ASNT Newsroom

COLUMBUS, OH — Earlier this week, The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) sent letters to the Departments of Labor, Commerce, and Education as well as the White House Chief of Staff, supporting the recent Executive Order, Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future. This initiative marks a significant step toward revitalizing the skilled trades sector, and ASNT is committed to contributing to its successful implementation.

In the letters, ASNT expressed commitment to advocating for the inclusion of nondestructive testing (NDT) in the national workforce development strategy. NDT professionals play a critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of infrastructure, energy systems, aerospace components, manufacturing operations and more.

 “This Executive Order is a promising start in addressing the skilled trades workforce gap,” said Neal Couture, ASNT CEO. “However, to truly meet the nation's needs, we must follow through with substantial investments in training programs, including apprenticeships, which prepare individuals for these essential roles.”

ASNT has already taken foundational steps toward establishing a national NDT Apprenticeship Program, beginning with the recent approval of its National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards by the U.S. Department of Labor. The program aims to create scalable, high-quality pathways into the field and build a stronger, more sustainable skilled workforce. ASNT also chairs the Skilled Trades Coalition (www.skilledtradesnow.org), a national collaborative of organizations working to raise awareness about trade careers and advocate for policies that support workforce development.

“We're encouraged by the administration's focus on skilled trades,” said Garra Liming, Director of Public Relations and Government Affairs at ASNT. “Our outreach to federal departments emphasizes our commitment to being an active partner in this initiative, ensuring that NDT is recognized and supported as a vital component of the skilled trades landscape.”

ASNT stands ready to collaborate with federal and state agencies, industry partners, and educational institutions to develop and implement programs that equip American workers with the skills needed for high-paying, in-demand trade careers. As these efforts move forward, ASNT encourages its members and partners to stay engaged, follow updates, and share their own workforce development stories as part of this growing national movement.

 About ASNT

ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, Washington, DC and Chennai, India.

Media Contact:
Garra Liming
Director, Public Relations & Government Affairs
The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT)
614-274-6003; govrelations@asnt.org

Columbus, OH — The ASNT Foundation is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of the Student Poster Contest Bursary Prizes at the Pan-American Conference for Nondestructive Testing (PANNDT) 2025, reaffirming its commitment to empowering the next generation of nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals.

The PANNDT 2025 Conference will be held at the Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada) from 9 – 12 June 2025

As part of its ongoing mission to foster education, engagement, and excellence within the global NDT community, the ASNT Foundation is proud to help provide students with an international platform to showcase their innovative research and passion for NDT.

“The future of NDT lies in the hands of bright, driven students, and we are proud to support them through opportunities like the PANNDT 2025 Student Poster Contest,” said Heather Cowles, Executive Director of the ASNT Foundation. “Through this bursary sponsorship, we hope to inspire and encourage the next generation of leaders who will shape the evolution of our industry.”

In addition to sponsoring the contest, The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) and the ASNT Foundation will be exhibiting at PANNDT 2025 and invite attendees to visit them at Booth #57. ASNT Team members will be available to engage with industry professionals, students, and educators alike. Learn more about ASNT products and services and how you can support the ASNT Foundation.

Join us in celebrating the innovation and dedication of emerging NDT talent. See you at PANNDT 2025!

About the ASNT Foundation

Established in 2022, the ASNT Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing. As a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, we rely on the generosity of our industry partners and individuals who understand the importance of nondestructive testing (NDT) and its role in creating a safer world, to support current and future generations of NDT programs through scholarships, grants, research, and workforce development.  

For press inquiries, please email hcowles@asnt.org

Columbus, OH – The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) is celebrating the success of its inaugural Day on the Hill, held on 11 March 2025, in Washington, DC. More than 40 ASNT members and staff participated in over 100 meetings with lawmakers and their staff, introducing the vital role of nondestructive testing (NDT) in public safety, infrastructure reliability, and innovation.

