NDT Certification and Practices 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which code governs NDT personnel qualification for nuclear power plant in-service inspections in the US?
- ASME Section XI (Correct answer)
- AWS D1.1
- API 1104
- ASTM E543
Correct answer: ASME Section XI
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section XI governs in-service inspection of nuclear power plant components, including NDT personnel qualification.
Question 2: How long must NDT certification records typically be retained per ASNT SNT-TC-1A?
- One year after certification expires
- For the duration of the certification plus a defined period after expiration (Correct answer)
- Six months only
- Indefinitely with no minimum
Correct answer: For the duration of the certification plus a defined period after expiration
SNT-TC-1A requires that certification records be maintained for at least the duration of the certification and for a defined period after expiration or termination.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes a 'method' in NDT?
- A specific brand of NDT equipment
- A physical principle used to detect discontinuities, such as ultrasonics or radiography (Correct answer)
- The written procedure for a specific inspection
- A type of calibration block
Correct answer: A physical principle used to detect discontinuities, such as ultrasonics or radiography
In NDT, a method refers to the physical principle employed, such as ultrasonic testing (UT), radiographic testing (RT), or magnetic particle testing (MT).
Question 4: What distinguishes an NDT 'technique' from an NDT 'method'?
- A technique is a broader category; a method is a specific application
- A technique is a specific application or variation within a method (Correct answer)
- They are interchangeable terms
- A technique refers to the equipment used
Correct answer: A technique is a specific application or variation within a method
A technique is a specific way of applying an NDT method, such as pulse-echo or through-transmission being techniques within the ultrasonic method.
Question 5: In the context of NDT certification, what is 'portability' of certification?
- The ability to carry equipment to remote sites
- Recognition of a technician's certification by employers other than the original certifying employer (Correct answer)
- Wireless data transmission of NDT results
- Mobile lab certification
Correct answer: Recognition of a technician's certification by employers other than the original certifying employer
Portability refers to whether a technician's certification is recognized by different employers; ACCP and EN ISO 9712 certifications are more portable than SNT-TC-1A, which is employer-specific.
Question 6: Which standard governs NDT personnel certification in Europe and many international markets?
- ASNT SNT-TC-1A
- EN ISO 9712 (Correct answer)
- MIL-STD-410
- NAVSEA 250-1500-1
Correct answer: EN ISO 9712
EN ISO 9712 is the international standard for qualification and certification of NDT personnel, widely used in Europe and recognized globally.
Question 7: What is the consequence if an NDT technician's vision fails to meet required standards at an annual exam?
- They may continue working but must log the deficiency
- They must be recertified at a lower level
- They are not permitted to perform NDT tasks requiring visual acuity until corrected (Correct answer)
- Their certification transfers automatically to a non-visual method
Correct answer: They are not permitted to perform NDT tasks requiring visual acuity until corrected
Failure to meet vision requirements disqualifies the technician from performing NDT tasks that require adequate visual acuity until the condition is corrected and retested.
NDT Certification and Practices 3
Which code governs NDT personnel qualification for nuclear power plant in-service inspections in the US?