DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SNT-TC-1A AND CP-189

SNT-TC-1A (2011) CP-189 (2011)

A recommended practice establishing guidelines for qualification &

A standard establishing the minimum requirements for qualification and
certification of NDT personnel (not intended to be used as a strict
certification of NDT & predictive maintainance (PdM) personnel.
specification)-1st published in 1960

Employer to develop own written practice based on guidelines and may

Standard demands that a minimum set of requirements to be met by
modify recommendations as necessary where guidelines are in appropriate
employer. Requires employer to establish a procedure for certification
for certain employer's circumstances. Basic provisions of program shall not
(in definition additional term interpretation and evaluation)
be eliminated.Applied with flexibility and reason

EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE
Work activities accomplished in a specific NDT method under the direction Actual performance of an NDT method work resulting in acqusition of skill
of qualified supervisor including performance but not time spent in and knowledge. class room training is not considered as experience, but OJT
organized traning programs and laboratory may be included.

TRAINING FORMAL TRAINING

An organized program developed to impart the knowledge & Skill necessary An organized & documented program to impart the knowledge & Skill
for qualification required for qualification to this standard.
LEVELS OF QUALIFICATIONS- 6 (SIX)
LEVELS OF QUALIFICATIONS- 3 (THREE)
L-I, L-II, L-II Limited, L-III,
L-I, L-II, L-III
Trainee & NDT Instructor

NO OF NDT METHODS: 15 (FIFTEEN)

Acoustic Emission Testing; Electromagnetic; Ground Penetrating radar;
Guided Wave Testing; Laser Testing; Leak Testing; Magnetic Flux Leakage;
Not Given
Magnetic Particle Testing; Neutron Radiographic Testing; Radiological
Testing; Thermal/Infrared; Ultasonics Testing; Vibration Analysis; Visual
Testing
LEVEL -III
Should have sufficient practical background in applicable materials,
LEVEL -III
fabrication and product technology to establish techniques and to assists
Shall be able to verify the adequacy of procedures
in establishing acceptance criteria when none are otherwise available
Shall have the skill & knowledge to interpret codes, specs & atandarsds and
should be capable of developing,qualifing & approving procedures,
designating the particular NDT methods & techniques to be used and be
establishing & approving techniques,interpreting codes, specs & procedures
capable of conducting or directing the training & examining NDT personnel
and designating the particular NDT methods,techniques & procedures to be
in the method to which he is qualified.
used and be capable of training & examining NDT L-I & L-II. Should be
responsible for all NDT operations to which he is qualified.

TRAINING
Personnel for initial certifcation should complete sufficient organized
training to become familiar with principles & practices of specific NDT
method.
All training programs should be approved by NDT L-III
Training is the responsibility of employer to ensure that it is conducted
to employer's written practice (Even training take from outside
services/agencies)
TRAINING
Candidates for certifying L-I or L-II shall complete sufficient organized
training to become familiar with principles of the method & practices of
applicable test technique.
Training shall beconducted by instructors as per a course outline
approved by an NDT L-III

TRAINING PROGRAM TRAINING PROGRAM

To include sufficient exam to demonstrate that the necessary information has To include sufficient exam to demonstrate that the necessary information has
been comprehended. been comprehended.

Presentation of trining shall be by NDT instructor. He may use specialized

Any body including outside training services (need not be a Level-III) hired
expertise (metallurgist, welding engg, etc.) to assist who are not qualified in
by employer. Course content as given in written practice.
to CP-189/certification procedure.
Employer is responsible to ensure that training is in accordance with
NDT Level-III shall be responsible for the complete course content. NDT
their written practice.
instructed is designated by NDT Level-III
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education, initial training & experience hrs
Level-I & Level-II (App A)
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
initial training & experience hrs Education, initial training & experience hrs
Limited Level-II (App B) Level-I & Level-II (App A)
Level-III initial training & experience hrs
Graduate- min 4-year college or university degree in engineering or Limited Level-II (App B)
science+1 year experience in assignment comparable to L-II OR
Two years of engineering or science Level-III
study at a university, college, or technical school+2 years of experience in Only ASNT Level III current certificate is required against training &
assignment comparable to that of L-II experience requirement in specific NDT method.
OR
4 years of experience in an assignment at least comparable to that of an Level
II

Previous Training & Experience

Previous Training & Experience
Previous training and experience may be accepted by employer's if verified
Documented training and or experience comparable to level-I, II & III prior
& documented for NDT Level-I & II. Which is not documented & verified is
to emplyer's establishment of written practice may be considered. Prior
considered invalid. For Level-III employer to verify and document current
certification documentation used as evidence of qualification.
valid ASNT level-III certificate.

