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TABLE OF CONTENTS
5.0
1.0 SCOPE
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This procedure is for the training, examination, qualification, and certification of nondestructive testing personnel.
The qualification and certification procedures contained herein are intended to meet or exceed the requirements of CP-189 and SNT-TC-1A Current Edition.
2.0 NONDESTRUCTIVE TEST METHODS
Qualification and certification of nondestructive testing personnel in accordance with this procedure is applicable for each of the following methods:
a) Magnetic Particle (MT)
b) Visual Testing (VT)
c) Ultrasonic Thickness (UTT)
d) Liquid Penetrant (PT)
3.0 RESPONSIBLE LEVEL III
The company shall appoint by letter an individual responsible for the implementation and overall administration of this qualification and certification program. This individual will be Certified Level III and shall be known as the “Responsible or Primary Level III.” Certification authorization of NDT personnel at FHE USA, LLC will be the responsibility of the Senior NDT Level III at FHE USA, LLC.
4.0 LEVELS OF QUALIFICATION
The basic levels of qualification are as follows:
4.1 TRAINEE: An individual, who is documented as participating in a training program for an NDT method and is in the process of becoming qualified for certification to Level I, Level I-Limited, or directly to Level 2, shall be considered a trainee in the technique/method in which they are preparing for certification. Trainees shall:
4.1.1 Be documented as a trainee and be actively participating in a training program for a stated NDT method for a limited and specific period of time.
4.1.2 Obtain experience under the direct observation of a Level II or Level III in the same method.
4.1.3 Obtain experience under the direct observation of a Level I or instructor only when approved by Responsible Level III.
4.1.4 Not make, accept, or reject decisions.
4.1.5 Not independently conduct tests.
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4.2 NDT LEVEL I LIMITED: Level I Limited is the lowest qualification level and is task specific. Personnel may be qualified to this level to perform a specific task on a particular component. Classroom instruction and OJT may be limited to the specific requirements to perform the task. Written evidence of qualification should be limited to a specific task. An example of this level is Eddy Current Inspection of an aircraft wheel or digital thickness reading.
4.3 NDT LEVEL I: In the method in which certified, Level I individuals shall:
4.3.1 Be able to follow work instructions.
4.3.2 Have the skills and knowledge to process parts, document results, and perform equipment standardization in accordance with approved work instructions.
4.3.3 Have the skills and knowledge to conduct system performance checks in accordance with the applicable process standard.
4.3.4 Receive guidance or supervision from a Certified Level II or III in the method when necessary.
4.3.5 When specified in the written practice and approved by the Responsible Level III, may perform interpretations and evaluations for specific product(s) or product form(s) for acceptance or rejection in accordance with approved work instructions.
4.4 NDT LEVEL II: In the method in which certified, Level II individuals shall:
4.4.1 Have the skills and knowledge to set up and standardize equipment, process parts, interpret and evaluate for acceptance or rejection, and document results.
4.4.2 Be thoroughly familiar with the scope and limitations of the technique/method.
4.4.3 Have the skills and knowledge to conduct system performance checks in accordance with the applicable process standard.
4.4.4 Be familiar with the codes, standards, and other contractual documents that control the method as documented by the employer.
4.4.5 When specified in the written practice, be capable of developing work instructions from approved general procedures. Such work instructions shall require final approval by a Level III certified in the method.
4.5 NDT LEVEL III: In the method in which certified, Level III individuals shall:
4.5.1 Have the skills and knowledge to establish techniques; interpret codes, standards, and specifications.
4.5.2 Designate the particular technique to be used and verify the adequacy of procedures.
4.5.3 Shall ensure that the procedures cover that particular type of work to be performed to meet the end product requirements.
4.5.4 Shall be capable of conducting or directing the training and examining of NDT personnel in the methods for which the level III is qualified.
4.5.5 Shall be responsible for the administration of the NDT program as described.
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4.6 NDT INSTRUCTOR: An NDT instructor shall have the ability to plan, organize, and present classroom, laboratory, or on-the-job training instruction programs. Training shall be conducted in accordance with an approved course outline in the method for which appointed. The individual shall be familiar with the codes, standards, and other contractual documents that control the method as utilized by the employer.