“Our first Day on the Hill was a tremendous success,” said Garra Liming, ASNT Director of Public Relations and Government Affairs. “This was a landmark moment for ASNT—our members came together to educate lawmakers about the critical role of NDT in protecting lives and strengthening our nation’s infrastructure. The enthusiasm and engagement from both our members and policymakers were encouraging.”

ASNT members shared information about how NDT is vital in ensuring the safety, reliability, and longevity of the nation’s infrastructure, as well as its widespread applications in aerospace, nuclear, energy, and manufacturing. Some conversations included concerns about the decline in federal research investment over the past 15 years and the challenges it presents as materials and manufacturing technologies rapidly evolve.

Members emphasized the growing importance of technology and workforce development in keeping pace with technological advancements, and the need for stronger recognition of NDT within federal programs and funding priorities.

“Our inaugural Day on the Hill was an incredible opportunity to put NDT on the map in Washington,” said Neal Couture, ASNT CEO. “For many policymakers, this was their first exposure to the industry and its impact on public safety. Our members did an outstanding job advocating for NDT, and this is just the beginning of ASNT’s presence on Capitol Hill.”

ASNT Vice President and Advocacy Committee Chair Jason Riggs joined several meetings and added: “We’ve built valuable connections with lawmakers, and now we need to keep the momentum going. ASNT is committed to making NDT a recognized and supported profession at the national level. Hill Day was just the first step in ASNT’s long-term advocacy efforts.”

ASNT will continue following up with congressional offices and providing additional data and resources. For more information about ASNT’s advocacy efforts and the impact of nondestructive testing, visit asnt.org.

About ASNT

 ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, Washington, DC and Chennai, India.

For press inquiries about ASNT, please email gliming@asnt.org

COLUMBUS, Ohio – ASNT Certification Services LLC is pleased to announce the launch of its Authorized Training Organization (ATO) Accreditation Program. The program is designed to recognize training organizations that meet the highest industry standards for NDT excellence.

"ASNT's new ATO Accreditation Program represents our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest quality of NDT training,” said Paul Lang, Chief Global Strategy Officer at ASNT and Executive Director of ASNT Certification Services LLC. “This program will provide a benchmark for excellence, assuring both employers and NDT professionals that training organizations meeting these standards are delivering the skills and knowledge needed for success in our field."

ASNT ATO Accreditation is a program that is designed to help training organizations demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality NDT training. The accreditation process involves two key assessments: an administrative assessment, which evaluates the training organization's administrative processes, encompassing its quality management system, instructor qualifications, and training materials, and an operational assessment, which evaluates the organization's delivery of training courses.

"This program brings much-needed standardization to NDT training,” said Marty Wenzig, ATO Program Chair. “By achieving ASNT ATO accreditation, training providers demonstrate their dedication to meeting rigorous industry benchmarks, ensuring a more consistent and reliable learning experience for all NDT professionals."

Becoming an ASNT ATO offers numerous benefits, including recognition of excellence as a prestigious mark demonstrating a commitment to high-quality NDT training, increased credibility that aids in attracting and retaining students, access to a variety of resources such as training materials, marketing support, and networking opportunities, and the chance to contribute to the development of NDT standards through participation in their creation.

To learn more about the ASNT ATO Accreditation Program, please visit asntcertification.org/ato

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About ASNT Certification Services LLC

ASNT Certification Services LLC was established to manage and operate the certification and accreditation programs of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT). With more than 33,000 certifications issued to NDT professionals worldwide, ASNT Certification Services currently administers six certification programs—ASNT NDT Level III, ASNT NDT Level II, ASNT 9712, ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP), Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel (IRRSP), and the Industry Sector Qualification – Oil & Gas (ISQ – O&G) program—and manages the Employer-Based Certification (EBC) Audit Program.

For press inquiries about ASNT, please email gliming@asnt.org.

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Columbus, OH – The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) takes center stage in the current season of Jobs of Tomorrow, a groundbreaking docuseries exploring the future of work. This season, the docuseries spotlights how nondestructive testing (NDT) is shaping industries, driving innovation, and creating career opportunities.

