r/nondestructivetesting

I graduated Highschool and applied to nait over the summer for welding but was waitlisted and didn’t get in. I recently learned about NDT and was told it’s a trade easier on your body pIus can make bigger bucks if I get into something specialized. I am an 18 year old 5’0 girl. I don’t have my license and just got my learners so would I have to wait till next Year when I have my license to apply to NDT jobs? I was hoping not to take a gap year but I do already work a part time job and could pick up another serving job while I wait. Would I be better off applying to Nait for welding for next year or trying to join an NDT union. The classes for NDT are much shorter and I don’t know enough about either field and an open to any advice. It was between those two options because I’m trying to move out soon and they seemed the fastest and most secure ways to start making good money. I live in Edmonton AB and am not sure how the job market looks for NDT but I heard they were always needed because of the line to work they do

Please share any tips or pointers for the CWB level 2 exam essay .
Thanks

Gonna take the exam soon so any advice?
EN

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to start a career in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) in the UK, but I’m a little confused about the best route to get started.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy and Materials Science, but I don’t have any professional NDT experience yet.

I’ve been looking at the courses offered by TWI (The Welding Institute), and I’m finding it difficult to understand where I should start. They offer courses in both conventional NDT (UT, MT, PT, VT, etc.) and advanced NDT (such as PAUT and ToFD).

I contacted TWI previously about the CSWIP route, but I was told that I need relevant experience for admission, which I currently don’t have.

For someone in my position:

• Which NDT method(s) would you recommend starting with?
• Should I begin with conventional NDT Level 2 courses such as UT, MT, PT or VT?
• Is it better to get a job as an NDT trainee/assistant first and then work towards PCN/CSWIP certification?
• Should I consider PAUT/ToFD at this stage, or are these better taken after gaining experience in conventional UT?
• Does my Metallurgy and Materials Science degree provide any advantage when entering NDT?
• Is PCN or CSWIP generally preferred by UK employers for someone starting out?

I’d really appreciate advice from people currently working in NDT.

Thanks in advance!

Hello,

Trying to decide between 3 jobs and seeking any input.

I currently have a 500hr certificate in VT PT MT UT but searching for the best first job to settle into. Below are currently my options. Not including factors such as relocation or travel, just looking to choose the path that has the most room for growth/earning potential and long term stability.

-option 1- VT only with training to eventually earn CWI

-option 2- UT only with training to learn immersion

-option 3- training in Leak Testing

I appreciate all advice and thought. Thank you

Hi everyone, I’m a newbie planning to prepare for the API 510 certification.

I recently came across something called “Marks API 510 material” and heard that it can be helpful for preparation.

Does anyone have this material or know where I can find good study material?

Hi everyone,

I’m currently working in NDT and I’m planning to move to Australia. I’m trying to understand the best way to get my existing NDT qualifications recognised in Australia.

I currently hold a Chinese Special Equipment NDT Personnel Certificate – UT-II、PT-II、RT-II、MT-II

I also hold a Chinese Nuclear Safety NDT qualification.

I understand that AINDT is the main certification body for NDT personnel in Australia and that certification is based on ISO 9712.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone transferred a Chinese NDT qualification to AINDT?

2. Can a Chinese Special Equipment certificate be assessed for recognition or transfer?

3. If it cannot be transferred directly, what additional training or examinations are normally required?

4. Would it be better to obtain an ISO 9712 certificate in China first and then apply to AINDT?

5. Are there any particular documents I should prepare, such as training records, examination results and employment experience records?

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through this process or works in the Australian NDT industry.

Thanks in advance!

has anyone gone through PCN/ISO 9712 certification after being SNT-TC-1A qualified?

Hello everyone, im a trainee out on tinker afb okc, what methods usually pay the most around the dfw area and what is the average salary for them

I’m taking the CWI exam in 3 months, I’m primarily a pipe welder but I’ve been a structural shop welder for a couple months now.

I’m familiar with 1104 and D1.1, proficient in code book navigation, excel in math, & have all necessary tools.

• Any advice on what certs would get me onto pipeline or shutdowns?

• Any recommendations on where to start putting my name out there for those jobs?

I know a lot of people say it’s about who you know but that CANNOT be the only way, surely. I’m just trying to work my way up and start getting into the real money. I’ll gladly weld on those jobs if it’s the only way in, then transition to inspection once my name is out there.

Someone reached out to me today who manufactures large cylinders (ranging from 80"-100" ID, 1-2" thick). The company bends the steel round, and then welds a seam to hold it together. They first weld the ID, then back-gouge from the OD, and weld the OD.

The previous NDT company they hired kept missing lack of fusion and inclusions on the ID weld (they performed UT shearwave on the OD), so I am trying to figure out the best way to find those issues. Since the lack of fusion/slag is appearing in the ID, would it be a good idea to perform something like Magnetic Particle Testing once they back-gouge the OD? I am, of course, open to any other suggestions.

I was wondering what kind of tape you guys use on your ET weld differential probes? I go through a lot of tape and need a strong durable tape that will glide along the rough and bumpy surfaces I have to test regularly. Currently I use your standard vinyl/pcc electrical tape to cover the tip and then use a few layers of a tape that is similar to cello tape (polypropylene plastic film coated with an acrylic adhesive).

Looking for any recommendations of brands/types of tape. I hope some experienced ET techs can help me out here.

Currently a structural welder, I applied for and got an offer for a radiography trainee role. I was frustrated with lack of progression in terms of training and chances to learn new things as a welder when I applied almost a year ago, which has since changed. So to any industrial radiographers, how long did it take you to get the hang of your work, and does it continue to be engaging past the first few years?

Hey everyone!

I'm currently preparing for the NACE-CIP Level 2 exam, which I’m planning to take in the first week of September. I’d really appreciate any tips, insights, or resources that could help with the preparation.

I understand that Level 2 goes deeper into coating inspection, application, surface preparation, inspection techniques, coating failures, and relevant standards/specifications.

One thing I’ve noticed is that the course material was updated/changed from December 2025, so I’m particularly interested in resources and study advice that are relevant to the latest Level 2 curriculum.

Here’s where I am so far:

1. Study Materials – I’m using the official NACE-CIP Level 2 course material, but I’m also looking for additional books, practice questions, mock exams, or other useful resources based on the updated curriculum.
2. Study Plan – I’m balancing preparation with other commitments, so any advice on how to structure the remaining weeks effectively would be really helpful.
3. Exam Experience – If you’ve recently taken the NACE-CIP Level 2 exam, especially under the updated course material, I’d love to hear about the difficulty level, important topics, and what you found most useful to study.
4. Study Groups/Forums – Are there any active groups, communities, or forums where people preparing for the Level 2 exam share questions and knowledge?

If anyone has recently completed NACE-CIP Level 2 under the post-December 2025 course material, I’d especially appreciate your advice.

Thanks in advance!