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ASNT 9712 Level II Examinations

Get ready for Level II certification with detailed exam topics, resources for study, and guidance for scheduling your exams.

Updated Exam Topics Coming Soon

ASNT is rolling out revised exam topics for several NDT methods. Updates reflect recent analysis and include new reference materials and expanded coverage.

Located in India?

ASNT India offers local support for ASNT 9712 application and examination to NDT professionals in India.

Apply on the ASNT India Website 

How to Plan for Your ASNT 9712 Level II Exams

Comprehensive, standards-based examinations are a cornerstone of ASNT certifications.

Before you schedule your exams, review the information on this page to ensure you know what topics and skills your exams will cover, how to study, and what to expect when test day comes.

1

Review ASNT 9712 Level II Exam Topics

To receive 9712 Level II certification, you must pass all examinations for any of the test methods and the practical exam for one or all techniques associated with that method.

Exams include multiple-choice computer-based testing (CBT), as well as practical exams to demonstrate your ability to perform the method and techniques in a foundational nondestructive testing role. These exams are broken down into the following sections:

  • General exam (CBT) – fundamentals and principles of the method

  • Specific exam (CBT) – specific application for the selected technique

  • Instruction preparation (CBT) – prepare written directions for the method

  • Practical exam – perform the method and technique on specimens

Start by getting familiar with the topics and depth of knowledge you’ll need for each of your exams.

Number of Items: 50
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Principles

  2. Flux Fields

  3. Effects of Discontinuities on Materials

  4. Magnetization by Means of Electric Current

  5. Selecting the Proper Method of Magnetization

  6. Demagnetization Procedures

  7. Equipment

  8. Types of Discontinuities

  9. Evaluation Techniques

  10. Quality Control of Equipment Processes

Number of Items: 50
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Review PT Principles

  2. Selection of the Appropriate PT Method

  3. Inspection and Evaluation of Indications

  4. Inspection Procedures and Standards

Number of Items: 50
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Review of Basic Radiographic Principles

  2. Darkroom Facilities, Techniques and Processing

  3. Indication, Discontinuities and Defects

  4. Manufacturing Processes and Associated Discontinuities

  5. Radiological Safety Principles Review

Number of Items: 50
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Review of Ultrasonic Techniques

  2. Evaluation of Base Material Product Forms

  3. Evaluation of Weldments

  4. Evaluation of Bonded Structures

  5. Discontinuity Detection

  6. General Evaluation

Number of Items: 50
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Purpose and Scope of VT

  2. Elements of Vision

  3. Elements of Lighting

  4. Contrast and Resolution

  5. Optics

  6. VT Equipment

  7. Visual Appearance of Discontinuities

  8. Evaluation and Reporting

  9. Codes, Standards, and Specifications

  10. Employer-specific Topics

Number of Items: 50
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. VT Principles and Theory

    1. Apply principles of VT

    2. Perform training and oversight of VT personnel

  2. VT Equipment and Materials

    1. Maintain work environment orderliness and cleanliness (e.g., shop, vehicle, lab)

    2. Maintain inventory if equipment and consumables (e.g., abrasives, cleaning supplies, instruments, tooling)

    3. Set up equipment and equipment characterization

    4. Confirm equipment working order

      Verify calibration of equipment and tools

    5. Verify white light intensity

  3. VT Techniques

    1. Select VT technique (e.g., direct, remote)

    2. Conduct surface preparation

    3. Conduct visual inspections

  4. Interpret, Evaluate, and Document Results

    1. Characterize indications (e.g., relevant/non-relevant, type)

    2. Determine surface finish

    3. Size visual indications (e.g., geometry, dimensions)

    4. Determine Acceptance/Rejection of specimens

    5. Record test data (e.g., environmental conditions, ambient conditions)

    6. Report visual findings (e.g., indications, essential variables)

  5. Codes, Standards, Specifications, and Procedures

    1. Comply with written procedures (e.g., manufacturing processes)

    2. Write work instructions

  6. Safety and Health Standards

    1. Apply environmentally sound work practices

    2. Apply safety protocols

    3. Dispose of soiled consumables

Pre- and In-Service

Number of Items: 40
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Codes

  2. Applications

  3. Techniques

Instruction Preparation

Number of Items: 40
Time for Completion: 2 hours

Bench Practical
Number of Items: 2 pieces
Time for Completion: 1 hour

Yoke Practical
Number of Items: 2 pieces
Time for Completion: 1 hour

Post-emulsifiable Practical
Number of Items: 2 parts
Time for Completion: 1.5 hours

