ASNT-SNT-TC-1A-1984.pdf

1August 1984 Edition AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A August 1984 Edition FOREWORD The recommended practice contained herein establishes the general framework for a qualification and certification program. In addition, the document provides rec- ommended educational, experience, and training requirements for the different test methods. Supplementary documents include questions and answer lists which may be used in composing examinations for nondestructive testing personnel. Inquiries related to this recommended practice should be directed to the Chairman of the Personnel Qualification Division, at the following address: The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc. 1711 Arlingate Lane PO Box 28518 Columbus, OH 43228-0518 Copyright © 1984 and 1994 by The American Society for Nondestructive Testing Printed in the U.S.A. ISBN 0-931403-52-9 3August 1984 Edition CONTENTS PERSONNE L QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION IN NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING 5 Scope 5 Definitions 5 Nondestructive Testing Methods 5 Levels of Qualification 6 Written Practice 6 Education , Training, and Experience Requirements for Initial Qualification 6 Training Programs 6 Examinations 9 Certification 9 Termination 10 Table 6.3.1 (Recommended Initial Training and Experience Levels) RECOMMENDED TRAINING COURSES 11 Radiographic Testing Method 19 Recommended Training References/Radiographic 20 Magnetic Particle Method 22 Recommended Training References/Magnetic Particle 23 Ultrasonic Testing Method 25 Recommended Training References/Ultrasonic 26 Liquid Penetrant Testing Method 27 Recommended Training References/Liquid Penetrant 28 Electromagnetic Testing 32 Recommended Training References/Electromagnetic 33 Neutron Radiographic Testing 40 Recommended Training References/Neutron Radiography 41 Leak Testing Method 45 Recommended Training References/Leak Testing 46 Acoustic Emission Testing Method 51 Recommended Training References/Acoustic Emission Testing Page Page 5August 1984 Edition RECOMMENDED PRACTICE NO. SNT-TC-1A PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION IN NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING 1.SCOPE 1.1 It is recognized that the effectiveness of nondestructive testing (NDT) applications depends upon the capabilities of the persons who are responsible for, and perform, non- destructive testing. This Recommended Practice has been prepared to establish guidelines for the qualification and certification of nondestructive testing personnel whose specific jobs require appropriate knowledge of the tech- nical principles underlying the nondestructive tests they perform, witness, monitor, or evaluate. 1.2 This document provides guidelines for the establishment of a qualification and certification program. 1.3 These guidelines have been developed by the American Society for Nondestructive Testing to aid employers in recognizing the essential factors to be considered in quali- fying employees engaged in any of the test methods listed in Par. 3. 1.4 It is recognized that these guidelines may not be appro- priate for certain employers circumstances and/or appli- cations. In developing a written practice as required in Par. 5, the employer shall review the detailed recommen- dations presented herein, and shall modify them as neces- sary to meet particular needs. 2.DEFINITIONS 2.1 Terms included in this document are defined as follows: (1) Qualification Demonstrated skill, training, knowl- edge and experience required for personnel to prop- erly perform the duties of a specific job. (2) Certification Written testimony of qualification. (3) Certifying Agency The employer of the personnel being certified. (4) Recommended Practice A set of guidelines to as- sist the employer in developing uniform procedures for the qualification and certification of nondestruc- tive testing personnel to satisfy the employers spe- cific requirements. (5) Employer The corporate, private, or public entity which employs personnel for wages, salary, fees, or other considerations. (6) Training The program developed to impart the knowledge and skills necessary for qualification. (7) Outside Agency A company or individual that pro- vides NDT Level III services and whose qualifica- tions to provide these services have been reviewed by the employer that engages the company or indi- vidual. 4.LEVELS OF QUALIFICATION 4.1 There are three basic levels of qualification. These levels may be further subdivided by the employer for specific situations where additional levels of skills and responsi- bilities are deemed necessary. 4.2 While in the process of being qualified and certified to NDT Level I, an individual should be considered a Trainee. A Trainee should work with a certified individual and shall not independently conduct any tests, interpret or evaluate the results of a test, or report test results. 