Non-Destructive Testing Technician

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 - 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 two 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 three 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 and maintained in proper condition
• verify that joint preparation and fit-up meet requirements
• examine and evaluate welds
• record inspection results and prepare reports.

Working conditions vary considerably from one industry and organization to another. Non-destructive testing 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 may also be 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 non-destructive testing technicians who conduct radiographic tests.

Non-destructive testing technicians need the following characteristics:

• motor co-ordination and manual dexterity
• good communication skills in person and in writing
• the ability to keep up to date with constantly changing technology.

They should enjoy performing tasks that require precision, analyzing and interpreting data, and taking a methodical approach to their work.

Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Non-destructive testing 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.

Non-destructive testing 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 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 that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 3,400 Albertans are employed in the Non-Destructive testers and inspectors occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.2% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 41 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As nond-destructive testing technicians form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for non-destructive testing technicians.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) website: www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/ongc-cgsb/index-eng.html

Canadian Institute for NDE (Nondestructive Examination) website: www.cinde.ca

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) website: www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) website: www.cwbweb.org

Natural Resources Canada NDT Certifying Agency website: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mining-materials/non-destructive-testing/19527 

Quality Control Council of Canada : http://www.qcccanada.com/ndt.shtml

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.