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ASNT NDT Level III Examinations
Get ready for Level III certification with detailed exam topics, resources for study, and guidance for scheduling your exams.
How to Plan for Your ASNT NDT Level III 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 NDT Level III Exam Topic
To receive NDT Level III certification, you must pass the NDT Basic examination and one or more method examinations.
These computer-based exams are designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your knowledge and your ability to apply that knowledge in an advanced nondestructive testing role.
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, current edition
ASNT CP-189, current edition
General familiarity with other NDT methods
radiography (safety, X-ray, and isotope methods)
neutron radiography
ultrasonic testing
electromagnetic testing and magnetic flux leakage testing
liquid penetrant testing
magnetic particle testing
leak testing
acoustic emission testing
visual testing
thermal/infrared
Training
Develop training materials (e.g., study guides, worksheets, quizzes, test samples, manuals)
Instruct Level I and Level II trainees on theory of test method and practical application of test method
Evaluate training procedures
Materials technology
Fabrication and production
Number of Items: 135
Time for Completion: 4 hours
Instrumentation and Signal Processing
Cables
Signal Conditioning
Signal Detection
Signal Processing
Source Location Techniques
Acoustic Emission Test Systems
Accessory Techniques
Advanced Signal Processing Techniques
Acoustic Emission Test Techniques
Factors Affecting Test Equipment Selection
Equipment Calibration and Setup for Test
Loading Procedures
Special Test Procedures
Data Display
Noise Sources and Pre-Test Identification Techniques
Precautions Against Noise
Data Interpretation
Data Evaluation
Reports
Codes, Standards, Procedures, and Societies
Guide-Type Standards (e.g., Glossaries,
Calibration)
Standardized and Codified AE Test Procedures
User-Developed Test Procedures
Societies Active in AE
Applications of Acoustic Emission Testing
Number of Items: 135
Time for Completion: 4 hours
Eddy Current Testing
principles and theory
equipment and materials
techniques and calibrations
interpretation and evaluation
procedures
Remote Field Testing
remote field testing (RFT) principles and theories
codes and practices
Alternating Current Field Measurement Testing
principles and theory
equipment and materials
interpretation and evaluation of signals
procedures
Number of Items: 90
Time for Completion: 2 hours
Principles and Theory
Conduction
Convection
Radiation
The Nature of Heat and Heat Flow
Temperature Measurement Principles
Proper Selection of Thermal/Infrared Testing
Equipment and Materials
Temperature Measurement Equipment
Heat Flux Indicators
Performance Parameters of Noncontact Devices
Techniques
Contact Temperature Indicators
Noncontact Pyrometers
Infrared Line Scanners
Thermal/Infrared Imaging
Heat Flux Indicators
Exothermic or Endothermic Investigations
Friction Investigations
Fluid Flow Investigations
Thermal Resistance (Steady State Heat Flow)
Thermal Capacitance Investigations
Interpretation and Evaluation
Procedures
Safety and Health
Safety Responsibility and Authority
Safety for Personnel
Safety for Client and Facilities
Safety for Testing Equipment
Number of Items: 135
Time for Completion: 4 hours
Principles and Theory
physical principles in leak testing
principles of gas flow
proper selection of LT as method of choice
Equipment and Material
leak testing standards
detector and instrument performance factors
vacuum pumps
bubble testing practices and techniques
absolute pressure testing equipment
absolute pressure hold testing of containers
absolute pressure leakage-rate testing of containers
analysis of data for determination of accurate results
halogen testing equipment
helium mass spectrometer testing equipment
Technique and Calibration
bubble test
pressure change/measurement test
halogen diode detector leak test
mass spectrometer leak testing
helium mass spectrometer vacuum testing by dynamic method
helium mass spectrometer vacuum testing by static method
Interpretation and Evaluation
basic techniques and units
test materials and equipment effects
effects of temperature and other atmospheric conditions
calibration for testing
probing and scanning or measurement and monitoring
leak interpretation evaluation
acceptance and rejection criteria
Procedures
Leak Testing Procedures
