ASIN LEVELIII STUDYGUIDE BASICASNT LEVELIII STUDYGUIDE BASIC Third EditionCopyright © 2016 by The American Society for Nondestuctive Testing, ‘he American Sociely for Nondestructive Testing, Inc. (ASNT) isnot responsible forthe outhenticity or accuracy of information herein, Published opinions ana statements do net necessary reflect the opinion of ASNT. Products or services that are aclverised ormentioned do not carry the endorsement or recommendation of ASNT. No part of ths publication may be reproduced or fransmitted in any form, by means electronic or mechanical including photo- ‘copying, recording er otherwise, without tne expressed prior witten permission of The American Society for Nondestuctive Testing, Inc. IRRSF, NOT Handbook, The NDT Technician and www.asnt.org ate trademarks of The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc, ACCP, ASNT Laval Il Siudy Guide, Materials Evaluation, Nondestructive Testing Handbook, Research in Nondestructive Evaluation ang RNDE are registered traciemarks of Tne American Society for Nondestructive Testing, nc fist printing 1116 Enota, i available or thi printing, moy be obtained ‘rom ASNT's web ste, www cso ISBN-13: 978-1-57117-988-1 (onl) ISBN-13: 978-1-57117-389-8 jebook) Printed in the United States of America Published by: The American Society for Nondestuctive Testing, Inc 1711 Atlingate Lane Columbus. OH 43728-0518 ewww entra Edited by: Bot Conkin, Educational Materia Eaitor Assisted by: Cynthia M, Leeman, Educational Materia Supervisor Layout Synthia Jester Production Manager: Joy Grimm Tim Jones, Senior Manager of Publications ASNT Mision Statement [ASNT ext 0 create o safer wotld by advancing scientic, engheeting, and technical knowledge in the fleld of nondestructive testing,ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ‘The American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc. is grateful for the volunteer contributions, technical expertise, know!- edge, and dedication of the following individuals who have helped make this work possible, Mike Allgaier ~ MISTRAS Group, Ine. Antionette “Toni” Bailey - TB3 NDT Consulting, LLC Jack S. Brenizer, Jr. ~ Pennsylvania State University Gina Caudill - NAWCAD NAVAIR ‘Bugene V. Charpia - Bluegrove NDT Consulting Gerard Hacker ~ Teledyne Brown Engineering Jim Houf - ASNT ‘Claudia Kropas-Hughes ~ Air Force Materiel Command Michael V. McGloin - NDT Enterprises David G. Moore ~ Sandia National Laboratories Ciji Nelson ~ Sandia National Laboratories ‘Matthew Patience ~ ASNT Luis Payano ~ Port Authority of NY & N] Robert Plumstead ‘William C, Plumstead, Sr. - PQT Services Michael J. Ruddy ~ NOV Tuboscope Daniel Ryan - Siemens Power Generation Hassein Sadek ~ Technologies Consulting International, Inc, (TCI, Inc) ‘Toda Sellmer - NWP, Transportation Packaging Ken Starry ~1VC Technologies Ray Tsukimura Prashant V. Wagh ~ Riyadh Geotechnique & Foundations Co. ‘The Publications Review Committee includes: Joseph L. Mackin, Chair - International Pipe Inspectors Association ‘Marty Anderson ~ Global Technical Services ‘Mark R, Pompe - West Penn Testing GroupPurpose ‘This Study Guide is intended to aid individuals prepar- ing to take the Basic Examination as part ofthe process of becoming certified as an ASNT NDT Level II in one or more NDT methods, Its equally useful for persone prepar- ing to take a Basie Level I Examination under an employ- ‘rs personnel qualification and certification program per ASNT Recommended Practice No, SNT-TC-LA: Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing (2016). It is not intended to be their only source of prepara: tion. ‘The material in this Stady Guide addresses the body of knowledge included in the Basic Examination administered ‘under the ASNT NDT Level II certification program. The ASNT NDT Level I1l certification program isa service, blfered by the American Society for Nondestructive Testing Inc, that gives NDT personnel an opportunity to have their familianty with the principles and practices of NDT assessed by an independent body. The program wes an independent body to review credentials and uses compre hrensive written examinations to identify those persons who ‘meet the criteria for becoming an ASNT NDT Level II! for each NDT method. Method examinations ate offered in Acoustic Emission Testing Flectromagnetic Testing Leak Testing Liquid Penetrant Testing, ‘Magnetic Flux Leakage ‘Magnetic Particle Testing ‘Neutron Radiographic Testing Radiographic Testing ‘Thermal/Infrared Testing Ultrasonic Testing Visual Testing NOTE: Five additional methods are listed in SNT-7C-14 but do not have ASNT examinations at present: ground pen- ‘trating radar, guided wave, laser methods, microwave tech- ology, and vibration analysis ‘The ASNT NDT Level II certification program requires satisfactory completion of a 4-hour Basic Examination, Eleven different NDT methods examinations are given with Gurations of 2-4 hours, depending upon each method's complexity. To be eligible to take the ASNT NDT Level I ‘examinations, persons must qualify by virtue of their docu ‘mented education and experience, ‘The Basic Examination covers: 1. the administration of personnel qualification and certifi cation programs based on the most recent editions of SNT-TC-1A and ANSIASNT CP-189: ASNT Standard Jor Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel, 2, materials fabrication and product technology, and 3. general principles and applications of common NDT methods. Each Method Examination covers: 1. fandamentals and principles of the method, 2. applications and establishment of techniques and proce- dures, and 3. interpretation of codes, standards, and specifications relating to the method, Note that references to persons who have met the crite tia for the Level III certifications issued by ASNT are called NDT Level Ill This is in contrast to the person who has ‘met the criteria of an employer and who is identified as the employer's Level IIlor just Level IL How to Use the Study Guide This study guide divides the subject mater into three sain sections corresponding with the three sections of the Basic Examination Section I: certification and qualification of NDT personnel as outlined in SIVI-TC-14 and CP-189. Section I: ;n overview of commonly used NDT methods. Section III: materials and processes in manufacturing and industry in relation to NDT technology. Each section of this Study Guide begins with an intro- duction to the material to be covered. Chapters contain a set of representative multiple-choice questions covering the relevant portion of the Basic Topical Outlines in ANSI/ASNT CP-105: ASNT Standard Topical Outlines for Qualification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel (2016).Success in answering the questions will help the user to determine if more concentrated study in particular areas is needed. Ifthe user can answer the questions confidently and correctly, additional study may be optional. Technical references are listed in Section TI for individual methods if users roquize further study. Changes in This Edition ‘The third edition of the ASNT Level IN Study Guide: Basic builds on the frat edition written by Matthew J. Golis and the contributions of volunteers to the second edition, Section I has been updated to reflect the latest, 2016, editions of two key ASNT documents: ST-TC-14 and CP-189, Likewise, the topical outlines of the NDT methods presented in Section Il have been drawn from the 2016 edi- tion of CP-105. To facilitate the study of these documents, in Sections I and II, word-for-word excerpts are highlighted in blue, Questions in all three sections have been modified, as, needed, to reflect the ASNT exam practice of offering four unique answers per question, In Section IIL, questions have been reorganized to reflect the chapter sequence in the sec: ond edition of Materials and Processes for NDT Technology, published by ASNT in 2016,Copyright by ASNT (at igs reserve). conse o Mr Rabero AvenasTupan, 33367, 4282018 121437 PM EST. Single Uter Leanse on. Copying, eselng ane nelworiong elie.CONTENTS Acknowledgments Foreword ........ ceceees . . iv Purpose . . . av How to Use the Study Guide iv Changes in This Edition . . ceecees . v SECTION I: Administration of a Personnel Qualification and Certification Program 1 Introduction 3 References 3 Chapter 1: Recommended Practice No. SNTTC-1A (2016) 5 History of SNT-TC-1A 5 Contents and Intended Uses of SNF-TC-IA s Overview of SNI-TC-1A (2016) ‘ Foreword ‘ Sections 1, 2, and 3: Scope, Definitions, and Nondestructive Testing Methods 6 Inquires for Section 1 8 General Comments on Sections 1, 2, and 3 9 Section 4: Levels of Qualification 10 Inquires for Section 4 10 General Comments on Section 4 nN Section 5: Witten Practice 1 General Comments on Section § 12 Section 6: Education, Training, and Experience Requirements for Initial Qualification 2 Inquiries for Section 6 2 General Comments on Section & 15 Section 7: Training Programs ‘ Inquiries for Section 7 16 General Comments on Section 7 16 Section 8: Examinations 7 Inquiries for Section 8 21 General Comments on Section 8 2 Section 9: Certification 2 Inquires for Section 9 23 General Comments on Section 9 25 Section 10: Technical Performance Evaluation 25 Inquires for Section 10 25 General Comments on Section 10 25 Section 11: Interupted Service 25 Copyright by ASNT (at igs reserve). conse o Mr Rabero AvenasTupan, 33367, 4282018 121437 PM EST. Single Uter Leanse on. Copying, eselng ane nelworiong elie.General Comments on Section 11 Section 12: Recertification Inquiries for Section 12 General Comments on Section 12 Section 13: Termination Inquiries for Section 13, Section 14: Reinstatement Inquiries for Section 14 General Comments on Section 14 Review Questions Answers Chapter 2: ANSI/ASNT CP-189 (2016) Overview Section 1: Scope. Section 2: Definitions Section 3: Levels of Quattfication Section 4: Qualification Requirements Section §: Qualification and Certification Section 6: Examinations Section 7: Expiration, Suspension, Revocation, and Reinstatement of Employer Certification Section &: Employer Recertification Section 9: Records Section 10: Referenced Publications Review Questions Answers Chapter 3: The ASNT NDT Level Il Certification Program, ASNT NDT Level I What Is an ASNT NOT Level II? ASNT Predictive Maintenance Level Il Elgibilty for ASNT Level Il Examinations NOT/PdM or PAM/NDT Conversion Recerification SNF-TC-1A Ceriification Options Use of the ASNT NOT Level Il Certication ACCP Professional Level Il Review Questions Answers Section II: Overview of NDT Methods Chapter 4: General Applications of Various NDT Methods ‘Overview of the ASNT Basic Examination Topical Outlines, Reference Resources, and Review Questions ‘Acoustic Emission Testing (AE) vil 25 28 26 26 26 27 7 27 27 28 35 37 37 37 37 38 38 38 39 40 40 Al 41 43 43 43 46 4s aa 4s 45 45 46 48 a7 ay 49 a9 Copyright by ASNT (at igs reserve). conse o Mr Rabero AvenasTupan, 33367, 4282018 121437 PM EST. Single Uter Leanse on. Copying, eselng ane nelworiong elie.Topical Outine References Acouslic Emision Iesing Review Questions Electromagnetic Testing (ET) Topieal Ouline References Electromagnetic Testing Review Questions Leak Testing (LT) Topical Outiine References Leak Testing Review Questions Liguic Penetrant Testing (PT) Topical Outline References Luis Penetrant Testing Review Questions Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) Topical Outine Reterencer Magnet Particle Testng Review Questions Neulron Rasiographic Testing (NR) Topical Outine References Neutron Radiogranhic Testing Review Questions Radiographic Testing Topieal Outine References Radiographic Testing Review Questions Thermal/infrared Testing (IR) Topical Outing Reterences Thermal/ntered Testing Review Questions Utrasonic Testing (U1) Topical Outline Roterences Uirasonic Testing Review Questions Visual Testing (VT) Topical Outtine Reterencer Visual Testing Review Questions Magnetic Fx Leakage Testing (MFI) Topical Outine References Magnetic Flux Leakage Testing Review Questions Answers to Review Questions 50 31 31 51 sl $3 54 58 58 SSSSesseau 63 “8 66 &6 7 &7 8 “3 “ “o 2 2 73 3 75 75 75 75 7 Copyright by ASNT (at igs reserve). conse o Mr Rabero AvenasTupan, 33367, 4282018 121437 PM EST. Single Uter Leanse on. Copying, eselng ane nelworiong elie.Section Ill: Materials, Fabrication, and Product Technology . 