ASNT 9712 Level III Examinations
Get ready for Level III certification with detailed exam topics, resources for study, and guidance for scheduling your exams.
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Review 9712 Level III Exam Topics
To receive 9712 Level III certification, you must pass all examinations for at least one of the test methods and the practical exam for all techniques associated with that method.
Exams include computer-based testing (CBT) as well as practical exams to demonstrate your ability to perform the method and techniques in an advanced nondestructive testing role. These exams are broken down into multiple sections:
Basic exam (CBT) – processes, materials and processes, and general knowledge of NDT test methods
Basic supplemental exam (CBT) – additional knowledge of ISO 9712:2021 exam requirements
Method exam (CBT) – specific knowledge of the test method
Procedure preparation (CBT) – prepare written NDT procedures for a supplied NDT standard
Practical exam – perform the method and technique on test samples containing known defects
Start by getting familiar with the topics and depth of knowledge you’ll need for each of your exams.
Number of Items: 135
Time for Completion: 4 hours
Administration of NDT personnel certification programs
SNT-TC-1A, latest edition
ASNT CP-189, latest edition
General familiarity with other NDT methods
Radiography (safety, X-ray, and isotope methods)
Neutron radiography
Ultrasonic testing
Electromagnetic testing
Magnetic flux leakage testing
Liquid penetrant testing
Magnetic particle testing
Leak testing
Acoustic emission testing
Visual testing
Thermal/infrared testing
Training
Develop training materials (e.g., study guides, worksheets, quizzes, test samples, manuals, etc.)
Instruct trainees, Level I, and Level II on theory of test method and practical application of test method
Evaluate training procedures
Materials technology
Fabrication and product
Number of Items: 55
Time for Completion: 2 hours
Administration of NDT personnel certification programs
SNT-TC-1A, latest edition
ASNT CP-189, latest edition
ASNT CP-9712, latest edition
General familiarity with other NDT methods
Liquid penetrant testing
Magnetic particle testing
Radiographic testing
Ultrasonic testing
Visual testing
Training
Develop training materials (e.g., study guides, worksheets, quizzes, test samples, manuals, etc.)
Instruct trainees, Level I, and Level II on theory of test method and practical application of test method
Evaluate training procedures
Materials technology
Fabrication and product
Number of Items: 90
Time for Completion: 2 hours
Principles/Theory
Principles of magnets and magnetic fields
Characteristics of magnetic fields
Equipment/Materials
Magnetic particle test equipment
Inspection materials
Technique/Calibrations
Magnetization by means of electric current
Selecting the proper method of magnetization
Demagnetization
Interpretation/Evaluation
Procedures
Safety and Health
Number of Items: 90
Time for Completion: 2 hours
Principles/Theory
Principles of liquid penetrant process
Theory
Proper selection of PT as method of choice
Liquid penetrant processing
Equipment/Materials
Liquid penetrant test units
Methods of measurement
Lighting for PT
Materials for PT
Testing and maintenance of materials
Interpretation/Evaluation
General
Factor affecting indications
Indications from discontinuities
Relevant and Nonrelevant indications
Procedures
PT procedures, codes, standards, and specifications
Safety and health
Toxicity
Flammability
Electrical hazards
Personnel protective equipment
Right to know (MSDS)
Disposal of used materials
Number of Items: 135
Time for Completion: 4 hours
Principles and theory
Equipment/Materials
Electrically generated sources
Particulate radiation sources
Radiation detectors
Techniques/Calibration
Imaging considerations
Film processing
Viewing of radiographs
Judging radiographic quality
Exposure calculations
Radiographic techniques
Interpretation and evaluation
Procedures
Safety and health
Exposure hazards
Methods of controlling radiation exposure
Operational and emergency procedures
Dosimetry and film badges
Number of Items: 135
Time for Completion: 4 hours
Principles/Theory
Equipment/Materials
Techniques/Calibrations
Contact
Immersion
Comparison of contact and immersion methods
Remote monitoring
Calibration (electronic and functional)
Interpretation/Evaluations
Evaluation of base metal product forms
Evaluation of weldments
Evaluation of bonded structures
Variables affecting test results
Evaluation (general)
Procedures
Specific applications
Codes/Standards/Specifications
Safety and Health
Number of Items: 90
Time for Completion: 2 hours
Visual Testing
Fundamentals
Vision and light
Ambient conditions
Test object characteristics
Equipment Accessories
Magnifiers/microscopes
Mirrors
Dimensional
Borescopes
Video systems
Machine vision
Replication
Temperature indicating devices and materials
Chemical aids
Surface comparators
Lasers
Applications and Requirements
Raw materials
Primary process materials
Joining processes
Fabricated components
In-service materials
Coatings
Other applications
Requirements
Variables affecting results of interpretation/ evaluations
Equipment including type and intensity of light
Material including the variations of surface finish
Discontinuity
Determination of dimensions (e.g., depth, width, length, etc.)
Sampling/scanning
Process for reporting visual discontinuities
Personnel (human factors)
Documentation
Safety
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Study Recommended 9712 Level III Exam Resources
To help you build knowledge and confidence, ASNT offers a variety of study materials. You can 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 III certification.
Support for Exams and Beyond: ASNT Membership
Working on your initial Level III 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
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When You’re Ready, Schedule Your 9712 Level III Certification Exams
For 9712 Level III certification, ASNT offers in-person computer-based testing (CBT) through our partner, Pearson VUE at their locations or through our authorized exam centers (AECs). Practical exams are only offered at authorized exam centers (AECs).
Before you schedule your exams, be sure you have:
Submitted your application and paid all required fees
Received application approval and notification that you are authorized to schedule your exams
Then, schedule your exams through your MyCert account.
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
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Collect Your Identification
When it’s time to take your ASNT 9712 Level III exams, you must bring two original, valid forms of identification to the exam center:
A primary government-issued ID with name and signature.
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.
Tips: Before You Arrive at the Exam
Review the computer-based testing (CBT) and calculator demo.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time.
Bring your two forms of ID.
Be ready to have a photo taken at the testing center.
Be aware that all examinations are in English. An online translation dictionary is available to help with NDT terminology in Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, UK English, and Arabic.
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 BadgeWhat 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):
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 MyCertView Retake Pricing
When Do I Need to Renew?
ASNT 9712 Level III certifications must be renewed every five years, and you must submit your renewal application and payment before the expiration date on your certificate.
Renewal information coming soon!
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.
