Employer-Based Certification

Over the years a common theme has reverberated within the ASNT organization relating to NDT personnel certification and the oversight of employer-based NDT certification programs, specifically SNT-TC-1A and ANSI/ASNT CP-189. Why does ASNT who writes, maintains and clarifies the expectations / requirements for NDT Personnel certification through SNT-TC-1A and ANSI/ASNT CP-189 not police or have oversight of the program, through an accreditation program?. In the last five years, there has been renewed conversations in the policing of certification programs that embrace SNT-TC-1A and CP-189, from industry, manufacturers, partners, members and certification holders.

In response, the ASNT Employer-Based Certification (EBC) Program was born. Its purpose to provide the NDT industry with a registry program that ensures NDT Service Providers and Inspection Agencies meet the minimum compliance with either SNT-TC-1A or CP-189 through the employer’s Written Practice.

How does the process work?

1. The process begins with the application and submittal of the necessary paperwork and fees.
2. ASNT selects an auditor for the accreditation of the company submitting the application.
3. Audit Step 1 – Desktop audit is performed by the auditor, who reviews the company written practice / NDT certification procedure to verify that it addresses the main requirements as reflected in SNT-TC-1A and/or CP-189. Any aspects of the review that require clarification or changes shall be identified and documented accordingly with the auditor and company. Any nonconforming item(s) will be identified through the issuance of nonconformance(s).
4. ASNT technical staff works with the applicant to close out outstanding items. This includes any nonconformance’s issued by the auditor. NOTE: nonconformances issued as part of audit step 1 shall be completed prior to audit step 2 taking place.
5. Audit Step 2 – Remote audit*. The compliance audit (approx. one day) will verify NDT personnel are trained, qualified and certified in accordance with the company written practice / NDT certification procedured.
6. ASNT technical staff work with the applicant to close out outstanding items and determine if accreditation is to be granted
7. A review panel verifies the accreditation pack has been completed in accordance with the defined requirements.
8. Company is notified accordingly.
9. Any company accredited will be listed on the registered accredited list for EBC on the ASNT website.

* - Applicants may request an onsite audit however, will be subject to additional fees to cover travel costs.

If you do not see the answer to your specific question, feel free to email ASNT at ebc@asnt.org

What is the benefit of holding an accreditation for NDT Personnel Certification?

1. Competitive advantage - differentiate between those capable of implementing and maintaining an effective employer-based certification program as opposed to those that cannot.

2. Recognition - by the association that developed SNT-TC-1A and ANSI/ASNT CP-189, confirming NDT Service Providers or Inspection Agencies comply with either SNT-TC-1A or CP-189 through their company Written Practice.

3. Standardization - NDT certification assessments are taking place at companies with varying levels of oversight by many different companies, creating inconsistencies.Having a program managed by industry through ASNT provides the opportunity to share information for the betterment of the industry to tackle the challenges faced individually by companies and working collectively to standardize these challenges. Everyone faces the same challenges, why work on these issues individually?

4. Potential cost reductions - What happens when industry is involved as a collective working together through ASNT, accepting the EBC Accreditation? The potential reductions of site visits from customers, who are specifically there to review NDT personnel certification programs. A reduction in site visits, allows for the resource and time (preparation, assessment, addressing outstanding items, etc.) to be redirected within the company.