7) Chapter 5: Materials and Processes for NDT Technology al Overview 81 Review Questions 83 Chapter 1: "Manufacturing and Materials” 83 Chapter 2: “Classification, Structure, and Solidification of Materials" Bs Chapter 3: “Properties of Materials" 84 Chapter 4: “Production and Properties of Common Metals 86 Chapter 5: “Polymers, Ceramics, and Composites" 38 Chapter 6: "Costing" 90 Chapter 7: "Metal Formin 92 Chapter 8: “Joining and Fastening” 95 Chapter 9: "Material Removal Processes 9 Chapter 10: “Surace Treatments and Coatings" 101 Chapter 11: “Introduction to Nondestructive Testing” 02 Chapter 12: "Nondestructive Testing Methods" 03 Chapter 13: "NDT Applications” 103 Chapter 14: "NDT and Engineering! 104 Answers 10 Review Questions 105 Appendixes .. 107 Appendix A: Code of Ethics for Level Ill NDT Personnel Cerlified by ASNT .. -- 109 Appendix B: CP-ASNT-IB: ASNT NDT Level Ill Program m1 Appendix C: Measurement Units for Nondestructive Testing 1s Copyright by ASNT (at igs reserve). conse o Mr Rabero AvenasTupan, 33367, 4282018 121437 PM EST. Single Uter Leanse on. Copying, eselng ane nelworiong elie.SECTION | ADMINISTRATION OF A PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAMCopyright by ASNT (at igs reserve). conse o Mr Rabero AvenasTupan, 33367, 4282018 121437 PM EST. Single Uter Leanse on. Copying, eselng ane nelworiong elie.(Qualification and certification of NDT personnel, based on some standardized approach that is recognized and agreed to by buyers and sellers of NDT-reated inspections, is widely practiced throughout industry. Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A: Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing was the first document ‘widely used for this purpose. Another document intially issued by ASNT in 1991, reissued in 1995, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016, is ANSVASNT CP-189: Standard for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel, This docu ‘ment differs from SNT-TC-1A in that itis an ANSI Standard and contains clearly defined minimum requirements that ‘must be satisfied in their entirety. The Basic Examination of the ASNT NDT Level ITI certification program addresses the ‘most recent editions of both of these documents SNT-TC-1A (2016) and CP-169 (2016) will be analyzed paragraph by paragraph in the following chapters, Selected inquiries and responses taken from published intexpretations offered by the SNT-TC-1A Interpretation Panel are includ. ‘ed to assist individuals in understanding some of SNT-TC-14’s philosophical intentions. ‘The responses should be consid ‘ered as clarifications of the intent ofthe recommended practice, The inquiries and responses are verbatim based on the ‘way they were written in the year indicated in the inguiry number. They do not address subsequent changes made to later ditions of SNT-TC-1A, CP-189 interpretations are available on the ASNT website at www.asnt.org, ‘The general structure and some of the details of the ASNT NDT Level III certification program and how it supports the manner in which SNT-TC-1A and CP-189 are implemented throughout industry are also covered in Chapter 3. References ANSVASNI CP-189,ASNI Standard for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Peronnel, Columbus, O11 The American Society for Nondestructive Testing ne 2016: CP-ASNT-1B: ASNT NDT Leve It Program (Ptogrra Information Document) Columbus, OF: The American Society for Nondestructive “esting Ine, Revision dat: 1 uly 2010, Avable a hitpel/ant org/MajorSteSectionCertifcalin/ASNT_NDY_Ltl ltarpe Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A: Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing, Columbus, OH- The American Society for Nondertrctve Testing Ine 2016" * avaiable fom ASNTCopyright by ASNT (at igs reserve). conse o Mr Rabero AvenasTupan, 33367, 4282018 121437 PM EST. Single Uter Leanse on. Copying, eselng ane nelworiong elie.CHAPTER 1 Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A (2016) History of SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A: Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing ‘was first published in 1966 as a main document comprising just foar pages along with a series of supplements foreach recognized method atthe time: radiographic, magnetic par- ticle, ultrasonic, liquid penetrant, and eddy current (now clectromagnctic). Each supplemental document included recommended education, experience, and training require- ‘ments, as well asa recommended course outline, references, and general examination questions. The reasons for which SNI-IC-1A was created and the manner in which it ‘evolved were described in an article published in Materials Evaluation, October 1968, Vol. 26, No. 10, pp. 12A-14A, by Harold Hovland and CatlB. Shaw, titled, “How to Qualify and Certify NDT Personnel.” The following excerpts outline hhow this important recommended practice came into exis- tence: With the increasing complexity and number of nondestructive test methods in use and with greater reliance upon nondestructive testing, industry has not been able to recruit and tain personnel in large enough numbers and ina timely fashion to file need. Many custorners found that they ‘were not receiving the nondestructive test examinations they {elt they had paid to receive. Large segments of the economy, such as the government and prime contractors, found it expedient to put the responsibilty forthe raining and qualification, and verification ‘of the qualifications of nondestructive test personnel upon the manufacturer. This resulted in the generation of a number of documents dealing withthe question ofthe training, ‘qualification, and certification of nondestructive test personnel [Although these documents all pertain to the same subject and have the same objective, in their details they were often ‘conflicting, thereby causing undue cost to American industry Beginning about 1959, afew corporations, government agencies, and other technical societies inquired of ASNT as to whether the training and qualification of nondestructive test personnel was properly the domain ofthe Society. In 1961, the Society, through It Technical Councll assigned Task Group to study the feasibility of preparing a document ‘that would deal withthe training requirements and the documentation thereof forthe qualification of nondestructive test personnel... the Task Group endeavored to prepare a recommenced practice which could contain the consensus of ‘expert opinion regarding the training of personnel and an average of requirements for formal education time for on-the- job training, and documentation, The resulting SW-TC-1Ais a recommended practice for the qualification and certiiation of nondestructive test personnel Itprovides a format which industry can follow in writing an individualized procedure forthe qualification and certification of, personnel which meets the needs and requirements unique to leach segment of industry. Contents and Intended Uses of SNT-TC-1A ‘The following information has been excerpted from the same article cited above, The text ofthis article has been ‘modified to include changes made in subsequent editions of SNE-TC:IA. Itis intended that SWI-TC-TA serve as a guide for each employer user In preparing ther specific personnel qualification and certification document (procedure or written practice) SNF-TC-IA sets forth a scope and definitions itlists the test ‘methods, and it explains the various levels of qualifications. The primary document also details the manner in which personnel are examined and certfed, The question arses, “how do | document certification in my particular procedure?” The point to remember here is thatthe procedure as written by any user ofthis document must satisfy the requirements oftheir company and must be acceptable to the company's customers. Within this context, certification may take any one of several forms. It may consist merely ofthe records ofthe training programs, the examinations, and the grades of the ‘examinations, It may require a certificate that states explicitly that a particular person is qualified toa given level fora specific ‘method. It may take the form of a card upon which an employer cerifies the evel of raining and qualification of ts personnel ‘The employer has the same responsibility for the qualification and certification of ts NOT personnel asithas for the product. For example, even though an employer may. purchase a complete product and sll this produ company's own name, the employer stil bears fll responsibilty tothe customer forthe quality of that product and for the product being what the company purports it to be. The employer may elect to purchase components and assemble them and sell the result as a complete product; then again, the employer may manufacture all components ofthe product. In any of these cases, the employer bears a certain responsibilty, “The employers responsible [for ensuring] that what is being sold is indeed what tis claimed to be, that twill meet certain under theBasic | SECTION | requirements of quality, that it will not arm the user, and th vill not destroy the user's property The employer may choose to exercise any of these prerogatives inthe taining, qualification, and certification of ts Personnel, The company may employ persons previously trained and certify these people; however, the responsibility ‘would be the same asf they had been trained and qualified by the employer. The employer may conduct a training program as recommended in the documents, examine these individuals, and certify them as to thelr qualification to do the work. The ‘employer wil exercise this responsiblity through a person in the ‘organization who is qualified asa Level il, and who is qualified to train or provide the training ofthe personnel under them and to exercise judgment as tothe qualification ofthese personnel ‘The employer may elect to utilize the Level Il services of an ‘outside agency to provide the training, develop, administer, and ‘grade the examinations for certification. Regardless of the method used for training and examination of their personnel, the responsibilty for ensuring thatthe program utilized ‘complies with their written practice lies with the employer. ‘Sample questions for general examinations are available {from the ASNT International Service Center. Each question cites the reference used to identify the correct answer It is intended thatthe Level Il consider these questions as examples only and ‘should not use them verbatim for qualification examinations. In addition tothe general examination, 2 specific wetten ‘examination is required tis intended that the speciic ‘exatmination reflect the equipment that is used by the employee boeing examined, that it reflec the requirements of the procedures normally used by the employer, and that it satisfy the specific requirements of any customer ofthe employer. ‘A Practical Examination i also necessary. The Practical Examination is primarily a hands-on test and an examination to determine that the examinee understands and knows how to Use the written procedures and the equipment. Test objects should be representative of those thatthe inspector will most likely encounter. Critical points of reference should be predetermined for which the examinee will be graded in the Practical Examination, This may include such things as close adherence tothe procedure, action taken when the procedure ‘cannot be followed, handling ofthe parts being tested, interpretation of test results, disposition, and the manner in wich a reporis written ‘Note the emphasis in the foregoing text on the intent that SN7-TC-1A should be used as a guideline, not a fixed requirement. This is reaffirmed in 1.2 of the Scope section (@.1) of SN7-7-14 (2016) as follows: "This document provides guidelines for the establishment of qualification and certification program.” Likewise, in the Foreword, it states, “This recommended practice is not intended to be ‘used as a strict specification, It is recognized, however, that contracts require programs, which meet the intent of this document, For such contracts, purchaser and supplier must 6 agree upon acceptability of an employer's program.” From a factual point of view, very few employers will conform exactly (o all the specific recommendations of SNT-TC-1A, Deviation from the recommendations of ‘SNT-TC-1A should be documented in the employer's writ- ten practice. Overview of SNT-TC-1A (2016) This section provides a paragraph-by paragraph overview of SNT-TC-14 including excerpts from the docu- rent, popular inquiries and official responses provided by the ASNT SNT-TC-1A Interpretation Panel, and more gen- cal comments Foreword The Foreword (p. i) of SN7-TC-1A (2016) states in part ‘This Recommended Practice establishes the general framework ora qualification and certiation program. In addition, the document provides recommended education, experience, and traning requirement forthe different test methods Supplementary documents include question and answer lists, which may be used in composing examinations fr nondestructive testing personnel ‘The verb “should” has been used throughout this document to emphasize the recommendation presented hereln. tis the employer's responsibility to address specific needs and to ‘modify these guidelines as appropriate in a written practice In the employer's written practice the verb "shall iso be used in place of “should” ro emphasize the employers needs Sections 1, 2, and 3: Scope, Definitions, and Nondestructive Testing Methods Sections 1, 2, and 3 (Scope, Definitions, and Nondestructive Testing Methods) on pp. 1-2 of SNT-TC-IA (2016) are reprinted below in full: 1.0 Scope 11 tis recognized thatthe effectiveness of nondestructive testing (NDT) applications depends ‘upon the capabilties ofthe personnel who are responsible for and perform NDT. This Recommended Practice has been prepared to establish guidelines for the qualification and certification of NDT personnel whose specific jobs require appropriate knowledge of the technical principles underlying the nondestructive tests they perform, witness, monitor, or evaluate 1.2. This document provides guidelines forthe establishment ofa qualification and certfeaton program, 1.3. These guidelines have been developed by the ‘American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc, to aid employers in recognizing the essential factors to be considered in qualifying personnel engaged in any lof the NDT methods listed in Section 3,CHAPTER 1 Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A (2016) 14 isrecognized that these guidelines may not be appropriate for certain employers’ circumstances and/or applications. In developing a written practice as required in Section 5, the employer should review ‘the detallec recommendations presented herein and modify them, as necessary, to meet particular needs Such modification may alter but shall not eliminate basic provisions ofthe program such as taining, ‘experience, testing, and recertification. Supporting technical rationale for modification of detailed ns should be provided in an Annex to the written practice recommenda 2.1 Terms included in this document are defined as follows: 2.1. Certification: written testimony of qualification 212. Certifying Authority: the person or persons properly designated in the written practice to sigh certifications on behalf ofthe employer, 213. Certifying Agency: the employer of the personnel being certified 2.14 Closed Book Examinatior administered without access to reference material except for materials supplied with or in the examination. (See 813.) 21.5 Comparable: being at an equivalent or similar level of NOT responsibilty and difficulty as determined by the employer's NDT Level Il 2.16 Documented: the condition of being in written form. 2.1.7 Employer: the corporate, private, or public lof materials, components, and assemblies for ‘materials’ discontinulties, properties, and ‘machine problems without further impaling oF destroying the part's serviceabilty. Throughout this document the term NDT applies equally to the NDT methods used for material inspection flaw detection, of predictive maintenance (PdM) applications. 2.1.12 Outside Agency: a company or individual who provides NDT Level l services and whose qualifications to provide these services have been reviewed and approved by the employer engaging the company or individual 2.1.13 Qualification: demonstrated skill demonstrated knowledge, documented training, and documented experience required {or personnel to properly perform the duties ofa specific ob. 2.1.14 Recommended Practice: a set of guidelines to.assist the employer in developing uniform procedures forthe qualification and Certification of NDT personnel to satisfy the employers specific requirements 2.1.15 Technique: a category within an NDT method; for example, ultrasonic thickness testing 2.1.16 Training: an organized program developed to Impart the knowledge and skis necessary for qualification, 2.1.17 Written Practice: a written procedure developed by the employer that details the requirements for qualification and certification of their employees. ‘entity, which employs personnel forages, «3.0. Nondestructive Testing Methods salary, fees, or other considerations. 21.8 Experience: work activities accomplished in a specific NDT method under the direction of {qualified supervision including the performance of the NDT method and related activities but not including time spent in ‘organized training programs. 219 Grading Unit: a Qualification Specimen can be divided into sections called grading units, which do not have to be equal length or be ‘equally spaced. Grading units are unflawed or flawed and the percentage of fawed/unflawed ‘grading units required should be approved by the NDT Level 2.1.10 Limited Certification: nondestructive test methods may be further sublvided into limited disciplines or techniques to meet specific employer's needs; these are NDT Level U certifications, but to a limited scope, 2.1.11 Nondestructive Testing: a process that involves the inspection, testing, or evaluation 3a Qualification and certification of NOT personnel in accordance with this Recommended Practice is applicable to each ofthe following methods: Acoustic Emission Testing Electromagnetic Testing Ground Penetrating Radar Guided Wave Testing Laser Testing Methods Leak Testing Liquid Penetrant Testing Magnetic Flux Leakage Magnetic Particle Testing Microwave Technology Neutron Radiography Testing Radiographic Testing ‘Thermalnfraed Testing Utrasonic Testing Vibration Analysis, Visual TestingBasic | SECTION | Inquiries for Section 1 NOTE: The responses of the SN7-7C-1A Interpretation Panel are clarifications of intent and are subject to the state- ‘ment of the Scope in each edition of SNT-7C-1A, paragraph 1d: "It is recognized that these guidelines may not be appropriate for certain employers’ circumstances and/or applications. In developing a written practice as required in Section 5, the employer should review the detailed recom mendations presented herein and modify them, as neces- saty, to meet particular needs.” The inquiries must be stated, in general terms only, because the Interpretation Panel can. not serve as a referee between a buyer and seller or other- wise become involved in any specific case. Inquiries are numbered to include the year of the inquiry and refer to the edition of SNT-7C-14 in effect in that year, unless other- wise stated in the question. New editions of SNT-TC-IA ‘were published for these years: 1968, 1975, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016. All inquiries reprinted below are taken from the most recent edition of Interpreting SNT-TC-1A, published annually by ASNT Minor editorial changes have been made to keep the style consistent with the rest of this book. Inquiry 76: ‘in Paragraph 1.1, note the statement regarding “person- nel whose specific jobs requite appropriate knowledge of. the nondestructive tests they perform, witness, monitor, oF evaluate.” The SIVI-TC 1A Interpretation Panel acted on the following inquiry about this section. Inquiry: Paragraph 1.1 of SNT°TC-A refers to individuals who ‘perform, witness, monitor or evaluate” nondestructive ‘ests Is it intended that individuals whose principal func tions are to witness, monitor or evaluate nondestructive tests be qualified in the same manner as those whose princi- ppal function is to perform nondestructive tests? Response: tis intended that the employer designate through the ‘written practice as recommended in Paragraph 5 specific jobs that require knowledge of the technical principles of ‘nondestructive testing. The employer should test the state: ment of Paragraph 1.1, *.. personnel whose specific jobs require appropriate knowledge of the technical principles underlying the nondestructive tests they perform, witness, monitor of evaluate,” against the specific job elements of, the personnel in question in order to establish whether oF not the specific job requires knowledge of nondestructive testing Inquiry 80: Paragraph 1.4 very clealy states the intent that the detailed recommendations of SNT-TC-1A should be reviewed and modified by the user to satisly unique needs. ‘This allowance was originally incorporated in recognition of the fact that each manufacturer or each service organization hhas a different clientele, Customer of clientele requirements ultimately determine what is acceptable between buyer and seller, even to the details of qualifying NDT personnel. 8 Inquiry: 1, May an employer deviate from the guidelines to meet his or her specific needs? 2, Is our company’s specific written practice acceptable? Response 1, Yes, in accordance with Paragraph 1.4 of SNT-TC-14, the employer should modify the guidelines to meet his or her needs. 2. Iis against ASNT policy to judge the applicability of company documents. As a general comment, itis the employer's prerogative o establish his or her criteria for certification. It is then the customer's prerogative to accept of reject those criteria, Inquiry 04-1 Inquiry: 1. [sit the intent of Paragraph 1.4 that an employer can modify the “Guidelines” of SN7-TC-1A to the extent that Level Il and Level IIt NDT personnel can be “certi- fied” without any examinations if written this way in the written practice? 2, What are the limits that are intended regarding how much the employer ean deviate from SIVT-TC-1A as written? If no limits are given, the employer can change the entize context of SZC -1A to eliminate all certifi cation exams, Is that the intent? Response 1, No, The provisions of Paragraph 1.4 allow modification of the detailed recommendations; itis not intended to allow elimination of the basic provisions of the document. 2, No, Paragraph 9.2 requires certification in accordance with “Section 8, Examinations” as described in the employer's written practice. General Comments: SNT-TC-1A allows for modification of detailed recom- mendations as necessary (o mect particular needs. The intent is that there be a technical rationale to support such ‘modification, Elimination of requirements, such as training, experience, and examination, goes beyond modification of detailed requirementsCHAPTER 1 Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A (2016) Inquiry 78-7 ‘ASNT has received frequent inguities from a variety sources regarding mandatory imposition of the recommen- dations of SIVI-TC-1A into firm and indlexible require ‘ments. By design, this document lists recommendations ‘which are intended to be used selectively in support of the individual needs of each employer. However, due in part to such requests for some type of mandatory requirements document, ANSW/ASNT CP-189 was developed as a standard that establishes the minimum requirements for the qualifi- cation and certification of NDT personnel. ASNT always intended that the recommendations of SNT-TC-IA be applied with flexibility and reason, recognizing thal busi- ress enterprises often may need to satisfy differing customer requirements Inquiry: 1, Should personnel who operate (ultrasonic) digital thick ness measurement equipment be qualified and certified? 2. To what Level should such personnel be certified? 3. Does ASNT anticipate a change in SIVT-TC-1A that ‘would provide specific recommendations for qualifying and certifying such personnel? Response: 1. Whether any NDT personnel should be certified depends solely upon the needs of the employer and the requirements of the employer's customers or clientele. 2. Likewise, the level to which personnel should be certified depends upon the same factors asin [1,] above, Note that paragraph 4.1 of SNT-7C-1A provides for subdivi- sion within the levels as needed. 