4.3 The three basic levels of qualification are as follows: (1) NDT Level I An NDT Level I individual should be qualified to properly perform specific calibrations, specific tests, and specific evaluations for acceptance or rejection determinations according to written in- structions and to record results. The NDT Level I shall receive the necessary instruction or supervision from a certified NDT Level II or III individual. 3.NONDESTRUCTIVE TEST METHODS 3.1 Qualification and certification of nondestructive testing personnel in accordance with this Recommended Prac- tice is applicable to each of the following methods (1) Radiographic Testing (RT) (2) Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) (3) Ultrasonic Testing (UT) (4) Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) (5) Electromagnetic Testing (ET) (6) Neutron Radiographic Testing (NRT) (7) Leak Testing (LT) (8) Acoustic Emission (AE) see 2.1(6) in next edition see 2.1(1) in next edition see 2.1(2) in next edition see 2.1(7) in next edition see 2.1(3) in next edition see 2.1(10) in next edition see 2.1(5) in next edition 6August 1984 Edition 6.3.2 NDT Level III (1) Have graduated from a minimum four-year college or university curriculum with a degree in engineer- ing or science plus one years experience in nonde- structive testing in an assignment comparable to that of an NDT Level II in the applicable test method(s), or: (2) Have completed with passing grades at least two years of engineering or science study at a university, col- lege, or technical school plus two years experience in assignments at least comparable to that of NDT Level II in the applicable test method(s), or: (3) Have four years experience in an assignment at least comparable to that of an NDT Level II in the appli- cable testing method(s). When the individual is qualified by examination, the above requirements may be partially replaced by experience as a certified NDT Level II or in assignments at least com- parable to NDT Level II, in other methods listed in Par. 3 of this Recommended Practice as defined in the employers written practice. 7.TRAINING PROGRAMS 7.1 Personnel being considered for certification should com- plete sufficient organized training to become thoroughly familiar with the principles and practices of the specified test method related to the level of certification desired and applicable to the practices to be used and the prod- ucts to be tested. 7.2 The training program should include sufficient examina- tions to assure that the necessary information has been comprehended. 7.2.1 Recommended training course outlines for Levels I and II personnel and recommended references which may be used as technical source material are appended as follows: Test Method Training Course Table Number Reference Table Number Radiographic Testing I-A II-A Magnetic Particle Testing I-B II-B Ultrasonic Testing I-C II-C Liquid Penetrant Testing I-D II-D Electromagnetic Testing I-E II-E Neutron Radiographic Testing I-F II-F Leak Testing I-G II-G Acoustic Emission I-H II-H 6.EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIAL QUALIFICATION 6.1 Personnel considered for certification in nondestructive testing shall have sufficient education, training, and expe- rience to ensure understanding of the principles and proce- dures of those areas of testing in which they are being con- sidered for certification. 6.2 Documented training and/or experience gained in positions and activities equivalent to those of Levels I, II, and/or III prior to establishment of the employers written practice may be considered in satisfying the criteria of Par. 6.3. 6.3 To be considered for certification, a candidate should sat- isfy one of the following criteria for the applicable NDT level: 6.3.1 NDT Levels I and II Table 6.3.1 lists the recommended training and experience factors to be considered by the employer in establishing written practices for initial qualification of Level I and Level II individuals. 5.WRITTEN PRACTICE 5.1 The employer shall establish a written practice for the con- trol and administration of NDT personnel training, exami- nation, and certification. 5.2 The employers written practice shall describe the respon- sibility of each level of certification for determining the acceptability of materials or components in accordance with the applicable codes, standards, specifications, and proce- dures. 