ASNT Newsroom

(Columbus, OH) The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) celebrates a major legislative milestone with the US House of Representatives advancing a key provision that expands 529 education savings accounts to cover postsecondary credentialing and certification programs. This update—part of the recently passed “One, Big, Beautiful Bill”—broadens the definition of qualified educational expenses, offering greater flexibility for individuals pursuing career-focused education outside the traditional college path.

The inclusion of the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act marks a transformative step toward a more inclusive and adaptable workforce development strategy—one that recognizes the value of nontraditional education pathways like certifications in nondestructive testing and other high-skill, high-demand fields.

“This is a win for students, workers, and the future of our industries,” said Neal Couture, ASNT CEO. “By allowing families to use 529 plans to invest in credentialing programs, Congress is not only increasing access to education but also signaling a broader recognition that the workforce of tomorrow depends on more than just four-year college degrees.”

The newly expanded use of 529 savings accounts means aspiring professionals and transitioning workers can use these tax-advantaged funds to pursue meaningful credentials through ASNT and other industry-recognized certification programs. This change aligns with the national workforce trends, where middle-skill jobs dominate and certifications often serve as the key to sustainable, family-supporting careers.

“At ASNT, we see firsthand how industry-recognized certifications can open doors to lucrative and rewarding careers,” said Garra Liming, Director of Public Relations and Government Affairs at ASNT. “Expanding 529 plans to include these programs is smart policy. It means more people will have the chance to build a better future through hands-on, skills-based training without being sidelined by financial barriers or outdated definitions of education.”

With the bill headed to the Senate, ASNT joins the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition to urge lawmakers to preserve this crucial provision. Maintaining it in the final legislation will help broaden pathways to skilled careers, support economic mobility, and strengthen industries that rely on certified professionals to ensure safety, quality, and performance.

For more information on ASNT certification programs and how they support workforce readiness, 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, 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) 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