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.