Nondestructive examination encompasses many specialized testing areas, including liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, visual and radiographic testing. Trained inspectors performing these tests are able to identify flaws in materials that may be invisible to the naked eye, but could become catastrophic if not caught early. The type of material determines which test will be the most useful.
NDE inspectors are held to high standards when it comes to the qualifications and expertise they must demonstrate in order to become certified. There are three different levels of certification that an inspector can achieve: Level I, Level II, and Level III in each specialty testing area. Each level mandates an increased standard for education and experience. Training time ranges from four hours for basic visual testing, provided the candidate has at least two years of applicable post-secondary education, to 80 hours. A minimum number of hours of experience must also be completed within a certain time period in order to qualify (for example, 1,600 hours of work experience in no more than a 27 month period for Magnetic particle Level II examination).
After the education is complete, each inspector will undergo a series of tests. Level I and Level II inspectors must take a general written test, a specific written test, and a practical exam given by either a Level III inspector or the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT). To achieve a Level III certification, inspectors must take a basic exam, a method exam, and a specific exam.
Each certification level has standardized training that allows them to perform NDE procedures competently. After the education process is complete, the inspectors will be able to begin working as a certified professional.
According to NDT Resource Center, Level I technicians have limited responsibilities and tight supervision from a senior technician. They are able to perform certain tests while supervised depending on which method certification exams they successfully completed. Level II technicians can handle more responsibilities during the inspection process, such as acting as a supervisor, and documenting the results of the test. The third and highest-level technicians hold the most responsibility, being able to interpret and evaluate data, execute techniques, delegate to lower technicians, and they are considered experts in their field.
So which categories and levels of certified inspectors does Encorus provide? Encorus has numerous individuals certified as Level II Liquid Penetrant Testing certified inspectors, Level II Magnetic Particle Testing certified inspectors, Level II Ultrasonic Thickness Testing certified inspectors, and Level II Radiographic Testing certified inspectors. Visual Testing services (CWI) are also offered by our NDE Group. Encorus has a variety of experience with performing nondestructive testing for a number of clients in the chemical, industrial, and commercial industries.
If you need NDE services, contact Director of Testing Services Jim Handzlik at jhandzlik@encorus.com, or at (716) 592-3980 ext. 148. For more information on NDE certifications click here.
