The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) exists to create a safer world by advancing scientific, engineering, and technical knowledge in the field of nondestructive testing (NDT).
Founded in 1941 as the American Industrial Radium and X-Ray Society, the expressed goal was to promote the scientific study of radium and X-ray and the applications to industry. As the Society grew to include additional NDT methods, the name was changed to the Society for Nondestructive Testing in 1947 and ultimately to the American Society for Nondestructive Testing in the late 1960s.
ASNT provides a forum for the exchange of NDT technical information; the development of NDT educational materials and programs; and the development of standards and services for the qualification and certification of NDT personnel.
With more than 14,000 members worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT certification and standards programs, publications, conferences, education, and membership and professional development programs are the foundation for expanding awareness of advancements in NDT.
Governed by a volunteer group of officers and directors, ASNT is organized by councils representing interests relating to certification, engineering, research, education, and section operations. ASNT staff, led by Executive Director Neal Couture, manage day-to-day operations and activities at the International Service Center in Columbus, Ohio.
ASNT offers countless resources and opportunities to connect the NDT community, and becoming involved with ASNT can benefit members in many ways—from networking, to volunteering on a committee or council, to developing lasting personal and professional relationships. Many of the advancements of the Society are driven by the Board of Directors and the numerous volunteers who make their voices and ideas heard. ASNT strives to increase member participation, and volunteering is a way to gain leadership skills, build a resume, grow a professional network, and give back to the NDT community.
Recognized for its widely accepted credentialing, ASNT certification is an impartial validation of NDT personnel’s competence in the industry. ASNT currently provides four certification programs: ASNT NDT Level III, ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP), ASNT NDT Level II, and Industrial Radiography and Radiation Safety Personnel (IRRSP).
ASNT also offers two accreditation programs for NDT organizations: Employer-Based Certification (EBC) and Authorized Exam Centers (AECs). The EBC program provides the NDT industry with a trusted certification that ensures service providers and inspection agencies meet the minimum requirements of either Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A: Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing or ANSI/ASNT CP-189: ASNT Standard for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel. AECs are the approved designated locations that administer practical examinations—requiring hands-on demonstrations of proficiency in NDT—for ASNT certification programs.
ASNT publications are invaluable resources for delivering scientific, engineering, and technical knowledge to keep NDT professionals up to date with the latest developments and trends in NDT. From periodicals to educational guides, standards, technical papers, and handbooks, ASNT offers a wide range of digital and print publications and materials covering topics essential to NDT professionals.
ASNT conferences, meetings, and training courses inspire idea exchange, problem-solving, and industry innovation. ASNT conferences and events are an exclusive way to engage with industry leaders, listen to expert panel discussions, attend technical paper presentations, participate in professional development courses, and network with peers in the NDT community.
Aside from conferences, ASNT offers members many opportunities to grow their NDT knowledge through its recently debuted educational program—ASNT Learn. This program offers an array of informational webinars, videos, and online courses to help NDT professionals connect with the latest knowledge, best practices applications of industry trends and technology, and world-class resources to support and accelerate their technical knowledge and development. With content for both those new to NDT and those seeking higher-level training, online learning opportunities also offer contact hours, which may be applied toward continuing education units or Level III certification renewal points.
ASNT’s Career Center helps members who are searching for jobs and employers trying to find candidates. Serving everyone from the novice technician to expert practitioners, job seekers can explore position openings, upload a resume to reach employers, access career resources, set up job alerts, and more. Employers can also use the Career Center to find the right candidate by posting job openings and searching the ASNT Resume Bank.
The strength of ASNT as a professional society is based on the engagement of its members and their willingness to create beneficial NDT communities. ASNT’s sections connect NDT professionals around the world through local educational programming, networking, and social activities to facilitate member interaction and promote NDT. Each section is a local network offering meaningful connections through in-person and remote events driven by local volunteer leaders. For those members who don’t live near a local section, the ASNT Virtual Section provides educational programming and networking opportunities through online meetings.