iStockphoto/Berkut_34
Non-Destructive Testing Technician
Non-destructive testing technicians conduct tests that provide information about the condition of materials and components without destroying them.
-
Avg. Salary $77,014.00
-
Avg. Wage $37.19
-
Minimum Education Varies
-
Outlook below avg
-
Employed 2,800
-
In Demand Lower
Also Known As
Inspector, Physical Sciences Technician / Technologist, Welding Inspector
NOC Codes
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
- 2006 NOC: Nondestructive Testers and Inspectors (2261)
- 2006 NOC-S: Nondestructive Testers and Inspectors (C161)
- 2011 NOC: Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians (2261)
- 2016 NOC: Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians (2261)
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
72%
72%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $24.89 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $37.19 |
| Top | $44.35 |
-
Certification Not Regulated
-
Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Interest Codes
The Non-Destructive Testing Technician is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Nondestructive Testers and Inspectors
- OBJECTIVE
-
Interest in precision working to set up and calibrate nondestructive testing equipment, and to conduct tests to ensure quality and detect defects; may perform specialized inspections using acoustic emission, vibration analysis, infrared thermography and laser shearography testing methods
- INNOVATIVE
-
Interest in analyzing information to interpret radiographs, readouts, meters and visual indicators and to evaluate test results
- METHODICAL
-
Interest in speaking to organize and report test results; and in applying testing criteria according to specifications and standards; may instruct and supervise trainees
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is used to inspect or measure the integrity of a material, component or structure without damaging it. The purpose of testing may be to ensure safety and quality, increase production or extend the life of equipment and system components. For example, NDT may be used to test aircraft skins, underground pipelines, pipes in industrial plants, reinforcing steel in concrete structures, pressure vessels, wire ropes in suspension bridges, steel wheels on trains or finished machine parts.
Non-destructive testing technicians may be certified in any or all of the following types of tests:
- eddy current - This is a portable method of testing relatively small or vast areas of electrically conductive materials. An energized electric coil induces a fluctuating magnetic field that generates an electric eddy current. Changes in resistance to the flow of eddy currents may indicate a flaw in the material.
- liquid penetrant - A coloured petroleum or water-based liquid is applied to a nonporous surface, then removed and replaced by a white developer that acts as a blotter and draws out penetrant trapped in voids (flaws).
- magnetic particle - An internal magnetic field is generated in a metal part and iron particles dusted on the surface reveal flaws located on or near the surface.
- radiography - Penetrating radiation is absorbed at different rates depending on material density and thickness and is used to reveal internal, non-linear flaws. Flaws absorb less radiation and are indicated on 2-dimensional radiographic film by areas of lighter or darker exposure.
- ultrasonic - Complex electronic equipment converts electrical pulses into mechanical vibrations that travel across tested materials. Reflected pulses are converted back to electric energy to create a 3-dimensional image of the test specimen.
Duties vary depending on the type of test but, in general, NDT technicians:
- set up and calibrate testing equipment
- conduct tests to ensure quality or detect discontinuities (defects)
- devise ways to examine objects, ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations
- interpret test results (for example, radiographs, digital readouts)
- evaluate results according to specifications and standards
- organize and report test results.
They also may:
- perform specialized inspections using acoustic emission, vibration analysis, infrared thermography or laser shearography testing methods
- instruct and supervise trainees.
Welding inspectors:
- review welding inspection procedures against related standards, codes and drawings
- monitor and examine work performed by tackers, welding operators or welders
- verify that the specified base metal and welding materials are used properly and maintained in good condition
- verify that joint preparation and fit-up meet requirements
- examine and evaluate welds
- record inspection results and prepare reports.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Working conditions vary considerably from one industry and organization to another. Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians may work primarily indoors in manufacturing or processing plants, or outdoors on construction sites in all weather conditions. They may work shifts and overtime often is required to complete testing as quickly as possible during plant shutdowns.
