ASNT Level III RecertificationASNT Level III Recertification ASNT Level III recertification can be ASNT Level III recertification can be

obtained by application subject to the obtained by application subject to the following three conditions:following three conditions:

– Reaffirmation of the ASNT Code of Ethics for Reaffirmation of the ASNT Code of Ethics for Level III Personnel;Level III Personnel;

– Continued active employment in Level III Continued active employment in Level III functions as related to the test method(s) for functions as related to the test method(s) for which recertification is sought; andwhich recertification is sought; and

– A continued effort to keep up-to-date and/or A continued effort to keep up-to-date and/or contribute to NDT or PdM related knowledge.contribute to NDT or PdM related knowledge.

ASNT Level III RecertificationASNT Level III Recertification

Requires a minimum of 6 points during each Requires a minimum of 6 points during each five year period of certification through one five year period of certification through one or more of the following:or more of the following:– Author presentations at society meeting- 2 pts;Author presentations at society meeting- 2 pts;– Publish papers in technical journals- 3 pts;Publish papers in technical journals- 3 pts;– Attend technical sessions- 1 pt. per 6 hrs.;Attend technical sessions- 1 pt. per 6 hrs.;– Present courses for credit- 1 pt. per 2 hrs.; orPresent courses for credit- 1 pt. per 2 hrs.; or– Complete courses for credit (CEUs)- 1 point.Complete courses for credit (CEUs)- 1 point.

Recertification may also be accomplished by Recertification may also be accomplished by examination.examination.

Part 3-Part 3-ANSI/ASNT CP-189ANSI/ASNT CP-189


Pg. 51-55Pg. 51-55

ANSI/ASNT CP-189ANSI/ASNT CP-189

ANSI/ASNT CP-189, ANSI/ASNT CP-189, ASNT Standard ASNT Standard for Qualification and Certification of for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel: Nondestructive Testing Personnel: ANSI approved standard that contains a ANSI approved standard that contains a set of clearly defined set of clearly defined requirementsrequirements that that must be satisfied in their entirety.must be satisfied in their entirety.

ANSI/ASNT CP-189ANSI/ASNT CP-189 American National Standard (ANS) American National Standard (ANS)

developed in accordance with ANSI developed in accordance with ANSI canvass procedures.canvass procedures.

Ultimate responsibility still remains with the Ultimate responsibility still remains with the employer.employer.

Demands that a minimum set of Demands that a minimum set of requirements be met by all employers who requirements be met by all employers who claim to have a program that embraces the claim to have a program that embraces the standard.standard.

CP-189 - Section 1CP-189 - Section 1

1.0 Scope:1.0 Scope:– Standard establishes minimum Standard establishes minimum

requirements for personnel qualification requirements for personnel qualification and certification.and certification.

– Details minimum training and experience Details minimum training and experience requirements for NDT personnel.requirements for NDT personnel.

– Requires employer to establish a Requires employer to establish a certification procedure.certification procedure.

– Requires employer to include any unique Requires employer to include any unique requirements in the written procedure.requirements in the written procedure.


2.0 Definitions:2.0 Definitions:– Details in greater detail the meanings of Details in greater detail the meanings of

terms used in the Standard.terms used in the Standard.


3.0 Levels of Qualification:3.0 Levels of Qualification:– 5 Levels: Trainee, Levels I, II, III, & NDT Instructor5 Levels: Trainee, Levels I, II, III, & NDT Instructor

NDT Instructor:NDT Instructor:– ““An NDT Instructor shall have the skills and An NDT Instructor shall have the skills and

knowledge to plan, organize and present knowledge to plan, organize and present classroom, laboratory, demonstration, and/or on-classroom, laboratory, demonstration, and/or on-the-job NDT instruction, training and/or education the-job NDT instruction, training and/or education programs in accordance with the course outlines programs in accordance with the course outlines approved by the NDT Level III.”approved by the NDT Level III.”


4.0 Qualification Requirements:4.0 Qualification Requirements:– Levels I & II require sufficient organized Levels I & II require sufficient organized

training to be familiar with the principles training to be familiar with the principles and practices of the Method.and practices of the Method.

– Courses are to include all topics listed in Courses are to include all topics listed in the Method Outlines in Appendix B, and a the Method Outlines in Appendix B, and a final exam is required after the course.final exam is required after the course.

CP-189 - Section 4 (cont.)CP-189 - Section 4 (cont.)

4.0 Qualification Requirements4.0 Qualification Requirements::– The minimum number of classroom hours The minimum number of classroom hours

is listed in Appendix A.is listed in Appendix A.– Training is done by an NDT Instructor; Training is done by an NDT Instructor;

however, specialists may be used to assist however, specialists may be used to assist in specific info.in specific info.

CP-189 - Section 4 (Cont’d)CP-189 - Section 4 (Cont’d)

4.0 Experience:4.0 Experience:– Level I & II: Required times are shown in Level I & II: Required times are shown in

Appendix A.Appendix A.– Level III: The training and experience Level III: The training and experience

requirements are satisfied by having a requirements are satisfied by having a currently valid ASNT NDT Level III currently valid ASNT NDT Level III certificate. (Note: Corporate Level IIIs are certificate. (Note: Corporate Level IIIs are not recognized.)not recognized.)

