Overview of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

An Unqualified Person's Inspection Is Not an Inspection

The qualified person performs the inspection according to the procedure and signs the test report that is recognized by the client and the classification society. Regardless of whether the person actually performed the inspection, if the person is unqualified, the test report is rejected.

This is the kind of accident that repeatedly occurs among subcontractors in the Busan-Gyeongnam region. When unqualified personnel scan and qualified personnel only sign due to the urgency of processing the workload, it leads to a requirement for re-inspection of all test reports for that period during audits by the main contractor or classification society inspections.

Two Systems — National Technical Qualifications and ISO 9712

Different types of qualifications are used together in the Korean field.

> ASNT SNT-TC-1A is "a qualification given by the company to its own employees." The company's Written Practice (internal certification rules) is the basis. When changing jobs, you must obtain it again from the new company. Many people write this on their resumes without knowing this difference.

National Technical Qualifications — Different Categories by Method

NDT national technical qualifications are separate categories by inspection method. It's not all covered by just one "NDT technician" qualification.

> Leak Testing (LT) and Eddy Current Testing (ET) have different level structures, and the requirements for taking the exam may be revised. Check the exact categories and requirements from the Korea Industrial Human Resources Development Service announcements.

A common combination used on site is ultrasonic + magnetic particle + penetrant. Radiography has a higher entry barrier due to separate regulations that will be explained later.

ISO 9712 Levels 1, 2, and 3 — Different Authorities

The numbers indicate the scope of tasks that can be performed, not years of experience.

Who signs the documents on site

Data acquisition ······· Level 1 or above
Test report judgment and signing ······· Level 2 or above   ← Most common for practical signing
NDT procedure approval ········ Level 3

Things That Are Easy to Miss in Qualification Requirements

• 5-year validity period. A test report signed with an expired certificate is invalid. The expiration date should be managed by the HR or quality department.
• Annual vision test. Annual verification and record of near vision and color discrimination ability are required. This is especially important when working with fluorescent magnetic particle or fluorescent penetrant.
• Separate by method and industry. Having an UT qualification does not mean you can perform PAUT.
• Practical experience time requirements vary by method. You cannot take the exam just by attending training.

RT Requires One Additional Qualification

This is the most commonly misunderstood part in practice. NDT qualifications and radiation handling qualifications are separate.

While ultrasonic or magnetic particle testing only requires NDT qualifications, if both qualifications are missing, you cannot even touch the equipment for radiation testing. The judgment that "we have an RT qualified person, so it's okay to take the shot" is illegal.

Career Path — What Adds Value to Your Worth

1~2 years   Obtain Technician qualification + PT/MT field proficiency
             → Perform surface inspections independently

3~5 years   Industrial Technician/Technologist + UT practical experience
             → Sign test reports as Level 2, can join night shift RT team

5~10 years  Add qualifications for techniques such as PAUT/TOFD
             → Execute procedures for client approval. The rate differs significantly

10+ years   Level 3 / Engineer
             → Prepare and approve procedures, evaluate junior personnel, main contractor liaison

In Busan-Gyeongnam, Level 2 personnel who can actually operate PAUT are in short supply compared to demand. It's important to first build a foundation in UT.

Qualification Preparation Checklist

• Confirm what qualifications are required by the client your company receives (National Technical Qualification? ISO 9712? ASNT?)
• Check the expiration date of your certificate and renewal conditions
• Confirm whether you have annual vision test records
• Confirm whether your practical experience time is documented (inspection diary, test report copies)
• If planning to perform RT, schedule registration as a radiation worker, training, and health examination
• Confirm the scope of your signing authority in the company's NDT procedures