It is a given that professionals in nondestructive testing will be certified. But how these certifications come about and how future NDT workers will be certified is a subject of debate. “The Expansion of Certification,” an article published in the February 2013 issue of Quality magazine provides an excellent overview of the current state of certification. The author is Robert D. Nichol, a quality assurance manager at TUV Rheinland Industrial Solutions in Aliquippa, PA.
Since 1966, certification in the U.S. has meant meeting guidelines established by ASNT (American Society for Nondestructive Testing). That organization’s SNT-TC-1A recommended practice document provides recommended requirements for training, education and practical examinations for the three main levels of certification with which we are all familiar. These guidelines have been broadly agreed upon and followed in the NDT industry for nearly 50 years.
Nichol points out, however, that ASNT has not stood still during that time. In 2006 the organization produced “ASNT Standard for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel” (CP-189). CP-189 adds two additional certification levels (Trainee and Instructor) to Level I, Level II and Level III, and is more specific in its requirements.
While ASNT’s standards are applied to commercial NDT activities, the U.S. military has established its own set of NDT certification rules. While similar to CP-189, they have certain additional requirements that must be met by individuals and companies testing military hardware or working on government contracts.
Finally, Mr. Nichol outlines NDT certification in the European Union, which is both more stringent than U.S. certification standards and industry-specific. He points out that American companies doing business in an increasingly global economy will have to pay attention to the European EN-473 standards.
Whether you are an established NDT professional seeking to further your career, or are in the market for a new position in the NDT industry, it is imperative that you are aware of certification requirements, the rules governing certification, and the steps you must take to ensure you have the experience, education and training necessary.
Take the time to read Robert Nichol’s article in the February issue of Quality magazine to get a clear view of the NDT certification picture. Or log on here to view the article on-line: http://www.qualitymag.com/articles/90975-the-expansion-of-certification
Michael Serabian is president of PQNDT, Inc., the NDT and Quality Inspection industry’s leading personnel recruitment and placement agency. For additional information, please contact him at (800) 736-3841, or visit our web site at www.pqndt.com.