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
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.
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Thirteen Test Methods Covered
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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Recommended Training and
Experience Requirements
• SNT-TC-1A defines experience and education requirements for all three levels.
• AE Level I criteria: 40 hours of training, minimum 210 hours experience gained
during 1.5-9 months or alternatively 3 months of work experience. Those
finished 2 years in collage need 32 hours.
• AE Level II criteria: 40 hours of training, minimum 630 hours of experience
gained during 4.5-27 months or alternatively 9 months of experience.
• AE Level III criteria: 4 years of collage or university + 1 year of experience
beyond the Level II requirements or 2 years of collage or university + 2 years of
experience beyond the Level II requirements or 4 years of experience.
• Direct Level II certification requires sum of training and experience of Level I
and II.
• Level III training and experience should be sum of Level I and II.
•
ANSI/ASNT CP-105-2006 “ASNT Standard Topical Outlines for Qualification of
Nondestructive Testing Personnel” provides outlines and references for organized
training courses.
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Examination
• Level III is responsible for exam and grads or a qualified
person delegated by Level III.
• Level I and II exams consist of specific, general and specific
examinations.
• Average grade should be above 80%. No individual exam can
be below 70%.
• Acoustic Emission Level I general exam has 40 questions,
specific exam 20 questions.
• Acoustic Emission Level II general exam has 40 questions,
specific exam 20 questions.
• Practical exams for Level II and III should have at least ten
different checkpoints requiring an understanding of test
variables and specific procedures.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 SNTTC-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 CP189. No techniques defined for Acoustic Emission.
• Trainee – person that have not certified yet for any level.
• NDT Instructor – an individual qualified to perform
education and training of NDT personnel.
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Criteria for NDT Instructor
• ASNT Level III certificate OR
• Academic credentials equivalent to B.S. in
exact science and adequate knowledge in the
NDT method OR
• Graduate of a two-years school of science or
NDT and have at least 5 years as an NDT Level
II.
• Have 10 years of NDT experience as an NDT
Level II.
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CP-189
• Written specific and practical examinations for
Level III.
• NDT Level I and II should have general, specific
and practical examinations.
• Vision examination using Jaeger Number 1 at a
distance not less than 12 inches. Annual vision
exam. Color exams during each rectification.
• Recertification after 5 years.
• Re-examination after 10 years.
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