ASNT Level III IR exam-day guide
ASNT Level III IR · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of identification the testing provider requires. Confirm the accepted ID types and name-matching rules with the provider before exam day.
Admission/authorization documents
Bring any confirmation letter, authorization-to-test, or scheduling receipt the provider issues. Confirm what is required with the provider.
Approved calculator
Bring a calculator only if the provider permits it, and confirm the allowed models and any memory-clearing requirements with the provider. Many computer-based exams provide an on-screen calculator.
Reference materials allowed by the provider
Level III exams may permit specified reference documents. Confirm in advance exactly which references are allowed, in what format, and whether they must be provided by the test center.
Exam-day logistics plan
Know the test center address, arrival time, parking, and travel time. Arrive early; confirm the provider's late-arrival policy with the provider.
Rest and hydration plan
Plan a normal night's sleep and a light meal before the exam. Confirm break rules and whether food or drink is allowed in the testing room with the provider.
Method statement knowledge
Be prepared to write the required NDT method procedure or answer procedure-related questions as specified by the certification scheme. Confirm the exact format with the provider.
Basic codes and standards familiarity
Review the codes, standards, and specifications relevant to infrared thermography that the certification body lists in its published body of knowledge. Confirm the referenced editions with the provider.
Scratch paper and writing instrument
Bring these only if the provider allows them; many test centers supply and control them. Confirm with the provider.
Personal comfort items
Dress in layers and bring any permitted personal items. Confirm what may be brought into the testing room with the provider.
Emergency contact and provider phone number
Have the provider's contact information available in case of travel or scheduling problems.
Review of candidate handbook
Read the current candidate handbook or exam-day instructions from the certification body. Confirm current policies with the provider, as they can change.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Review your own summary notes, formula sheets, and the published body of knowledge. Confirm test center location, arrival time, ID requirements, and allowed materials with the provider.
Do a timed practice run on procedure-writing or calculation tasks if the exam includes them, then review errors. Keep sessions short.
Prepare your bag: ID, admission documents, approved calculator, and any permitted references. Set out clothing and confirm travel arrangements.
Light review only. Re-read the candidate handbook's exam-day rules and scoring information. Confirm break policy and what is prohibited in the testing room with the provider.
Get a full night's sleep. Avoid cramming late. Eat a normal meal and hydrate.
Eat a normal breakfast. Arrive at the test center with time to spare; confirm the provider's check-in and late-arrival rules in advance.
Leave non-permitted items (phones, smart watches, notes) secured as the provider directs. Confirm storage rules with the provider.
Read each question fully. Answer the easier questions first if the format allows navigation, then return to harder ones. Watch the clock and reserve time to review.
For calculation or procedure questions, show your reasoning on permitted scratch material and check units and significant figures. For multiple-choice items, eliminate clearly wrong options first.
Use breaks only as the provider permits. Confirm in advance whether the clock stops during breaks.
Note any topics you found difficult for future professional development. Confirm with the provider how and when results will be reported.
Rules to check
Bring the exact identification the provider requires; the name on your ID must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID types and name-change procedures with the provider.
Follow all test center security rules, including rules on personal items, phones, and smart devices. Confirm prohibited items with the provider.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam and do not share or discuss exam content afterward. Follow the certification body's code of ethics.
Use only materials the provider permits. Confirm whether reference documents, calculators, or scratch paper are allowed and in what form.
Breaks are governed by the provider's policy. Confirm in advance whether breaks are scheduled, whether the clock stops, and what check-in/check-out is required.
Scoring and pass/fail determination follow the certification body's published scheme. Confirm the scoring method, weighting, and reporting timeline with the provider.
If you believe there is an error or a testing irregularity, report it to the proctor immediately and follow the provider's appeal or incident process.
Arrive on time. Late arrival may result in forfeiture of your seat or fee; confirm the provider's late-arrival policy with the provider.