ASNT

Two fundamental categories for certifica- tion are discussed below: (1) employer-based certification (2) third-party certification (central certification). These categories differ in the office responsible for the accuracy of the certificate and, by implication, in other protocols of the inspection reliability. The means of certification is generally required by an employer and is specified by regulations, contract, or both. 1. In employer-based certification, qualification follows the inspector, but certification does not . Employer-based certification concludes with the job. An employer-based inspector is wise to keep a copy of his or her documentation so that it will be available if there is a change of employment. 2. In third-party certification, the qualification and certification follows the inspector . Qualification/certification (issued by a recognized certification body) attests to the basic abilities of the person to perform identified inspections. For example, skills and knowledge to apply inspection methods/ techniques as described in a service company’s NDT procedures, which are written to implement applicable codes, standards, and/or specifications requirements. Note: The service company has the responsibility to review the third-party certification and, if necessary, provide additional training for specific skills and/or knowledge required to perform identified inspection. Once satisfied, the service company will document the inspector’s authorization to work. Several protocols for employer-based and third-party certification are described in several ASNT has been a world leader in the qualifica- tion and certification of nondestructive testing personnel for many years. The Society has several programs and publications important for the qualification of radiographic testing personnel. 1. Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A: Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing, provides guidelines for personnel qualification and certification documents and are described below. Employer-Based Certification

3. Qualification and certification of test personnel are discussed below, with specific reference to recommendations of ASNT Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A. Other qualification and certification documents maybe identified by the applicable code and/or standard. They may include: l CP-189 (ASNT Standard for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Personnel) l ACCP (ASNT Central Certification Program), l International Standard ISO 9712 (Non-destructive testing – Qualification and certification of NDT personnel). Nondestructive testing is sometimes referred to as a “special process,” in that it is very difficult to evaluate an inspection by merely observing the process or its documentation. The quality of the test largely depends on the skills and knowledge of the inspector. Qualification is the process of becoming qualified. To be qualified, the inspector must have the (1) training, (2) experience, (3) knowledge, and (4) attributes to perform reliable inspections (Harris 2016). The term certification refers to the process of documenting that the inspector is qualified. The certificate itself is a paper or electronic document used to attest, or “certify,” that the inspector has satisfied a set of requirements for the method, requirements specified in a given code, contract, or written practice. 1. Inspection personnel are usually required to demonstrate their knowledge by examination. 2. The inspector demonstrates training by providing documentation such as diplomas, transcripts, and certificates for complet- ing courses of study. Training is generally measured in contact hours. 3. Work experience is demonstrated by providing documentation such as letters from employers or customers. 4. The general term here, “attributes,” covers other items, such as vision acuity, that might be required for a particular job. PERSONNEL QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION

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Part 3