How To Become an NDT Technician

An important part of ensuring machinery and equipment work properly is to test them. Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians use specific methods to evaluate materials. As the name indicates, these technicians leave materials intact as they use various tests to identify flaws. NDT technicians check components, structures and vehicles, so they can make repair recommendations and ensure various equipment is properly maintained.

For those who enjoy problem-solving and who want to work on tasks that ensure structural safety and protect users of important machinery, a career as an NDT technician can be exciting. Learn more about what NDT technicians do and how to become one.

Key Points:

• What is an NDT technician? Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and proper maintenance of machinery and equipment by using various testing methods to identify flaws without damaging the materials. They work across different industries, including aviation, manufacturing and power generation to inspect vehicles, structures and more.
• NDT technicians employ a range of testing techniques such as acoustic emission, eddy current, electromagnetics, leak testing, magnetic particle and radiography among others to evaluate materials for defects, wear and corrosion. Their work involves calibrating equipment, developing new testing methods, documenting processes and preparing test results reports.
• To become an NDT technician, individuals can pursue training through trade schools or gain experience as an assistant or apprentice. Training programs, some of which can be completed in less than a year, cover various NDT methods and prepare graduates to pursue entry-level positions and further certification.
• A career in NDT is suitable for those interested in a hands-on role that involves problem-solving and ensuring the safety of critical structures and machinery. NDT technicians need to apply critical thinking skills to evaluate test results and make recommendations.

How to get NDT certification

Obtaining NDT (non-destructive testing) certification can help NDT techs advance in their careers. The first step is to select the appropriate NDT method that aligns with your career goals, such as ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing or magnetic particle testing.

Next, enroll in a training program that offers hands-on education and coursework tailored to your chosen method. Once you graduate, you can take the certification exams administered by recognized bodies such as the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) or the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT).

Earning your NDT certification not only validates your knowledge but can also help open opportunities for career growth.

Non-Destructive Testing Technician Job Description

NDT technicians use industry-specific testing procedures to test materials and evaluate the results according to applicable standards, codes and specifications. There is a variety of NDT methods, including:

• Acoustic emission (AE)
• Eddy current (ET)
• Electromagnetic testing (ET)
• Leak testing (LT)
• Liquid penetrant testing (PT)
• Magnetic particle testing (MT)
• Neutron radiography (NR)
• Radiographic testing (RT)
• Thermal or infrared testing (IR)
• Ultrasonic testing (UT)
• Vibration analysis (VA)
• Visual testing (VT)

NDT technicians work in a variety of industries, including some that power the world’s biggest machinery. These industries include aviation, gas, manufacturing, oil and power generation, with NDT technicians working on vehicles and structures like aircraft, bridges, dams, pipelines, nuclear reactors and trains.

A typical day on the job as an NDT technician might include duties like:

• Use testing techniques to identify defects, surface cracks and other flaws in materials
• Visually examine materials for signs of wear and corrosion
• Calibrate technical equipment
• Develop new NDT methods
• Document NDT methods and processes
• Measure the chemical or physical properties of objects
• Prepare test results reports
• Produce object images on film

Depending on the area an NDT technician specializes in, they’ll use specific equipment and tools to test various materials and structures. These might include dyes, closed-circuit television systems, endoscopes, radio astronomy equipment, voltage measurement equipment and fiber optics.

READ MORE: WHAT IS NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING: A COMPLETE GUIDE

Path To Becoming an NDT Technician

NDT technicians typically need some work-related knowledge or experience to obtain a position. Someone who’s interested in the NDT field can train to become a technician through trade school or get on-the-job experience as an assistant or apprentice before moving into a technician role.

You can train to pursue an NDT career in less than a year. Universal Technical Institute’s NDT technician program teaches the following courses over the course of nine months:

• Eddy Current Theory and Application I & II
• Magnetic Particle Theory and Application I & II
• Penetrant Theory and Application I & II
• Radiography Theory I
• Ultrasound Theory and Application I & II
• Visual Theory and Application I & II

Once you graduate, you’ll be qualified to apply for entry-level roles in the NDT field and work toward on-the-job training hours that can help you prepare for NDT inspector certification and other types of credentials.¹

Is Non-Destructive Testing a Good Career?

An NDT career may be a fit for you if you’re interested in working in a hands-on career that requires solving problems and finding solutions for important materials and machinery. You’ll play an important role in keeping essential structures and the people who use them safe. You’ll often need to use critical thinking skills as you evaluate test results and provide recommendations.

NDT training teaches you skills that can be applied to a wide variety of industries. Some people who study NDT use their training to pursue related careers, including roles as industrial maintenance technicians.

Non-Destructive Testing Technician Salary Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary of non-destructive testing technicians in the United States was $73,500 in May 2023.⁶² This means half earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Get Training To Become an NDT Technician

The Advanced Non-Destructive Testing Technician training program at our Houston, Texas, campus covers a variety of NDT methods to prepare graduates to pursue entry-level work in diverse industries. You can graduate in less than a year and connect with Career Services to find open positions in locations and industries you’re interested in.

To get information on the NDT technician training program, request info.