As technology rapidly evolves, industries are adapting to new challenges and demands. This season of Jobs of Tomorrow highlights how NDT professionals play a critical role in ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency across sectors such as transportation, energy, and infrastructure. This season features six compelling episodes:

·       Connecting the Nation with NDT

·       The Sky is Not the Limit for NDT

·       NDT Keeps the Pipelines Flowing

·       Making Waves with NDT

·       Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

·       NDT Powers Our Future

“NDT is an essential yet often unknown field that impacts nearly every industry,” said Toni Kervina, ASNT Director of Content and Education. “Through this docuseries, we’re excited to showcase the unique opportunities within NDT and how these professionals are shaping the future.”

With a focus on the individuals and technology driving the industry forward, Jobs of Tomorrow sheds light on how NDT careers provide stability, advancement, and purpose. From aerospace to renewable energy, NDT professionals ensure the integrity of critical infrastructure and cutting-edge systems.

“This series presents an exciting opportunity to bring awareness to NDT,” said Garra Liming, ASNT Director of Public Relations and Government Affairs. “By sharing these stories, we’re not only highlighting the importance of NDT but also inspiring the next generation of professionals to explore rewarding careers in the field.”

ASNT remains committed to advancing the NDT profession through advocacy, education, certification, and industry engagement. The Jobs of Tomorrow docuseries aligns with ASNT’s mission to showcase the significance of NDT and its impact on global industries.
For more information about ASNT and its involvement in Jobs of Tomorrow, please visit https://www.asnt.org/what-is-nondestructive-testing/jobs-of-tomorrow

 About ASNT

ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, Washington, D.C. and Chennai, India.

Columbus, OH – The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) recently launched a reimagined membership experience designed to cater to the diverse needs of NDT professionals at every stage of their careers.

“We are excited to introduce this new membership model, which offers greater flexibility and value to our members,” said Neal J. Couture, FASAE, CAE, ASNT CEO. “We believe these updated options will empower NDT professionals with the tools and resources they need to thrive in their careers.”

The new membership model features three distinct levels:

• Professional Membership: The cornerstone of ASNT membership, providing full access to core benefits such as Materials Evaluation magazine, weekly newsletters, discounts, voting rights, and the ability to participate in ASNT councils and committees.

• Pro Plus Membership: This premium tier offers exclusive access to cutting-edge tools like the NDT ProTracker app or the Anita AI Assistant, empowering members with advanced resources to enhance their productivity and knowledge.

• Associate Membership: A limited option for those seeking to stay informed and connected with the NDT community, offering access to select benefits such as the monthly newsletter and ASNT Connect Communities.

“We understand that the needs of our members are constantly evolving,” said Patricia White, ASNT Director of Membership and Engagement. “This new model provides a more personalized experience, allowing members to choose the level that best aligns with their professional goals and budget.”

Current members will retain their existing membership benefits until their renewal date. At the time of renewal, they can transition to one of the new membership levels.

For more information about the new ASNT membership, please visit asnt.org/membership.

About ASNT

ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, Washington, D.C. and Chennai, India.

COLUMBUS, OH – The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) and the American Welding Society (AWS) today announced the signing of a program agreement formalizing their collaboration to expand, develop, and implement training and certification activities for welding and nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals in India and the Middle East region. This agreement solidifies both organizations' commitment to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in these critical industries. 

“This program agreement marks a significant milestone in our joint efforts to advance the NDT and welding professions in India,” said Neal J. Couture, FASAE, CAE, ASNT CEO. “By combining our resources and expertise with AWS, we are creating a comprehensive training and certification ecosystem that will empower NDT and welding professionals and contribute to business growth in India.”  

This partnership will leverage the strengths of both organizations to provide world-class training and certification opportunities. A key element of the agreement is reciprocal access to each other’s authorized training and certification facilities. This will enable ASNT and AWS to conduct qualification and certification training and examination services at each other's approved locations, significantly increasing accessibility for professionals seeking to advance their careers. 

