Published on 24-Dec-2020

NDT Certification: Why It's Crucial and How to Obtain It

NDT Certification: Why It's Crucial and How to Obtain It

Sources - KSK NDT Engineers

Table of Content

An NDT Certification signifies to the world that you are qualified to perform inspections on a variety of structures in industrial settings. Modern Non-destructive Testing is used in fabrication, manufacturing, and in-service inspections to ensure the integrity and reliability of a structure. These tests are also used to control manufacturing processes, lower production costs, and maintain a uniform quality level.

Specifically, underwater Non-destructive Testing is a challenging field that ensures the safety of countless people by ensuring the safety of bridges, ships, and other structures submerged in water. Commercial divers train and receive certifications to perform this Type of NDT Testing.

Why is NDT Important?


NDT Certification

Non-destructive testing is the process of inspecting structures without causing damage to the structure. For example, when oil companies test structural components of their oil rigs, they would have to completely deconstruct entire rigs to test properly. This would take a long time to execute, utilize countless resources, and be very expensive.

Commercial diving teams use NDT methods to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. Generally, commercial divers who perform underwater NDT Inspections keep ships, bridges, and all kinds of structures in the industrial world safe. 

In other settings, NDT is just as important. During construction, for example, NDT ensures the quality of materials and joining processes during the fabrication and erection of the structure. In-service NDT inspections are used to ensure that the products in use continue to have the integrity necessary to ensure their usefulness and the safety of the public. 

There are several key advantages to Non-destructive testing. 

  • Doesn’t damage or require the component to be dismantled for testing
  • Less expensive than other testing methods
  • Quick
  • Very accurate

Main Types of Non-destructive Testing


NDT Inspections

There are many types of non-destructive testing to ensure the security of various structures. Test method names refer to the type of NDT Equipment used to perform that particular test. Current NDT methods include the following:

  • Acoustic Emission Testing (AE)
  • Electromagnetic Testing (ET)
  • Laser Testing Methods (LM)
  • Leak Testing (LT)
  • Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL)
  • Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
  • Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
  • Neutron Radiographic Testing (NR)
  • Radiographic Testing (RT)
  • Thermal/Infrared Testing (IR)
  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
  • Vibration Analysis (VA)
  • Visual Testing (VT)

Additionally, the most frequently used test methods are RT, ET, MT, PT, UT, and VT. 

How to obtain an NDT Certification


NDT Importance

Obtaining an NDT Certification starts with selecting an NDT program. NDT occurs in a variety of industrial settings and evaluates structures such as skyrises, railroads, airplanes, and more. As a result, choosing the right program is crucial. If you are looking to perform NDT underwater, a commercial diving certification program is the best choice. It is important to note that not all commercial diving programs offer extensive NDT Training.

In the case of commercial divers with an interest in Non-destructive testing, the right program will offer some NDT training in your initial commercial diving certification curriculum. Some commercial diving schools will also offer targeted training for certified commercial divers who are looking to specialize in NDT. 

Must Read: 5 Must-have Certifications for every NDT Technician

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