NDT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NDT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When performing liquid penetrant testing on a rough, as-welded surface, what precaution is most important? → Ensure thorough pre-cleaning to remove weld spatter and contaminants from the surface
2. What documentation is MOST critical to maintain for safety compliance in the Boilermaker Nondestructive Testing Certification field? → Incident reports, training records, and inspection logs
3. In Boilermaker Nondestructive Testing Certification practice, what is the CORRECT sequence when performing a technical procedure? → Plan, prepare, execute, verify, and document
4. What effect does post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) have on the residual stresses in a welded boiler component? → It reduces residual stresses by allowing stress relaxation at elevated temperature
5. What does visual inspection NDT focus on? → To detect visible defects such as cracks and corrosion
6. A weld is made with E7018 electrodes on A36 base metal. What does the '70' in E7018 designate? → Minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi for the deposited weld metal
7. What is the primary goal of Nondestructive Testing (NDT)? → To check for hidden defects without damaging the material
8. When eddy current testing (ET) is performed on boiler tubes, what PPE is specifically important due to the proximity of coil energization and metal surfaces? → Electrical insulating gloves and eye protection
9. What documentation is MOST critical to maintain for safety compliance in the Boilermaker Nondestructive Testing Certification field? → Incident reports, training records, and inspection logs
10. Why is knowledge of material properties vital in Material Properties & Inspection Standards? → To ensure accurate assessments of materials
11. Which of the following is a disadvantage of using magnetic particle testing (MT)? → It can only be used on ferromagnetic materials
12. When conducting a risk assessment for NDT operations, which factor should receive the HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
13. How are compliance regulations related to Boilermaker Structural Integrity Assessments? → They ensure work is done according to legal and safety standards
14. In acoustic emission testing (AET) of a pressure vessel during hydrostatic testing, what does a cluster of AE events from a localized area indicate? → Active crack growth or significant structural activity at that location
15. What method is used to assess material properties in Material Properties & Inspection Standards? → Non-destructive testing methods
16. How does the NDT body of knowledge relate to daily professional practice? → It provides the foundational framework guiding decision-making and standard practices
17. How are compliance regulations related to Material Properties & Inspection Standards? → They ensure work is done according to legal and safety standards
18. Which ASME code section specifically governs the nondestructive examination requirements for pressure vessels? → ASME Section V — Nondestructive Examination
19. Which NFPA standard addresses electrical safety requirements for boilermaker NDT technicians using powered test equipment? → NFPA 70E
20. In radiographic testing, what does a darker area on the developed film typically indicate? → A less dense region such as a void or porosity
21. What is the MOST important reason for maintaining equipment maintenance logs in NDT practice? → To track maintenance history, predict failures, and demonstrate compliance
22. Which statement BEST describes the relationship between Boilermaker Nondestructive Testing Certification certification and industry evolution? → Requirements evolve periodically to reflect advances in knowledge and practice
23. How does the NDT body of knowledge relate to daily professional practice? → It provides the foundational framework guiding decision-making and standard practices
24. What is the theoretical throat of a flat-faced fillet weld with a 1/2-inch leg size? → 0.354 inch
25. Which AWS code governs the structural welding of steel for pressure vessels and boiler applications inspected under NDT boilermaker standards? → ASME Section VIII Division 1
26. What role does calibration play in maintaining technical accuracy for Boilermaker Nondestructive Testing Certification professionals? → It ensures instruments produce accurate, consistent results over time
27. What property distinguishes a ferritic steel from an austenitic steel in terms of magnetic behavior? → Ferritic steels are magnetic; austenitic steels are generally non-magnetic
28. Which body issues the Certificate of Inspection that legally authorizes a boiler to operate in most US states? → The state boiler inspection jurisdiction or its authorized inspector
29. What method is used to assess material properties in Boilermaker Structural Integrity Assessments? → Non-destructive testing methods
30. According to AWS D1.1, which visual weld inspection criterion applies to undercut in a statically loaded structure? → Undercut shall not exceed 1/16 inch in depth