3. Paragraph 14 and paragraph 4.1 of ST°-TC-1A are intended to provide the employer with adequate flexibil- ity to accommodate a variety of special needs as docu- mented in the wrilten practice, While the recommended \waining course outline of SNT-TC-LA does not specifically address digital thickness measurement, the principles of pulse-echo techniques ate those involved. The training course outline does provide for instruction in the employ. evs specific equipment uses and, as with the remainder of| SNT-IC-1A, the taining course outline should be modi fied, if necessary, to meet employers’ specific needs Inquiry 80: “Two other inquiries pertain to this concept. Both inguiries have the same response, Inquiry. ‘NDT examiners in our employ who perform examina tions using liquid penetrant use only the visible dye, solvent removable, penetrant technique. Since our examiners do ‘not have need to be qualified in the other liquid penetrant techniques, is it permissible to modify the number of gener- aland specific questions as well as the hours of waining and ‘work experience to satisfy requirements of SINT°TC-1A for Level {and Level Il examiners? Response: Its the intent that SN7-TC-1A isa recommended practice and that itis a guideline which should be modified by the employer as necessary to meet his or her particular needs. The employer should determine his or her needs, determine the necessary qualifications of his or her examin- cers to meet those needs, and describe those in his or her written practice, General Comments on Sections 1, 2, and 3 Paragraph 1.4 was modified in the 2011 editioa to pro: ‘vide users with additional guidance to ensure that when users develop a written practice, the fundamental require- ments of SNT-TC-LA are maintained and that any modifi cations are documented with a rationale for the deviations, ‘This modification was retained in the 2016 edition. In Section 2, Definitions, each of these terms should be carefully studied, For example, some NDT practitioners may not clearly understand the difference between qualifi- cation and certification. Considering each term as represent ing a process, the process of qualifying personnel involves assessment of the adequacy of the skills, training, and expe- rience of personnel being considered for certain tasks. The process of qualifying may require that education and train- {ng be imparted to such personnel. Assessment of qualific tuons often requires that the personnel be examined. Following the process of qualification, individuals meeting or exceeding the minimum qualification requirements of the employer can be certified. That is, the employer pro: ‘vides evidence that a qualifying process was followed. Such evidence backs up the employer's assertion that certain individuals are qualified to perform certain critical func- tions and is the employer's “certification” that the evidence of qualification exists, Limited certifications for Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement and Radiographic Film Interpretation have been retained in this edition. These certifications are intended to be limited in the scope of qualification, but not the responsibilities of the Level If individual as defined in Section 4, There is no Level I limited certification, Fundamental in free enterprise is the tenet that produc rs of goods and suppliers of services are ultimately respon- sible for the quality and effectiveness of such goods and services as wel as bearing responsibility for shortcomings and failures, Therefore, regaréless of the details of the processes by which individuals became qualified, the direct employer of the personnel being certified must beat the end responsibility for conferring a certification and, thereby, can be the only “certifying agency.” Such absolute responsibilty does not preclude the use of outside services by employers to assist in imparting and/or assessing qualifications of indi ‘viduals being certified. The use of outside services does not relieve the employer from responsibility, nor can the employer abrogate or delegate this responsibility to an out. side agency, ‘SNT-TC-1A has been referenced by certain codes and specifications to be used, in effect, as a model for employers to develop a written practice concerning some method of NDT not currently covered in SNT-TC-1A.Basic | SECTION | Review Questions for Sections 1, 2, and 3 Based on the foregoing discussion, answer the questions ‘on pp. 28-29 relating to SNT-TC-1A and the administration ‘ofa qualification and certification program in NDT. Section 4: Levels of Qualification Section 4 (pp. 2-3) of SNT-TC-1A (2016) is reprinted below in fl 4.0 Levels of Qualification 4.) There are three basic levels of qualification. The ‘employer may subdivide these levels for situations where additional levels are deemed necessary for specifi lls and responsibilities. 42 While inthe process of being initially trained, ‘ualfied, and certified, an individual should be considered a trainee. A trainee should work with 2 certified individual, The trainee should not independently conduct, interpret, evaluate, or report the results of ny NDT test, 43. The recommended technical knowledge and skil sets forthe three basic levels of qualification are as follows: 43.1. NDT Levelll An NDT Level individual should have sufficient technical knowledge and skis to be qualfed to properly perform specific alibrations, spectic NDT, and specific ‘evaluations for acceptance or rejection determinations according to wr'tten instructions and to record results. The NOT Level I should receive the necessary instruction ‘or supervision from a certified NOT Level lori individual 432. NDT Level. An NOT Level individual should have sufficient technical knowledge and skis to-be qualified to set up and calibrate equipment and to interpret and evaluate results with respect to applicable codes standards, and specifications. The NDT Levell should be ‘thoroughly familiar withthe scope and limitations ofthe methods for vhich qualified ‘and should exercise assigned responskbilty for ‘on-thejb training and guidance of tainees and NDT Levell personnel. The NOT Level should be able to organize and report the results of NDT tests, 433. NDT Level, An NDT Level Il individual should have sufficient technical knowledge and skis to be capable of developing, qualifying, and approving procedures, establishing and approving techniques, interpreting codes, standards, specifications, and procedures; and designating the particular NOT methods, 10 techniques, and procedures to be used. The [NDT Level should be responsible for the NOT ‘operations for which qualified and assigned and should be capable of interpreting and evaluating results in terms of existing codes, standatds, and specifications. The NDT Level should have sufficient practical background in applicable material, fabrication, and product technology to establish techniques and to assist in establishing acceptance criteria when hone are otherwise avallable. The NDT Level il should have general familiarity with other appropriate NOT methods, as demonstrated by an ASNT Level ll Basic examination or other ‘means. The NOT Level in the methods in hich certified, should have sufficient technical knowledge and skis tobe capable of training and examining NDT Level and Il personnel for certification in those methods Inquiries for Section 4 Inquiry 76-3 inquiry: Isit the intent of S7°-7C:1A that the Level I NDT per~ sons described in Paragraph 43(a) ofthe 1975 edition of this document be the same as the Level I individual described in the SN7-TC-1A (1968 edition) Paragraph 4.1(a) with both having the seme capabilities? Response. Yes. The changes in wording between the 1975 and the 1968 versions of SIVI:7C-1A, insofar as the duties and capabilities of Level I personnel are concerned, were intend- ed only to clarify the intent of the document. None of these changes in wording were intended as substantive changes. NOTE: As versions of SNT-TC-1A change, the older is replaced by the newer version with corzections to be addressed at recertification time, See Inquiries 78-2, 80-14, and 85-2 Inquiry 76-5 Inquiry In accordance with SV7-7C-14 (1975 edition), may a Level I NDT person who has been trained, qualified, and certified in accordance with SNT-TC-1A (1975 edition) be the sole person to perform, evaluate, and sign for final acceptance of NDT examinations in accordance with writ- ten procedures and acceptance standards with occasional surveillance and guidance from a Level If or IT?CHAPTER 1 Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A (2016) Response: Yes, The intent in SNT-7C:1A is that the Level I person. may perform the above functions provided they are in, accordance with written procedures and so documented in the employer's written practice Inquiry 78-9 Inquiry sit intended that personnel currently certified as NDT. Level If within the guidelines of SN7-TC-1A who also reg. ularly perform Level If functions be qualified as recom- mended in Paragraphs 8.2, 8.5.2, 86, and 9.72 Response: tis the opinion of the Interpretation Panel that person- nel currently certified as Level I may regularly perform Level I functions without specifically being qualified as Level IL as recommended in Paragraph 8 2, 85.2, and 8.6 of SNT-TC-1A, However, as recommended in Paragraph, alllevels should be periodically recertified. Inquiry 03-2 Inauiy. ‘May an NDT Level IIT develop, qualify, and approve NDT procedures, and establish and approve techniques in the methods in which not certified? Response: No, see the response to Inquiry 90-1, Part 2, and Inguiry 10-5, Inquiry 09-1 Inquiry: 1, With regard to NDT Level Ills signing off on certifica- tion after successful completion of trainees’ examina- Lions, i it the intention that the NDT Level II must be certified in the method for which he or she is signing off as per SNI-TC-14 Paragraph 43.3 2, Is it commonly accepted in the industry that an NDT Level ILI can sign off on certifications for methods other than those in which he or she is certified? Response: 1. This question refers to two separate issues a, Can an NDT Level IT sign off on certifications in methods for which he or she is not qualified? Yes. Signing off on certification is covered by Section 9.0, Certification Record, and Paragraph 9.4.9 states that a person's cetifiation record must have the signature of the Level II who verified the qualifica tions of a candidate for certification. t does not require that this Level III be certified in the applica ble test methods, See Inquiry 90-1 Part 1 b. Can an NDT Level II develop and approve the ‘raining and examination program for NDT meth. ‘ode he or she is not qualified in? No. Paragraph 4.333 states that the NDT Level II should be capa- ble of training and examining NDT Level [and Il personnel for certification in those methods for which the Level III holds certification. See Inquiry 90-1 Part 2, 2. Determining industry practice is not within the scope of SNT-TC-1A. Inquiry 09-2 Inquiry: Should NDT Level I technicians be allowed to make the final determination as to whether a production partis accept- ced or rejected and then sign off on the production order paperwork if they follow a step by’ step procedure developed bya Level I Response: Level I personnel may accept or reject parts according to written instructions and record results. Reporting the final results requires a Level If or I General Comments on Section 4 Implicit in the definitions of Level I, Level I, and Level Milas outlined in paragraphs 43.1, 43.2, and 43.3 is the concept that the qualifications for Level II equal and exceed those of Level II The employer must be satisfied with the proficiency of any individual a any level to handle work tasks. SNT-TC'A is not intended for use to deter mine an individual's proficiency. Its intended as a guide line to establish qualifications. Review Questions for Section 4 Based on the foregoing discussion, answer the questions fon pp. 29-31 Section 5: Written Practice Section 5(p. 3) of SNT-TC-1A (2016) i reprinted below in fll 5.0. Written Pract 5.1. The employer shall establish a written practice forthe control and administration of NDT personnel training, examination, and certification 5.2. The employer’ writen practice should describe the responsisility of each level of certification for determining the acceptability of materials or components in accordance with the applicable codes, standards, specifications, and procedures. 