5.0 EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIAL QUALIFICATION
5.1 Personnel considered for certification in NDT shall have sufficient education, training, and experience to ensure understanding of the principals and procedures of those areas of NDT in which they are being considered. General, specific, and practical training may be obtained with the employer or an outside agency but shall always be supplemented by practical on-the-job training with the employer.
5.2 Documented training and/or experience gained in positions and activities equivalent to those of Levels I, II, and/or III prior to establishment of the employer's written practice may be considered towards satisfying certification requirements.
5.3 To be considered for certification, personnel shall satisfy the applicable criteria in Tables 1, 2, and 3.
TABLE 1
Initial Training and Experience Requirements for NDT Level II Limited Certifications
TABLE 2
Initial Training and Experience Requirements for Level I and Level II
NOTES:
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A: Experience shall be based on the actual hours worked in the specific method or technique.
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B: A person may be qualified directly to NDT Level II with no time as a certified NDT Level I, providing the required training and experience consists of the sum of the hours required for NDT Level I and NDT Level II.
C: The required minimum experience shall be documented by method and by hour with supervisor or NDT Level III approval.
D: While fulfilling total NDT experience requirement, experience may be gained in more than one method, however, the minimum hours must be met for each method.
E: To qualify in a single method, the hours in the Total Hours column must be satisfied.
F: If an individual is certified in one ET technique, the minimum experience to qualify in another ET technique at the same level or to the next level may be reduced by up to 50%.
Minimum Number of Examination Questions
TABLE 3
6.0 LEVEL III CANDIDATES
Level III candidates shall meet one of the following criteria:
6.1 Have graduated from a minimum four (4) year college or university curriculum with a degree in engineering or science, plus one (1) years’ experience in nondestructive testing in an assignment comparable to that of an NDT Level II in applicable test method(s).
6.2 Have completed with passing grades at least two (2) years of engineering or science study at a university, college, or technical school, plus two (2) years’ experience in assignments at least comparable to that of NDT Level II in the applicable test method(s).
6.3 Have four (4) years’ experience in an assignment at least comparable to that of an NDT Level II in the applicable test method(s).
7.0
INSTRUCTORS
Instructors shall have the skills and knowledge to plan, organize, and present classroom training and practical exercises in accordance with approved course outline. Instructors shall be designated or approved by the Responsible Level III. When an outside agency is used, the outside
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agency shall provide the employer with the names, evidence of qualifications, and if applicable, evidence of certifications held by the personnel conducting the training and examination. All ASNT Certified Level III’s are considered Instructors and a copy of their certification on file will be adequate written approval for instructing FHE USA, LLC personnel. Non ASNT Level III’s must be approved by the Responsible Level III in writing and meet one of the following:
7.1 Be certified in Level III in the method of which they will be designated an instructor.
7.2 Possess the equivalent of a B.S. in Engineering, Physical Science, or Technology and have adequate knowledge in the method for which they will be designated instructors.
7.3 Possess an Associate Degree in Physical Science or Technology and have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience, or equivalent, as a Level II in the method for which they will be designated instructors.
7.4 Possess a minimum of ten (10) years’ experience as a Level II, or equivalent, in the method for which they will be designated instructors.
8.0 EXAMINER
All FHE USA, LLC Certified Level III’s are considered examiners and a letter is not required on file to declare them examiners. Examiners shall be certified in accordance with this standard. As determined and documented by the Responsible Level III, an examiner can prepare, administer, and grade written or practical NDT examinations, and administer all or part of the certification process in the method in which he/she is certified.
9.0 TRAINING PROGRAMS
9.1 Personnel being considered for certification shall complete a training program in the applicable method to become thoroughly familiar with the principles and practices of the specified test method related to the level of certification desired and applicable to the practices to be used and the products to be tested.