NDT INSTRUCTOR (Any one of the following)

1) Posses current ASNT L-III Certificate.
NO INSTRUCTOR 2) Equivalent to BS Engg ,Science or
Any designated person (qualified representative of NDT level-III) can train technology & posses adequate knowledge in NDT method to be taught.
as per written practice. 3) Grauate of 2 year school science, engg or NDT & have 5 yrs of experience
as an NDT Level-II or equivalent.
4) Have 10 yrs or more NDT Level-II or equivalent experience.
Personal/outside agency who trains is hired by employer.(Anybody can train) NDT instructor shall be designated as an NDT Level-III

OUT SIDE SERVICES

outside services may be used by employer to perfom NDT Level-III duties.
OUT SIDE SERVICES For organizations other than ASNT, the employer shall be responsible for
outside services may be used by employer who shall (employer) ensure that evaluating the agency to ensure services are in accordance with employer's
such services are in accordance with employer's written practice certification procedure & CP-189.
NDT Level-III of the engaged outside agency shall be responsible for the
services provided.

NDT LEVEL-III NDT LEVEL-III

Responsible for the administration & grading of exam of Level-I, II & III
personnel.But employer is responsible to ensure that the examinations are in
accordance with employer's written practice.(whether in house or outside
service). Employer will delegate exam & grading to a qualified
representative of NDT level-III & so record it.
Responsible for the administration & grading of exam of Level-I, II
personnel in methods he has valid ASNT Level-III certificate (including
practical exam).Also employer is responsible for having an ASNT NDT
Level-III develop and administer and grade level-III specific and practical
exams. Employer is responsible to ensure that above is as per procedure.

VISION EXAM VISION EXAM

Natural or corrected near vision acutity in atleast one eye, minnimum J-2 or Natural or corrected near vision acutity in atleast one eye, minnimum J-1 or
equivalent at not less that 12 inches. Ability to percieve Ortho-rater 8, equivalent at not less that 12 inches. J-1 are: Snellen 20/22, Times Roman
minimum or similar pattern. Administered anually. 3.5 text, Ortho-rater 9, or Titmus (SAB-1, Sal-1 or SAR-1)#10. Administered
anually.
COLOUR VISION
To demonstrate capability to distinguish & differentiate contrast among the COLOUR VISION
colours and shades of Gray used in method as determined by employer. Upon To demonstrate ability to differentiate among the colours used in method.
the initial certification & 5 years intervals thereafter. Upon the initial certification & repeated only at each recertification.

PASSING GRADE
Each exams administered to have a passing composite grade of atleast 80%
and each 70% (Does not say equal weight)
LEVEL-I & II EXAM
GENERAL EXAM
Questions approved by NDT Level-III
Written exam addressing basic principles of applicable method.
Closed book (Graphs, tables, specs, codes may be provided)
Questions to be devised covering to degree required in employers written
practice. Devised by Level-III Samples from ASNT intended as examples
only. The minimum no of questions are given in table 8.3.4
SPECIFIC EXAM
Written Exam
Approves by NDT Level-III (Closed book).
The minimum no of questions are given in table 8.3.4
Exam should address equipment, operating procedures, test techniques used
in specific assignments to the degree required by employer's written practice
Exam should also cover specications, code and acceptance criteria used in
employer's NDT procedures.
PASSING GRADE
Each employer administered certification exams require to have a passing
composite grade of at least 80% and each 70% (All exams shall have equal in
weight in determination of average grade)
LEVEL-I & II EXAM
GENERAL EXAM
Questions approved by NDT Level-III
Written exam addressing basic principles of applicable method.
Closed book (Graphs, tables, specs, codes may be provided by NDT Level-
III)
Questions for general level-I & II similar in type to those published by
ASNT. The minimum no of questions required are given in table 1.
SPECIFIC EXAM
Written Exam
Approves by NDT Level-III (Closed book).
The minimum no of questions required are given in table 1.
Level-III to provide appropriate procedures, specifications or standards or
codes. Exam should address equipment, procedures, test techniques used in
performance of assigned duties.
PRACTICAL
Approved by NDT Level-III
LEVEL-I
Candidate should demonstrate ability to operate necessary equipment, record
and analyze results.
At least 1 Flawed specimen
Candidate should demonstrate proficiency performing applicable NDT
method on one or more specimens or machine problems approved by the
NDT Level-III, evaluating results to the degree of responsibility as described
in employer's written practice.
At least 10 check points requiring understanding of test variaables and
employer's procedural requirements.
LEVEL-II
Selecting and performing appicable NDT technique within the method and
by interpretating aand evaluating the result on more samples approved by
NDT Level-III
At least 10 check points requiring understanding of test variaables and
employer's procedural requirements. The candidate should detect all
discontinuties and conditions specified ny NDT Level-III.
Note: While it is normal to score the practical on percentile basis, practical
examinations should contain check points that tfaliure to sucessfully
complete will result in failure of the examination
PRACTICAL
Approved by NDT Level-III
LEVEL-I
Candidate should demonstrate proficiency using applicable NDT method to
examine at least one test sample for each technique used in job and
documenting results. Test samples shall be representative of the products that
candidate will encounter in performing job functions-Written check list by
Level-III administrating exam that includes at least proficiency in use of
equipment, technique, procedure, test sequence calibration documentation.
If Level-I interpret or evaluate results, check list shall include this items .
LEVEL-II
Candidate should demonstrate proficiency using applicable NDT method to
examine At least one test sample for per technique and minimum 2 samples
per method by interpreting , evaluating and documenting results.
Check list to include at least above and also satisfactory detection and
location of dicontinuties, proper extent of exam, accuracy, completeness of
interpretation and evaluation.
Passing Level-I & II practical examination shall be detection of
discontinuties previously specified by NDT Level-III
LEVEL-II LIMITED (Film Interpretation)
Practical examination should consist of Review and grading of at least 20
images
LEVEL-III LEVEL-III
(Employer certifies even if no ASNT Level-III) ASNT level-III is a must.
BASIC EXAMS for LEVEL-III & PdM SPECIFIC EXAM
Only once for more that one mrthod For each method employr shall adminster written exam.
Min 15 questions from SNT-TC-1A. At least 30 questions relating NDT requirements of specifications or
20 questions from Materials/fabrication and product technology, standards used by employer.
20 questions like published Level-II questind for other NDT methods Copies of specifications & standards shall be given as refrence material
Total 55 questions during exam.
A valid ASNT cert fulfills above requirements (Basic & method is covered in ASNT Level-III exam)

