Understanding ASNT SNT-TC-1A

Recommended Practice and CP-189

Standard
Dr. Boris Muravin

ASNT Level III in Acoustic Emission training series

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 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
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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 Employers 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 SNT-
TC-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 CP-
189. 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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