Certification and Qualification in NDT Training – Which Makes Better Sense

Certification and Qualification in NDT Training – Which Makes Better Sense

When it comes to NonDestructive Training or NDT training, there are a plethora of subjects that create a perplexing state for people eying a future in this landscape. Topics like remuneration, documentation and examination are openly discussed in a variety of forums: both online and offline. However, two terms that confuse most people looking to take up NDT training are certification and qualification.

So what are things that differentiate the two and which one should people go for when looking to strengthen their career prospects in this arena? Hopefully, by the end of this piece, you will get an answer to this question and many others floating in your mind.

Things will seem significantly clearer if we take a look at few of the most straightforward and underlying definitions of the two terms.

While qualification blends together organized education, examination and training, followed by a relevant work experience, certification is more like a written testimony that is given by the employer. The testimony suggests that the candidate has gained specialization in a particular testing method and has also met all the requirements of the employer, associated with training and experience.

The three most basic steps that are part of the qualification process in Non-destructive testing are training, examinations, and experience. The inspection personnel is provided with all the information and training on a particular method. Subsequently, he/she has to give examinations and score well to seal their future prospects in NDT. For example, if you apply for dye penetrant testing course, you will have to take up exams in the same field. Experience comes next and candidates are required to gain hands-on exposure to the testing method, under the close supervision of a certified inspection professional. Experience is very important as it paves the way for recruitment in large conglomerates.

Certification, on the other hand, is more beneficial for experienced professionals, as it enables them to bolster their skills and tactics in a particular method of inspection. This comes across greatly helpful in clearing the path to the advanced zone and earning better salary packages. Students straight out of organized education regime can also apply for these courses at nondestructive testing schools to catch the attention of various employers in this domain.

Certification and qualification are although two vastly different topics under nondestructive testing, but somehow they show a definitive connection. Your choice will largely depend upon your level of education and expertise.

Author’s Bio: The author is associated with a variety of Nondestructive testing schools and his articles and blogs feature a variety of prominent websites. In this section, he explains the difference between certification and qualification in the field of NDT training.

Why You Should Opt For Non-Destructive Testing

In today’s cut-throat competition, no company can take the risk of offering products without testing them thoroughly. Among various testing methods, non-destructive testing (NDT) is the most widely used testing process to inspect, test, or evaluate materials, components or assemblies for differences or discontinuities in characteristics without affecting the serviceability of the part or system being tested. Putting it in other words, the products can still be used after ND testing.

The biggest benefit of the non-destructive testing method is that it can be applied to all materials, components or assemblies actually being put into service, while other testing methods are applied to a limited number of samples. This is the reason why more and more companies are adopting NDT their preferred testing method. Below mentioned are six most frequently used NDT methods:

• Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
• Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
• Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
• Radiographic Testing (RT)
• Electromagnetic Testing (ET)
• Visual Testing (VT)
• Dye Penetrant Testing

In addition to these aforesaid frequently used ND testing methods, some other NDT methods include Acoustic Emission Testing (AE), Guided Wave Testing (GW), Laser Testing Method (LM), Leak Testing (LT), Vibration Analysis (VA), etc. Considering the popularity of NDT methods in various industries, getting training and certification in various NDT methods open a new world of opportunities.

Global NDE Guru is an eLearning program of NDT Consultancy Services Inc., a fast growing, technology driven company. The company puts a strong emphasis on creating path-breaking online NDT training, certification, inspection and other consulting services in the domain non-destructive testing.

Dial our Toll-Free number to know more about our online NDT training, classroom training, certification, consultation, and specialized third party NDT inspection.

Why Online NDT Training Steadily Gaining Global Acceptance

Non-Destructive Testing or NDT is critical for the reliability and safety of an infrastructure, plant, or any such facility for that matter. Thus, a technician performing NDT needs to have undergone training from an accredited source; this training must be in line with the regional or international standards. However, this training could be a complex process, owing to regulatory requirements, regional standards, and industry specifications.

An online NDT training program can only be successful if it has achieved its objectives of providing a candidate the ability of comprehending offered knowledge and the skills to effectively and capably perform these tests.

While the traditional NDT classroom approach is still alive, advancements in technology have provided the much needed impetus to NDT online training. The interest in online programs has also risen greatly over the past few years. According to recent studies, online NDT training is only going to amass more students due to the flexibility it offers.

