ASNT has received numerous inquiries and concerns from employers worldwide seeking to verify, validate, and confirm certificates issued by various training institutes, particularly those bearing the signature of ASNT NDT Level III professionals. 

As you are aware, SNT-TC-1A is a recommended practice intended to guide employers in establishing their own written practice for the qualification and certification of their personnel. It is fundamentally an employer-based certification system, not a centralized, independent, or third-party certification scheme. 

During ASNT’s review of the concerns raised, ASNT identified instances in which certificates are issued by training organizations and signed by ASNT NDT Level III professionals. The certificates state compliance with SNT-TC-1A, but do not have appropriate linkage to an employer’s written practice. 

Additionally, the use of the ASNT name and logo on such certificates has been observed, constituting a misrepresentation and misuse of ASNT branding. 

We wish to emphasize that: 

• SNT-TC-1A certifications should only be issued by employers as part of their internal qualification system. 

• Training institutes may provide NDT training but cannot independently issue certifications under SNT-TC-1A. 

• Training institutes may provide certification examinations for the employer, provided they meet the requirements of SNT-TC-1A and the employer’s written practice. 

• The use of ASNT’s name or logo on certificates is prohibited. 

The committee is currently reviewing these concerns, and appropriate actions and guidance will be communicated as necessary. 

In the meantime, we request all ASNT NDT Level III professionals: 

• Ensure strict adherence to SNT-TC-1A guidelines 

• Uphold the integrity of the qualification and certification process 

• Follow ethical practices in all certification-related activities 

• Adhere to the prohibited use of any ASNT branding or misrepresentation 

Your cooperation in maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards is essential in preserving the credibility of ASNT certifications and the global trust placed in the NDT community. We appreciate your continued support and commitment.

Resources for ASNT NDT Level IIIs 

ASNT NDT Level IIIs are encouraged to review the Code of Ethics documents on the ASNT Certification Services LLC website. This webpage also provides instructions and forms for reporting ethics violations to ASNT. 

For inquiries regarding any of our standards and recommended practices, fill out the standards inquiry form and submit it to standards@asnt.org. 

Resources for Companies and Training Organizations 

If you’re interested in ensuring your company’s compliance with SNT-TC-1A (and communicating the strength of your NDT program to your clients), ASNT’s Employer Based Certification (EBC) accreditation officially recognizes that your EBC program meets the highest industry standards for NDT excellence. Accreditation requires a detailed audit of your written practice or certification procedure for compliance to SNT-TC-1A or ANSI/ASNT CP-189. In addition, the program includes a detailed audit of your certification packages—verifying compliance to your written practice or certification procedure. 

For training organizations, the ASNT Authorized Training Organization (ATO) accreditation requires a detailed audit of your training organization’s practices and procedures for compliance with ASNT’s specifications. In addition, the program includes a comprehensive review of your training curriculum, instructor qualifications, and operational procedures—verifying adherence to ASNT guidelines.