A New Certification Program for NDT Personnel: ACCP

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) has historically provided guidelines to qualify NDT personnel for employer certification. In recent years, ASNT has provided certification of Level III NDT personnel by qualification based on experience, training, and examination. This certification program is administered by the National Certification Board (NCB). Guidelines for certification are available for ten (10) test methods, including thermal/infrared (TIR). ASNT certification requires qualification based on experience, training, and examination. The written examination consists of multiple choice questions developed by volunteers in the Personnel Qualification Council and utilized by the NCB. The examination data base is confidentially controlled with ParTEST computer software. Recently, a major task for the NCB has been the development of the Generic Practical Examination, which is available in 1995. This examination tests the ability of the Level III to prepare written test methods. This paper describes the mechanics of the ASNT Level III certification program with emphasis on the examination process.