Online training has been welcomed with open hands by NDT service companies. If we see it from a traditional perspective, these companies have to spend a lot of money to train someone and hope that they will be able to get through the exams without having to repeat the program again.

Online NDT training is also preferred by students as they have much more time to complete the program, something which they are not allowed in classroom training. This additionally helps working professionals, as they can continue their training and work without any added pressure.

Online NDT Training: A Small Step to Do Big In Future

Nondestructive testing (NDT) is a testing method used to inspect or evaluate materials, components or assemblies for differences or discontinuities in characteristics without destroying the serviceability of the system or any part. In other words, the part or the system being tested can be used once the test is completed.

These days, most industries are using NDT in manufacturing and in-service inspections, to ensure product integrity and reliability and maintain a uniform quality level. This is the reason why there is a growing demand of professionals who are certified in nondestructive testing. So, there is a big scope for a shining career in this domain.

When it comes to training for nondestructive testing, you have two options: one is to get training from an institute and another is opting for online NDT training. However, if you are looking for a flexible, time-saving, and economical way of NDT training, you should get NDT training online.

Global NDE Guru offers the smartest and easiest way to learn nondestructive testing in the comfort of your home. If you are looking for NDT training online in Houston, Global NDE Guru is the right destination. It offers the training as per the requirements of ASNT SNT-TC-1A, NAS410, CP-189 and other written practices, specifically designed to meet individual and various industries’ requirements for personnel training, education, qualification, and certification. What’s more; Global NDE Guru can also arrange for hands-on experiences on different equipment at its NDT training school in Houston. What are you waiting for now? Give us a call to know more about online NDT training.

Weekend training programs in NDT methods

If you are a working professional and are looking for weekend online training programs, NDE Guru, an online training program developed by NDT Consultancy Services Inc., will soon be starting fresh training programs in four different methods of non-destructive testing.

All these programs will be taking place in May and June this year, and will focus on effectively using non-destructive testing methods in various industrial applications.

The objectives of these NDT training program is to help the attendants understand the various phases of product manufacturing and development and employ methods to reduce costs, prevent accidents, enhance product reliability, and provide repair information,

First of the four will be magnetic particle testing program, which will train you to assess the discontinuities in manufacturing process by utilizing the magnetic strength of the material under examination. This testing method is applicable to different industries, including aerospace, nuclear, steel, ship building, oil, refining and petrochemical amongst others.

Liquid penetrant testing program will allow you to use the physics and applications of this testing method to discontinuities in ferrous and nonferrous product surfaces.

Visual & optical testing program will offer you the knowledge of using optical and mechanical tools, and optical and visual techniques for assessing flaws in products.

Ultrasonic digital thickness measurement program will help you understand the use high frequency sound waves for characterizing various physical properties of a product.

These training programs will help attendees utilize these NDT methods for ensuring product quality.

Here is the training schedule:

Online training is the new buzz in NDT learning approaches

While the traditional classroom approach to NDT training is still going great guns, the constant development in technology have led to a far more accessible and effective approach to learn the tricks of non-destructive testing. Online NDT training has gone from an approach accompanied by apprehensions to a complete learning and knowledge sharing technique which is being preferred by many people interested in this field. People who were against NDT online training have one reason to support their stand, which if seen from the neutral perspective seems correct. They say that through online training, one can’t have the required hands-on experience on the latest NDT equipment; however, experts believe that training programs that lay emphasis on maintaining balance between practical and theoretical knowledge can prove these apprehensions wrong.

Online NDT training concept has had a positive response from the NDT community worldwide, and the number of people taking this approach is also expected to rise significantly in the near future.

This approach is additionally beneficial for working professionals who can’t buy too much time to take regular training classes. Furthermore, unlike traditional classes, online NDT training doesn’t have to be completed in specific and short timeframe. You can choose programs that fit your schedules and take online classes when you are available.

NDE Guru provides online NDT training with modules and programs designed to enrich your knowledge as well as practical experience of various facets of non-destructive testing.