9.2 For personnel credited with previous training, or personnel not certified within 12 months of their training, refresher training must be provided. Previous training must be documented to be accepted by the employer. As a minimum, refresher training shall cover products, equipment set-up, operation and standardization, specific operating procedures, applicable techniques, interpretation and evaluation of NDT results, safety, and applicable codes, standards, and specifications. Regardless of previous training, the applicant shall receive additional instruction before certification in the following subjects:
9.2.1 Operation of applicable test equipment
9.2.2 Specific test procedures
9.2.3 Interpretation and evaluation of test results
9.2.4 Safety
9.2.5 Applicable codes, specifications, and standards
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9.3 Training facilities and classrooms shall provide an environment conductive to learning and shall be sufficiently equipped with equipment and training aids, models, samples, etc., to ensure that all aspects of the training course requirements are met. In addition, a sufficient number of representative test samples containing natural or artificial features and/or flaws shall be available to cover the range of testing to be conducted by the candidate. Test samples used for practical examinations shall not be used for training purposes. To ensure the candidate fully benefits from the practical exercises, equipment used for training shall be sufficiently comparable to that which the candidate will use in the performance of their job. Production parts and NDT equipment may be used for training.
10.0 VISION EXAMINATIONS
The NDT Level III examiner, or a designated representative of FHE USA, LLC Level III, shall administer and grade vision examinations. A letter signed by the Level III shall appoint level III designated representatives. The examinations to verify vision qualifications shall consist of the following:
10.1 NEAR-VISION ACUITY: The examination or corrected near-distance acuity in at least one (1) eye such that the applicant is capable of reading a minimum of Jaeger number 1 or equivalent type and size letters at a distance of not less than twelve (12) inches (30.5 cm) on a standard Jaeger test chart or 20/25 (Snellen) at 16” +/- 1”. One may be substituted for the other. This shall be administered annually and documented on Form NDT 01.04. Eye exams expire on the last day of the month.
10.2 COLOR CONTRAST DIFFERENTIATION: The examination should demonstrate the capability of distinguishing and differentiating contrast between colors used in the method. This shall be administered upon initial certification and annually thereafter. A grayscale chart is an acceptable alternative to determine contrast http://i.imgur.com/JXjeGVQ.jpg for UTT, VT, PT, MT fluorescent.
10.3 Vision examination results shall be documented and kept in the training file.
10.4 The following must be observed for chart qualification:
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VISION ACUITY CHART QUALIFICATION TABLE
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Near Distance Visual Acuity Test Distances and Character Heights
Test Distance Inches / Millimeters
12/300
13/330
14/350
15/380
Maximum Lower-Case Charter Height Inches / Millimeters
0.022 / 0.56
0.024 / 0.61
0.025 / 0.64
0.027 / 0.69
16/400 0.029 / 0.74
Note: The test distance (eye chart) and corresponding character heights provide a visual angle of 6.25 minutes, which is equivalent to a Snellen fraction of 20/25.
10.4.1 Test Chart Qualification: A measurement of at least one of the near distance test chart characters shall be made prior to using the test chart. The test shall be performed using an optical comparator (10X or greater) to verify the height of the representative lower-case character, without an ascender or descender (e.g., a, c, e, o), for the selected type size to meet the requirements of the above tables. This evaluation shall be documented and traceable to the test chart.
11.0 QUALIFICATION EXAMINATION (LEVEL I AND II)
Examinations: Responsible Level III shall maintain overall control and cognizance over the NDT training program including designating or approving qualified Examiners, Instructors, and outside agencies. The examinations to verify technical qualifications shall consist of the following:
a) General Examination
b) Specific Examination
c) Practical Examination
11.1 GENERAL (WRITTEN):
11.1.1 The general examinations shall be closed book and will address the basic principles of the applicable method at the appropriate level.
11.1.2 In preparing the examination, the NDT Level III Examiner will select or devise appropriate questions covering the applicable method to the degree required by this procedure.
11.1.3 The questions and answers provided by ASNT are used as guidelines for the development of the general examination. The minimum number of Level I and II general examination questions shall be forty (40) for all NDT methods.
11.2 SPECIFIC (WRITTEN):
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11.2.1 The specific examination shall be open book and will address the equipment, operating procedures, and test techniques that the employee may encounter during specific assignments.
11.2.2 For all levels, the test shall be an open book examination covering the requirements and use of the specifications, codes, equipment, operating procedures, and test techniques the candidate may use in the performance of his/her duties with the employer. Questions utilizing such material shall require understanding of the information contained therein rather than merely finding its location.
