Certification Setting the Standard for Excellence in Personnel Qualification & Certification for the Nondestructive Testing Profession
The American Society for Nondestructive Testing ...creating a safer world
ASNT Certification Programs Setting the Standard for Excellence in Personnel Qualification Certification ASNT NDT Level III
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ASNT NDT Level II page 2–3 Radiography and IRRSP (Industrial page 4–5 Radiation Safety Personnel) Central Certification page 6 ACCP Level II page 7 ACCP Professional Level III page 8-9 Getting Started page 9
ASNT develops and provides certification programs to meet the needs of industry and serve its mission of creating a safer world.
ASNT is accredited as a certification body by the U.S. member to ISO, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024.
ASNT NDT Level III About The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) For nearly half a century, ASNT certification has been the standard for the nondestructive testing (NDT) industry. ASNT’s certification process has improved the quality of the profession, and provided an accepted means for members to demonstrate they have met the requirements of the industry. For employers, ASNT certification is an impartial validation of the competence of NDT personnel in the field.
There are four ASNT certification programs: ASNT NDT Level III Program ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) ASNT NDT Level II Program Industrial Radiography and Radiation Safety Personnel (IRRSP) Program The ASNT NDT Level III Program and the Industrial Radiography and Radiation Safety Personnel (IRRSP) Program are accredited by ANSI to ISO/IEC 17024:2003
ASNT NDT Level III Program The ASNT Level III Program provides third-party certification for NDT personnel whose specific jobs require appropriate knowledge of the technical principles underlying the tests they perform, n ASNT NDT Level III certificate witness, monitor, or evaluate.
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Certification under this system results in the issuance of an ASNT certificate attesting to the fact that the certificate holder has met the published guidelines for the Basic and Method examinations as detailed in Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A. This does not constitute license or authorization to perform NDT, as the employer has the sole responsibility for authorizing employees to perform NDT.
holder should have the skills and knowledge to establish techniques, to interpret codes, standards, and specifications, and to prepare or approve procedures and instructions.
An ASNT NDT Level III or ASNT PdM Level III should also have general familiarity with other NDT methods, be capable of conducting or directing the training and examination of testing personnel in the methods for which the ASNT NDT Level III is qualified, and have knowledge of materials, fabrication, and product technology in order to establish techniques and to assist in establishing acceptance criteria when none are otherwise available.
Qualification Exams All ASNT NDT Level III candidates must successfully complete both: a Basic Examination, regardless of the method(s) for which the candidate seeks certification; and a Method Examination, which is given at the candidate’s request, in one or more of 11 different NDT methods. Once certified, the Basic Examination need not be retaken unless the certificate holder allows all ASNT NDT Level III certificates to expire.
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ASNT NDT Level III Basic Examination:
Method Examination:
This written examination consists of 135 multiple choice questions that assess the candidate’s knowledge of other NDT methods as required for ASNT NDT Level II personnel; materials, fabrication, and
This written examination consists of a minimum of 90 multiple choice questions that assess the candidate’s knowledge and application of fundamentals, principles, and techniques for that method in which certification is sought.
product technology; and qualification and certification according to the ASNT Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A, and ANSI/ASNT CP-189, latest edition.
The Method Examination may include a portion that examines the candidate’s ability to comprehend an NDT specification and apply its requirements.
Addressing the Level III Specific Examination is the responsibility of the employer.
Certification and Validity
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Based on successful completion of the necessary qualification examinations, ASNT will issue the candidate an ASNT certificate and a wallet card. Initial certification is valid for five years, with the certification period to start on the date that a candidate successfully passes both the Basic and Method examinations.
ASNT NDT Level II ASNT NDT Level II Program The ASNT NDT Level II certification program was developed to provide standardized Level II written examinations that employers may use to satisfy the general and specific examination guidelines of paragraphs 8.3 and 8.4, respectively, of Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A.
Qualification Exams Candidates applying for initial certification must take both the general examination and at least one specific examination in each test method for which certification is sought. Candidates may take the General Industry or the Pressure Equipment Specific examination, or if they seek certification in both industry sectors, they may take both sector-specific examinations.
