01 Aug ASNT SNT- TC Course Details and Training

What is ASNT SNT-TC-1A?

ASNT SNT-TC-1A is not a mandatory certification for the candidates in a non-destructive testing career. It is a certification for the employers (not employees) who wish to train and certify NDE professionals as a part of their in-house certification program. 

In-house certifications are arranged by the employers to ensure a minimum level of competency  in NDT professionals. 

ASNT SNT-TC-1A is used in a wide range of industries like oil & gas, construction, transportation, power plants etc. And it can be applied to NDT methods like eddy current, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, radiography, ultrasonic, and visual testing.

Levels of ASNT SNT-TC-1A Certification

SNT-TC-1A has 3 levels of qualification, each with more level duties and responsibilities than the last level. You need a specific set of education, experience and training to pass through each of these levels. The recertification period for each of the  three levels is 5 years. 

SNT-TC-1A Level 1:

Level 1 qualified personnels are only qualified to perform specific calibration activities, examinations or evaluation that has written instructions to perform. The responsibility level of these NDT personnels is very low.

SNT-TC-1A Level 2:

Level 2 personnels are qualified to interpret and evaluate the results of a testing and they can setup and calibrate testing equipment.  Level 2 technicians have more responsibilities and they are supposed to come up with the written instructions and on the job training of Level 1 technicians. 

SNT-TC-1A Level 3:

Level 3 technicians are eligible to interpret the NDT codes and design the testing methods and techniques to be used in an inspection. Level 3 personnel also have the responsibility to train the level 1 and level 2 personnels.

What is the difference between SNT-TC-1A and CP 189?

CP 189 is a more strict version of SNT-TC-1A.  ASNT created a more rigid version for the employers to certify their NDT personnels, with the intent of making it as the national standard. SNT-TC-1A is more like a guideline for the employers to certify their employees. The SNT-TC-1A guidelines can be altered or reduced by the employer to suit their specific needs. But CP 189 is more like a requirement rather than a guideline. 

Employers cannot alter or reduce the CP 189 requirements to certify their employees.

Both of these certifications require the candidates to undergo specific training, experience and exam to become eligible. 

SNT-TC-1A Examination

The SNT-TC-1A exam is carried out in 4 parts. 

1. Eye exam to test vision accuracy and color contrast descrimination 
2. Written exam to evaluate knowledge on general principles and testing methodology
3. Written exam to evaluate the knowledge of specific equipment and techniques used while on the job.
4. Practical examination based on a specific equipment, which will be evaluated in the job environment. 

Each of the four exams requires a 70% accuracy to pass.

SNT-TC-1A Latest Edition

SNT-TC-1A guideline documents are published every 4 years. The last published document is SNT-TC-1A 2020 edition. The next edition of the document will be published in 2024.