3 Benefits of Accessing Your NDT Education Online

If you are considering a career change or are seeking advancement in the field of petrochemicals, offshore, onshore, steel mills or refineries, consider the possibilities of Nondestructive Testing or NDT certification. This field of discipline has a vital role in many different industries to assure structural components and systems are functioning in a cost effective and reliable fashion. Pursuit of this career opportunity requires a person receive the necessary training with a NDT school to not only understand how to utilize testing equipment but also detail the results to companies hiring your full time or contracting services. Proper education is invaluable and it is important to look at all of your options including the possibility of online NDT solutions. From these online services you will discover the benefits of saving time, saving money, and receiving a higher level of education.

Saving Time

For most individuals, it is a near impossibility to stop everything they are doing and focus on the opportunities of attending a full time educational institution. Most individuals considering the possibilities of taking NDT courses are already working a full time job they are unable to quit. This means they either have the option of abandoning the idea of gaining NDT certification or taking years of night classes to eventually earn this certification. Instead of abandoning hope, consider the incredible time saving opportunities of online courses. With the online option you can take classes from home, allowing you to avoid the commute of travel or the demands of having a physical presence in a classroom. With this you can take multiple NDT classes and create a schedule customized to meet your demands as you seek this higher form of education.

Saving Money

Most individuals are experiencing significant pressures when it comes to managing their finances and supporting their families. The solutions of a NDT school may be appealing, however the cost related to educational demands can be too overwhelming to incorporate into your existing financial budget. With the possibilities of online NDT solutions you can often discover affordable training services which will help you to choose a new career or advance in your current position. By going online you can avoid many of the costs associated with a traditional training method like travel expenses, material costs, and loss of valuable time.

Receiving a Higher Level of Education

The final benefit you will discover by pursing an internet based form of NDT education is discovered with receiving a higher level of education. One of the difficulties found with following a physical education option is that it is often hard to capture and retain information. Instructors detail how various processes are conducted and display trade secrets while you have to rely on the notes you take to capture the valuable data. With internet NDT training this information is provided to you by instructors through notes they have created or video presentations. From these videos you can pause, repeat and remember every detail of information in a far superior educational format. You receive a higher level of NDT education because you are able to access tools which would be unavailable in the traditional school format.

In the current market of employment every industry is facing high levels of competition as more people fight for fewer jobs. If you are considering a career change or are simply looking to improve your odds of advancement, there is no greater solution than seeking the benefits of NDT classes on the internet. Here you will be able to obtain the knowledge you need and find benefits including saving time, saving money and receiving a higher level of education.

NON Destructive Testing (NDT) Training, Certification and Consulting Resourse

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a method of examining a part or assembly without altering or destroying the test object.  It is used extensively in all types of operations requiring the use of machinery and piping systems, such as off-shore, refineries, shipbuilding, aviation, and nuclear plants.  Since NDT allows thorough inspection of a component without damaging or altering the integrity of the component, it is a valuable technique that can save time and money in product inspection. Ensuring product reliability in the operation of any component is the goal of NDT, to protect lives and property.  The common NDT methods include dye penetrant, eddy-current, magnetic-particle, radiographic, remote visual inspection, and ultrasonic testing.  Nondestructive testing is used to inspect metal components for damage, composition, and manufacturing defects.

Welding is commonly used to join together metal surfaces, and welds are one of the most common NDT test subjects. Cracking due to strain and fatigue are common weld failure modes.   NDT methods including radiography, dye-penetrant testing, and magnetic particle testing are commonly used for inspection of welds. Metal components are typically subjected to stress from heat and friction.   The resultant strain causes microscopic cracking, deformation from plastic flow, and hardening of metals.  Eddy-current and dye penetrant testing are usually used for this testing.  During the welding process, the base metal must reach a certain temperature for the weld material to melt and fuse.  The weld also must cool at a specific rate, and the base and weld materials must be compatible.  Any of these occurrences may induce cracks to form in the weld, causing failure.  NDT techniques typically used in welding are radiography, ultrasonic testing, dye penetrant, or eddy current.  Identifying hidden weld defects is essential to safe operation of critical components.

NDT training can be either employer-based or from an accrediting body.  Employer-based training is usually based on SNT-TC-1A of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing, or AIA-NAS-410, in the aerospace industry, and NAVSEA 250-1500 in Naval shipbuilding  .   In addition, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard CP-189 outlines the requirements for written practices that conform to this standard.  AN NDT operator may also obtain third-party training, with certification from a central certification authority, conforming to ISO 17024.

