Industry Sector Qualification

Exam Specifications for Ultrasonic Testing: Long Seam Weld Examination (UTLS)

A candidate's ability to perform ultrasonic testing (UT) is assessed through a hands-on, practical examination. They will inspect, locate, interpret, and evaluate discontinuities, and properly document test results for a minimum number of specimens containing actual or artificially induced discontinuities that represent those found in the product type and industry sector for which qualification is sought. Candidates must pass the UTLS weld examination using a conventional, phased array, or a combination of both scanning techniques. Additional details may be found in the UTLS Protocol document O&G-UTLS-4.

Qualifications for Examination

Candidates must:

• have at least certification equal to a Level II ultrasonics certification per the guidelines in Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A: Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing (latest edition);
• provide their own equipment, understand the protocol, instructions, and report form; and
• agree to the Code of Ethics and ASNT terms and conditions
  
   

Required Equipment

• Conventional Ultrasonic instrument and/or Ultrasonic Phased Array Instrument(s) (No laptop computers allowed)*
• Reference Standard(s) (some reference standards may be available from the AEC — contact before the exam)
• Transducer(s)
• Safety toe shoes

*All phased array (PAUT) instruments shall be cleared of all setup files, data files, screenshot images, and reports prior to examination. The proctor will verify that the instrument has been cleared of these files prior to and after the examination. 

Identification

Candidates must present two forms of original (no photocopies), valid (unexpired) IDs; one form as a primary ID (government issued with name, recent recognizable photo, and signature) and one form as a secondary ID (with at least a name and signature, or name and recent recognizable photo).

For the ISQ Long Seam exam session, candidates cannot leave for lunch, but are encouraged to bring a sack lunch to eat in the exam room. This is an eight-hour exam session.

Protocol, Instructions, and Report

• O&G-UTLS-4 Protocol Document (PDF)

Re-examination Policy

Candidates who fail the exam shall meet the following conditions to apply and retake the examination.

First Failure

• Immediate application and retake are permitted.

Second Failure

• 30-day waiting period required before additional application and examination are permitted. 
• Additional method training is encouraged.

Third Failure

• 90-day waiting period required before additional application and examination are permitted. 
• Additional method training is encouraged.

Fourth Failure and All Subsequent Failures

• 180-day waiting period required before additional application and examination are permitted. 
• Additional method training is encouraged.