53. The employer’ writen practice should describe the training, experience, and examination requirements {or each level of cetfcation by method and ‘technique, as applicable,Basic | SECTION | 54 The employers written practice should identify the test techniques within each test method applicable to its scope of operations 55. The employer's written practice shall be reviewed and approved by the employer's NDT Level Il 56. The employer's written practice shall be maintained on file, General Comments on Section § ‘Implicit in the use of SIV7:TC-1A is the requirement that the employer shall develop 2 written practice SNT-TC-14 provides the guidelines; the writen practice sets forth the details. When departures from SNI°7C:14 {guidelines are made, the written practice should record the departure, Ibis good practice to record all departures, even ‘when they represent situations in excess and/or with greater strength than the recommendations of SNT-TC-1A, Review Questions for Section 5 Based on the foregoing discussion, answer the questions onp. 31 Section 6: Education, Training, and Experience Requirements for initial Qualification Section 6 (p. 3) of SNT-TC-1A (2016) is reprinted below in fll: 16.0. Education, Training, and Experience Requirements for Initial Qualification 6.1 Candidates for certification in NOT should have sufficient education, training, and experience to ‘ensure qualification in those NDT methods in which they are being considered for certification Documentation of prior certification may be used by ‘an employer as evidence of qualification for ‘comparable levels of certification 62. Documented training and/or experience gained in positions and activities comparable to those of, Levels I, and/or Il prior to establishment of the ‘employer's written practice may be considered in satisfying the criteria of Section 63. 63. To be considered for certification, a candidate should satisty one of the following criteria forthe applicable NOT level 63.1 NDTLevels andi Table 63.1 A lists the recommended training and experience hours to be considered by the ‘employer in establishing written practices for intial qualification of NDT Level | and Level I individuals. Table 63.18 lists inital taining and ‘experience hours which may be considered by 12 the employer for specific imited applications as defined in the employer's writen practic. LUmited certifications should apply to individuals who do not meet the fll training and experience of Table 63.1 A. Limited certifications issued in any method should be approved by the NOT Level Il and documented inthe certification records. 632 NOT Level 632.1 Havea baccalaureate degree (or higher) in engineering or science, plus one additional year of ‘experience beyond the NDT Level requiterents in NDT in an assignment at east comparable to ‘that of an NOT Level lin the applicable NDT methods, o Have completed with passing grades atleast two years of engineering of science study at 2 6322 university, college, or technical school, plus two additional yeas of ‘experience beyond the NDT Level requirements in NDT in an assignment at east comparable to ‘that of NDT Level lin the applicable NDT methodis), or: Have four years of experience beyond the NOT Level i requitements in NDT in an assignment at least comparable to that of an NDT Level lin the applicable NDT method) he above NDT Level requirements may be partally replaced by experience as a certified NDT Level Ilor by assignments at east comparable to NOT Level las defined in the employer's written practice. 6323 Inquiries for Section & Inquiry 77-4 Inquiry: May the experience requirements expressed as “certified NDT Level 1” in Paragraph 63.1(), (¢) and (4) of the 1975 edition of SNT-TC-1A be considered to include experience gained in “an assignment comparable to that of an NDT Level IT [as stated in paragraph 6.3.2(a)] in determining the prerequisite requirements of a candidate for certifica- tion as a Level II? If so, may this acceptance of experience in “an assignment comparable to” be extended to include similar subparagraphs under Paragraph 6.2.5 of the earlier editions of SNT-TC-1A?CHAPTER 1 Recommended Practice No. SNI-TC-1A (2016) Table 6.3.1 A: Recommended Initial Training and Experience Levels a pea Examination Method [ortevel] Technique ins [ranma Fast sctnous wor couse Emin | — 2 2 = Ti reswesarenen | a0 cu Beckomagnetie tay curent 0 2i0 = 1 o a0 00 Grama Feravaing ft a a "a eas 1 = a os Guided Wave i 2 = e t ; A = Laser Methods 7 - ce = 1 tale ene : = = * ! Halogen Diode 2 108 200 U ta a 280 530 1 Venspeweneer = = TenekantTesing : 2 = ‘Magnetic Flux 1 16 70. 130 ee a a 0 Magnetic Pericle |! i 2 9 t 7 a i rerersrscaeny| —! 0 = zs Nevin Radiography |—! = = — 1 2 a 0 ‘5 i 00 fediogophie Tesing Ft 2 an 0 TT computes tonownny -—2 — = ees D Electrical and Mechanical Ea 1260 1800 Ultrasonic Testing ‘ 40 830) 3200 Taser one“ a wa t et ara a i wy Vibration Anais |? x = ie Visva Texng 1 = =Basic | SECTION | 1.0. Aperson may be qualified directly to NDT Level Il with no time asa certified NDT Level | providing the recommended taining and experience consists ofthe sum ofthe hours recommended for NDT Levelland Level 20. For NDT Level certification, the experience should consist ofthe sum of the hours for NDT Level | and Level I, plus the aaditional time in 63.2 as applicable. The formal training should consist ofthe NDT Level | and Level training, plus any additional formal training as defined in the employer's written practice, 3.0. Listed training hours may be adjusted as described in the employer's written practice depending on the candidate's actual education level ., grammar school, college graduate in engineering, etc. 40 Training should be outlined in the employer's written practice. Magnetic Particle training hours may be counted toward Magnetic Flux Leakage training hours as defined in employers writen practice 5.0. If an individual is currently certified in an ET technique and a full course format was used to meet the inital qualifications in that technique, the minimum training hours to qualify in another ET technique at the same NDT Level may be reduced up to 40 percent if so defined in the employer's written practice. fan individual is certified in an ET technique, the minimum experience to qualify for another ET technique atthe same level o to the next evel may be reduced by up to 50 percent if so defined in the employer's writen practice, 60. While fulfilling total NDT experience requirement, experience may be gained in more than one (1) method however, the ‘minimum hours must be met for each method. 7.0. 1fan individual s currently certified in a Radiographic Testing technique and 2 full course format was used to meet the inital qualifications in that technique, the minimum adaltional raining hours to qualfy in another technique atthe same level should be 24 hours (f which atleast 16 hours should be equipment familiarization). The training outline should be as defined Inthe employer's written practice. fan individual i certified in a technique, the minimum adaltional experience required to qualify for another technique atthe same level may be reduced by up to 50 percent, as defined in the employer's written practice 180. Independent ofthe taining recommended for Levelland Level I certification, a trainee is required to receive radiation safety ‘training as required by the regulatory jurisdiction, 9.0. If an individual s currently certified in one Thermalinrared technique and a full course format was used to meet the inital qualifications in that technique, the minimum additional raining hours to qualify in another technique atthe same level should be 20 hours (of which atleast 16 hours should be specific technique famillarization). The training outline should be as defined in the employer's writen practice. Ifan individual s certified in a technique, the rinimum additional experience required to qualify for another technique at the same level may be reduced by up to 50 percent, as defined in the employer's written practice 10.0 Time of Flight Diffraction and Phased Array require Ultrasonic Testing Level certification as a prerequisite. Table 6.3.1 8: Recommended Initial Training and Experience Levels for NOT Level Il Limited Ceriifications Cxeminaion Method | United Certicaton | TeeMieens staring | Formal Minimum Work ipafence Reiographic ul nie (numeric cutout only) ne Jesan Thickness Meswrenen| Taner m 7 1 — Should include a review of 1000 radiographs 4CHAPTER 1 Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A (2016) Response: Paragraph 6.2 of the 1975 edition of SN7-TC-1A states, ‘Documented training and/or experience gained in posi- tions and activities equivalent to those of Level If or Level UI prior to establishment of the employer's written practice and a certification program in accordance with this éoct- ‘ment shall be considered as satisfying the criteria of Paragraph 6.2.1 and 633.” If documentation was not pro duced during such prior experience, an affidavit or other suitable testimony regarding such experience may be evalu- ated by the employer to aid in determining equivalence. This response applies to the 1975 edition and all prior edi- tions of SNT-TCIA. Inquiry 79-1 Inquiry: In maintaining records, ifn individual is working simultaneously in more than one method, should the records reflect the total time spent for each method or should the time be divided proportionately for each of the ‘methods? For example, ifan individual spent 50 percent of his or her time on ultrasonic testing and 50 percent of his or hher time on radiographic testing for a period of nine months, would the record show experience in UT of four and one half months or nine months? Response: It is intended that the employer's written practice ide details of maintaining records. It is intended should reflect the facts of each individual's ‘work time with regard to the amount of time spent on each method and the periods of time during which the work was performed, Inquiries 79-14 and 79-15 Inquiry, Is it intended per SVI-TC-1A (1975 edition) thatthe time spent in a laboratory exercise during a long-term NDT course be considered the only qualifying work time experience? ‘May the laboratory time be given any credit at all as ‘work time experience” to satisfy all the requirements in Table 62.147 Response: eis not intended that laboratory experience in an eda- cational program be dizectly applied to the work time expe. rience. Laboratory experience is not necessarily applicable to the employer's product or to the specific codes, stan- dards, or specifications in use, However, in recognition of the benefits accruing from laboratory experience, the employer may include such consideration for adjustment to the work experience in his or her written practice. Should the employer decide to do so, he or she should thoroughly evaluate the curriculum to determine its applicability. Inquiry 83-8 Inquiry: We desire to have a member of management for our NDT Level III who, by virlue of his or her job duties, will not have worked as a Level IL. Clasifcation is needed rela tive to SNT-TC-1A (1980 edition), Paragraph 6.3.2.1, 63.2.2, oF 63.23. The employee may also not have any pre- vious experience in the particular discipline. The questions 1, How can a person become a Level IIT if they have not hhad a Level IT assignment? 2, What types of other experiences could be counted for the Level If requirements? Response: 1, An individual may be given credit for work assignments comparable to that of an NDT Level II in the applicable test method. 2. The types of work assignments comparable to the Level assignments should be defined by the employer in his or her written practice. Inquiry 94-1 inquiry: lease clarify ASNT's intent regarding the phrase, “assignment comparable (o thal of an NDT Level IT as it lis] related to SVI°7C-L4, 1984 edition, Paragraph 6.3.2.1. 