NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTERS California Occupational Guide Number 279 Interest Area 5-A 1995
THE JOB
In today's world of high technology, products and materials must be manufactured to precision standards so they will be able to withstand the demands made on them. NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTERS, sometimes referred to as NDTs, perform tests on products and materials to detect internal or external imperfections. They determine the structure, composition, physical or material properties of the product and may measure geometric characteristics, such as flatness, straightness, and circularity. All tests and measurements, whether internal or external, are of a nondestructive nature. They are completed without affecting the form, fit, or function of the product or material being tested.
Nondestructive Testers use various testing methods, such as radiographic, neutron radiographic, ultrasonic, eddy current, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, leakage, acoustic emission, and visual examination to perform their work. Nondestructive Testers review test orders to determine the type of test requested, the test procedures to follow, and acceptability criteria.
They apply agents such as cleaners, penetrants, developers, and couplants (light oils that act as a medium) to materials or parts, or they may dry them inside an oven to prepare them for testing. Nondestructive Testers adjust and calibrate test equipment such as magnetic particle, x-ray, and ultrasonic contact machines, according to the type of material, thickness, distance from test equipment, and related variables. They operate the test equipment to examine the material or parts to detect manufacturing defects or damage. Nondestructive Testers visually examine surface treated materials when conducting liquid penetrant and magnetic particle tests to locate and identify flaws, cracks, and related defects.
Nondestructive Testers may either specialize in one or in several specialties of nondestructive testing that fall into three basic levels:
Level I Nondestructive Testers are only qualified to perform specific tests for which the calibrations, tests, methods, and acceptance or rejection determinations allow little or no deviation from standards. Level I workers are under close supervision and direction of a higher level tester. The level I position is not the trainee level, but the first level a trainee reaches upon demonstrating ability in specific tests.
Level II testers are qualified to set up and calibrate equipment and to interpret and evaluate results with respect to applicable codes, standards, and specifications. Level II testers are fully familiar with the scope and limitations of the methods for which they are qualified and are responsible for on-the-job training and guidance for level I trainees.
Level III testers are capable of establishing techniques and procedures; interpreting codes, standards, and specifications; and designating the particular nondestructive methods, techniques, and procedures to be used. They must also have knowledge of materials, fabrication, and product technology. Level III inspectors are responsible for training and examining lower level testers. Usually level III testers are in administration, supervision, or management positions, or are sole owners of a testing laboratory or shop. Some level III Nondestructive Testers become consultants.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Nondestructive Testers work primarily in such industries as aerospace, utilities, chemicals, petroleum, heavy equipment and machinery, and ferrous and nonferrous metals. They are also employed in commercial laboratories, consulting firms, and government agencies. Some testers work in clean and orderly comfortable shops or laboratories. Others work outdoors and are subject to all types of weather.
Usually the work is not strenuous, but at times Nondestructive Testers must lift parts that weigh approximately 50 pounds. Heavier parts are usually lifted by overhead cranes. The job requires bending, carrying, lifting, reaching, and standing. Nondestructive Testers employed in the field may be required to climb ladders or steep stairways.
Most of the work of nondestructive testing can be highly repetitive in nature. Workers may be exposed to various chemicals and dyes. Those who specialize in radiographic methods work with X-rays and gamma-rays. Thorough training, protective clothing, and safety devices reduce the risk of exposure and injury. However, when radiation danger is present, extreme and constant caution must be exercised. Some Nondestructive Testers specialize in underwater work, testing offshore structures. They must also be certified divers and usually have their own diving equipment.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. These figures represent the broad occupational group Metallurgists, Related Engineers which includes Nondestructive Testers.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 1,850 Estimated number of workers in 2005 1,940 Projected Growth 1990-2005 5% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 660
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
The employment groupings which include Nondestructive Testers and several specialties associated with that occupation are expected to grow at a rate well below the average for all occupations in California. These occupational groupings include many different types of inspectors, testers, and checkers, and Nondestructive Testers have not been broken out of these general categories.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Nondestructive Testers level I employees earn from $8.50 to $12.00 per hour. Experienced level II Nondestructive Testers earn from $10.00 to $17.00, while level III workers receive from about $14.00 to $22.00 hourly.
The hours worked by Nondestructive Testers vary from employer to employer. Most testers are employed 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday. Some work swing or graveyard shifts and some are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fringe benefits usually include paid vacations, holidays, and medical and dental insurance.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Most nondestructive testing shops prefer applicants with at least a high school diploma and classes in the physical science and mathematics. College courses in physics and engineering are also helpful.
Two California community colleges offer certificates or associate's degrees in non-destructive testing:
Sacramento City College, Sacramento Vocational Technology Department (916) 558-2491
Contra Costa, San Pablo Division of Math, Engineering and Science Technology (510) 235-7800, Extension 224
Only one private school was identified in the California Colleges and Universities 1995 directory as offering non-destructive testing training:
Don Bosco Technical Institute Rosemead, CA (818) 307-6500
Applicants should have mechanical ability and aptitude for improvising tools, jigs, and fixtures. Nondestructive testing requires normal eyesight (which may be corrected) and color vision. Some employers provide in-service training.
ADVANCEMENT
The American Society for Nondestructive Testing provides a structured certification program that allows employers to classify their workers. To advance through the certification levels, workers with the required experienced must pass a written and practical test that is administered by the employer. Each examination level requires an established number of classroom and work experience hours in each discipline. Nondestructive Testers usually specialize in more than one area to increase their marketability, skills, and chances for promotion. Levels I and II are working levels, and level III is usually a supervisory level. Many level III testers own their own testing facilities. Some Nondestructive Testers become educators, consultants, or engineers, and some get into the sale of nondestructive testing equipment.
FINDING THE JOB
Establishments that employ Nondestructive Testers include independent laboratories, inspection services that do all forms of nondestructive testing, and large manufacturing firms that have their own nondestructive inspection facilities. Applicants may find work by making direct application to such employers, and through assistance and referrals from nondestructive testing technical societies.
Openings may also be listed at offices of the California Employment Development Department Job Service and with private employment agencies that handle manufacturing and metalworking occupations.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc. 1711 Arlingate Plaza P.O., Box 28518 Columbus, OH 43228-0518 (614) 274-6003
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Techs No. 60 Laser Techs No. 452
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Nondestructive Tester 011.261-018 Eddy-Current Inspector 619.381-014 Ultrasonic Tester 709.281-018 Inspector, Magnetic and Zyglo 709.364-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Metallurgists. and Related Engineers 221050
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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