Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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CERTIFICATION
OF
VISUAL EXAMINATION PERSONNEL
APPROVALS:
Revision Log
Revision Number Affected Pages CRA Number Approval
1 1418 V. Potent
2 1522 E. Anderson
3 4 1625 E. Anderson
4 14 2938 G. Griffiths
16 12 9615 M. Alling
1. OBJECTIVE
This document details the procedure SCIENTECH NES, Inc. will follow to train, examine and
certify Visual Examination (VT) personnel for Preservice Inspection (PSI) and Inservice Inspection
(ISI).
2. GENERAL
2.1 The SCIENTECH NES, Inc. Corporate Level III is responsible for administration of this
procedure.
2.2 This procedure provides direction for qualification and certification of Visual Examination
Personnel in accordance with the ASME Code, Section XI, 1989 and earlier editions. This
procedure is based on the qualification and certification requirements of SNT-TC-1A, 1984,
ANSI N45.2.6 and Regulatory Guide 1.58, Rev. 1, 1980.
2.3 This procedure also meets the requirements of ASME, Section XI, 1992 Edition with 1992
Addenda and ANSI/ASNT CP-189-1991 for qualification and certification of VT personnel
performing examinations to the requirements of ASME Section XI, IWE and IWL.
2.4 This procedure also meets the requirements of ASME Section XI 1995 Edition with 1996
Addenda and ANSI/ASNT CP-189-1991.
2.5 This procedure also meets the requirements of ASME Section XI 1998 Edition and
ANSI/ASNT CP-189-1995.
2.6 This procedure also meets the requirements of SNT-TC-1A 1996 edition,, winter 1998
addenda
2.7 The certification of visual examination personnel qualified in accordance with previous
revisions of this procedure shall remain valid until recertification is required. Recertification
shall be in accordance with the latest revision of this procedure.
2.8 USE OF AN OUTSIDE AGENCY
2.8.1 An outside agency may be used to provide Level III, NDE Instructor, qualification, or
testing services. An outside agency is defined as an organization that is recognized
and acknowledged throughout the NDE industry. ASNT, EPRI, and CWI are
examples of acceptable outside agencies. Other outside agencies may be used
provided they are on the SCIENTECH NES Approved Vendors List (AVL).
2.8.1.1 The outside agency shall maintain a written practice that specifies the
documentation to be maintained in the qualification records.
2.8.1.2 The qualification records of the outside agency shall include:
• Qualification examinations
• Candidate's name
• Certification level
• Date of examination
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3.10 General examination – A written examination addressing the basic principles of the
applicable NDT method.
3.11 Indication – A response or evidence of a response occurring during a nondestructive
examination.
3.12 Interpretation
3.12.1 Interpretation (of NDE test data). The determination of whether indications are
relevant, or nonrelevant. (See also evaluation.)
3.12.2 Interpretation (general). To clarify the meaning of.
3.13 Method – One of the disciplines of NDE; for example, ultrasonic testing, within which
various test techniques may exist.
3.14 NDE Instructor – An individual qualified and designated in accordance with this standard to
train or educate NDE personnel.
3.15 Outside Agency – An outside organization engaged to perform any of the requirements of
this procedure. SCIENTECH NES is responsible for evaluating the organization to assure
the services are in accordance with this written practice and so documented.
3.16 Practical examination – An examination used to demonstrate an individual’s ability in
conducting the NDE methods that will be performed for the employer. For practical
examinations, questions and answers need not necessarily be written, but observations and
results must be documented.
3.17 Principle Level III – Unless otherwise designated, the SCIENTECH NES Corporate Level III
shall be the Principle Level III. The Principal Level III shall have the ultimate authority and
responsibility for administration of this procedure.
3.18 Procedure – A detailed, written instruction for conducting a nondestructive test or certifying
personnel. Procedures shall be approved by an NDE Level III.
3.19 Qualification – The skills, training, knowledge, and experience required for personnel to
properly perform to a specified NDE Level.
3.20 Specific examination – A written examination to determine an individual’s understanding of
procedures, codes, standards, specification, and equipment or instrumentation for an NDE
method used by the employer.
