ASNT Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A
There is one very big difference between the ASNT and ISO certification standards; the ASNT certification is employer-based. In summary, your employer must have an ASNT "written practice"; your employer must employ the services of a person certified to Level III; and if you begin work for another employer, you are no longer certified.
The following describes this process in greater detail:
Under the SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice, it is the employer (or his outside agency) that provides certification for Levels I and II. If the employer has hired the services of an ASNT NDT Level III individual, it is that individual who will be assigned to administer the certification details in accordance with the employer’s written practice. Mobius Institute has a written practice, and thus we can be contracted to deliver the training and certification under your employer's written practice.
There is overlap between the technical content and exam requirements for the ISO 18436-2 Category I, II, III, and IV courses and exams, and the ASNT Level I, II, and III courses and exams.
Please note that ASNT Level III exams may only be conducted by the ASNT.
The Mobius Institute "Entry Level" course meets or exceeds the requirements for the ISO 18436-2 Category I and the ASNT Level I training and exam.
However, due to the nature of the ASNT Level II training outline (and exam), it is required that both the "Intermediate" Category II and "Advanced" Category III courses be taken. (It is common in the industry that two courses be taken to meet the requirements of ASNT Level II.)
Exam format and pass-mark
The ASNT Level I and II exams also use the multiple choice format.
The exam must have a specified number of "general" questions and "specific" questions. For example, for Level II it is 40 "general" questions and 60 "specific" questions. ASNT requires a minimum 70% pass-mark in each section, and an average 80% mark over both sections.
Recertification
As per the Recommended Practice, certification remains valid for three (3) years. The exam can be re-taken at any time within the three years to extend the period of valid certification for an additional three (3) years.
Annual fees
Annual fees are not charged in order to maintain the validity certification.
Proceeding with ASNT certification
If you do wish to be certified under the ASNT Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A for Vibration Analysis, please ask your employer's Level III representative to contact us.