Solvent-removable Practical
Number of Items: 2 parts
Time for Completion: 1 hour

Water-washable Practical
Number of Items: 2 parts
Time for Completion: 1.5 hours

Gamma (RAM) with film interpretations Practical
Number of Items: 2 Gamma setups
Time for Completion: 2 hours

X-ray with film interpretations Practical
Number of Items: 2 X-ray setups
Time for Completion: 2 hours

Castings/Forgings (Straight and Angle Beam) Practical
Number of Items: 2 parts
Time for Completion: 2 hours

Weld (Straight and Angle Beam) Practical
Number of Items: 2 areas of interest
Time for Completion: 2 hours

Direct Practical
Number of Items: 2 pieces
Time for Completion: 1.5 hours

Remote Practical
Number of Items: 2 pieces
Time for Completion: 1.5 hours

Number of Items: 50
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Principles

  2. Flux Fields

  3. Effects of Discontinuities on Materials

  4. Magnetization by Means of Electric Current

  5. Selecting the Proper Method of Magnetization

  6. Demagnetization Procedures

  7. Equipment

  8. Types of Discontinuities

  9. Evaluation Techniques

  10. Quality Control of Equipment Processes

Number of Items: 50
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Review PT Principles

  2. Selection of the Appropriate PT Method

  3. Inspection and Evaluation of Indications

  4. Inspection Procedures and Standards

Number of Items: 50
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Review of Basic Radiographic Principles

  2. Darkroom Facilities, Techniques and Processing

  3. Indication, Discontinuities and Defects

  4. Manufacturing Processes and Associated Discontinuities

  5. Radiological Safety Principles Review

Number of Items: 50
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Review of Ultrasonic Techniques

  2. Evaluation of Base Material Product Forms

  3. Evaluation of Weldments

  4. Evaluation of Bonded Structures

  5. Discontinuity Detection

  6. General Evaluation

Number of Items: 50
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Purpose and Scope of VT

  2. Elements of Vision

  3. Elements of Lighting

  4. Contrast and Resolution

  5. Optics

  6. VT Equipment

  7. Visual Appearance of Discontinuities

  8. Evaluation and Reporting

  9. Codes, Standards, and Specifications

  10. Employer-specific Topics

Number of Items: 50
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. VT Principles and Theory

    1. Apply principles of VT

    2. Perform training and oversight of VT personnel

  2. VT Equipment and Materials

    1. Maintain work environment orderliness and cleanliness (e.g., shop, vehicle, lab)

    2. Maintain inventory if equipment and consumables (e.g., abrasives, cleaning supplies, instruments, tooling)

    3. Set up equipment and equipment characterization

    4. Confirm equipment working order

      Verify calibration of equipment and tools

    5. Verify white light intensity

  3. VT Techniques

    1. Select VT technique (e.g., direct, remote)

    2. Conduct surface preparation

    3. Conduct visual inspections

  4. Interpret, Evaluate, and Document Results

    1. Characterize indications (e.g., relevant/non-relevant, type)

    2. Determine surface finish

    3. Size visual indications (e.g., geometry, dimensions)

    4. Determine Acceptance/Rejection of specimens

    5. Record test data (e.g., environmental conditions, ambient conditions)

    6. Report visual findings (e.g., indications, essential variables)

  5. Codes, Standards, Specifications, and Procedures

    1. Comply with written procedures (e.g., manufacturing processes)

    2. Write work instructions

  6. Safety and Health Standards

    1. Apply environmentally sound work practices

    2. Apply safety protocols

    3. Dispose of soiled consumables

Pre- and In-Service

Number of Items: 40
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Codes

  2. Applications

  3. Techniques

Instruction Preparation

Number of Items: 40
Time for Completion: 2 hours

Bench Practical
Number of Items: 2 pieces
Time for Completion: 1 hour

Yoke Practical
Number of Items: 2 pieces
Time for Completion: 1 hour

Post-emulsifiable Practical
Number of Items: 2 parts
Time for Completion: 1.5 hours

Solvent-removable Practical
Number of Items: 2 parts
Time for Completion: 1 hour

Water-washable Practical
Number of Items: 2 parts
Time for Completion: 1.5 hours

Gamma (RAM) with film interpretations Practical
Number of Items: 2 Gamma setups
Time for Completion: 2 hours

