Donk,
Since you haven’t had a reply on this I guess here is my two cents. It is true that many people are pushed through NDT certifications. That’s the reason you should evaluate the company procedures and personnel before letting them perform any work for you. I think that the ASNT program is excellent for weeding out some of the people that do not have a clue what they are doing.

Don:
There are several organizations like ASNT and AWS which provide NDT certifications. I don't think the AWS NDT certification program ever took off, they have so many ways to get your money now (a "certified" welding salesman?) Don't get me started on their 9 year CWI renewal fees.

Some Level II methods only require hours of hands-on and training such as bubble leak testing. Please note some methods such as LT and PT permit going directly to Level II status provided all the requirements have been satisfied. The amount of hours of training and hands-on experience depend on the method and method type.

The ASNT Central Certification program was introducted to eliminate the redundancy of re-testing everytime you go to work for a new employer. I will probably go for the "Grandfather clause" next year into their CC program.

The use of an outside or third party NDT Level III is quite common for certification and training. I use two outside Level III's to maintain my Level II certs in MT, PT and RT-I. It would be very easy and convenient to designate myself as the company Level III in accordance with SNT-TC-1A, but it gives this system a little more validity than simply saying "I am the Level III". My consultants are ASNT certified Level III's in their respective disciplines.

I have had some companys recognize my previous certifications, it all depends on whet their certification or QA/QC program permits. I don't think it is a monopoly for ASNT, if that's the case then AWS has the monoply on the welding sector. I would prefer to be certified or qualified by an organization which provides services in that industry.

The practical, specific and general exams are part of the the re-certification process. For re-certification, the test you probably took originally will be the same when renewal time comes around. With the exception of major advances in the industry, most NDT methods have remained unchanged, so many Level III's simply verify your time in the method and a simple test (which you should already be familiar with if you keep current with the method and actually have time in.)

Don,

In my role as QA/QC Manager for a construction company, I have to evaluate the written practice of any company that performs NDE services for us. ASNT has established a set of requirements that are recognized by most (if not all) of the codes our company works under. It is easy, therefore, to evaluate a providers program if it is structured around SNT-TC-1A. There is no absolute requirement, it just makes sense to find those companies that have a program that already meets all the obvious requirements. The alternative is for me to review the providers program against the specific construction standard we are using (on a case by case basis). In this instance I don't think it is the same type of monopoly as AWS has with CWI certifications.

As far as your existing certs go; it is within any company's authority to review your previous experience and certifications, and certify you based on that history. I believe you would simply have to take the written exams and demonstrate your ability to qualify for certification with a company other than the one you received your training and experience with. I for one would welcome any NDE inspector with Navy certs. Charles Hall