WRITTEN PRACTICAL
Shall prepare NDT procedures appropriate to employer's need. If
METHOD EXAM
previously prepared acceptable procedure in the method applicable to
(For each method)
employer codes, specifications and standards exist then written practical
30 questions on fundamentals & principles similar to published ASNT
exam is not required but if the experience is substituted it shall be
Level-III question for each method.
documented
15 questions establishing techniques & procedures similar to published
DEMONSTRATION EXAM
ASNT Level-III questions.
If NDT level-III will be required to perform tests or evaluate results, then
20 questions relating to capabality for interpreting codes, standards &
practical exam shall include demonstration ability.
specifications realting to the method.
Pre-requisites of passing level-I & II practical exam is detection,
(Required if no ASNT Level-III)
performance and correct evaluation as specified NDT level-III practical
A valid ASNT cert fulfills above requirements
exam shall use written check list addressig techniques and practical
adequacy of NDT procedures prepared by candidates.
SPECIFIC EXAM

20 questions about specifications, equipment, techniques, procedures

applicable to employer's product.
Employer may delete specific exam if candidate has a valid ASNT No Basic & Method Exam.
LEVEL-III or ACCP LEVEL-III certification and documented evidence
of experience in preparing of NDT procedures exists to codes, standars
& specification and evaluation of test results
No Practical exam for Level-III

RE-EXAMINATION
RE-EXAMINATION
Failed- Wait 30 days or receive additional documented training covering
Failed- Wait 30 days or receive suitable additional training determined by
deficiencies that caused failure. Shall not be re examined using previously
NDT Level-III
failed specimen & the examination.

CERTIFICATION
Certification of all levels of NDT personnel is responsibility of the
employer.
At the option of employer an outside agency may be engaged to provide
NDT Level-III services, but responsibility of certification is retained by the
employer.
Personnel certification records shall be maintained on file by employer with
necessary 12 points.
(Name, Level of qualification, Educational background, Satisfactory
completion of training statement, Vission results, Current examination
copies, Other suitable evidence of satisfactory qualification when & which
are used in lieu of the specific examination, Composite grades, Signature of
NDT L-III, Dates of certifictaion or Recertification, Date of Expiration and
Signature of Employer's certifing authority).
CONTENT OF DOCUMENTATION
Employer shall document certification shall include at least
a) Certifcation record:- (Level of qualification; NDT method including test
technique; Results; Dates of Certification, exipartion, suspension, revocation
& reinstatement; The Signature,Printed name & title of the Employers
certifing authority; For L-III a copy of ASNT L-III cert).
b) NDT Training record
c) Employee current examination record
d) An Experience record
e) Vision exam records

TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

NDT personnel may be reexamined any time at the discretion of the
employer
Periodically, as defined in the employer's written practice NDT L-I & II
should be re evaluated by NDT L-III adminstering a practical exam.

