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NDT Level III Certification: Practical or No Practical?

Ed Korkowski

The Quality Question: What Should We Do About NDT Certification Standards?

The field of nondestructive testing (NDT) is one of precision, safety, and trust. The qualifications of those entrusted with this critical work—particularly Level III professionals—should reflect the highest standards. Yet, a closer look at employer-based certification programs highlights significant variability in the qualifications of certified individuals. This begs an essential question for our industry: How do we ensure consistent quality and competency across the board?


Understanding Employer-Based Certification

Employer-based certification programs grant organizations the flexibility to certify NDT personnel according to their specific needs. While this adaptability has its advantages, it also means that a Level III certified at one company can possess vastly different skills and experience compared to a Level III at another. This disparity exists not because of the standards themselves, but because of the way they are implemented—and therein lies a challenge.


Performance-Based Certification: A Consistent Benchmark

Performance-based certifications, such as those adhering to ISO standards, provide a more consistent benchmark by requiring practical examinations. These exams ensure that every certified individual meets a baseline level of proficiency with equipment, applications, and real-world scenarios. By including hands-on testing, performance-based certifications provide greater assurance of an individual’s competence in the field.


This contrast raises a critical question: Are we inadvertently devaluing our certifications by allowing individuals to bypass practical demonstrations of skill? For an industry where precision and safety are paramount, this gap in certification processes is worth examining.


The Internet and the Rise of Questionable Practices

In today’s interconnected world, the internet has brought both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, access to resources and training has never been more available. On the other hand, unscrupulous actors exploit this accessibility, offering “exam dumps” that closely mimic actual test questions. This practice undermines the integrity of certifications by allowing individuals to pass exams without truly mastering the material.


Similarly, some training organizations appear to prioritize teaching to the test rather than fostering a deep understanding of NDT principles and practices. This approach may yield short-term successes for candidates but risks long-term harm to the industry as a whole. When certifications are seen as mere checkboxes, the true purpose of NDT—ensuring safety and quality—is compromised.


Asking the Tough Questions

Given these challenges, it’s time for the NDT community to reflect and ask the hard questions:

  • Should all Level III certifications, regardless of the governing body, include a mandatory practical exam?

  • How can we ensure that training organizations emphasize understanding over rote memorization?

  • What role can industry leaders and organizations play in setting a higher standard for certification integrity?

  • How can we mitigate the impact of exam dumps and other unethical practices?


Moving Toward Solutions

While there are no easy answers, there are steps we can take to improve:

  1. Adopt Best Practices from Performance-Based Certifications: Incorporating practical exams across all certification programs would establish a baseline level of proficiency and confidence in certified individuals.

  2. Strengthen Oversight of Training Organizations: Encouraging transparency and accountability among training providers can help ensure they prioritize comprehensive education over quick wins.

  3. Raise Awareness About Ethical Training and Certification: Industry-wide campaigns can educate candidates about the importance of genuine learning and the risks of shortcuts.

  4. Leverage Technology for Integrity: Modern proctoring solutions, such as AI-monitored exams, could deter dishonest practices and maintain certification credibility.


The Call to Action

At its core, NDT is about trust—trust in the people, the processes, and the certifications that underpin the industry. To preserve that trust, we must collectively examine and address the inconsistencies and vulnerabilities in our certification processes. The path forward will require collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence.


What do you think? How can we, as an industry, ensure that NDT certifications reflect the true expertise and professionalism required for the job? Let’s start the conversation.

If you believe this discussion is important, share your thoughts in the comments or reach out directly. Together, we can shape the future of NDT certifications and uphold the standards that our industry depends on.

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Jay
15 de jan.
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About time this demon is tamed.

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