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ASNT NDT Level III study materials
ASNT NDT Level III study resources

ASNT NDT Level III: Training, Qualification and Certification of Personnel

ASNT NDT Level III · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

All guide sections

Training, Qualification and Certification of Personnel

What you must know

Separate the three terms. Qualification is demonstrated ability (training, experience, examination). Certification is the written statement by the employer that the person is competent to perform the assigned work. Training is the formal instruction that supports both.

Frameworks:

  • ASNT SNT-TC-1A - a recommended practice. The employer writes and owns a Written Practice setting training hours, experience, examination and recertification. This is the document actually applied.
  • ANSI/ASNT CP-189 - a standard with more prescriptive, mandatory language, used when invoked by contract.
  • ISO 9712 - third-party certification by a national body, with method, level and sector.
  • ASNT NDT Level III - a central examination; passing it does not by itself authorise work under an employer's SNT-TC-1A programme without employer certification.

Level duties:

  • Level I - performs specific calibrations and tests to written instruction; reports results; does not independently interpret or accept.
  • Level II - sets up, calibrates, interprets and evaluates to the applicable code or specification, and may supervise Level I personnel.
  • Level III - develops and approves procedures, establishes techniques and acceptance interpretation, and is responsible for the qualification programme.

Traps

  1. Under SNT-TC-1A, certification is by the employer, not ASNT - an ASNT certificate is not employer certification.
  2. An approved procedure must be approved by a Level III certified in that method.
  3. Recommended training hours are a starting point; the employer's Written Practice governs, and it may be more demanding.
  4. Vision requirements are periodic, not one-off.

Worked example / rule of thumb

Near-vision acuity of Jaeger J-1 (or equivalent) at 12 inches (about 300 mm), plus colour perception able to differentiate shades of grey, checked at least annually; recertification typically every five years.

Rule of thumb: no procedure, technique or acceptance decision should exist without an identifiable certified Level II or III behind it.