“By combining AWS's established leadership and expertise in welding education and certification with ASNT's recognized leadership in NDT, we are creating a powerful platform for professional development in India and the Middle East,” said Richard Arn, AWS Vice President Welding and Technology. “This collaboration addresses the growing need for highly skilled welding and NDT professionals, ensuring the region's industries have access to best-in-class training and certification.” 

ASNT, through its subsidiary ASNT India, operates a facility in Chennai, India, providing NDT education and certification. This existing presence, combined with AWS’s expertise in welding education and certification, creates a powerful synergy for expanding, developing, and implementing a wide range of training and certification activities for welding and NDT professionals in India and the Middle East. 

ASNT and AWS will also establish a new training and certification center in Gujarat, India.  This strategically located facility will serve as a hub for program activities, providing state-of-the-art training and examination resources to individuals and organizations in the region. 

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About ASNT 

ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise an object's safety, reliability, or functionality. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22,000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Chennai, India. 

For press inquiries about ASNT, please email gliming@asnt.org. 

About AWS 

The American Welding Society is the worldwide authority in the development of standards, certifications and educational programming for the welding, allied joining and cutting community. We are a not-for-profit organization committed to connecting the welding industry to our extensive collection of resources, informing our community of technological advancements and developing the next generation of welding professionals with the help of the AWS Foundation. AWS serves over 60,000 members worldwide, is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters, and includes more than 1500 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees and task groups. For more information, visit the American Welding Society's website at aws.org. 

For press inquiries about AWS, please email tafliss@aws.org. 

Washington, D.C. – On March 11, 2025, the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) will host its first-ever 'Day on the Hill,' bringing together members from across the nation to advocate for the critical role of nondestructive testing (NDT). Key priorities will include advancing workforce development initiatives to address the growing need for skilled NDT professionals and driving innovation and investment in the NDT industry.

ASNT members will meet with Congressional representatives and their staff to discuss the importance of NDT in various sectors, including infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, and energy. They will emphasize the economic and safety benefits of utilizing NDT technologies and the need for continued support from policymakers.

“This event underscores the essential contributions of NDT professionals in ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation’s critical infrastructure, including bridges, pipelines, power plants, and transportation systems,” said Neal Couture, ASNT CEO. “We are eager to bring our members' expertise to Capitol Hill to advocate for policies that enhance public safety, strengthen our skilled workforce, and foster innovation and investment in the NDT field.”

The two-day event will commence on Monday, 10 March, with a comprehensive training session to prepare participants with a thorough understanding of ASNT’s advocacy agenda, legislative priorities, and effective communication strategies for engaging with policymakers. The day will conclude with a networking reception to facilitate valuable connections among members and participants.

On 11 March, attendees will participate in a series of scheduled meetings with members of Congress and relevant committees. These meetings will focus on critical issues, including workforce development initiatives, infrastructure safety, and the increased need for skilled NDT professionals to meet the demands of industries such as aerospace, energy, and transportation.

“NDT professionals are at the forefront of protecting lives and ensuring the integrity of critical systems,” said Garra Liming, Director of Public Relations and Government Affairs. “ASNT on The Hill is an opportunity to amplify the voices of our members and advocate for the resources and policies that will empower the next generation of NDT.”

ASNT’s Day on The Hill highlights the organization’s commitment to advancing the NDT profession, safeguarding public safety, and proactively addressing the challenges posed by a rapidly evolving workforce landscape.

For more information about ASNT’s Day on The Hill or to participate in future advocacy efforts, please contact govrelations@asnt.org or visit www.asnt.org.

About ASNT

ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, Washington, D.C. and Chennai, India.

Columbus, Ohio -- The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Foundation is proud to announce the approval of the new national guideline standards for a Nondestructive Testing Technician apprenticeship. These guideline standards have been developed in collaboration with industry experts and the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to ensure comprehensive training and rich on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities for aspiring level II NDT learners. These guidelines provide a framework for developing and implementing effective apprenticeship programs that meet the evolving needs of the NDT industry.

The newly approved standards are designed to ensure apprentices acquire critical skills, knowledge, and behaviors through structured training and on-the-job learning. With this approval, the guidelines align with national quality and regulatory standards, making them an essential tool for fostering workforce development and securing federal funding and industry support.

