Understanding The Difference Between NDT Level I, II and III Certifications

Many people consider becoming an NDT technician to secure a rewarding career with better job satisfaction and higher pay. To become an NDT technician, you need to get training from a renowned NDT course center and obtain certification to document successful demonstration of competency. 

NDT technicians are certified to different levels of competency, namely Level III, II, and I. In this blog, you are going to learn about the difference between NDT Level III, II, and I. Let’s dive into it!

• ASNT NDT Level III

In 1976, the American Society for Nondestructive Testing introduced the NDT Level III program with certifications in five NDT methods. Over the years, it has expanded the programs to include eleven NDT methods. Today, ASNT NDT Level III certification is considered the most respected and widely accepted NDT certification all around the globe. Level III technicians are accountable for the training, qualification, and certification of a company’s NDT Level I and Level II technicians.

• ACCP® Professional Level III

To cover Practical and Procedure Preparation (PP) examinations in the most common NDT methods (MT, PT, RT, UT, and VT), ASNT introduced the ASNT Central Certification Program in 1996. ACCP® Level III certification helps improve NDT reliability and accuracy among those practicing NDT and to provide customers and employers with clear expectations of NDT Technician competency and proficiency.

• ACCP® Level II Certification

To widen the scope of certification offerings, ASNT also later included Level II certification in 1996. The ASNT Central Certification Program Level II certification includes Specific, General, Practical, and Instruction Preparation examinations in common NDT methods (MT, PT, RT, UT, and VT). 

• The NDT Trainee and Level I

When you begin the training and qualification process by enrolling in an NDT course center, you are classified as a trainee. As a trainee, your goal is to become a fully certified Level I, Level II or Level III technician. 

 Usually, a Level I technician carries out calibrations and performs test procedures under the guidance of a certified Level II or Level III NDT technician.

• Bottom Line

If you aim to land a lucrative job in the most demanding industry, consider enrolling yourself in a state-approved NDT course center and get certifications as necessary.