Those employed by inspection service companies travel to locations throughout Alberta and across provinces and may be away from home for extended periods. International travel also maybe required.
Occupational hazards also vary. There is some risk of injury involved in working on construction sites and in manufacturing plants. Accidental exposure to radiation is a hazard for NDT technicians who conduct radiographic tests.
-
Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Non-destructive testing technicians need:
- motor co-ordination and manual dexterity
- oral and written communication skills
They should enjoy performing precision tasks, analyzing and interpreting data, and taking a methodical approach to their work.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Most employers prefer to hire non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians who have related post-secondary education or training, as well as the certification required for the types of test they conduct.
NDT technicians must keep up to date with changes in technology.
Related Education
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2017
In Canada, non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians must be certified to conduct eddy current, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, radiography or ultrasonic tests.
There are 3 levels of Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) certification for non-destructive testing that are administered by the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) National NDT Certification Body (NDTCB):
- Level 1 personnel perform calibrations and specific techniques according to written instructions and carry out examinations under the supervision and instruction of Level 2 and 3 technicians.
- Level 2 personnel carry out examinations and interpret results in accordance with established specifications. They are responsible for the method or technique used.
- Level 3 personnel may assume full responsibility for test procedures and staff.
NDT technicians who conduct tests involving radioactive isotopes must be certified by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. To become a Certified Exposure Device Operator (CEDO), applicants must complete or have qualifications equivalent to successful completion of the following:
- 40-hour Exposure Device Operator (EDO) training program
- Natural Resources Canada EDO exam
- 320-hour apprenticeship at a licensed gamma radiography facility under the direct visual supervision of an authorized CEDO
- practical exam.
The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) offers 3 levels of certification for Welding Inspectors, progressing from Level 1 to Level 3. Candidates must have job-related experience or have completed recognized welding courses, and pass closed-book, open-book and practical exams. Educational courses are not mandatory for certification. However, candidates who successfully complete CWB Learning Centre study courses receive credits for exams.
The CWB also offers 3 levels of Metal Products Inspector certification for those involved in verifying, qualifying, quantifying and other aspects of products such as buildings, bridges, pipelines, pressure vessels and machinery. Candidates must have related education and practical experience in each product endorsement for which they wish to be certified.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) offers a number of individual certification programs (for example, pressure vessel, piping and above-ground storage-tank inspector certifications). Applicants must successfully complete an exam for each type of certificate.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians are employed by private industrial inspection companies and in the quality control, maintenance and safety departments of:
- pipeline, refinery and other oil and gas companies
- construction companies
- utilities
- aircraft manufacturers, metal fabrication companies and other manufacturers
- airline, trucking and other transportation companies.
Experienced NDT technicians who have Level 2 certification may advance to supervisory positions. Those with Level 3 certification may further move into research and development positions or establish their own service companies.
NDT technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2261: Non-destructive testers and inspectors. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services [pdf]
- Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction [pdf]
- Manufacturing [pdf]
- Construction [pdf]
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
- occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
- size of the occupation
In Alberta, the C161: Nondestructive Testers and Inspectors occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.2% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 41 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2017
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $18.00 | $43.27 | $24.89 | $20.46 |
| Overall | $23.00 | $61.21 | $37.19 | $32.00 |
| Top | $24.00 | $67.64 | $44.35 | $35.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Industry Information
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $77,864 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $77,014 |
| Manufacturing | $63,669 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
72%
72%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
39%
39%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
10%
10%
Vacancy Rate
6%
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2017
American Petroleum Institute (API) website: www.api.org
Canadian Institute for Non-destructive Evaluation (CINDE) website: www.cinde.ca
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) website: nuclearsafety.gc.ca
Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) website: www.cwbgroup.org
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), National Non-Destructive Testing Certification Body (NDTCB) website: www.nrcan.gc.ca
Quality Control Council of Canada website: qcccanada.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
Was this page useful?