Leak Testing Specifications
Safety and Health
safety considerations
safety precautions
pressure precautions
safety devices
hazardous and tracer gas safety
types of monitoring equipment
safety
Number of Items: 90
Time for Completion: 2 hours
Principles and Theory
flux leakage theory
Förster and other theories
finite element methods
DC flux leakage and AC flux leakage
Equipment and Materials
detectors
coils
factors affecting choice of sensing elements
read out selection
instrument design considerations
Techniques and Standardization
consideration affecting choice of test
coupling
field strength
comparison of techniques
standardization
general techniques
Interpretation and Evaluation
flaw detection
process control
general interpretations
defect characterization
Standards
Procedures
Number of Items: 90
Time for Completion: 2 hours
Principles and Theory
Principles of Magnets and Magnetic Fields
Characteristics of Magnetic Fields
Equipment and Materials
Magnetic Particle Test Equipment
Inspection Materials
Technique and Calibrations
Magnetization by Means of Electric Current
Selecting the Proper Method of Magnetization
Demagnetization
Interpretation and Evaluation
Procedures
Safety and Health
Number of Items: 90
Time for Completion: 2 hours
Principles and Theory
Principles of Liquid Penetrant Process
Theory
Proper Selection of PT as Method of Choice
Liquid Penetrant Processing
Equipment and Materials
Liquid Penetrant Test Units
Methods of Measurement
Lighting for Liquid Penetrant Testing
Materials for Liquid Penetrant Testing
Testing and Maintenance of Materials
Interpretation and Evaluation
General
Factors Affecting Indications
Indications from Discontinuities
Relevant and Nonrelevant Indications
Procedures
Liquid Penetrant Testing Procedures, Codes,
Standards, and Specifications
Safety and Health
Toxicity
Flammability
Electrical Hazards
Personal Protective Equipment
Right to Know (MSDS)
Disposal of Used Materials
Number of Items: 135
Time for Completion: 4 hours
Principles and Theory
Equipment and Materials
Electrically Generated Sources
Particulate Radiation Sources
Radiation Detectors
Techniques and 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 and Theory
Equipment and Materials
Techniques and Calibrations
contact
immersion
comparison of contact and immersion
methods
remote monitoring
calibration (electronic and functional)
Interpretation and 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, and specifications
Safety and Health
Number of Items: 90
Time for Completion: 2 hours
Fundamentals
Vision and Light
Ambient Conditions
Test Object Characteristics
Equipment Accessories
Magnifiers and 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 and Evaluations
Equipment Including Type and Intensity of Light
Material Including the Variations of Surface Finish
Discontinuity
Determination of Dimensions (e.g., Depth, Width, Length)
Sampling and Scanning
Process for Reporting Visual Discontinuities
Personnel (Human Factors)
Documentation
Safety
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Study Recommended NDT Level III 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 NDT Level III 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 NDT Level III Certification Exams
For NDT Level III certification, ASNT offers in-person computer-based testing provided by our partner Pearson VUE at their locations or at approved authorized exam centers (AECs). No practical exams are required.
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 NDT Level III exams, you must bring two 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.
Plan at least half a day for the test.
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.
Curious About Exam Development and Scoring?
Learn about the rigorous auditing and scientific design processes we use to ensure our ANAB-accredited Level III exams are fair, reliable, and valid.
Learn MoreWhat’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 a receive a new approval letter before you can schedule and retake your exam.
After failing a Basic or method exam:
You are not permitted to sit for any examination more than three times in a two-year period
Submit a Retake Application in MyCertView Retake Pricing
When Do I Need to Renew?
ASNT NDT 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.
Learn About Renewing NDT Level III CertificationHave Additional Questions? Need Help?
Reach out to ASNT Certification Services for answers about eligibility, the certification renewal process, or preparing for and taking exams.
