This presentation explains recommended practice for qualification and certification of acoustic emission personnel according to ASNT SNT-TC-1A and CP-189.

1. Understanding ASNT SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice and CP-189 Standard Dr. Boris Muravin ASNT Level III in Acoustic Emission training series More at www.muravin.com

2. About SNT-TC-1A Recommended practice was developed by the American Society for Nondestructive Testing as a standard guide of qualification and certification of NDT personnel by the employer. It is not a strict specification. The first edition was published in 1966, following editions 1968, 1971, 1975, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2001. The last edition was published in 2006. More at www.muravin.com

3. Thirteen Test Methods Covered Acoustic Emission Testing. Electromagnetic Testing. Laser Testing Methods. Leak Testing. Liquid Penetrant Testing. Magnetic Flux Testing. Magnetic Particle Testing. Neutron Radiographic Testing. Radiographic Testing. Thermal/Infrared Testing. Ultrasonic Testing. Vibration Testing. Visual Testing. More at www.muravin.com

4. Goal of the Practice Provide an outline for Employer for qualification and certification of NDT personnel. It is up to Employer to modify the recommended practice to meet his specific requirements. “Certification is written testimony of qualification”. “Qualification is demonstrated skill, demonstrated knowledge, documented training, and documented experience required for personnel to properly perform the duties of a specific job.” More at www.muravin.com

5. Personnel Qualification Levels SNT-TC-1A defines three levels of qualification. A person before certification for one of three levels is considered trainee. More levels can be introduced by Employer if needed. NDT Level I is the first qualification level. Level I operates under Level II or Level III instructions and supervision. Level I can perform some of calibrations or tests and even document them according to written procedures. NDT Level II should be capable to interpret results and be familiar with test application, scope and limitations of the test. Level II can guide and supervise trainees and Level I personnel. NDT Level III should be capable to develop new techniques, codes and standards, interpret and report results, develop acceptance criteria, train and examine Level I and II, be familiar with other NDT methods, manufacturing processes and materials. More at www.muravin.com

6. Employer’s Written Practice SNT-TC-1A recommends that Employer will establish a written practice that specifies training, experience and examination requirements for NDT personnel. Written practice should define responsibilities of all Levels. More at www.muravin.com

9. Level I and II exams consist of specific, general and specific examinations.

10. Average grade should be above 80%. No individual exam can be below 70%.

11. Acoustic Emission Level I general exam has 40 questions, specific exam 20 questions.

12. Acoustic Emission Level II general exam has 40 questions, specific exam 20 questions.

13. Practical exams for Level II and III should have at least ten different checkpoints requiring an understanding of test variables and specific procedures.More at www.muravin.com

14. Vision Examinations Requirements Near-Vision Acuity.According to Jaeger Number 2 or equivalent, not less than 12 inches(30.5 cm) on a standard Jaeger test chart. Color Contrast Differentiation. More at www.muravin.com

15. Certification ASNT philosophy is that the Employer is responsible for certification of all Levels. All experience, training and exams should be documented and kept in file. Certification can be revoked by Employer and personnel re-examined any time. Recommended re-certification interval is 5 years. Certificate revoked when employment is terminated. More at www.muravin.com

16. SNT-TC-1A vs. CP-189 SNT-TC-1A is recommended practice for qualification and certification. It uses “should” wording. CP-189 is standard for qualification and certification. It uses “shall” wording. More at www.muravin.com

17. CP-189 NDT Levels There are six levels of qualification according to CP-189. NDT Level III is holder of ASNT Level III, PdM Level III or ACCP Professional Level III certificate. NDT Level I and II are similar in responsibilities with SNT-TC-1A. NDT Level II limited has similar responsibilities of techniques with NDT Level II but only in specific techniques (radiographic and ultrasonic) specified in Appendix B of CP-189. No techniques defined for Acoustic Emission. Trainee – person that have not yet certified for any level. NDT Instructor – an individual qualified to perform education and training of NDT personnel. More at www.muravin.com

18. CP-189 Written specific and practical examinations for Level III. Vision examination using Jaeger Number 1 at a distance not less than 12 inches. Annual vision and color exam. Recertification after 5 years. Re-examination after 10 years. More at www.muravin.com