NDT certification schemes conform to  three levels of qualification, designated as Levels  1, 2, and 3. Level 1 is qualified to perform work under direct supervision of higher level technicians.  Test results may be reported, but no data evaluation may be done by Level 1 technicians.  Work is typically done according to specific work instructions.  Level 2 technicians are qualified to set up and calibrate testing equipment, conduct testing according to standards, with some flexibility in decision-making, and also to supervise Level  technicians.  They are also able to interpret and evaluate test results.  Level 3 are engineers or experienced technicians who may establish NDT procedures, direct training and laboratories.  They are expected to have a wide knowledge of materials, fabrication, and technology.  Progression in certification for each test method requires weeks of classroom training and up to hundreds of hours of on-the-job training.

Online training is an excellent training delivery method, allowing companies in the oil and gas industries, as well as persons interested in training to work in this field, to train personnel on their own timetable, companies wishing to establish or enhance their own NDT program, or persons wishing to make a career change to obtain all necessary training from anywhere in the world.  Completion of classroom training, hands-on training, and examinations will lead to certification as a Class 1 or Class 2 NDT Technician.  NDT Consultancy Services provides worldwide NDT training, certification, and Level 3 consulting solutions to the Oil and Gas Industry.  You may enhance, maintain or upgrade certifications using our eLearning services. Training, consulting, auditing and inspection services are provided by trained, certified and experienced personnel to meet our customer’s requirements, from any where in the world, and at any time.  Our current online courses include Eddy Current Testing I and II, Digital Radiographic testing, and Electromagnetic Testings Levels I and II.  You will save money by reducing time schedules and down time.  You may start your path to a new career in NDT by training online with Global NDE Guru.For training, certification and consulting needs and for further info visit our website www.ndeguru.com and www.ndtcs.com

7 Phrases NEVER to Use at Work (or Anywhere Else)

By Robert Pagliarini for CBS MoneyWatch.com

(With Curtsey)

Comedian George Carlin famously spoke about the “seven words you can never say on television,” but the following seven seemingly innocuous words/phrases might be even worse. To say them is almost like dousing your goals, hopes and dreams with sulfuric acid.

Creating a better life is hard work! It takes little effort to maintain the status quo, but if you have a dream of making more money, getting a promotion, starting a business, becoming healthier, or improving your relationships, you’re going to need as much support as you can get. Strike these seven deadly words/phrases from you lexicon today:

1. When. This is a filthy word when it comes to improving your life. It sounds like this . . . “When I lose 10 pounds I’ll start dating again. When I’m a little older I’ll go for that promotion. When I complete my degree I’ll start that side-business.” Most of the time, our “whens” just don’t happen, or if they do, they take so long that we’ve forgotten what it was we wanted in the first place. “When” is rarely necessary, but just to be sure, ask yourself this: “Would it be illegal, unethical or immoral to start now?” If the answer is no, don’t wait for when.

2. Someday. There’s nothing wrong with having a “someday” list of things you want to do and places you want to go, but when you find that your “today” list is empty, you’d best start moving some of your future goals into the present. Someday is such a deceptive word. It makes you feel good by proclaiming you’ll someday achieve something, but months, years, and even decades can pass and you may find that your someday is still a long way away.

3. Willpower. According to behavior change expert Dr. BJ Fogg of the Stanford Persuasive Technology Lab, “Imagine willpower doesn’t exist. That’s step number one to a better future.” The problem with willpower is that most people either think they have it or they don’t. They’ll say, “Well, of course I ordered the double-fudge sundae. What did you expect from someone who doesn’t have any willpower?” Your genes determine the color of your eyes, NOT whether you order dessert.

4. Want/Wish/Hope. Don’t be a wimp! Stop wanting, wishing and hoping to do something or for something to happen. If you want more control over your fate, you must take more responsibility for your actions and their outcomes. Don’t sit around expecting change to arrive in your mailbox. It takes a decision and it takes action, not wishful thinking.