8.EXAMINATIONS 8.1 An NDT Level III individual or his designated represen- tative should administer and grade examinations. The ex- aminations to verify physical and technical qualifications should consist of the following: 8.1.1 Physical (1) The examination should assure natural or corrected near-distance acuity in at least one eye such that the (2) NDT Level II An NDT Level II individual should be qualified to set up and calibrate equipment and to interpret and evaluate results with respect to applicable codes, standards, and specifications. The NDT Level II should be thoroughly familiar with the scope and limi- tations of the methods for which the individual is quali- fied and should exercise assigned responsibility for on- the-job training and guidance of trainees and NDT Level I personnel. The NDT Level II should be able to prepare written instructions, and to organize and re- port the results of nondestructive tests. (3) NDT Level III An NDT Level III individual should be capable of establishing techniques and procedures; interpreting codes, standards, specifications, and pro- cedures; and designating the particular test methods, techniques, and procedures to be used. The NDT Level III should be responsible for the NDT operations for which qualified and to which assigned, and should be capable of interpreting and evaluating results in terms of existing codes, standards, and specifications. The NDT Level III should have sufficient practical back- ground in applicable materials, fabrication, and prod- uct technology to establish techniques and to assist in establishing acceptance criteria where none are other- wise available. The NDT Level III should have gen- eral familiarity with other appropriate NDT methods, and should be qualified to train and examine NDT Level I and Level II personnel for certification. see 6.3(1) in next edition see 6.3(2) in next edition see 6.3(2)(a) in next edition see 6.3(2)(b) in next edition see 6.3(2)(c) in next edition see last paragraph of 6.3.2 in next edition see 7.3 and related table in next edition see 8.2 in next edition see 8.2(1) in next edition 7August 1984 Edition applicant is capable of reading a minimum of Jaeger Number 2 or equivalent type and size letters at a dis- tance of not less than 12 inches (30.5 cm) on a stan- dard Jaeger test chart. The ability to perceive an Ortho- Rater minimum of 8 or similar tests pattern is also acceptable. (2) The examination should demonstrate the capability of distinguishing and differentiating contrast between colors used in the method. (3) The examination should demonstrate additional physical capabilities as required by the employer. (4) The examination should be administered on an an- nual basis. (5) Examination results are to be kept on file for the pe- riod of certification (see Par. 9.7). 8.1.2 General (Written) (For NDT Levels I and II) (1) The general examinations should be addressed to the basic principles of the applicable method. (2) In preparing the examination, the employer should select or devise appropriate questions covering the applicable method to the degree required by the employers written practice. (3) The questions and answers provided in the applicable separate Question Booklets (See 8.2) are suggested as guidelines for the development of the general ex- amination. 8.1.3 Specific (Written) (For NDT Levels I and II) (1) The specific examination should address the equip- ment, operating procedures, and test techniques that the applicant may encounter during specific assign- ments to the degree required by the employers writ- ten practice. (2) The specific examination should also cover the speci- fications or codes and acceptance criteria used by the employer in his nondestructive testing procedures. 8.1.4 Practical (For NDT Level I and II) (1) The candidate should demonstrate familiarity with and the ability to operate the necessary test equip- ment, record, and analyze the resultant information to the degree required. (2) At least one selected specimen should be tested and the results of the test analyzed by the candidate. (3) The description of the specimen, the test procedure, including check points, and the results of the exami- nation should be documented. 8.1.5 NDT Level III Examinations should be in accordance with Par. 8.3.3. 8.2 Suggested examination questions and answers for use in compiling appropriate general examinations are presented in the separate Question Booklets which can be obtained from ASNT Headquarters. The following is a list of the booklets. 8.3 The following paragraphs describe the recommended ex- aminations for each NDT level for the various nondestruc- tive testing methods. The written examinations should be administered without access to reference material (closed book) except that necessary data, such as graphs, tables, specifications, procedures, and codes, may be provided. All questions used for Level I and Level II examinations shall be approved by the responsible Level III. 8.3.1 NDT Level I (1) General Examination The recommended minimum number of Level I questions which should be given are: Test Method Question Booklets Radiographic Testing A Magnetic Particle Testing B Ultrasonic Testing C Liquid Penetrant Testing D Electromagnetic Testing E Neutron Radiographic Testing F Leak Testing G Acoustic Emission H (3) Practical Examination Proficiency shall be demon- strated in performing the applicable nondestructive tests on one or more samples approved by the NDT Level III. At least ten different checkpoints requiring an under- standing of test variables and the employers procedural requirements shall be included in the practical exami- nation. 8.3.2 NDT Level II (1) General Examination The re