3.21 Test technique – A category within an NDE method; for example, immersion ultrasonic
testing.
3.22 Training – An organized and documented program of activities designed to impart the
knowledge and skills required to be qualified to this standard.
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5. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
5.1 TRAINING
Candidates for certification as Level I, Level II, or Level III shall complete sufficient
organized training to become familiar with the principles of the method/category and the
practices of the applicable examination technique. This training shall be conducted in
accordance with a course outline approved by a Level III. The course shall include all of the
topics contained in Supplement 1, plus any additional topics deemed necessary by the Level
III. The sequence, content, amount of time spent, and depth of coverage for each topic shall
be approved by the NDE Level III. Training programs shall include sufficient examinations
to demonstrate that the necessary information has been comprehended. Training provided by
accredited or industry accepted training organizations such as the U.S. military, EPRI, or
Hellier Associates are acceptable.
5.1.1 Credit – To receive credit for initial training hours, the individual shall pass a final
examination covering the topics contained in that program.
5.1.2 Level I and Level II – The minimum number of hours of classroom training required
for Level I and Level II candidates is described in Table 2.
5.1.3 Level III – Training requirements for Level III will be satisfied if the individual holds
a current ASNT NDT Level III certificate in the VT method, or meets the
requirements of Table 2.
5.1.4 Training shall be conducted by an NDE Instructor with the exception of portions of
the training that may be conducted by individuals designated by the NDE Instructor.
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Annual training, site specific training or other specialized training may be presented
by individuals with specialized expertise in the subject training.
5.2 EXPERIENCE
Candidates for certification shall have acquired the practical experience to assure they are
capable of performing the duties of the level in which certification is being sought.
5.2.1 Level I and Level II – The minimum number of hours of experience required for
candidates is described in Table 2.
5.2.2 Level III – Experience requirements for Level III will be satisfied if the individual
holds a current ASNT NDT Level III certificate in the applicable method, or meets
the requirements of one of the following:
a. Graduate of a 4-year accredited engineering or science college or university
with a degree in engineering or science, plus 1 year experience in NDE in an
assignment comparable to that of a Level II in the examination method.
b. Completion with a passing grade of at least the equivalent of 2 full years of
engineering or science study at a university, college, or technical school, plus
2 years experience in an assignment comparable to that of a Level II in the
examination method.
c. Four years experience in an assignment comparable to that of a Level II in the
examination method.
5.3 INITIAL CERTIFICATION FOR VISUAL EXAMINATION
5.3.1 Experience in each discipline is required for unlimited certification. The term
'experience' refers to visual examination defined in para. 4.2, or related experience in
the applicable method such as the following:
(1) for VT-1, experience as a weld examiner, AWS CWI or AWS CAWI;
(2) for VT-1, experience in performing surface examinations;
(3) for VT-2, experience in pressure tests;
(4) for VT-2, plant walkdown experience, such as that gained by licensed and
nonlicensed operators, local leak rate personnel, system engineers, quality
control personnel, and nondestructive examination personnel;
(5) for VT-3, installation, maintenance, or examination of pumps, valves, or
supports;
(6) for VT-1 and VT-3, experience in installation, maintenance, or examination of
RPV internals, or other remote visual examination;
(7) for Level III, documented visual training or examination programs; or
experience as defined in (1) through (7) above.
5.3.2 Experience shall be documented by specific tasks and disciplines, e.g., 10 hr VT-3
visual examination of supports.
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5.3.3 No more than 50% of the required experience for VT-1 visual examination shall be in
surface examination.
5.4 ALTERNATIVE QUALIFICATIONS OF VT-2 VISUAL EXAMINATION
PERSONNEL
5.4.1 In lieu of the requirements of para. 5.3, VT-2 visual examination personnel may be
qualified by satisfying the following requirements:
5.4.1.1 At least 40 hr plant walkdown experience, such as that gained by licensed
and nonlicensed operators, local leak rate personnel, system engineers,
quality control personnel, and nondestructive examination personnel.
