SNT TC-1A, 

Personnel Qualification and Certification in Non-destructive Testing, 2015

Edition, is a recommended practice developed by the American Society for Non-destructive
Testing (ASNT) and updated annually, that provides guidelines for employers establishing an
in-house certification program for non-destructive examination. SNT TC-1A has been widely
used by employers as a framework for in-house NDT certification programs since 1966 and
is reviewed every five years.

This recommended practice helps ensure a minimum level of competency for NDT
practitioners and applies to NDT methods such as eddy current testing, liquid penetrant
testing, magnetic particle testing, radiography, ultrasonic testing, and visual testing. Many
owner-operators in the United States require ASNT certifications for personnel performing
NDT.

Three Levels of Qualification

SNT TC-1A establishes three different levels of qualification, each with more duties and
responsibilities than the last. Moving from one level to another is based on a combination of
education, experience, training, and passing qualification examinations. Personnel at each of
the three levels tend to require recertification every five years.

Level I: Of the three levels, those at Level I have the fewest responsibilities. Level I
Practitioners are only qualified to perform specific calibration, examinations, and
evaluations with specific written instructions

Level II: At Level II, practitioners gain more duties and responsibilities, and are qualified to
set up and calibrate equipment and to interpret and evaluate the results of inspections.
Level II technicians are also required to be able to prepare written instructions, provide on
the job training, and report inspection results.

Level III: Finally, at Level III, practitioners must be capable of establishing techniques,
interpreting codes, and designing test methods and techniques to be used. Those at Level III
are also able to train and examine Level I and II technicians for certification .