X-ray with film interpretations Practical
Number of Items: 2 X-ray setups
Time for Completion: 2 hours

Castings/Forgings (Straight and Angle Beam) Practical
Number of Items: 2 parts
Time for Completion: 2 hours

Weld (Straight and Angle Beam) Practical
Number of Items: 2 areas of interest
Time for Completion: 2 hours

Direct Practical
Number of Items: 2 pieces
Time for Completion: 1.5 hours

Remote Practical
Number of Items: 2 pieces
Time for Completion: 1.5 hours

2

Study Recommended 9712 Level II Exam Resources

To help you build knowledge and confidence, ASNT offers a variety of study materials. You can choose to attend a Certification Prep Course, use self-study materials from ASNT and other industry sources—or take a combined approach.*

Self-Study Collections

Created in alignment with the body of knowledge for each exam, ASNT study materials collections are designed to empower you in your 9712 Level II certification.

Support for Exams and Beyond: ASNT Membership

Working on your initial Level II certification? Certifying in multiple methods?

ASNT members get reduced pricing on courses and save 25% on study guides, handbooks, and more.

Explore the benefits and become a member today

Join or Renew

3

When You’re Ready, Schedule Your 9712 Level II Certification Exams

For 9712 Level II certification, ASNT offers in-person computer-based testing provided by our partner Pearson VUE at their locations or at approved authorized exam centers (AECs). Practical exams are only offered at AECs.

Before you schedule your exams, be sure you have:

Then, schedule your exams through your MyCert account.

Register for Computer-Based Tests

CBTs are offered at our AECs or through Pearson Vue – an ASNT partner that provides exams through the world's most comprehensive and secure network of test centers, with locations in over 175 countries.

Log In and Schedule Computer-Based Tests 

Register for Practical Exams

Practical exams are provided at the listed AECs. To schedule, reach out directly to your preferred AEC. No walk-in tests are provided.

Authorized Exam Centers

AECs are approved partners that provide CBT and practical exams for ASNT certifications. No walk-in tests are provided.

Need to make a change?

You must schedule and complete all the examinations you’ve applied for within one year of our Letter of Approval. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, do so at least 48 hours in advance. Failing to give enough notice will result in losing your exam fees.

Be sure you understand the rules for rescheduling or canceling your certification examinations.

Read ASNT Cancellation/Refund Policy

4

Collect Your Identification

When it’s time to take your ASNT 9712 Level II exams, you must bring two original, valid forms of identification to the exam center:

  1. A primary government-issued ID with name and signature.

  2. A secondary ID with a name and signature/photo.

Both identifications must be current and original, and the name on your identification must match the name on your certification application and in your MyASNT record.

A valid photo identification can be your current:

  • passport

  • driver’s license

  • state or government-issued identification card

Other acceptable identification forms are:

  • work ID with your name and signature that matches primary ID

Tips: Before You Arrive at the Exam

What’s Next?

After you pass the exams and all requirements are met, your results will be processed and your MyASNT record will be updated to show that you are certified.

You or your employer can verify your certification by searching the certificate holder directory in MyCert.

You can expect to receive a digital badge via email in one to two weeks.

Learn More and Claim Your Digital Badge

What Happens If I Don’t Pass?

If you don’t pass an exam, you can choose to reapply and retest following the retake waiting period.

There is a waiting period for each retest attempt. After that period, you must submit your retake request and receive a new approval letter before you can schedule and retake your exam.

After failing one or more exam element (general, specific, instruction, or practical):

First Attempt

You can retake the failed practical or CBT element after 30 days.

Second Attempt

You can retake the failed practical or CBT element after 90 days and complete at least 7 hours of training.

Third Attempt

You can retake after six months—but you must reapply as a new candidate and complete all exams (practical and CBT).

The retake policy is in alignment with the ASNT 9712 program document. Review Section 8.5 for complete reexamination details.

Submit a Retake Application in MyCert 
View Retake Pricing

When Do I Need to Renew?

ASNT 9712 Level II certifications must be renewed every five years, and you must submit your renewal application and payment before the expiration date on your certificate.

Learn About Renewing 9712 Level II Certification

Have Additional Questions? Need Help?

Reach out to ASNT Certification Services for answers about eligibility, the certification renewal process, or preparing for and taking exams.

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