ASNT NDT Level II Level II General Examination:
Level II Specific Examination:
The general written examination is a two-hour, 50-question, multiple-choice examination addressing the fundamentals, principles, and theory found in the applicable Level II Topical Outlines in the ANSI/ASNT CP-105: ASNT Standard Topical Outlines for Qualification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel.
The specific written examination is a two-hour, 40-question, multiple-choice examination based on an NDT procedure covering the equipment, operating processes, and techniques that a Level II might encounter while performing NDT tasks in the applicable industry sector. These procedures were developed by ASNT NDT Level IIIs who work in the applicable industry sector and are based on codes, standards, and specifications commonly used in that sector.
Passing the general and at least one specific examination will result in the issuance of an ASNT NDT Level II certificate.
Certification and Validity Passing the general and at least one specific examination will result in the issuance of an ASNT NDT Level II certificate and wallet card, which attests that the certificate holder has successfully completed ASNT NDT Level II general and specific examinations in the NDT method(s) and industry sectors indicated on the certificate. Employers should review the ASNT NDT Level II program document to determine whether these examinations meet the requirements of their company’s written practice. Employers are responsible for administering the visual acuity, practical, and any job-specific examinations required by their written practice to complete the certification process.
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ASNT IRRSP
IRRSP Certification Program ASNT Industrial Radiography and Radiation Safety Personnel (IRRSP) certification is applicable to those individuals who perform or supervise industrial radiography utilizing radiation-producing equipment. Three separate certifications are offered in the program: Radioactive Materials (RAM, or gamma), X-ray, or a combination of both X- and gamma radiography.
Exams cover the principles, 4
regulations, basic equipment operation, and safety procedures applicable to the type of radiation producing equipment for which ASNT IRRSP certification is sought.
ASNT is designated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) as an Independent Certifying Organization and administers the IRRSP certification program in strict compliance with policies and procedures approved by the NRC. IRRSP certification is also recognized by the Conference for Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD).
IRRSP Exams ASNT certification is by examination only and consists of a written portion administered by ASNT and a practical portion administered by an institution recognized by ASNT. The written examination consists of two categories, RAM and X-ray, which are offered individually or together as a combination examination. The exams cover the principles, regulations, basic equipment operation, and safety procedures applicable to the type of radiation producing equipment for which ASNT IRRSP certification is sought.
Qualification Requirements To be considered eligible to sit for the ASNT IRRSP Certification Exam, the candidate must have the following minimum documented training and experience.
ASNT IRRSP Exam
Minimum Training Requirements
Minimum Experience Requirements
Radioactive Materials (RAM or Gamma)
40 hrs
320 hrs
X-ray Technologies
40 hrs
160 hrs
Combo (RAM & X-ray)
40 hrs
320 hrs RAM 160 hrs X-ray
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Acceptance and Validity of IRRSP Certification The acceptance of IRRSP certification by an agreement state is determined by the state in question on a case-by-case basis. Questions regarding acceptability should be directed to the department governing the state’s radiation control program. A listing of state regulatory agencies can be found at nrc-stp.ornl.gov/asdirectory.html. ASNT IRRSP certification is valid for five years from the date that all certification requirements have been met, unless suspended or revoked for cause.
Central Certification
ACCP Level II & Professional Level III Certification ®
The ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) was developed to improve NDT reliability by providing standardized requirements administered by an accredited certification body. The program provides prospective employers with NDT personnel that have achieved a high level of performance and competency within the NDT profession.
Central vs. Employer-Based Certification Central certification is the process of certification by an independent, nationally recognized body providing confidence to interested parties as to the program’s validity, impartiality, and integrity as it relates to the competence of personnel in the field of NDT.
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Certification in accordance with the guidelines ASNT Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A is an employer-based system, meaning that the employers are responsible for the qualification and certification of their own personnel. Central certification is administered and maintained by an independent body that provides uniform certification requirements for all certificate holders. Regardless of the certification program, the ultimate responsibility for authorizing a person to perform NDT remains that of the employer.
Advantages of Central Certification With central certification, employers will be able to hire NDT personnel without the need to administer exams before they can begin work, a savings in time and money. It provides a uniform standard for the profession and brings more credibility to the industry. Significantly, it raises the quality bar for NDT. Companies with employees holding the credential bring a clear market distinction to offer their customers when bidding for business. Companies contracting for NDT services can select from contractors with personnel who have qualified to standardized examinations developed and administered by an independent third party rather than by the vendor.