1 interpret ths statement to mean: even though an individval has a four-year degree in science or engineering, he or she should also have the “dacumented” NDT taining and expe rience commensurate with that ofa Level I. This docu mented training should follow the guidelines established in ‘Table 63.1 of SNT-TC:1A (1984 edition. Ic also requires {Gn my opinion) this individual practice asa Level I for at least one year before being eligible for Level IT certification Response: Please reference Inquiry 83-8. General Comments on Section 6 Paragraph 6.3.1, like the rest of SVP-TC-14, is only a guide, The employer's writcen practice should detail all such, requirements, which may differ from the recommendations of Paragraph 63.1 Table note 5.0 provides for reductions in training hours and experience based on additional ET certifications. Similarly, in Table 6.3.1 A of the 2011 edition of SNT-TC-1A, this same approach was used to divide Radiographic Testing into four techniques. Table note 7.0 provides for reductions fn taining hours and experience based on additional RT cer~ tifiations. Additional reductions are allowed for the ‘Thermal/Infrared method based on its three techniques in table note 9.0Basic | SECTION | Inquiry 77-4 points to consideration given in SNT-TC-1A to the intial establishment of a formal qualifi- cation and certification program. Paragraph 62 recognizes that prior to establishing a program and a written practice, the employer may have provided training as wel as other essentials of qualifying NDT personnel without formal pro- cedures. Hence, documentation of such activities could pro- vide evidence of the equivalence of prior activities with, those recommended in SIVI:7C-1A. Paragraphs 63.2.1, 6.3.2.2, and 6.3.23 use the phrase “in an assignment atleast comparable to that of an NDT Level Il.” In other words, the experience can be “comparable to that of an NDT Level I” if documentation can be produced that substantiates the comparability. In the 2011 edition of SNT-TC-14, Table 63.1 B from. the 2006 edition was removed, thus eliminating the so- called "25% rule.” This rule stated, “Initial experience may be gained simultaneously in two or more methods if the candidate spends a minimum of 25 percent of his [or het] ‘work time on each method for which certification is sought.” Table 6.3.1 A requires that experience be accumu lated by hours rather than months and both minimum and total experience hours must be satisfied. See note 6.0 NOTE: Table 6.3.1 B in the 2006 edition was titled “Alternate Initial Training and Experience Levels” and was deleted in the 2011 edition. Table 63.1 C, “Initial Training and Experience Levels for Level II Limited Certifications.” in the 2006 edition replaced Table 6.3.1 Bin the 2011 edi- tion, This change was retained in the 2016 edition; however, the title of Table 63.1 B was amended to “Recommended Initial Training and Experience Levels for Level II Limited Certifications.” Review Questions for Section 6 Based on the foregoing discussion, answer the questions on pp. 31-32, Section 7: Training Programs Section 7(p. 6) of SNT-TC-1A (2016) is reprinted below in fll: 7.0. Training Programs 7.4 Personnel being considered for initial certification should complete sufficient organized training, The ‘organized training may include instructor-led ‘raining, personalized instruction, virtual instructor- {ed training, computer-based training, or web-based ‘raining, Computer-based training and web-based training should track hours and content of training with student examinations in accordance with 7.2. The sufficiently organized taining shall be such as to ‘ensure the student is thoroughly familar withthe principles and practices of the specified NDT method related tothe level of certification desived and applicable to the processes to be used and the 16 products to be tested. All raining programs should bbe approved by the NOT Level responsible forthe applicable method 7.2. The training program should include sufficient ‘examinations to ensure understanding of the necessary information, 73. Recommended training course outlines and references for NDT Levels I, and Ill personnel, which may be used as technical source material, are contained in ANSVASNT CP-105:ASNT Standard Topical Outlines for Qualification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel. 74 The employer who purchases outside training services Is responsible for ensuring that such services meet the Fequitements ofthe employer’ written practice. Inquiries for Section 7 Inquiry 07-1 Inquiry: Per the 2001 edition of SN7-TC-1A, Paragraphs 7.1, 72, and 9.44, and Tables 6.3.14 and 6.3.18: 1. Can computer or Web-based NDT training with associat- ced electronic quizzes be used to saisly the training requirements described in Paragraphs 7.1 and 7.27 2. If'so, how should an employer document that training hours meet the recommended hours listed in Tables 63.14 and 63.18 so they can comply with the “satisfactory completion” requizements requited by Paragraph 9.4.42 Response: 1. See Inquiry 84-4, response I [in Interpreting SNT-TC-1A). Inquiry 84-4 addresses home-study (corre- spondence) courses, but the response is appropriate for both computer and Web-bated training. 2, See Inquiry 84-4, response 2 [in Interpreting SNT-TC-1Al, General Comments on Section 7 In the 2006 edition of SN7-TC-1A, the course outlines have been moved to another publication, ANSUASNT: ©P-108: Topical Outlines for Qualffcation of Nondestructive Testing Personnel. Traditionally, oth SNT-TC-1A and CP-1as have published the training course outlines as part ofthe respective documents. By moving the outlines from SNT-TC-1A and CP-189 and publishing them in CP-105, the problem of having two sets of outlines out of syne due to different publication dates is eliminated and provides a common set of outlines for both SNT-TC-1A and CP-188,CHAPTER 1 Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A (2016) In the 2011 edition of SN7-TC-14, paragraph 7.1 was ‘modified to clarify the use of alternative means for training such as computer and/or Web-based training. Guidance ‘was also included to ensure that such training provides the ‘user with contact hours, correlation to the applicable train- ing outline, and appropriate examinations. This change has been maintained in the 2016 edition. Review Questions for Section 7 Based on the foregoing discussion, answer the questions on. 32, Section 8: Examinations Section & (pp. 6-10) of ST-TC-1A (2016) is reprinted below in full: 8.0 Examinations 8.1 Administration and Grading 8.1.1 All qualification examination questions should be approved by the NDT Level responsible for the applicable method. 8.12 An NOT Level ll should be responsible for the ‘administration and grading of examinations speeified in Section 83 through 838 for NDT Level Il or other Level personnel. The administration and grading of examinations may be delegated to a qualified representative ‘of the NDT Levelland so recorded. A qualified representative of the employer may perform the actual administration and grading ‘of NDT Level Il examinations specified in 87, 8121 Tobe designated as a qualified representative of the NDT Level ll for the administration and grading ‘of NDT Level land Level Il personnel qualification examinations, the designee should have documented, appropriate instruction by the responsible NDT Level lin the proper administration and grading of qualification examinations prior to conducting and grading independent qualification examinations for NOT personnel Additionally the practical ‘exam should be administered by a person certified in the applicable NOT ‘method as NDT Level orl. 8.13 AIINDT Level I and ll written examinations should be closed-book except that necessary data, such as graphs, tables, specifications, procedures, codes, etc, may be provided with for in the examination. Questions utilizing such reference materials should require an Understanding ofthe information rather than ‘merely locating the appropriate answer. 8.14 ForNDT Levelland Ii personnel, a composite grade should be determined by simple averaging of the results ofthe genera specific. and practical examinations described below. For NDT Level ll personnel the composite grade should be determined by simple averaging ofthe results ofthe basi, method, and specic examinations described below. 4.15 Examinations administered by the employer {for qualification should result in a passing composite grade of atleast 80 percent, with ‘no individual examination having a passing grade less than 70 percent. 8.1.6 When an examination is administered and graded for the employer by an outside agency and the outside agency issues grades of pass or fall only, on acerified report, then the employer may accept the pass grade as 80 percent for that particular examination, 8.17 The employer whe purchases outside services Is responsible for ensuring thatthe examination services meet the requirements of the employer's written practice, 8.18 Inno case shall an examination be administered by one's self or by a subordinate 8.2. Vision Examinations 82.1. Near-Vision Acuity: The examination should ensure natural or corrected near-distance acuity inat least one eye such that the applicants capable of reading a minimum of Jaeger Number 2 or equivalent type and size letter atthe distance designated on the chart but not less than 12 in. (305 em) on a standard Jaeger test chart. The ability to perceive an Ortho-Rater minimum of & or similar test, pattems also acceptable. This should be administered annually 822. Color Contras Differentiation: The examination should demonstrate the capability of distinguishing and differentiating contrast among colors or shades of gray used in the ‘method as determined by the employer. This should be conducted upon initial certification and at five-year intervals thereafter. 82.3 Vision examinations expire on the last day of the month of expiration, 83. General (Whitten -for NDT Levels land I) 83.1. The general examinations should address the basic principles of the applicable method, 1832 In preparing the examinations, the NOT Level Il should selector devise aporopriate questions covering the applicable method to W7Basic | SECTION | the degree required by the employer's written 453 practice 833 See Appendix A [not included inthis book] for ‘example questions. 83.4 The minimum number of questions that 854 should be given is shown in Table 8.3.4 835. Avalid ACCP Level lor ASNT NDT Level I certificate may be accepted as fulfiling the {general examination criteria for each applicable method if the NOT Level ll has determined that the ASNT examinations meet the requirements of the employers written practice 84° Specific (Written - for NDT Levels and) 8.4.1 The specific examination should address the ‘equipment, operating procedutes, and NOT techniques that the individual may encounter during specific assignments to the degree requited by the employer's written practice 842 The specific examination should also cover the specifications of codes and acceptance criteria, used in the employer's NOT procedures. 843 The minimum number of questions that should be given is shown in Table 8.2.4. 844 Avalid ACCP Level lor ASNT NOT Level I ass certificate may be accepted as fulfiling the speeific examination criteria for each applicable method ifthe NOT Level ll has determined that the ASNT examinations meet the requirements of the employer's written practice, 85. Practical for NDT Level and I) 85.1. The candidate should demonstrate familiarity with and ability to operate the necessary NDT ‘equipment, record, and analyze the resultant information tothe degree required 852 Atleast one flawed specimen or component should be tested and the results of the NOT test analyzed by the candidate 852.1 Phased Array and Time of Flight Diffraction Practical Examination, Flawed samples used for practical examinations should be representative of the components and/or configurations that the candidates would be testing under this endorsement and approved by the NDT Level Il 8522 ForFilm Interpretation Limited Certification, the practical examination should consist of 856 review and grading of atleast 20 images. 18 he description ofthe specimen, the NDT procedure, including checkpoints, and the Fesults of the examination should be documented NDT Level | Practical Examination, Proficiency should be demonstrated in performing the applicable NDT technique on one or more specimens or machine problems approved by ‘the NDT Levelland in evaluating the results, to the degree of responsibilty as descrived in ‘the employer's written practice. At least ten (10) different checkpoints requiring an Understanding of test variables and the employers procedural requirements should be included in this practical examination. The candidate should detect all discontinuties ane conditions specified by the NDT Level I Note: While it is normal to score the practical ‘ona percentile bass, practical examinations should contain checkpoints that failure to successfully complete will result in filure of the examination, NOT Level Il Practical Examination, Proficiency. should be demonstrated In selecting ang performing the applicable NDT technique Within the method and interpreting and, evaluating the results on one or more specimens or machine problems approved by ‘the NDT Level Il, Atleast ten (10) different checkpoints requiring an understanding of [NDT variables and the employer's procedural requirements should be included in this practical examination. The candidate should detec all discontinuities and conditions specified by the NDT Level I An example of a practical examination checklist is attached as ‘Appendix B [not included inthis book) to this, Recommended Practice, The example checklist has been provided as guidance on development of practical examinations for any method or level Note: While it is normal to score the practical ‘on a percentile bass, practical examinations should contain checkpoints that failure to successfully complete will result in fllure of the examination, valid ACCP Level I certificate may be accepted as fulfiling the practical examination criteria for each applicable method ifthe NOTCHAPTER 1 Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A (2016) Level has determined that the ASN ‘of questions that should be given is ‘examinations meet the requirements of the asfollows ‘employer's written practice. 