Heather Cowles, Executive Director of the ASNT Foundation said " This approval marks one more step the ASNT Foundation is taking to support the NDT workforce. By developing resources and models like this, we can assist our partners with their training and development needs. This brings us closer to building a robust pipeline of NDT professionals prepared to meet the workforce of the future."

The ASNT Foundation is committed to educating employers, educators, and job seekers about the benefits of apprenticeships. These efforts kicked off during National Apprenticeship Week (November 17-23, 2024) with a series of webinars. These webinars highlight how the approved guidelines can streamline training programs, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and address workforce gaps identified in the Foundation’s recent industry readiness report.

Beonica Rutherford, Workforce Development Manager, added " We are excited to provide tools that enable schools and employers to build strong partnerships to implement structured, impactful apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships will allow NDT students and job seekers the opportunity to earn and learn, reducing barriers to enter into the industry."

About the ASNT Foundation

Established in 2022, the ASNT Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing. As a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, we rely on the generosity of our industry partners and individuals who understand the importance of nondestructive testing (NDT) and its role in creating a safer world, to support current and future generations of NDT programs through scholarships, grants, research, and workforce development.  

For more information on the webinars, visit https://foundation.asnt.org or contact Beonica Rutherford at brutherford@asnt.org . For press inquiries, please email hcowles@asnt.org

Chennai, India — The leadership team of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) made a notable visit to the International Conference and Exhibition on Nondestructive Evaluation (ICENDE 2024), a prestigious event jointly organized by the ASNT India Section and ASNT India. The delegation included Neal Couture, CEO of ASNT; Jason Riggs, Vice President of ASNT; Paul Lang, Chief Global Strategy Officer of ASNT and Executive Director of ASNT Certification Services; Nealy Wheat, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of ASNT; Prakash Gokulanandam, Director and General Manager of ASNT India; and Mohammad Abufour, Director of Region 19.

During the conference, the ASNT leadership met with several industry leaders, including representatives from NLC India Ltd., Reliance Industries, and other key organizations. Discussions focused on advancing the field of Nondestructive Testing (NDT) and exploring collaborative opportunities to promote the industry's growth in India and globally.

While in Mumbai, the ASNT team met with Mr. Anil Parab, Whole-Time Director and Senior Executive Vice President (Heavy Engineering and L&T Valves) of Larsen & Toubro at the company’s Powai office. The conversation focused on potential initiatives to enhance NDT practices and expand training within the industry. The delegation continued to Delhi, where they held high-level discussions with leading organizations such as GAIL, NTPC, Maruti, Thales, and the Director General of Civil Aviation. These meetings highlighted the critical role of ASNT’s training and certification programs in developing the skills and expertise of professionals in the NDT sector.

The team had a productive meeting with the ASNT India Section leadership to review ongoing initiatives and discuss future objectives. Additionally, ASNT also held a significant meeting with the Indian Society for Non-destructive Testing (ISNT) to explore potential collaboration and new ventures within the NDT industry. This meeting marks a major step toward strengthening the partnership between both organizations, promoting knowledge sharing, and advancing global best practices in the field.

In parallel, the ASNT and AWS teams discussed the possibility of a strategic collaboration in India, aimed at combining their expertise in Nondestructive Testing (NDT) and welding to boost professional development opportunities. They explored joint certification programs to meet the growing demand for skilled technicians in both fields, as well as the establishment of shared training facilities. The collaboration would also involve co-hosting events and workshops to foster innovation and knowledge exchange within the Indian industry, supporting the growth of NDT and welding practices in the region.

The ASNT leadership concluded their tour with a visit to the ASNT India facility in Chennai, where they reviewed ongoing projects and outlined future plans to further enhance ASNT’s presence and impact in the region.

The ASNT leadership’s visit to India reaffirms the organization’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships and advancing the NDT profession both in India and on the global stage.

For press inquiries, please email govrelations@asnt.org.