22 Sep What is ASNT CP 189?

CP 189 is a certification for employers to train and certify their employees, just like the SNT-TC-1A. CP 189 brings uniformity and quality in the certifications provided by employers and it is considered as the national standard for employer certification.

Since SNT-TC-1A is more like a recommended practice for the employers to certify their employees and since the employer can choose to alter or remove any recommendations based on their requirements there was a lack of uniformity in employer based certification programs. CP 189 rectifies this void, as the employers are required to strictly follow the rules and meet the all listed criterias to conduct certification programs.

CP 189 clearly specifies a minimum requirement of education, training, work experience and examination standards that must be met by the employers to certify their employees.

Levels of qualification CP 189

ASNT CP 189 has five levels of qualification, where SNT-TC-1A had only 3.

The five levels of qualifications in cp 189 are, 

1. Trainee
2. Level I
3. Level II
4. Level III
5. NDE instructor

The roles and responsibilities of Trainee, level 1, level 2 and level 3 are the same as in SNT-TC-1A qualifications . 

The NDE training must be provided by a qualified instructor. The NDE instructor should have an ASNT level 3 certification in the method being instructed. If the instructor does not have an ASNT Level 3 certificate, he/she should have a 4 year degree in engineering or technology and sufficient work experience in the method being instructed as mentioned in CP 189 rules.

ASNT CP 189 Validity 

CP 189 rectifies a lot of loopholes that can deter the quality of certification in SNT-TC-1A. CP 189 compels the employers to have at least one ASNT level 3 certified personnel in their organization.

The validity of CP 189 certification is nullified as soon as the employee exits the organization from where they acquired the certificate. If not resigned from the organization, CP 189 certifications have a validity of 5 years.

CP 189 Examination

The CP 189 examination 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. If an employee fails the CP 189 examination, they must undergo additional training, which will be decided by the Level 3 certified instructor. The re-examination of failed employees must contain at least 30% new questions.