Are you thinking about becoming an NDT Certified Technician, but don’t know what NDT means or how to start?
NDT stands for Non-Destructive Testing, which means that technicians use special techniques to check for problems in materials and structures without damaging them.
If you’re interested in this field, getting an NDT Certification can help you learn the skills you need to succeed.
Surprising benefits of becoming an NDT Certified Technician
NDT Certified technicians play a significant role in making sure that the structures and components of our modern world are safe for our use. But how do you inspect complex critical systems that can’t be conveniently shut down or deconstructed? That’s where nondestructive testing (NDT) comes in.
NDT uses tools and techniques that allow inspectors to perform thorough analyses without harming either the components of complex critical systems or interrupting their operation. NDT is also helpful as a means of quality control before parts are put into use.
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Ultimate Guide to Becoming a NDT Certified Technician
NDT includes various technologies to determine safety. You aren’t required to become an expert in all of them. However, you will likely need to be highly skilled in at least one and proficient in several.
Visual and Optical Testing
Visual and optical testing uses his trained eyes and optical aids to look for telltale predictors of potential failures, such as hairline fractures.
Radiography
Radiography goes beneath the surface to detect damage that may not leave visual clues. X-rays give the technician an understanding of what’s happening inside the structure.
Ultrasonic testing
Ultrasonic testing uses sound waves to paint a picture of what is happening inside an object. The changes in how the sound bounces back can lead technicians to a correct understanding of the material’s integrity.
Magnetic Particle Testing
Magnetic particle testing examines the soundness of ferromagnetic materials. Examiners notice how iron particles react when introduced to the surface of the material.
Penetrant testing
Penetrant testing uses a dye to find the imperfections on an object’s surface. The dye enters cracks and crevices, making it easy for the examiner to locate the fault lines.
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Effortless Steps to Attain NDT Certification
Certification for NDT technicians is available on three levels, with the third being the highest level. The third level is for experienced examiners with a notable amount of training and experience.
Besides a high school background, NDT Certified technicians must have good overall vision and, specifically, good color vision. In some cases, proficiency in math may be considered essential. Prospective NDT Certified technicians must also be comfortable working with modern technology that makes much of today’s NDT possible.
Your coursework will be a combination of general NDT information along with more specific training for the particular type of testing in which you’ve decided to specialize.
NDT Certification Levels
Certification levels are not typically offered in a “one size fits all” method of education. NDT certification levels are offered in several types of programs with different specializations and levels of expertise.
Creating the right training program allows you to work towards the career you want. To do that, you need to know the requirements of the 3 NDT certification levels.
NDT Level 1
NDT Level 1 certification teaches you to perform NDT calibrations and evaluations according to written instructions. Your instructor will have NDT Level 1 or 2 certification.
NDT Level 2
NDT Level 2 certification teaches you to set up and calibrate equipment. You’ll also learn how to organize and report the results of these tests. It’s your responsibility to complete the required on-the-job training. At this level, you’re qualified to supervise NDT Level 1 personnel below you.
NDT Level 3
NDT Level 3 teaches you to develop, qualify, and approve NDT procedures and techniques. You’ll learn how to interpret and report all your results. You’ll also be able to train NDT Level 1 and 2 personnel.
Only 7 months! High demand career
1) Take Classroom Training Online 2) Complete Practical Training 3) Start Earning!
NDT Certification Documents
Here are the NDT Certification Documents you may need:
- ANSI/ASNT CP-105, Nondestructive Testing – Qualification and Certification of Personnel
- Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A, Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
- ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) Document ACCP-CP-1, Rev. 6 (8/9/09)
- ISO 9712, Non-destructive testing – Qualification and certification of personnel
- EN 473, Non-destructive testing – Qualification and certification of NDT personnel – General principles
Every NDT Certified technician must renew their certification every 5 years by showing proof of satisfactory performance or re-examination. They must also repeat their initial certification exams every 10 years.
NDT Levels 1 and 3 require it every 5 years. NDT Level 3 recertification requires you to retake your initial exams or earn 24 recertification points.
Get Started Now as an NDT Certified Technician
The NDT Certified technician field is growing, so there’s a place for you if you act now. Our blended learning approach allows you to get started immediately. Begin online training from the comfort of your home then complete your training with our instructors at our facility.
Become an NDT Certified technician and make the world a safer place. Get started by contacting us today.
