Code of Ethics for Members of the
Revised: 10/11/2026
1.0 Purpose
This Code of Ethics establishes the standards of professional and ethical conduct expected of all ASNT members. By joining and maintaining membership, members affirm their commitment to uphold these principles as a condition of membership.
2.0 Scope
This policy applies to all members of ASNT, regardless of membership type, role, or geographic location.
3.0 References
3.1. ASNT Bylaws
4.0 Guiding Principles
As members of ASNT, we recognize that our actions affect not only ourselves, but also our colleagues, employers, clients, the public, and the integrity of the NDT profession. Therefore, members shall:
4.1. Uphold Integrity and Reputation
Act in ways that preserve the dignity of membership and the reputation of ASNT.
4.2. Practice Fairness and Honesty
Conduct all professional activities with fairness, honesty, and respect toward employers, employees, customers, competitors, and colleagues.
4.3. Avoid Misrepresentation
Do not associate ASNT’s name or your professional standing with misleading, fraudulent, or deceptive activities.
4.4. Respect Professional Reputation
Refrain from harming the professional reputation, opportunities, or business of another member through unfair or improper means.
4.5. Advertise Professionally
Promote services truthfully and avoid solicitation methods that are misleading, questionable, or unprofessional.
4.6. Disclose Conflicts of Interest
Inform clients or employers of any financial interests, affiliations, or connections that could influence professional judgment.
4.7. Protect Confidential Information
Treat business, technical, and proprietary information as confidential, and do not disclose it without proper consent.
4.8. Maintain Professional Independence
Accept financial or other compensation for a service from one source only, unless all parties are informed and consent is obtained.
4.9. Protect Health, Safety, and the Public
Perform work to the highest professional standards, always prioritizing the safety, health, and welfare of colleagues and the public.
4.10. Advance the Profession
Contribute to the growth of NDT by sharing knowledge and experience, engaging in ASNT programs, and supporting the exchange of ideas.
4.11. Support Professional Development
Encourage and provide opportunities for the education and advancement of employees, trainees, and others under your supervision.
4.12. Serve Society
Recognize membership as an opportunity to apply NDT expertise in service to humanity.
4.13. Foster Respectful Conduct
Refrain from hostile, intimidating, or harassing behavior of any kind, whether verbal, physical, or written, in all ASNT related interactions.
5.0 Enforcement
5.1
ASNT members are expected to uphold the standards and responsibilities outlined in this Code of Ethics. Alleged violations will be reviewed and adjudicated through ASNT’s established ethics processes.
5.2
All ethics complaints involving ASNT members shall be handled in accordance with the procedures described in Appendix A, Accepting and Adjudicating Ethics Complaints. Appendix A defines the steps for receiving, reviewing, investigating, and resolving complaints and outlines the respective roles of staff, ethics review committees, and the Board of Directors.
5.3
The Board of Directors, or its designated authority, serves as the final decision making body for all member related ethics matters. Recommendations from Ethics Oversight Committee are advisory to the Board unless otherwise specified in ASNT governing documents.
5.4
Sanctions or corrective actions may include, but are not limited to: education or coaching, written warnings, restrictions on participation in ASNT activities, suspension of membership, or termination of membership. The Board of Directors determines the appropriate action based on the severity of the violation, the supporting evidence, and the best interest of ASNT and the profession.
5.5
All ethics matters will be handled with fairness, respect, and confidentiality to the extent practicable. Conflicts of interest must be disclosed by any individual involved in the review or deliberation process, and recusals will be made where appropriate.
5.6
Records of ethics complaints, investigations, resolutions, and Board actions will be maintained in accordance with ASNT’s records management policies.
5.7
The processes outlined in Appendix A may be updated as necessary to ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment with best practices. Any substantive changes will be approved by the Board of Directors.
Appendix A — Accepting and Adjudicating Ethics Complaints
1. Purpose of This Appendix
This appendix outlines the standardized process for receiving, reviewing, and adjudicating ethics complaints submitted to ASNT. It ensures consistency across all organizational units and supports fair, timely, and transparent handling of complaints.