RE-CERTIFICATION
All levels (3): Recertification by one of the following
a) Evidence of continuing satisfactory performance
b) Re-examination of those portion deemed necessary by employer's NDT L-
III
Recommended maximum recertification intervals are 5 years for all levels. a) Employment is terminated.
TERMINATION
Employer's certificate is deemed revoked when employment is terminated.
All Level-I, II, III certication terminated (due to change in employment, can
be recertified to their level by the new employer based on examination only
if all of the following are met
a) Employe has proof of prior certification
b) Was working within 6 months of termination
c) Employee is re certified within 6 months
d) Prior to exam employees not meeting above should recieve additional
training as deemed approriate by NDT L-III
(above applies only to new employer)
REINSTATEMENT
Terminated certification reinstatement for L-I, II, III can be done without a
new examination provided all of the following condtions are met.
a) The employer has maintained the personnel certifictaion records.
b) The employee certifiction did not expire during termination
c) The employee is being reinstated with in 6 months of termination.
RE-CERTIFICATION
a) Level-I & II Recertification (at the end of 5 years expired/revoked cert)
by examination only.
B) NDT Level-III personnel re certified by employer every 5 years, verifying
that ASNT NDT L-III certificate is current & vaild.
EXPIRATION
b) For NDT L-III when ASNT L-III certificate has expired.
c) After 5 years for Level-I & II on the last date.
SUSPENSION
Employer shall suspend individuals certification if
a) Vision exam interval exceeds 1 year
b) Individual has not performed duties for 12 consecutive months is
certified method
c) Performance is determined deficient with documented reasons.
D) NDT L-III personnel, when ASNT L-III certificate has not been renewed.
REVOCATION
Employer Shall revoke individuals certification if
a) Individual has not performed duties for 24 consecutive months in certified
method
b) For L-III if ASNT NDT L-III certificate has been revoked.
c) Conduct is unethical or in competent
REINSTATEMENT
Suspended certification reinstatement for L-I,II determined by NDT L-III .
For L-III determined by employer except that the requirement of ASNT L-III
certification may not be waived
Expired or revoked certificate reinstated by examination only
(suspended directly without exam)
 Person may be qualified directly to level II with no time as certified level I,
If an indiviual is directly certified to Level-II with no time at Level-I then porvided the training time and experience consists of the sum of hours for
required expirence is sum of time for Level I & level II and required training level I and level II
hours is sum of level I & level II Training hours is fixed (not based on qulaifictaion).
Training hours can be adjusted depending on qualification as described in
employer's written practice i.e. grammar school college graduate in engg etc.
Initial experience may be gained simultaneously in two or more Required experience shall be documnented in the method by hours with
methods, if he spends 25% work time for those methods and remaining supervision or NDT Level II approved.
in NDT related activities defined by the employer's written practice. Experience may be gained in more than one method but minimum hours
must be met for each method.

ADDITIONAL
In some cases for some methods training time recommended for level I are ADDITIONAL
greater than for level II because of difference in complexity and Interpretation - Determination, whether indications are relevant.
maipulatye skills. Evaluation - Determination of significance of a relevant indication.
Recommended training hours in a particular method are listed as
function of candidate's education (not experience) Recommended training hours are independent of individual's education.
(Are fixed)
Eye Exam can be done by NDT Level III or some body designated by NDT Eye Exam administered according to a procedure by personal approved by
Level III. NDT level III designated by employer
No practical exam for Level III Level I, II, III (education is not must)
Basic & method exam
Candidates must spend at least 25% time or work in each method so the Level III exams has practical & demonstration.
credit is gained simutaneously in two or more discipline (keep continous No Basic and method exam.
record by hours to show 25%) NDT Level III- is an individual possesing ASNT NDT Level III certification
NDT Level III certified individual by employer (may or may not be ASNT and certified to this standard.
NDT Level III)
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE
Set of guidelines to assist employer in developing uniform procedures for
qualification and certification of NDT personnel.
Outside Agency (doesn’t say level III)
company or individual providing level III services whose qualifications have
been reviewed by the employer.
Certifying Authority NDT instructor's course outline is approved by NDT Level III and NDT
person designated in written practice to certify on behalf of the employer. Level III shall be responsible for the content of course
If employer has more than one L-III for a specific method, he shall designate
Certifying Agency one as principal NDT Level III
Employer.

Closed Book Exam Closed Book Exam

Exam administered without access to refrence material Exam administered without access to refrence material

Employer Employer
Corporate, Private or public entity which employs personnel for wages Corporate, Private or public entity which employs personnel for wages

If a candidate spends 50% of time in RT, 25 % in MT, 25% in PT with total If a candidate spends 50% of time in RT, 25 % in MT, 25% in PT with total
monthly hours 144, he can claim work time experience of 144 hours for each monthly hours 144, he can claim work time experience of 144 hours for each
of the three methods. of the three methods.

Qualification of Level III equal or exceed those of Level II (not education)

An NDT level III be qualified by examination A NDT level III (is qualified by ASNT level III & employer exam both)
(either employer or ASNT or both)
SNT/TC/1A doesn't provide recommendation about overtime