In these applications, ASTM E709 is generally the referred standard. As per E709, If a non-conducting coating/ plating is left on the area to be examined that has a thickness greater than 2 mil (0.05 mm), it must be demonstrated that unacceptable discontinuities can be detected through the maximum thickness applied. The standard recommends the use of Performance Verification Plates to establish if flaws with thicker paints can be detected. The paint thickness through which flaws may be detected can vary by the type of paint and magnetization current. Most MT on crane assemblies is done using a Magnetic Yoke. In our experience, performing MT over 6 mils is highly unreliable and should not be attempted over 8 mils. A lot of old cranes in use are likely to have a paint thickness of over 8 mils. Performing MT on these structures without removing the old paint is simply useless. Writing "MT performed over paint", without performance verification is misleading and misrepresentation of the capabilities of the technique.

 These are conditions that are discussed and taught in our Advanced UT Weld Class. iNDT maintains a very large inventory of flaw specimens with these conditions to train our students.

Only after all requirements are met. In order for an NDT technician to perform and interpret NDT, they must be go through the following steps:

Training -

Organized theoretical Training [iNDT or other NDT institute]

Hands-on classroom Training [iNDT or other NDT institute]

Experience On the Job training under direct supervision of a Level III or Level II.

Qualification -

Employer administer three-part examination [By employer or using EACA]

Vision Examination [By optometrist, Registered Nurse, Doctor or other authorized medical professional]

Certification -

Verification of educational background and Training [By employer or using EACA]

Verification of Experience [By employer or using EACA]

Verification of examination grades [By employer or using EACA]

Verification of Attending a Level I and II class at iNDT or another institute only addresses the Training portion. Qualification and Certification function still need to be addressed. The biggest shortfall that we observe is in the experience. Some of this field experience can be gained on flaw plates that simulate varied field conditions encountered. For example, for ultrasonic testing of welds, this could be flaw plates with different joint geometries, root gaps, faying gaps, mismatch, hi-lo, backing bars, chill ring etc.




If iNDT acts as your “Certifying Authority”, we can administer an examination suitable to your application at the end of the course to meet the Qualification requirements. Additionally, we can verify Education, Training, and Experience, followed by issuing of Level I/ II/ III certificate on behalf of the employer as an Employer Authorized Certifying Authority. We also have a vast array of flaw plates simulating field conditions on which a budding technician can practice under supervision of and NDT Level II/ III.

NDT Level III certification is validation of an individual's knowledge and “hands-on” NDT experience. Whether or not an individual is a P.E, the following are the steps towards NDT Level III certification as per SNT-TC-1A:

Step 1: Gain hands-on experience under another Level III or Level II for each test method.


For UT Level I, 210 hours of hands-on experience in UT and a cumulative total of 400 hours in NDT methods is required by SNT-TC-1A.

For UT Level II, 630 hours of hands-on experience in UT and a cumulative total of 1200 hours in NDT methods is required by SNT-TC-1A.


For UT Levels I and II, 840 hours of hands-on experience in UT and a cumulative total of 1600 hours in NDT methods is required by SNT-TC-1A.


For MT Level II, 70 hours of hands-on experience in MT and a cumulative total of 130 hours in NDT methods is required by SNT-TC-1A.


For MT Level II, 210 hours of hands-on experience in MT and a cumulative total of 400 hours in NDT methods is required by SNT-TC-1A.


For MT Levels I and II, 280 hours of hands-on experience in MT and a cumulative total of 530 hours in NDT methods is required by SNT-TC-1A.


Step 2: As the hands-on NDT experience is being accumulated, you need to attend formal training for Level I and Level II for each training method. iNDT can assist you in this training:


For UT Level I, 40 hours of training are noted in SNT-TC-1A.


For UT Level II, 40 hours of training are noted in SNT-TC-1A.


For UT Level I and II, 80 hours of training are noted in SNT-TC-1A.


For MT Level I, 12 hours of training are noted in SNT-TC-1A.


For MT Level II, 8 hours of training are noted in SNT-TC-1A.


For MT Levels I and II, 20 hours of training are noted in SNT-TC-1A.


Step 3: Employer administers a three-part examination in each of the test methods specific to their application:

Level II Method Exam in UT - 40 multiple choice questions from UT theory.


Level II Specific Exam in UT - 20 multiple choice questions from Code (example: AWS D1.1) and/ or company’s NDT procedure.


Level II Practical Exam in UT - this examination is given on specimens that represent the actual work. For example, if the work relates to structural weldments in buildings, the exam must be administered on blind flaw specimens with backing bar and different joint geometries (Butt, T etc). If you work involves forgings, the exam specimens should be representative of flaws in forgings.


Level II Method Exam in MT - 40 multiple choice questions from UT theory.


Level II Specific Exam in MT - 20 multiple choice questions from Code (example: AWS D1.1) and/ or company’s NDT procedure.


Level II Practical Exam in MT - this examination is given on specimens that represent the actual work.


Step 4: After passing the examination, the individual MUST perform as a Level II technicians for at least 1 year for each test method. Some overlap for multiple test methods is allowed.


Step 5: After ALL of the above is accomplished, the candidate must appear for ASNT Level III examination with ASNT.


For an engineer with a 4 year degree to achieve UT Level III and MT Level III certification, the experience and training hours are:

[(210+630+40+40) + (70+210+12+8) + (2000+2000: 1 Year experience as Level II in each methods)] = 5,220 Hours

Please note that other certification schemes such as NAS 410 and ISO 9712 have additional requirements for training, qualification, and certification.

iNDT can represent your organization as a “Certifying Authority” as defined in SNT-TC-1A. Please inquire about or Employer Authorized Certifying Authority [EACA] program for more details.