5.4.1.2 At least 4 hr of training in the Section XI requirements and plant-specific
procedures for VT-2 visual examination
5.4.1.3 The vision test requirements of the base document.
5.5 ALTERNATIVE QUALIFICATIONS OF VT-3 VISUAL EXAMINATION PERSONNEL
5.5.1 In lieu of the requirements of para. 5.3, VT-3 visual examination personnel may be
qualified by satisfying the following requirements:
5.5.1.1 At least 40 hours plant experience, such as that gained by plant personnel
involved in installation, maintenance, or examination of pumps, valves, and
supports, quality control personnel, and nondestructive examination
personnel.
5.5.1.2 At least 8 hr of training in the Section XI requirements and plant-specific
procedures for VT-3 visual examination.
5.5.1.3 The vision test requirements of the base document.
5.6 PREVIOUS TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
5.6.1 Level I, Level II and Level III – A candidate’s previous training and experience may
be accepted by the employer if verified and documented in writing by the previous
employer(s) or, for training, by the previous training agency(ies). Any claimed training and
experience which cannot be verified and documented shall be considered invalid.
5.6.2 Level III – SCIENTECH NES shall verify and document the current validity of a
candidate’s ASNT Level III certificate.
5.7 NDE INSTRUCTOR
A candidate being considered for qualification as an NDE Instructor shall satisfy the Level
III Basic and Method Examination requirements of this procedure and shall also meet one of
the following requirements:
(a) the candidate shall maintain a current teacher or vocational instructor certificate
issued by a state, municipal, provincial, or federal authority; or
(b) the candidate shall complete a minimum of 40 hr instruction in training and teaching
techniques.
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instrument, to verify that the height of a representative lower case character, without
an ascender or descender (e.g., a, c, e, o), for the selected type size, meets the
requirement of Table 6.1.2. This measurement shall be documented and traceable to
the test chart.
TABLE 6.1.2
NEAR-DISTANCE ACUITY TEST DISTANCE
AND CHARACTER HEIGHTS
Test Maximum Lower Case
Distance Character Height
(in.) (in.)
12 0.022
13 0.024
14 0.025
15 0.027
16 0.029
NOTE:
The test distance (eye to chart) and corresponding character heights provide a visual
angle of 6.25 minutes, which is equivalent to a Snellen fraction of 20/25.
(3) Twenty to 30 percent of the questions shall cover the capability to interpret
codes, standards, and specifications for the method.
6.2.3 The Specific Examination shall contain at least 30 questions covering equipment,
techniques, procedures, and administration of the SCIENTECH NES’ written
practice. The Specific Examination shall also cover the NDE requirements of this
Division, including acceptance standards and referenced codes and standards.
6.2.4 Practical Examination – The candidate shall prepare an NDE procedure appropriate to
the employer’s needs; however, if documented experience demonstrates that the
candidate has previously prepared acceptable NDE procedures in the NDE method
using the specifications, codes, and standards that are applicable to that employer, a
written practical examination (for example, preparation of a procedure) is not
required. If experience is substituted for the written practical examination, the
employer shall document the pertinent practical experience of the Level III candidate.
6.2.5 An ASNT Level III certificate with current endorsements obtainedd by examination
for the applicable method satisfies the Basic or Method Examination requirements.
6.2.6 When an outside agency administers the examination and only a pass or fail grade is
issued, the Employer shall assign a grade of 80% for a pass grade.
6.2.7 Level III personnel shall be recertified using the written Method, Specific, and
Practical Examinations and Demonstration Examination. Alternatively, Level III
personnel may be recertified using only the written Method and Specific
Examinations, provided the following conditions are met:
(1) The Level III candidate was previously certified or recertified using all the
written examinations and Demonstration Examination.
(2) The Level III candidate is not being recertified due to interrupted service as
defined in 7.5.
(3) The Level III candidate is not being certified by a new Employer.
