Exams & Certification

Certifications are used to demonstrate a person’s competence against set criteria.

AINDT is the Australian National Certification Body, providing certification in accordance with AS ISO 9712 and ISO 18436. This means that if you become certified through AINDT, you will receive a certification that verifies you have fulfilled the requirements of those relevant standards.

Certifications like those issued by AINDT have expiry dates. AINDT certifications expire after 5 years, thereby requiring you to recertify and demonstrating your ongoing competence.

With AINDT the requirement varies slightly depending on what you are trying to become certified in. There are two guidelines published by AINDT called Guide to Qualification and Certification for NDT and CM. Below is a list outlining some of the typical requirements for NDT and CM certification:

• Successful completion of approved training
• Pass AINDT examinations
• Completion of a visual acuity test (NDT and IRT)
• Evidence of the required hours of practical experience you have obtained in the method
• Completed certification application form

Please check the current certification guides on the AINDT website for exact details.

• Demonstrate you are competent to do your job
• Have an independent body evaluate your competence
• Meet employer and client requirements
• Improve your profile and job prospects

Condition Monitoring

You will be required to complete a theory exam. The duration of the exam and the number questions varies depending on the method and level. Refer to AINDT’s guide on CM certification for more details.

Non-Destructive Testing

You complete both theory and practical exams for Level 1 and Level 2. The theory is broken into 2 papers (1) General and (2) Specific. The practical exam will require you to conduct the method on specimens and located defects. You will also have to write a work instruction if you are completing a Level 2 exam.

Resit an Exam

As the exams are divided into parts, such as General Theory, Specific Theory, Work Instruction and Specimens, if you fail one or more parts you only need to reattempt the failed part(s). There is a timeframe you must wait before you can resit a failed exam.

You are allowed two resit attempts at the exam part(s). If you fail both resits, then you have failed three times and you are then required to restart the examination process. So if you passed the General Theory, Specific Theory and Work Instruction on the first attempt, then failed the Specimens on both resit attempts, you would have failed the specimens three times and you need to start over, with both theory papers, the specimens and work instruction.

Level 1 and 2 NDT Recertification

After 10 years you are required to pass the practical exam to become recertified. You are not required to complete the General and Specific Theory papers.