11.2.3 The minimum number of Level I and II specific examination questions shall be thirty (30) for all NDT methods except VT which shall be twenty (20).
11.3 PRACTICAL (WRITTEN):
The practical examination shall consist of a demonstration of proficiency in performing tasks that are typical of those to be accomplished in the performance of the candidate's duties. If the candidate is required to demonstrate proficiency in the application of the process as well as interpretation of results, hardware test samples shall be used. The location and severity of flaws in the test sample shall not be apparent to the candidate. If the candidate is only required to interpret the results and not perform the process of generating the image, the test samples may be images, such as radiographs or other resultant test data. A practical checklist covering at least 10 points shall be used and completed by the Examiner to assure adequate coverage and to assist in the administration and grading of the examination. In addition to using the checklist, the Examiner shall determine and document how the examination results obtained by the candidate are to be documented (e.g., part maps, drawings, sketches, written descriptions, etc.). All such documentation shall become part of the examination and filed accordingly. Failure to detect 100% of the rejectable defects of the practical part shall be an automatic failure.
11.3.1 Level I: The candidate shall demonstrate the proficiency by using a work instruction to process at least two (2) test samples of differing configurations for each method, with at least one (1) test sample for each technique for which certification is sought. When only one configuration of hardware is to be inspected upon certification, both test samples may be of the same configuration. The test samples shall have flaws and shall be representative of the products to be encountered by the candidate in the performance of his/her duties with the employer. The candidate shall document the NDT results. The checklist shall address proficiency in the use and standardization of the equipment and materials, adherence to procedural details, and the documentation of the results. If the Level I candidate is to accept products, the checklist shall also include proficiency in the interpretation and evaluation of indications.
11.3.2 Level II: The candidate shall demonstrate the proficiency by inspecting at least two (2) test samples of differing configurations for each method, with at least one (1)
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test sample for each technique for which certification is sought. When only one configuration of hardware is to be inspected upon certification, both test samples may be of the same configuration. The test samples shall have flaws and shall be representative of the products to be encountered by the candidate in the performance of his/her duties with the employer. The candidate shall document the NDT results. The checklist shall address proficiency in the use and standardization of the equipment and materials, adherence to procedural details, the accuracy and completeness of interpretation and evaluation of indications; and, when required by the employer’s written practice, the ability to develop work instructions.
11.3.3 Level III: The candidate shall demonstrate proficiency by preparing an NDT procedure or work instruction appropriate to the employer's current requirements for the method. The procedure or work instruction shall be developed in conjunction with the general and/or specific examination(s) required for certification or recertification, as applicable. A procedure or work instruction developed within the previous 3 months by the candidate may be used with the approval of the Responsible Level III. When the candidate's duties will include processing and/or acceptance/rejection of products, proficiency in performing such tasks shall be demonstrated by a hands-on practical examination equivalent to Level II in accordance with Level II requirements. Results of the practical examination shall be documented, and a checklist shall be used to address the practical and technical adequacy of the procedures or work instructions prepared by the candidate. When the candidate is to accept/reject hardware, the adequacy of the candidate's Interpretation and evaluation of indications shall be documented. The additional practical examination to accept/reject hardware is not required for Level III’s who write or approve procedures or work instructions, even if those instructions are used by personnel to accept/reject hardware.
11.4 EXAMINATION QUESTIONS:
The published questions available from ASNT may be used as a guide for the development of general examinations but will not be duplicated verbatim. All questions used for Level I and Level II examinations shall be approved by the administering Level III.
12.0 QUALIFICATION EXAMINATIONS (LEVEL III)
12.1 BASIC EXAMINATION: (Required only once when more than one (1) method of examination is taken.)
12.1.1 Twenty (20) questions related to understanding the SNT-TC-1A document
12.1.2 Twenty (20) questions relative to applicable materials, fabrication, and product technology
12.1.3 Twenty (20) questions selected from, or similar to, published Level II questions for other appropriate NDT methods
12.1.4 If the Level III is to be certified under SNT-TC-1A and CP-189 then Twenty (20) additional questions covering CP-189 shall be administered.