6.2.8 Administration of Level III Examinations – The employer’s representative who
administers the Level III examinations shall possess a current Level III certificate in
the method for which the examination is administered and shall be knowledgeable
and familiar with the standards, specifications, and products used or made by the
employer
6.3 LEVEL I AND LEVEL II EXAMINATIONS
6.3.1 General – The general examination shall be approved by a Level III. Administration
of the examination shall be in accordance with paragraph 6.4 of this standard and
shall be closed-book. Reference material, such as charts, formulas, tables, and graphs
may be provided by the Level III. Questions shall be developed which represent a
cross section of the body of knowledge applicable to each method and NDE level.
The minimum number of questions required for each method and level is listed in
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Table 1. Questions used in general examinations for Level I and Level II personnel
shall be similar in type and difficulty to those published by ASNT or EPRI.
6.3.2 Specific – The specific examination shall be approved by a Level III. Administration
shall be in accordance with paragraph 6.4 of this standard. The Level III shall
determine whether appropriate procedures, specifications, standards, or code sections
will be provided. The examination shall address various examples of equipment,
procedures, and test techniques that the candidate may use in the performance of
assigned duties. The minimum number of questions required for each method and
level is listed in Table 1.
6.3.3 Practical – A practical examination shall be approved by a Level III. Administration
shall be in accordance with Paragraph 6.4 of this standard. The practical examination
shall consist of the following:
6.3.3.1 Level I – The candidate shall demonstrate proficiency using the applicable
nondestructive test method to examine at least one test sample for each
technique to be used in the candidate’s job. The test samples shall be
representative of the products that the candidate will encounter in
performing the job functions.
6.3.3.2 Level II – The candidate shall demonstrate proficiency by performing the
applicable nondestructive test method in examining at least one sample per
technique and a minimum of two samples per method and by interpreting,
evaluating, and documenting the results of the examination. The test
samples shall be representative of the product that the candidate will
encounter in performing the job functions.
6.4 ADMINISTRATION AND GRADING
6.4.1 Responsibilities
A Level III in the applicable method shall be responsible for the administration and
grading of examinations for Level I and Level II personnel. The administration and
grading of multiple-choice questions may be delegated by the Level III if so
documented. A proctor may be designated for written examinations. For the practical
examination the individual administering the examination must be a Level III in the
applicable method. The Corporate Level III or Level III designee shall develop,
administer, and grade Level III specific and practical examinations.
6.4.2 Employer Examinations
For each employer-administered certification examination, each candidate shall
achieve an average grade of at least 80% to be eligible for certification. All
certification examinations shall have equal weight in determining the average grade.
6.4.3 Prerequisites for Passing Practical Examinations
A prerequisite for passing the Level I and Level II practical examinations shall be the
detection of the discontinuities or conditions previously specified by the Level III. A
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prerequisite for passing the Level III practical examination shall be detection, if
performance of examinations is required, and correct evaluation, if evaluation is
required, of the discontinuities or conditions previously specified by the Level III.
6.4.4 Level I Practical Examinations
The Level III shall use a written checklist in administering and grading Level I
practical examinations. This checklist shall address at least the following items:
proficiency in use of equipment and technique, proper adherence to procedure, test
sequence, calibrations, materials, documentation, and extent of examinations. If the
Level I will interpret or evaluate results, the checklist shall include these item(s).
6.4.5 Level II Practical Examinations
The Level III shall use a written checklist in administering and grading Level II
practical examinations. The checklist shall address at least the following items:
proficiency in use of techniques and equipment; proper adherence to procedure, test
sequence, calibration, and materials; satisfactory detection and location of
discontinuities; proper extent of examination; and the accuracy and completeness of
interpretations, evaluations, and documentation of the activities and test results.
6.4.6 Level III Practical Examinations
Persons administering Level III practical examinations shall use a written checklist.
The checklist shall address items relating to the technical and practical adequacy of
the procedure(s) prepared by the candidate.
6.5 REEXAMINATION
Candidates who fail to attain the required passing grade must receive additional documented
training, or wait at least thirty days for reexamination. This training shall address the
deficiencies which caused failure. A candidate shall not be reexamined using the
examination or specimens previously failed.