5. Not good enough. How can a phrase with “good” in it be so bad? These three simple words will keep you from hitting the publish button, making that important phone call, or trying out for the audition. The solution? Flip it around. Instead of “This isn’t good enough…”, change it to “It’s not perfect but it’s good enough.” Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Just put it out there and see what happens. For more insight into this, listen to my interview on RicherLife.com with Peter Sims as we discuss his book, Little Bets: How Breakthrough Ideas Emerge from Small Discoveries.

6. I don’t have the time. The same guy who doesn’t have time to go to the gym with you after work will miraculously be able to free up an entire evening if you present him with free Lakers basketball tickets. It may feel like you don’t have time, but with some focus and pruning of non-essential commitments (e.g., TV), you can free up 20 minutes to two hours every night to work on those actions that will help you create a better life.

7. It’s not the right time. If not now, when? No, really: If you are waiting for the stars to align, it’s not going to happen. Instead of waiting for the right time, shift your thinking and look for the least worst time to get started.

Think back to an achievement or goal you’ve accomplished. It took vision, dedication, and perseverance. No excuses. Stop castrating your future with these seven deadly words/phrases and start working toward a richer life.

Five Signs You’re a Bad Boss

 (With Courtesy)

By Diana Middleton
Friday, February 18, 2011

When the number of employees Matt Kaplan managed at a lab at the University of Arizona in Tucson mushroomed from six to 30, the school called in a management coach to make sure he was prepared. What he learned surprised him — his employees thought he was distant and didn’t trust their work.

 “The biggest challenge for me was realizing I couldn’t do everything myself,” he says. “I had to learn to trust my team, which was a gradual process.”

Experts say many bosses are similarly clueless about their appearance to employees. Here are five signals you may be one of them.

1. Most of your emails are one-word long.

It may be efficient, but many bosses don’t realize how curt a one-word email — even a simple “yes” or “no” — can be, says Barbara Pachter, a management coach and author of several workplace etiquette books. She calls it the “BlackBerry effect.”

[More from WSJ.com: Inventing Management 2.0]

“Managers have a tendency to be abrupt, especially when they’re answering emails on the go,” Ms. Pachter says. “It comes off as an invitation for conflict. A simple addition of ‘thanks’ goes a long way.”

Some manager’s craft even shorter emails. When Christina Marcus emailed an idea for a project to a former boss, he responded “Y.” Thinking he was questioning her idea, she spent 20 minutes crafting a response. Turns out, the “Y” meant “yes,” not “why.” Ms. Marcus eventually left the firm.

[More from WSJ.com: Chief Reboots After H-P Scandal]

2. You rarely talk to your employees face-to-face.

Relying on email may be convenient, but bosses are increasingly using technology to avoid having tough discussions, says Robert Sutton, professor at Stanford University and author of “Good Boss, Bad Boss.”

“No one wants to do the dirty work, but it’s a boss’ lot in life to deal with difficult issues,” Mr. Sutton says. Face-time engenders trust with employees, adds Ms. Pachter.

3. Your employees are out sick — a lot.

Employees will fake sickness to avoid a bad boss, says Mr. Sutton. But there’s evidence that a bad boss may be bad for your health. A 2008 Swedish study that tracked more than 3,000 men over 10 years found that the men who said they were poorly managed at work were 20%-40% more likely to have a heart attack.

[More from WSJ.com: Banks Push Home Buyers to Put Down More Cash]

4. Your team’s working overtime, but still missing deadlines.

New bosses are particularly prone to giving unmanageable deadlines to staffers, says Gini Graham Scott, author of “A Survival Guide for Working with Bad Bosses.”

A human resources executive at a New York firm who declined to be named because she’s currently looking for a new position, says that she began working 15-hour days after her new boss came on board. Her boss’ first order of business: Promising more aggressive deadlines to clients. “She would tell the client, ‘We can have this for you in three days,’ which was impossible,” says this woman.

5. You yell.

Even if you aren’t screaming angrily at your employees, speaking loudly can damage workplace morale, says Ms. Pachter, the management coach. “Employees will constantly feel like they’re being reprimanded, and they’ll avoid you if there’s ever a problem,” she says.

At one of Ms. Marcus’ former jobs every debate was a public forum, she says. “My bosses would shout freely across the office, even when they weren’t necessarily angry,” she says. “It charged the atmosphere and really killed productivity, especially when you were trying to figure out who you should be listening to.”