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Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

The occupation Non-Destructive Testing Specialists covers people who test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment. O*NET rates it as some preparation, which usually means a few months to a year of learning on the job. It leans on reading comprehension, quality control analysis, and active listening. A regular part of the work is to interpret the results of all methods of non-destructive testing (NDT), such as acoustic emission, electromagnetic, leak, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, neutron radiographic, radiographic, thermal or infrared, ultrasonic, vibration analysis, and visual testing. Interest ratings put Realistic on top at 6.4 out of 7 and Investigative second, so the code is RIC and the day leans toward hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world. People who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world usually fit better here than those who need leading, persuading and making business decisions.

What they do

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Main tasks

  • Interpret the results of all methods of non-destructive testing (NDT), such as acoustic emission, electromagnetic, leak, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, neutron radiographic, radiographic, thermal or infrared, ultrasonic, vibration analysis, and visual testing.
  • Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
  • Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
  • Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
  • Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.
  • Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Quality Control Analysis
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Writing

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You enjoy working out why something happens, not just what happened.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on reading comprehension and quality control analysis.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You want to lead people or run the business side. Enterprising rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RIC takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Industrial Radiographer
  • NDE Technician (Non-Destructive Evaluation Technician)
  • NDT Coordinator (Non-Destructive Testing Coordinator)
  • NDT Inspector (Non-Destructing Testing Inspector)
  • NDT Specialist (Non-Destructive Testing Specialist)

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.