ACCP Level II ACCP Level II ASNT widened the scope of its certification offerings in 1996 to include Level II certification with the ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) Level II certification. The ACCP Level II examinations include General, Specific, Practical, and Instruction Preparation examinations in five NDT methods (MT, PT, RT, UT, and VT). ACCP Level II certification meets the requirements of the ANSI/ASNT National Standard CP-106, Nondestructive Testing–Qualification and Certification of Personnel, the U.S. adoption of ISO 9712 .
An ACCP Level II should: • Have the skills and knowledge to set up and calibrate equipment, conduct tests, and interpret, evaluate, and document results in accordance with procedures approved by an ACCP Professional Level III or ASNT NDT Level III. • Be thoroughly familiar with the scope and limitations of the method to which certified. • Be capable of directing the work of trainees and Level I personnel. • Be able to organize and report NDT results. • Be capable of developing an NDT instruction in conformance with a procedure. • Be knowledgeable in the NDT subject matter contained the NDT Body of Knowledge for Level II in the applicable test method(s).
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
or Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) certification may apply for ACCP Level II VT certification for Direct Viewing in the General Industry Sector without further examination.
AWS/ACCP Level II Agreement Through an agreement between the American Welding Society (AWS) and ASNT, personnel holding currently valid Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) certification granted by AWS examination may apply for ACCP Level II VT certification for direct viewing in the general industry sector without further examination. Personnel that can document three years of experience in the pressure equipment sector may apply for that sector for a nominal fee. Personnel whoreceived their CWI or SCWI certification(s) through a reciprocity agreement with another certification body are not eligible for this process.
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ACCP Professional Level III
ACCP® Professional Level III Certification The ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) Professional Level III certification includes the same Basic and Method examinations that are used in the ASNT NDT Level III program and adds Practical and Procedure Preparation examinations for a more comprehensive certification. Personnel that hold currently valid ASNT NDT Level III certificates in the applicable test methods do not need to retake the Basic or Method examinations.
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Qualification Exams The ASNT Central Certification Program requires the successful completion of examinations in any of five NDT test methods: Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Radiographic Testing (RT), and Visual Testing (VT).
Level II Applicants Have to Pass These Four Examinations: 1. The General Written Examination covers the fundamentals, principles and theory of the test method. 2. The Specific Written Examination covers specific applications of the test method in accordance with codes and standards used in the applicable industry sector. 3. The Practical Examination applicants are required to demonstrate their ability to perform the test method on test samples containing known defects. 4. The Instruction Preparation applicants are required to prepare a written instruction for the test method that is sufficiently detailed to permit another practitioner to recreate the same inspection.
ACCP Professional Level III
Level II certification can be attained in individual techniques within a test method or may cover all techniques. In addition to the prerequisite Level II qualifications and experience, Level III applicants must pass the following four examinations: 1. The Basic Examination covers knowledge of certification processes, materials and processes and general knowledge of other NDT test methods. 2. The Method Examination covers specific knowledge of that test method. 3. Practical Examination in which applicants are required to demonstrate their ability to perform the method on test samples containing known defects. Note: The Practical examination is waived for personnel who took the Practical Examination as an ACCP Level II.
ASNT’s International Service Center certification staff will happily assist you with program questions or application information.
4. Procedure Preparation Examination in which applicants are required to write an NDT procedure based on a supplied NDT standard.
Getting Started Additional information and certification applications are available on ASNT’s website at www.asnt.org/certification. Here, you can also find information about different method examinations, exam schedules, refresher courses, and more. Also, ASNT’s International Service Center certification staff will happily assist you with program questions or application information. Please contact a member of the Certification Services staff team at (800) 222-2768.
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Reference Materials for ASNT Certifications • Codes and Standards • Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A • ANSI/ASNT CP-105 • ASNT Standard Topical Outlines for Qualification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel • ANSI/ASNT CP-189, latest edition • ASNT NDT Level III Study Guides • And more online at www.asnt.org/shopasnt
The American Society for Nondestructive Testing ...creating a safer world
www.asnt.org/certification 800.228.2768