6.6 ADMINISTRATION OF EXAMINATIONS
In no case shall an examination be prepared or administered by one’s self or by one’s
subordinate. A Level III may prepare and administer examinations for other Level III
candidates.
7. EXPIRATION, SUSPENSION, REVOCATION, AND
REINSTATEMENT OF CERTIFICATION
7.1 EXPIRATION
Individual certifications shall expire:
7.1.1 at the end of three years for Level I and Level II individuals;
7.1.2 for Level III individuals, at the end of 5 years.
7.2 SUSPENSION
The employer shall suspend an individual’s certification if:
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7.2.1 the vision examination interval exceeds one year. Certification is reinstated
concurrently with passing the vision reexamination; or
7.2.2 the individual has not performed the duties in the method(s) for which certified
during any consecutive twelve month period; or
7.2.3 the individual’s performance is determined to be deficient in the required method or
technique for specific documented reasons.
7.3 REVOCATION
The employer shall revoke an individual’s certification when
7.3.1 the individual has not performed the duties in the method(s) for which certified
during any consecutive twenty-four month period; or
7.3.2 an individual’s conduct is deemed by the employer to be or have been unethical or
incompetent.
7.4 REINSTATEMENT
7.4.1 Suspended Certifications
Reinstatement of suspended certifications for Level II shall be determined by the
Level III. Reinstatement of suspended Level III certifications shall be determined by
the President of SCIENTECH or his designee.
7.4.2 Expired or Revoked Certifications
Certifications which have expired or been revoked may be reinstated by complying
with Section 6.
7.5 INTERRUPTED SERVICE
Personnel who have not performed the duties associated with their certification level during
any consecutive 12 month period shall be considered to have interrupted service and shall be
required to successfully complete a Practical Examination (Level I and II personnel), or a
Specific Examination (Level III personnel), to assure continued proficiency prior to further
assignment to perform NDE. The results of this examination shall be documented and
maintained as part of the individual's certification records.
8. EMPLOYER RECERTIFICATION
8.1 LEVEL I AND LEVEL II
Level I and Level II personnel shall be recertified by qualification examinations every 3
years.
8.2 LEVEL III
Level III personnel shall be recertified by SCIENTECH NES, Inc. every five years.
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9. RECORDS OF CERTIFICATION
9.1.1 Responsibility for certification of all Level III candidates rests with the Corporate
Level III. Responsibility for certification of all Level I and II candidates shall rest
with a Level III examiner.
9.1.2 The Level III Examiner responsible for certifying an individual signs a Certificate of
Qualification (Figure l) which certifies that the individual has satisfied all of the
qualification requirements of Section 6 for the applicable level of certification. If the
certification is restricted to a particular category, the restriction is noted in the
"Certification Restrictions" section of the Certificate of Qualification. The President
may sign the Certificate of Qualification for the Level III Examiner.
9.1.3 Responsibility for certification of the Corporate Level III rest with SCIENTECH
NES. The Corporate Level III Certificate of Qualification shall be signed by the
President of SCIENTECH, Inc., Quality Assurance Manager or a Level III in the
applicable method.
The personnel records of a certified examiner contain documentation necessary to verify the
Certificate of Qualification. This includes:
9.2.2 A copy of the Certificate of Qualification (Figure 1) with signature, printed name and
title of certifying representative.
9.2.5 Copies of current SCIENTECH NES examinations and grades for all previous
examinations.
9.2.6 Test results from outside agencies or testing facilities. Copies of examinations are not
required.
9.2.7 Written verification of any prior experience or training necessary for certification .
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9.2.8 Written verification of experience completed during employment with NES that is
required for certification.
9.2.11 Certification packages submitted to the customer shall include as a minimum the
following information:
FIGURE 1
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FIGURE 2
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FIGURE 3
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FIGURE 4
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FIGURE 5
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TABLE 1
EXAMINATION QUESTION REQUIREMENTS
General Examination
Specific Examination
Minimum Number of Questions
Method Level I Level II
Visual 20 20
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TABLE 2
INITIAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL I AND LEVEL II
Required Experience
Evaluation Level Technique Required Minimum Total Hours
Method Training Hours in in NDT
Hours Method
Visual I 8 70 130
Examination II 7616 140 270
NOTES:
A. Experience shall be based on the actual hours worked in the specific method.
B. A person may be qualified directly to NDE Level II with no time as a certified
NDE Level I, providing the required training and experience consists of the sum
of the hours required for NDE Level I and NDE Level II.
