This presentation detailed the standards for an NDT Qualification and Certification program with emphasis on the requirements of NAS 410. James covered the basics of a compliant qualification and certification program based on his own experience within the aerospace industry and best practices as the Responsible NDT Level 3.

Starting with formal training and the preference that all formal training hours are true contact hours in the classroom rather than splitting between contact hours and self-study to increase student learning and retainment of knowledge. Experience and on-the-job training were covered and why the Level 3 of the method should be involved from the very beginning of the trainee’s objective to gather the required experience. Emphasis should be placed more on teaching and explanation of the general theory of how the method works rather than production.

Vision exams should also be administered early in the process to ensure money and time is not invested in personnel who may not be able to pass a vision exam. Written examinations (General and Specific) should contain more than the minimum number of required questions for two reasons. The first reason allows more knowledge of the testing candidate to be tested and better reveals that which the candidate understands and that which they do not. The second reason allows for the candidate to better chance at obtaining an acceptable passing score even if they answer more than a few questions incorrectly. Practical examinations may also include test parts which may not contain defects, so long as the minimum number of test pieces required by the applicable standard are met.

As a good check and balance, the qualifying authority and certifying are not the same person within the program that James maintains. The Quality department is delegated to help ensure proper records are maintained since James provides Responsible Level 3 services to seven facilities across the United States and additional Level 3 services to three other facilities. NDT operators are reviewed more than annually (the minimum requirement) for technical adequacy to ensure “bad inspector habits” are prevented from forming and/or persisting. Additional Level 3 personnel are delegated applicable tasks and responsibilities to help ensure each facility has adequate coverage and compliance is maintained.

Executing the training program the same way regardless of the facility and producing knowledgeable NDT personnel helps keep costs down, training efficient, and facilities productive and consistent.