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NDT Training FAQs
Can I take an individual NDT course from AINDT?
Yes, AINDT does offer individual NDT courses.
Individual courses are best for people who are already in the NDT industry and are looking to expand their NDT methods education.
If you are looking to start a career in nondestructive testing as an NDT technician, an individual class isn’t the quick fix you are looking for.
Our full "NDT Certification" training program is what you’ll need to start your NDT career.
When I get done with the NDT Technologies Certificate Program will I be certified?
You will be well on your way, but you will not be immediately certified. After you complete the NDT Technologies Certificate Program, you will have the required education to become certified, then you will need on-the-job training hours. AINDT works with you to be placed and employed with a great company. After the appropriate amount of on-the-job NDT training experience hours you receive while working, you will be given exams to become certified in the various NDT methods by your employer.
What is the difference between a licensed private career school and the community college?
The American Institute of Nondestructive Testing (AINDT) is a private career school that offers a certificate program. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education has licensed AINDT as a private career school.
A private career school like AINDT teaches people how to get into a specific career. Instructors at AINDT teach you job specific knowledge you need to succeed in the field of nondestructive testing. That's one of the reasons we are able to get people trained affordably, properly and more quickly than a traditional trade school.
At a community college there may be courses you may have to take before you even get into your career coursework. With AINDT, we're just teaching you NDT related coursework.
What if I did poorly at high school or in a previous college life? Am I able to still get a career or a certificate in nondestructive testing at AINDT?
Absolutely. Our instructors are there to give you any support you may need to successfully complete your coursework.
We train and teach people who haven't been in high school for many years. Our coursework and training is easy to understand and done at your own pace. Once you complete the online portion of your curriculum, you will attend our Baxter, MN facility for your hands on training, where you will work directly with instructors performing actual inspections, recording results, and preparing reports. Throughout the duration of your certificate program with AINDT, you will learn the necessary information needed to be successful in NDT.
What additional costs beyond my tuition will I have with the NDT Technologies Certificate Program?
Costs not included in your tuition include:
Travel costs to and from our area and your daily food costs.
Once I complete the NDT Technologies Certificate Program, do I have to travel for work?
Travel is not a necessity, and office and lab positions are available, but there are considerably less jobs that do not require travel than jobs that require you to be away from home for a few weeks at a time.
On the road positions may include: buildings, bridges, pipelines, commercial jetliners, and shipyards. These type of locations are not coming to you, so you'll have to go to them. The wage in these types of positions is traditionally higher - you're getting a large per diem every day - which can make it more lucrative to be on the road.
Does AINDT have a payment plan?
The cost of our NDT Technologies Certificate Program is $12,045.00.
We made our NDT school financing programs easy and affordable with student loans from Meritize and with Income Share Agreements (ISAs) from TradeUp.
WHAT IS MERITIZE?
Meritize offers student loans that look beyond FICO credit scores and use individual academic history to enhance credit evaluation and improve loan options. Even if your credit isn’t great or you don’t have a cosigner, a Meritize loan may be within your reach. If you do have a cosigner, that helps you even more. As you successfully repay your loan, you’ll be building your credit.
A Meritize Loan Offers…
- Use your transcript to enhance your credit and improve your loan options
- Fund the full cost of tuition on your own merit
- Choose affordable fixed or variable rates
- Select the repayment option that works best for you while you attend school – making full payments, making interest-only payments, or making no payments until 3 months after graduation
- Repay your loan over 3 or 5 years
- Avoid prepayment penalty fees if you choose to pay your loan off early
- Get access to Meritize Career Success Services for job and career support
Does AINDT have a job placement program?
Yes.
As soon as you arrive at AINDT for your hands-on training our NDT job placement team immediately starts working hard to find an NDT career that’s right for you.
How much money can I expect to earn?
Our graduates start earning $40,000 to $50,000 per year starting out in the NDT industry. Graduates can obtain further certification and increase their earnings substantially throughout their career. Certified NDT Technicians should anticipate compensation packages to include full insurance benefits and substantially high wages.
Will I always have work?
The Non-Destructive Testing and Inspection industry has been (for the last century), and will be, a growth industry for decades to come. As the infrastructure of America ages, the need for evaluation and advanced examination techniques increases. NDT and Inspection are not job avenues. They are careers.