C. The required minimum experience shall be documented by method and by hour
with supervisor, NDE Level III or Certification Administrator approval.
D. While fulfilling total NDE experience requirement, experience may be gained in
more than one (1) method. Minimum experience hours must be met for each
method.
E. Where ASNT or ASME does not provide guidance for training requirements
(such as with Level III training or limited certifications) the Principle Level III
shall determine training requirements.
F. Additional and alternative rules for VT are found in Supplements 1 and 2.
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SUPPLEMENT 1
2.1 VT-1
2.2 VT-2
2.3 VT-3
2.4 VT-1C
2.5 VT-3C
9. PROCEDURES
9.1 Requirements
9.2 Format
9.3 Acceptance criteria
9.4 Documentation
NOTES:
(1) The training shall cover the applicable topics for the visual technique and level.
(2) The hours of instruction devoted to each subject shall be determined by the Level III.
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SUPPLEMENT 2
INSTRUCTION OUTLINE
VT-1/VT-1C VISUAL EXAMINATION
A. Qualification and Certification Requirements for VT-1/VT-1C Examiners
B. General Examination Concepts
1. Optical aids, mechanical aids, and techniques applicable to VT-1 and VT-1C
2. Use of drawings and symbols
3. SCIENTECH NES Procedure 80A9069 requirements
C. Specific Examination Concepts
1. ASME Section III requirements
2. ASME Section XI requirements
3. Company's VT-1/VT-1C procedure requirements and data reporting criteria.
D. Practical Examination Concepts
1. Welds and welding defects
2. Service induced discontinuities
3. Discontinuity significance
4. Bolting
5. Pump and valve ID surface
6. Reactor vessel internals
E. VT-1C shall include the applicable topics of Supplement 1 Section 11.0.
Minimum Instruction Hours
VT-1 Level I: 3
VT-1 Level II: 3
VT-1C Level I: 1
VT-1C Level II: 2
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SUPPLEMENT 2
INSTRUCTION OUTLINE
VT-2 VISUAL EXAMINATION
A. Qualification and Certification Requirements for VT-2 Examiners
B. General Examination Concepts
1. Equipment and techniques
2. Types of pressure tests
3. Test conditions
4. VT-2 examination requirements
5. Evidence of Leakage
6. SCIENTECH NES Procedure 80A9069 requirements
C. Specific Examination Concepts
1. ASME Section XI requirements
2. Company's VT-2 procedure requirements
D. Practical Examination Concepts
1. Valve line-up drawings and list
2. Proper ways to vent
3. Pressure gauge problems
4. System isolation
Minimum Instruction Hours
Level I: 3
Level II: 3
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SUPPLEMENT 2
INSTRUCTION OUTLINE
VT-3/VT-3C VISUAL EXAMINATION
A. Qualification and Certification Requirements for VT-3/VT-3C Examiners
1. ASME Section XI VT-3 VT-3C requirements
a. RPV vessel ID examination
b. Valve and pump ID surface exam
2. SCIENTECH NES Procedure 80A9069 requirements.
B. General Examination Concepts
1. Optical aids, mechanical aids, and techniques for VT-3/VT-3C
2. Support design and functions
C. Specific Examination Concepts
1. Support examination boundaries
2. Company's VT-3/VT-3C procedure requirements
D. Practical Examination Concepts
1. Actual visual examination of component supports, assemblies, components, and
drawings or diagrams of some of each used in the company plants
E. VT-3C shall include the applicable topics of Supplement 1 Section 11.0.
Minimum Instruction Hours
VT-3 Level I: 3
VT-3 Level II: 4
VT-3C Level I: 1
VT-3C Level II: 2