by Brent Moulton
There are a lot of great NDT technicians out there who will retire happily having reached Level II status. However, if you want to break through to the next level and get your ASNT NDT Level III certification, there are a few things to understand about the process.
What is an ASNT NDT Level III?
A Level III is an individual who is responsible for the NDT operations at a company. Some of a Level III’s typical duties may be to train and certify NDT technicians; develop the company’s written practice, NDT procedures, and techniques sheets; and ensure that their NDT staff are conducting NDT correctly.
I recently obtained my Level III in magnetic particle testing, and here is the process I went through.
Let’s start by going over the minimum requirements necessary to qualify for taking the ASNT Level III exams. First, there is experience. When you are seeking your Level II experience, you are documenting on-the-job-training (OJT) in hours, however when applying for your ASNT Level III certification, ASNT requires OJT as a Level II professional in months. The months required depend on your level of education. This is where a formal college-level education will help speed up the process. If you have a bachelor’s degree (4 years) or higher in engineering or science, you will need 12 months as a certified Level II with assignments comparable to that of an NDT Level II in the applicable NDT method. If you have successfully completed at least two years (24 months) of engineering or science study at a university, college, or technical school, you will only need two additional years as a Level II with assignments comparable to that of an NDT Level II in the applicable NDT method.
For folks like me who have no college education, you will need four years (48 months) as a Level II with assignments comparable to that of an NDT Level II in the applicable NDT.
I know a lot of people who, once they get enough OJT hours for their Level II in a certain method, will get lazy about keeping track of their hours because, what’s the point? However, it’s very important to keep track of those hours even after you get certified in a method. If you have enough hours to get certified again to a Level II position, it’s easy to submit that information during the application process. I’m here to tell you to continue KEEPING TRACK! To get certified, you will be required to show that you have touched that method at least once a month for the number of months required. You will need to submit your OJT sheet when you apply. Also, when you leave an employer, ask for your certification record—a copy of your records may be requested when you apply. The certification record should show the dates you were certified and your exam scores. Once you have this, you can wrap it up in a bow and send it in for approval.
Your Application Has Been Approved! Wait, There Are Two Exams?
In order to get your Level III certification in an NDT method you need to take and pass both the ASNT Basic and the method exams. You need to take the Basic exam only once as long as you pass the first method exam within one year. The Basic exam will cover general knowledge from 12 different NDT methods. The common methods, such as ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, and liquid penetrant testing are definitely included, but you may want to ensure you have a working knowledge of the less common methods such as neutron radiography, thermal/infrared testing, and acoustic emission testing.
The exam will have questions related to documents such as CP-189 and SNT-TC-1A, as well as questions regarding material properties, fabrication practices, and production technology. These are pretty broad topics so it’s a good idea to pick up the ASNT Level III Study Guide for the Basic exam and for the method you are taking. Like most ASNT NDT exams, a score of a minimum of 70% or higher is required to pass.
The next exam you will be faced with is the exam for the method you applied for. The method exam will have questions on principles, theory, equipment, materials, techniques, calibrations, interpretation, evaluations, procedures, safety, and health.
Both the Basic and method exams are computer-based exams delivered at brick-and-mortar testing centers. The exams are monitored by proctors, and test center locations are available around the world. The closest test location for me is at the local community college. Unlike the old days, you will receive your results on screen along with a printout after you click submit.
You Got Your ASNT Level III! How Do You Keep it?
You’ve worked hard to earn your certification—make sure you keep it! Your ASNT Level III will expire in five years. There are two ways to maintain your certification—by exam or by application.
If you really enjoy taking exams, you have the option to retake the method exams that you are certified in. You will not need to retake the Basic as long as you pass a method exam within 12 months of passing your Basic.
Another option is by points—this requires you to accumulate 25 points within five years. The points can be earned in a few different ways. It is best to review the structure on ASNT’s website, but basically, you can earn points by teaching NDT classes, continuing education in NDT-related topics, writing NDT articles, and even simply by being an ASNT member which will give you 1 point per year of membership. For more information on how to keep your certifications, go to www.asntcertification.org/recertification.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of your career goals, I encourage anyone who meets the requirements to go out and get a Level III. Not only is it a personal achievement, but it gives you a step up in your career. It may get you a bump in pay and many employers recognize a Level III as an expert in the profession. And later in life when you don’t want to be in the field working as a Level II you can take on different roles as a Level III.
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Brent Moulton, a Face of NDT for ASNT, is an ASNT NDT Level III in magnetic particle testing, brent.moulton@gmail.com.
The first photo is courtesy of Moulton.
Check out:
Possible Pathways from Level II to Level III
Learn all about ASNT’s certifications at www.asntcertification.org and apply now! Questions? Contact the Certifications Department at asnt.certifications@asnt.org.