2. Role of the ASNT Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee provides oversight of ethics procedures across ASNT. Responsibilities include:
2.1. Reviewing and approving procedures and revisions related to ethics handling
2.2. Monitoring the complaint process for fairness and efficiency
2.3. Recommending continuous process improvements
3. Submitting an Ethics Complaint
3.1. Written Complaints Only
ASNT accepts only written ethics complaints. If a concern is raised verbally, the complainant will be asked to submit the complaint in writing before ASNT can take action.
3.2. Submission Method
All ethics complaints must be submitted to EthicsComplaint@asnt.org. This address serves as the single point of entry for all ASNT related ethics matters.
3.3. Required Information
To initiate a review, the written complaint must include:
3.3.1. Complainant’s name and contact information
3.3.2. Topic of the complaint
3.3.3. Subject: Membership Ethics Complaint
3.3.4. A brief description of the concern, including reference to the guiding policy allegedly violated.
4. Initial Staff Acknowledgment
ASNT staff will acknowledge receipt of the complaint and confirm that it will proceed to initial review. After staff review, additional documentation may be requested in accordance with applicable procedures.
4.1. Staff Review
The ASNT CEO will conduct the initial review. After the initial review the CEO will:
4.1.1. Record the complaint.
4.1.2. Forward the matter to the appropriate ethics review body. The ethics review body is the ASNT, or ASNT subsidiary, committee, council, or other authorized body designated to review the complaint based on its subject matter and applicable ASNT policies.
5. Membership Ethics Complaint Procedures
The following procedures govern how membership related ethics complaints are reviewed and adjudicated once they have been routed to the Ethics Committee (“the Committee”).
5.1. Receipt & Preliminary Screening
Upon receipt from staff, the Committee will log the complaint and confirm that:
5.1.1. The complaint concerns conduct within the scope of ASNT membership or related volunteer roles; and
5.1.2. The complaint appears to allege a possible violation of the ASNT Code of Ethics for Members (Policy O-3D) or other applicable ASNT standards or policies.
5.2. Jurisdiction and Threshold Review
The Committee will conduct a preliminary review to determine whether:
5.2.1. ASNT has jurisdiction over the respondent (e.g., current member, volunteer, or person subject to ASNT policies);
5.2.2. The complaint, if true, would constitute a material violation; and
5.2.3. The complaint is timely and supported by sufficient initial information to warrant further review.
5.2.4. Decision to Proceed or Decline
Based on this preliminary screening, the Committee may:
Decline to proceed if the complaint is outside ASNT’s scope, is frivolous or duplicative, or does not allege a cognizable violation; or
5.2.5. Accept the complaint for further review, moving it into the investigation phase.
The complainant will be notified in writing if the Committee declines to proceed and, where appropriate, may be directed to another forum or resource.
6. Notice to Respondent and Opportunity to Respond
6.1.1. Formal Notice
If the Committee accepts the complaint for review, ASNT will provide written notice to the respondent that:
6.1.1.1. A complaint has been received
6.1.1.2. A summary of the alleged conduct and the policies or standards at issue
6.1.1.3. The process and timeline for response
6.1.2. Respondent’s Written Response
If required, the respondent will be given a specified timeframe to provide a written response and any supporting documentation. Failure to respond within the stated timeframe may result in the Committee proceeding with the available information.
7. Case Documentation
Each ethics review unit must document:
7.1. Case Documentation
7.1.1. The complaint
7.1.2. The review and findings
7.1.3. Final disposition
7.1.4. All related correspondence
Documents will be stored in a centralized location using a standardized naming convention indicating origin.
7.2. Communication Copies
All official correspondence related to ethics complaints will be copied to the ASNT Ethics Committee.
8. Reporting
The Ethics Committee will compile statistics and provide consolidated reporting on ethics complaints to the Board of Directors.
9. Communication of Outcomes
9.1. Formal Communications
Official decisions and outcomes will be communicated in writing. All correspondence will come from ASNT (not individual committee chairs or volunteers).
9.2. Communication to Parties
Both the complainant and respondent will receive written notice of the final determination in accordance with governing procedures.
