How to Become NDT Certified

Thứ bảy - 27/04/2024 00:20

Nondestructive testing helps companies use processes and materials in a safe and effective way without causing damage. It impacts many industries, including Oil and Gas, Power Generation, Aviation and Aeronautics, Automobile, Medical, and...

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Nondestructive testing helps companies use processes and materials in a safe and effective way without causing damage. It impacts many industries, including Oil and Gas, Power Generation, Aviation and Aeronautics, Automobile, Medical, and Maritime Construction. Certification is earned through the successful completion of specific classwork, several examinations, and hands-on work experience. The certification document itself is generated by your employer after you meet the requirements specified by your chosen NDT method.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Training for Level I, II, and III Certification

1
Determine what NDT method you want to be trained in. There are many NDT methods you can become certified in, depending on your desired or current career. If your employer requires NDT training and certification, they will tell you what specific method or methods you need for your training.
- Some common NDT methods include Acoustic Emission Testing, Electromagnetic Testing, Radiographic Testing, Leak Testing, and Neuron Radiographic Testing.
- For example, if you’re training to become an MRI technician, you may need to get certified in Electromagnetic and Radiographic Testing methods.

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Certifications can be obtained at Level I, Level II, or Level III, with Level III being the highest level of qualification. Your employer may require a certain level, or it may be a matter of personal choice, depending on how much you want to advance your career.

Typically, Level I and Level II trainees must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

To get Level III certification, the trainee is usually required to have a 2 or 4-year degree in engineering or science from an accredited university and at least 1 year of hands-on experience.^{[1] X Research source}

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Prerequisites may or may not be needed, depending on your chosen NDT method, your employer’s requirements, and the country in which you live. Check the related NDT guidelines for your specific situation to figure out if you need to complete any prerequisites. You must fulfill prerequisites with a recognized training organization.^{[2] X Research source}

Be sure to get documentary proof that you’ve completed the training. The training organization or your instructor can provide this document for you.

For example, in Canada, candidates that want to train in Radiography Testing must complete an 8-hour safety course and be pre-screened for their mathematical skills.

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The hours of coursework required for certification varies depending on the method and level, so check the guidelines for specific information. You can take the classes at colleges, vocational-technical schools, through the Armed Forces, or with commercial or company training companies. Your employer will tell you where to take the courses and which ones you need to complete.

For example, a Level I Radiographic trainee has to complete 40 hours of coursework. 80 hours are required for Level II trainees.

If you already have an engineering or science degree, the hours of coursework required may be reduced.

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Each level requires a certain amount of work experience that must be obtained from your employer before you can be certified. You’ll be trained by a certified Level II or Level III technician. Specific work activities like observation, setting up and executing test procedures, and performing calibrations are all part of the experience process.^{[3] X Research source}

The specific work activities will vary, depending on your NDT method.

The length of experience required before certification should be specified in your employer’s Written Practice. If it’s not, ask your employer.