12.2 METHOD EXAMINATION FOR EACH METHOD:
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12.2.1 Thirty (30) questions relating to fundamentals and principles, which are selected from, or are similar to, published ASNT Level III questions for each method.
12.2.2 Fifteen (15) questions relating to application and establishment of techniques and procedures, which are selected from, or are similar to, the published ASNT Level III questions for each method.
12.2.3 Twenty (20) questions relating to capability for interpreting codes, standards, and specifications relating to the method.
12.3 SPECIFIC EXAMINATION FOR EACH METHOD:
Twenty (20) questions relating to specifications, equipment, techniques, and procedures applicable to FHE USA, LLC services and methods employed, and to the administration of the FHE USA, LLC written practice.
12.4 PRACTICAL EXAMINATION FOR EACH METHOD:
The candidate shall demonstrate proficiency by preparing an NDT procedure appropriate to his employers’ requirements. Persons administering NDT Level III practical examinations shall use a written checklist. The checklist shall address items relating to the technical and practical adequacy of the NDT procedure(s) prepared by the candidate.
12.5 DEMONSTRATION EXAMINATION FOR EACH METHOD:
The candidate shall demonstrate proficiency in performing “hands-on” inspections or evaluations of products/components in accordance with Paragraph 12.3.
13.0 GRADING
13.1 ADMINISTRATION OF EXAMINATIONS: The administration and grading of all examinations shall be the responsibility of the Responsible Level III or Examiner. The Responsible Level III may delegate in writing the administration and grading of examinations using multiple choice or true/false questions to an Examiner. All practical examinations shall be administered by the Responsible Level III or Examiner. Responses to essay and fill-in questions must be evaluated by the Responsible Level III or Examiner to verify the candidate's adequate understanding of the subject matter. In no case can an examination be administered by oneself or by a subordinate. When an outside agency is used to administer examinations, the employer shall ensure that all individuals involved in the administration of the examinations meet the requirements of this standard. In all cases, the ultimate responsibility for compliance to this standard shall remain with FHE USA, LLC ’s Responsible Level III.
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13.2 GRADING / SCORING: A composite grade based upon the general, specific, and practical; or upon the basic, method, and specific examination, shall be developed by FHE USA, LLC . Simple averaging of the test scores shall develop the composite grade. All examination scores shall be of equal weight in determining the average score.
13.2.1 The candidate for certification must achieve a minimum score of 70% on each individual examination. In addition, the candidate must detect all discontinuities, flaws, or conditions specified by the Examiner during the practical examination and achieve a minimum score of 70%. The candidate must have an average score of no less than 80% in order to be eligible for certification. All examination scores shall be of equal weight in determining the average score.
13.2.2 When an examination is administered and graded for the employer by an outside agency and the outside agency issues grades of pass or fail only on a certified report, then the employer may accept the pass grade as 80 percent for that examination.
13.2.3 Candidates failing any general, specific, or practical examination shall receive additional training before attempting re-examination of the failed exam. The additional training shall be documented and shall address those areas found deficient in the candidate’s skills or knowledge. The re-examination shall not use the same written tests or test samples that were used in the initial examination. The re-examination test must maintain a minimum of 25% new questions.
14.0 CERTIFICATION
14.1 Certification of all levels of NDT personnel is the responsibility of FHE USA, LLC.
14.2 Certification of NDT personnel is based on demonstration of satisfactory qualification as determined by this procedure.
14.3 At FHE USA, LLC ’s option, current certification may be accepted from another company as long as their program is audited and meets or fulfills all of FHE USA, LLC ’s requirements.
14.4 At the option of FHE USA, LLC , an outside agency may be engaged to provide NDT Level III services. In such instances, FHE USA, LLC ’s Level III must approve the certification.
14.5 If FHE USA, LLC purchases outside services, it is the Senior Level III’s responsibility to assure that training and examination services are in accordance with this practice.
14.6 Personnel certifications and this procedure are maintained by FHE USA, LLC . The qualification records of certified individuals are maintained by FHE USA, LLC and are maintained on file by the Responsible Level III. The certification form includes the following:
14.6.1 Name of the individual certified