87.14.1 Fifteen (15) questions 8.6 Sample questions for general examinations are Felating to understanding presented in the separate question booklets that can the SNFTCIA be obtained from ASNT International Service Center. document. These questions are intended as examples only and 87.1.2 Twenty (20) questions should not be used verbatim for qualification relating to applicable ‘examinations. The following ASNT Questions & ‘materials fabrication, and [Answers Books are available from ASNT International product technology, Service Center 87.113 Twenty (20) questions that ae similar to published Level ll questions fer other appropriate NOT methods. 87.12 PAM Basic Examination (need not be Test Method ay oust Emison Tsing s retaken tad another est method 1 Aerating Current Fels Measurement EA along asthe candidate hol peewee e current Levelt cerifiat or 5 rete ld Testing te certain) The minimum number Groune Penetrating Rate or af questions tat should be givens Guided Wave Testing ewe 2sfollows Laser Testing 871.21 Foon (5) questions 1 rofiomety ws tlating to unde-standing 2. Holography/Shearography ue the SNFTCIA Leak Testing document 1, Bubble Test He 87.122 Twenty (20) questions 2 Pressure Change Measurement te ree ewes 3: Halogen Diode sok Test aH ene ee 4. Mass Spectrometer Tes fn ces Sreewomes : 874.23 Thirty G0) questions hat ‘Magnetic Flux Leakage Testing Mee are similar to published Mapnetic Particle Testing 8 NOT Level questions for Iierowave Tecnology wwe other appropriate Pat Neuen Rasiography Testing F methods Radirepic Testing 872 Method Examination for each method). 1 fadgrephe Testing a 8721 Thirty 20) questions relating to 2. Comptes Raciography Testing ae fundamentals and principles that are 3. Computed Tomography Testing ABS ‘similar to published ASNT NDT Level 4. Digital Radiography Testing Ae Il questions for each method, and Thermainrared Testing * Teemalinre y 822 fiteen (15) questions rating to Veena fe application and establishment of veces ' techniques and procedures that are similar to the published ASNT NOT Level Il questions for each method, and 872.3 Twenty (20) questions relating to capability for interpreting codes, in course of preparation 8,7 NDT/PAM Level il Examinations standards, and specifications 87.1. Basic Examinations relating to the method. 87.11 NDTBasic Examination (need not be 87.3. Specific amination (fr each method) retaken to add another test method 8.73.1 Twenty (20) questions relating to as lang asthe candidate holds 9 specifications, equipment, current Level Ill certificate or techniques, and procedures certification). The minimum number applicable to the employer's productis) and methods employed 9Basic | SECTION | Table 8.3.4; Minimum Number of Examination Questions Method ‘General ‘Specie level! | Level level! | _Levellt ‘Acoustic Emission Testing 40 40 Fleciromagnetic Testing 20 20 Raciographer (Certified RT NDT Level) SS ee Holography/Shearography 30 30 20 20 eee « » Digital Radiography Testing 20 ‘A-scan Thickness Measurement 15 20CHAPTER 1 Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A (2016) and tothe administration of the employer's written practice. ‘The employer may delete the specific examination ifthe candidate has a valid ASNT NDT Level Il or ACCP Professional Level Il certificate inthe method and if documented evidence of experience exists, Including the preparation of NOT procedures to codes, standards, or specifications and the evaluation of test results 8.74 Avalid endorsement on an ASNT NDT Level il certificate fulfills the examination criteria described in 8.7.1 and 87.2 for each applicable NDT method, 875. Avalid endorsement of an ACC? Professional Level certificate fulfills the examination criteria described in 87.1 and 87.2 for each applicable NDT method, 38. Reexamination ‘Those falling to attain the required grades should wait at least thirty (30) days or receive suitable ‘additional training as determined by the NDT Level I before reexamination, 8732 Inquiries for Section 8 Inquiry 78-1 Inquiy. Ifa Level IT examination is administered to a Level I individual, i there a need, when that individual is eligible for Level II certification, to re-administer the same Level II examination provided that all other criteria for example, education, training, and experience, have been satisfied? Response: It is not intended that the individual should be reexam- ined, provided that the original Level II examination was ppassed and all applicable requirements of the employer's ‘written practice have been met per Paragraph 8.1 of SNT-TC-1A, Inquiry 79-2 Inquiry Since NDT Level IT general examination questions in some methods are available from ASNT (Questions and Answers for Qualifying NDT Level IIT Personnel, October 41977), is it intended that the Level II questions referred to in paragraphs 8.4 and 8.5.3(a) be selected from those pub lished by ASNT? Response: tis intended that the recommended 30 questions devised by the examiner for the appropriate method [Paragraph 8.5.3(a)] be devised or selected as appropriate to the degree required by the employer's written practice, As with all questions and answers provided by ASNT, those mentioned are suggested as guidelines and supplied as an aid to employers in preparing examinations, It is intended that the provisions of Paragraph 8:4 be superseded when {questions of a character unique to Level II qualifications as, delineated in Paragraph 4.3(c) are devised or selected by the employer for use in the Level IIT general examination. The additional 30 questions from Level II questions for other applicable NDT methods as recommended in Paragraph 8.5.3(a) are intended to be selected from methods other than that for wich the candidate is being examined. It is intended that the employer use such questions to determine that the candidate has sufficient knowledge of other NDT. ‘methods that might be applicable to the employer's partic- ular circumstances, For example, it could be appropriate that a candidate being examined for Level I qualification in a particular method be required to demonstrate basic knowledge in one or more other methods in order to “des- ignate the particular test method and technique to be used.” See Paragraph 4.3(c). Inquiry 79-13 inquiry: Ian, employee performs NDT to multiple codes, speci fications, and acceptance standards is it necessary to include questions felating to each code, specification, or acceptance standard in this Specific examination? Paragraph 9.6.1(€) requires records of educational back- ground to be included in personnel records. Ts information Supplied by the employee (eg, such asa resume or employ ‘ment application) satisfactory evidence of educational accomplishments or is conclusive evidence (eg. such as a copy of diploma or transcript) required for verification? Response: Tis the intent of Paragraph 8.2(c2) that the Specific examination cover all codes, specifications, and acceptance standards applicable to the employee's activities. Inquiry 80-2 Inquiry’ In reference to the practical examination, there are sev- cral approaches that may be taken, For example, grades on. checkpoints could be given as 1 (correct) or 0 (incorrect) or could be given in a graduated fashion, say from 0 t05, depending on the correctness and efficiency of the applica tion. Which approach is correct? Could a questionnaire for which written answers would be prepared as an alternative method of grading be used? 21Basic | SECTION | Response: Please refer to Paragraphs 8.5.1(c) and 9.6.1(9. Either of the proposed grading methods is permissible depending on the needs of the employer. Other approaches may also be taken. The approach which meets the needs of the employer should be described in the written practice and followed for the practical examination. The last technique proposing a questionnaire for which written answers would be prepared ‘would fall more appropriately under the Specific examina- tion category Inquiry 05-1 Inavir Paragraph 8.1.3 states, “Examinations administered for aqaliication should result in a passing grade of atleast 80 percent,” but if the employers writen practice states that éach examination must achieve 70 percent or more, and does not require an 80 perceat compost, is this acceptable? Response: No. See Inquiry 99-3 Note to the Inquirer: ‘The SWI-7C-1A Interpretation Panel reviewed this guestion and agreed with the original response. Inquiry 08-2 Inquiry: Per the 2001 edition of SN7-T'C-1A, a Level Il examiner is certified in PT, MT, and VT and has been approved as, capable of distinguishing and differentiating contrast among colors according to Ishihara standard plates, as determined by the written practice. Does this person also require approval by a shades of gray acuity examination to be qualified in RT to meet the requirements of Paragraph 82.27 Response: Yes, See Inquiry 01-11, Paragraph 8.2.2 allows the employer to determine the method of testing for color dif- {ferentiation or gray shade differentiation, Whether to test for color differentiation or gray shade differentiation is determined by which is appropriate for the method the individual is being certified in Inquiry 08-3, Inquiry: Per the 2001 edition of SN7-T'C-14, an MY examiner has been approved in the capability of distinguishing and differentiating contrast among colors according to Ishihara, standard plates, Docs this person need to be tested in. shades of gray acuity, ifthe MT procedure uses gray mag- netic particles, to meet the requirements of Paragraph 8.2.27 22 Response: No, See Inquiry 08-2. Inquiry 10-4 Inquiry: May an employer appoint directly an “EN 473 Level HT” as employer's NDT Level II after defined in employer's written practic to sign the certificates according to SNT-TC-1A in order to verify qualification of candidate for certification? Response: The employer may use the examination results that he or she has determined mect the requirement of the written, practice. As stated in S7-TC-1A, Paragraph 8.15, the ‘employer is responsible for ensuring the examination serv ices meet the requirements of the employer's written prac- Luce, Certification can only be issued when it has been deter- mined that all the requirements of the employer's written, practice have been met. General Comments on Section 8 In the 2011 edition of SN7°7C-1A, provisions were included to designate qualified individuals to administer and grade examinations. Such designations must be documented, ‘Also in the 2011 edition, employers were provided the ‘option of using an ASNT NDT Level IT certificate to satisfy the General Examination requirement. This is an additional option to the ACCP Level Il certificate used to satisfy this same requirement that was added in the 1996 edition of SNT-TC 1A in a 1998 addenda. ‘These changes have been retained in the 2016 edition, Review Questions for Section 8 Based on the foregoing discussion, answer the questions Section 9: Certification Section 9 (p. 10) of SNT-TC-1A (2016) is reprinted below in full 9.0 Certification 9.1 Certification of NDT personnel to all levels of qualification is the responsibilty of the employer. 9.2. Certification of NDT personnel should be based on demonstration of satisfactory qualification in accordance with Sections 6, 7, and 8, as described in the employers wetten practice 93. Atthe option of the employer, an outside agency may be engaged to provide NDT Level Il services In such Instances, the responsibilty of cerifieation ofthe employees shal be retained by the employer.CHAPTER 1 Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A (2016) 94 Personnel certification records should be maintained ‘on fle by the employer for the duration specified in the employers written practice and should include the following: 9.4.1. Name of certified inaividual 9.42 Levelof certification and NDT method and/or technique, as applicable, 943 Educational background and experience of certified individuals. 