– Previously earned training and experience Previously earned training and experience must be verified and documented.must be verified and documented.

CP-189 - Section 4 (Cont’d)CP-189 - Section 4 (Cont’d)

NDT Instructor Criteria (must meet one):NDT Instructor Criteria (must meet one):– Current ASNT NDT Level III certificate;Current ASNT NDT Level III certificate;– B.S. or equivalent in Engineering, Physical B.S. or equivalent in Engineering, Physical

Science or Technology & adequate knowledge of Science or Technology & adequate knowledge of the method being taught;the method being taught;

– 2-year graduate of a science, engineering or NDT 2-year graduate of a science, engineering or NDT school and 5 or more years’ experience in the school and 5 or more years’ experience in the NDT Method;NDT Method;

– 10 or more years of NDT experience as a Level II, 10 or more years of NDT experience as a Level II, or equivalent, in the Method to be taught.or equivalent, in the Method to be taught.


5.0 Qualification and Certification5.0 Qualification and Certification::– Written procedure requiredWritten procedure required– Procedure minimum requirements detailed Procedure minimum requirements detailed – Procedure must be approved by a Level IIIProcedure must be approved by a Level III


6.1 Visual Examinations:6.1 Visual Examinations:– Near Distance Vision: Must read Jaeger J-Near Distance Vision: Must read Jaeger J-

1, or equivalent, in one eye at no less than 1, or equivalent, in one eye at no less than 12 inches. Required annually.12 inches. Required annually.

– Color Vision: Must be able to differentiate Color Vision: Must be able to differentiate between colors used in the method. between colors used in the method. Required when recertifying.Required when recertifying.

– Vision exams must be done to a procedure Vision exams must be done to a procedure and by personnel approved by the and by personnel approved by the employer’s designated Level III.employer’s designated Level III.


6.2-6.7 Examinations:6.2-6.7 Examinations:– Covers requirements for Level I, II & III Covers requirements for Level I, II & III

examinations.examinations.– Level III can administer and grade exams Level III can administer and grade exams

for those methods in which the Level III is for those methods in which the Level III is certified.certified.

– Retesting may be done after additional Retesting may be done after additional documented training or after waiting 30 documented training or after waiting 30 days. May not use the same questions or days. May not use the same questions or samples for the retest.samples for the retest.


7.0 Expiration, Suspension, 7.0 Expiration, Suspension, Revocation, Reinstatement:Revocation, Reinstatement:– Expiration: Termination; 3 years for Level Expiration: Termination; 3 years for Level

I & II; when ASNT NDT Level III expires.I & II; when ASNT NDT Level III expires.– Suspension: when vision cert expires (1 Suspension: when vision cert expires (1

year); the individual has not used the year); the individual has not used the method for 12 months; performance is method for 12 months; performance is determined to be deficient. Level III - when determined to be deficient. Level III - when ASNT cert expires.ASNT cert expires.


7.0 Expiration, Suspension, 7.0 Expiration, Suspension, Revocation, Reinstatement:Revocation, Reinstatement:– Revocation: When no work is done in 24 Revocation: When no work is done in 24

months; when employer deems conduct to months; when employer deems conduct to have been incompetent or unethical. Level have been incompetent or unethical. Level III: when ASNT certification has been III: when ASNT certification has been revoked.revoked.

– Reinstatement: suspensions: determined Reinstatement: suspensions: determined by Level III, or by employer for Level IIIs. by Level III, or by employer for Level IIIs. Revocations: by exam only.Revocations: by exam only.


8.0 Employer Recertification:8.0 Employer Recertification:– Level I & II: Recertification by exam only, Level I & II: Recertification by exam only,

per Section 6 requirements.per Section 6 requirements.– Level III: 5-year intervals by verification of Level III: 5-year intervals by verification of

a valid ASNT NDT Level III certificate.a valid ASNT NDT Level III certificate.


9.0 Records:9.0 Records:– Certification documentation is required.Certification documentation is required.– Shall include:Shall include:

» Certification recordCertification record» Experience recordExperience record» Previous experience (if req’d)Previous experience (if req’d)» Vision examination recordVision examination record» Records are described.Records are described.


10.0 Referenced documents:10.0 Referenced documents:– Referenced documents constitute Referenced documents constitute

provisions of CP-189:provisions of CP-189:– 1992 Recommended Practice No. SNT-1992 Recommended Practice No. SNT-

TC-1ATC-1A– Level III certification application packageLevel III certification application package

Inquiries for SNT-TC-1AInquiries for SNT-TC-1A&&

ASNT Level III CertificationASNT Level III Certification


Pgs. 16, 21, 24, 34, 37, 41, & 48Pgs. 16, 21, 24, 34, 37, 41, & 48

Review QuestionsReview Questions


Pgs. 18, 21, 23, 29, 31, 35, 40, 42, 49 & 55Pgs. 18, 21, 23, 29, 31, 35, 40, 42, 49 & 55

1.1rev.4~NDT Personnel Qualification and Certification

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Transcript of 1.1rev.4~NDT Personnel Qualification and Certification