9.44 Statement indicating satisfactory completion (of training in accordance with the employer's written practice 945 Results ofthe vision examinations prescribed {8.2 forthe current certification period, 9.46 Current examination copylies) or evidence of successful completion of examinations. 9.47 Other suitable evidence of satisfactory qualifications when such qualifications are used in lieu of the specific examination prescribed in 87.3.2 or as prescribed in the ‘employer's writen practice. 948 Composite grade(s) or suitable evidence of ‘grades, 949 Signature of the NDT Level il that verified {qualifications of candidate for certification, 9.4.10 Dates of certification and/or recertification. 9.4.11 Certification expiration date. 9.412 Signature of employers certifying authority Inquiries for Section 9 Inquiry 77-3 Inquiry: ‘With respect to Paragraphs 9.4 and 9.5 of SNT-TC:1A, 1. Isit the intent to restrict an employer to engage only Level I services from an outside agency or may Level I and Level Il services also be wilized? 2. Isit intended in Paragraph 9.5 that an employer may subeontract training, examination, and certification for alllevels, provided the employer's audit results are found to be satisfactory? 3. Paragraph 9.1 states that the certification of all levels is the responsibilty ofthe employer. Paragraph 9.5 recog- nizes the use of outside certification services. May an employer subcontract nondestructive testing to an out- side organization utilizing that organization's certfica- tions for Levels I H, and Il, provided the results of the employer's audit of that organization are satisfactory? Must the employer certify NDT personnel or may he accept the outside organization's certification? Response: 1. Its intended that Level I services may be obtained from an outside agency forthe purpose of training and examining NDT personnel. Its beyond the scope of| SNT-TC-1A to recommend whether or not outside inspection services should be obtained. It is definitely not intended that the employer be restricted from utiliz- ing any outside NDT services. 2. The intent of Paragraph 9.5 isto emphasize the respon- sibility ofthe employer to assure by audit that any and all parts of purchased services attendant to qualification and certification of NDT personne! are within the same guidelines that the employer would follow in accordance with his or her written practice. 3. The intent underlying Paragraph 9.1 is fundamental ‘When outside Level II services are used for the purpose of qualifying and certifying personnel, itis intended that the employer utilizing such services be responsible for assuring that those services are properly performed and audited. Whether or not the employer uses outside Level IM services for training and examining his or her NDT personnel, the total responsibility for certification of all levels rests with the employer of the individuals. SNT-TC-1A only provides guidelines for qualification and certification of NDT personnel. Outside services referred to in Paragraph 9 are those intended to be used by an employer only for the purposes of training, examining, or otherwite qualifying individuals directly employed by the employer. ‘When the performance of NDT is subcontracted to an outside organization and the outside organization isthe dizect employer ofthe individual performing NDT, the out- side organization isthe “employer” in terms of SNI-7C-1A Whether the outside organization is properly qualifying and certifying its NDT personnel can only be determined by the purchaser of such outside services and how such determina- tion is made is a contractual matter between the purchaser and the outside organization. Inquiry 77-10 Inquiry: ‘What isthe intent regarding employers’ attempts to ver~ ify an individual's experience and performance with past employers in order to maintain the documentation recom- mended in Paragraph 9.6.17 Response: “The specific documentation to be furnished by new employees and past employers and the means for obtaining documentation is referenced in Paragraphs 9.6 and 10. of | SNT-TC-1A, Details should be included in the employer's written practice, 23Basic | SECTION | General Comments ‘As published above and in Materials Evaluation, October 1977, in response to Inquiry 77-4, “If documenta- tion was not produced during .. prior experience, an afl Gavit or other suitable testimony regarding such experience may be evaluated by the employer.” While Inquiry 77-4 was related to a somewhat different matter, the intent behind the response applies equally to this inquiry (77-10) Inquiry 77-12 Inquiry 1. Tsit intended that an employer may use more than one outside agency for providing Level I services? 2, Isit intended that an employer may use Level IH indi viduals in his or her direct employment and also use an outside agency for Level III services? 3. Is it intended that certification examinations may be administered without direct supervision and monitoring? Response: 1. There is no intent to restrict the number of outside agencies from which an employer could use Level IT 2. Yes, both the above and this situation may be used under circumstances as deseribed in the employer's wit ten practice 3. It is not intended that unsupervised examinations be administered Inquiry 89. Inquiry: In the 1968, 1975, 1980, and 1984 editions of SNF-TC-1A, an employer may waive examinations for the Level III and thereby “certify” the individual by appointment. ‘There is no such provision in the 1988 edition. However, itis implied by the statement in Paragraph 6.3.2: "When the individual (Level II) is qualified by examination ‘May the employer waive examination for the Level IIL and be in compliance with the intent of SVZ-7C-14 (1988 edition)? Response: eis intended by the 1988 edition of SN7-7C-1A that all Level Ills initially certified after issuance of the 1988 edition of SNT-TC-1A be qualified by examination. ‘Also see Inquiry 90-2 and Inquiry 92-2. Inquiry 90-2 Inquiry: 1, Isit the intent of ASNT that all Level II personnel cert: fied to the 1988 edition be examined? 24 2. In accordance with SNT-TC-1A (1988 edition), an employer certifies his or her corporate Level I by examination through an outside service. However, the outside service's Level IIT was certified by appointment to SNT-TC-1A (1984 edition). Is the employer's Level I certification valid to the 1988 SN7:7C:14? Response 1. Yes. As stated in the response to Inquiry 89-4, “Its, intended by the 1988 edition of SNT-TC-1A that all Level Ils initially certified after issuance of the 1988 edi- don of SNT-TC-1A be qualified by examination.” See Inquiry 89-4 and Inquiry 92-2. 2, Yes, provided the employer has assured that the exami- nation services are in accordance with the employer's written practice per Paragraph 9.5 of SNT-IC-LA (1988 edition), Inquiry 90-4° Inquiry: Is it acceptable for a candidate for Level Il certification under SN7-TC-14 (1988 edition) to be qualified on the basis of demonstrated ability, achievement, experience, and education in lieu of qualification by examination as stated in Paragraph 9.6(g)? Response: No, Paragraph 8 8 specifically requires that a Level IIT candidate be qualified by examination. Paragraph 9.6(g) addresses the content of the qualification records fie to be maintained by the employer of certified personnel “This Response was reconsidered. See Inquiry 92-2 [in Interpreting SNT-TC-1A], Also see Inquiry 89-4 and Inquiry 90-2, Inquiry 96-3 Inquiry: When applying SN7:7C-1A 1992 edition in strict accor: dance with the document, is it ASNT's interpretation that a Level III must be examined? Response. ‘No. Certification of all levels of NDT personnel is the responsibility of the employer. Its the intent of ASNT to certify Level IIs by examination. However, the employer ‘ean specify the requirements for a certification route with out examination in the employer's written practice, Please see Inquiry 80-9, Inquiry 89-4, Inquiry 90-2, Inquiry 90-4, and Inquiry 92-2. NOTE: This isa reconsideration of Inquiry 90-4,CHAPTER General Comments on Section 9 ‘Two of these inquiries relate to situations where employers, for various reasons, must resort to sources out- side the employer's organization to provide services atten. dant to training, examination, and other activities that require qualified NDT personne! to conduct. Some compa- ‘nies cannot afford, or may not have time to develop, train. ing sources and examinations to qualify their NDT person- nel, Others simply prefer to contract such services a8 needed. For whatever reasons outside services may be need. ed or desired, the responses above merely reinforce the basic principles underlying SNT-TC-1A: “Certification of all, levels of NDT personnel is the complete responsibility of | the employer” and “the employer shall establish written, practices covering all phases of certification including train- sng as specified in Section 5.” Inquiries 89-4, 90-2, 90-4, and 96-3 address the issue of whether a Level TH must take an examination in order t0 become certified, This is of special note in that versions prior to the 1988 edition clearly permitted examination. ‘waivers for the NDT Level III leading to the concept of cer~ Lification by “appointment.” This latter practice has been strongly criticized throughout the industry since it is per~ ceived as a loophole for employers to certify underqualified individuals to assume the key role of administering the NDT activities within an organization. In order to restrict this practic, the 1988 edition of SN7-TC-1A called for Level Ills to be qualified by examination. But being a rec- ommended practice that encourages employers to adapt their respective requirements based on each set of circum stances, the opportunity still remains open to employers “appoint” their Level Ils, a long as their written practice reflects this strategy as one of their permitted options, Review Questions for Section 9 Based on the foregoing discussion, answer the questions onp. 34 Section 10: Technical Performance Evaluation Section 10 (p. 11) of SN7-7C-1A (2016) is reprinted below in fal 10.0 Technical Performance Evaluation 10.1 NOT personnel may be reexamined any time at the iscretion of the employer and have their certificates, ‘extended or revoked. 102 Periodically, a defined inthe employers written practice, NDT Level | and Il personnel should be reevaluated by the NDT Level ll administering a practical examination. The practical examination should follow the format and guidelines described in section 85. 1 Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A (2016) Inquiries for Section 10 Inquiry 02-02 Inquiry: Is it the intent of SN7=7C-1A (2001) Paragraph 10.2 to recommend periodic testing with test props with at least tone flawed specimen or are other means of technical per~ formance evaluation acceptable, for example, monitoring an inspector performing an oflcial production inspection? Response: ‘Whe means for periodic technical performance evalua. tion should be described in the employer's written practice Note that the evaluation of technical performance should consist of not only monitoring the proper application of technique, but also the ability to recognize relevant indica- tions and evaluate those indications against the employer's acceptance criteria, General Comments on Section 10 ‘his section was notin editions of SNT-T7C-A before 2001; however, paragraph 10.1 was addressed in paragraph 9.5(3) of the 1996 edition, Paragraph 10.2 was added to pro- vide a means whereby an employer could ensure that cert fied personnel are continuously and satisfactorily perform. ing their responsibilities. It is assumed that, should an individval’s performance evaluation indicate substandard, performance, additional training would be provided and reexamination would be conducted NOTE: There are no review questions for Section 10 Section 11: Interrupted Service Section 11 (p. 11) of SNT-TC-1A (2016) is reprinted below in full 1100 Interrupted Service 11.1 The employers written practice should inckide rules, covering the types and duration of interrupted service that requires reexamination and recertification, 11.2 The written practice should specify the requirements for reexamination and/or recertification for the interrupted service, General Comments on Section 11 This section was not in editions of SVT°7C:1A before 2001; however, the subject of interrupted services was includ- ced in Paragraph 9.5 (Recertification) of the 1996 edition, NOTE: There are no review questions for Section 1. 25