Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians examine the physical properties of materials and components to detect corrosion, cracks, flaws and other imperfections, which could lead to unreliable product performance or in the worst case, product failure.

Technicians also use NDT for quality control in production manufacturing, but it is used in many other industries as well, including:

• aerospace
• defence
• road and rail transport
• shipping
• power generation
• steel production
• oil, gas and petrochemical.

Technicians test materials at every stage of a production process to make sure that they are safe; for example, the materials used in aircraft manufacture are tested when they are made, while the fuselage is being constructed and throughout the operating life of the aircraft.

NDT technicians have to make sure the testing process itself does not have any detrimental effect on the materials or machinery under examination.

Non-destructive testing technicians use a variety of techniques to test materials, including:

• visual inspection – using lenses, close circuit TV and fibre optic devices
• liquid dye penetrant testing – fluorescent liquids are used to stain surfaces which show up imperfections when viewed under ultraviolet lighting
• magnetic particle testing – magnetic particles are applied to magnetised ferrous materials, which align along cracks and defects (often combined with liquid penetrant techniques)
• radiographic testing – materials are X-rayed to show internal defects
• ultrasonic testing – high frequency sound pulses are fired into materials and differences in the reflected signals are analysed
• eddy current testing – an electric current is passed through conductive materials and differences in the flow of current are measured
• resonant testing – acoustic emissions and vibration monitoring techniques are used to 'listen' to the growth of a crack or imperfection.

Hours and Environment

Hours are typically 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Shifts and weekend work are also common.

Technicians' workplaces vary, depending on the job. They work in laboratories, factory production areas, workshops and also outdoors.

They wear protective clothing, including gloves and face masks for certain jobs.

Skills and Interests

To be a non-destructive testing technician, you should:

• have good analytical skills
• have an aptitude for science and engineering 
• be able to pay attention to detail
• be able to use a wide range of tools and instruments
• have good IT skills
• be able to communicate clearly in writing and verbally
• have good eyesight and colour vision
• understand health and safety issues.

Entry

You normally need qualifications in science or engineering, such as GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), A levels/H grades or equivalents, in maths, science, physics or chemistry.

BTEC national certificates and diplomas in the engineering disciplines are available at local colleges, and the BTEC Certificate and Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering (Fabrication and Welding) contains specific units covering NDT testing and quality control.

Foundation degrees, BTEC HNC/HNDs and degrees in materials science and engineering specialisms are also acceptable qualifications. See the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM 3) for details of course providers.

You may be able to do initial training in basic NDT techniques, if you are not employed in the industry, to demonstrate your potential to employers for trainee NDT positions. For details of NDT training providers, contact the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing in Further Information.

For information about NDT as a career, see the professional bodies in Further Information.

Training

You receive on-the-job training and with experience, you can work towards level 2 or level 3 certification within your role. Certification can be achieved in one of two ways:

• completing an internationally recognised central certification programme, such as the Personnel Certification in Non-Destructive Testing (PCN) scheme or the American Society for Non-destructive Testing (ASNT) scheme
• completing a company's in-house certification programme.

The employer-based option may not necessarily be transferable to other companies or industries.

If you are employed in this role, you can work towards the NVQ/SVQ in Non-Destructive Testing at Level 3, which is validated by the Engineering and Construction Industry Training Board.

For details of accredited training and certification and professional development schemes, contact the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing below.

If you work in welding and inspection, you can achieve certification by taking The Welding Institute’s (TWI) Certificate Scheme for Welding and Inspection Personnel (CSWIP). This can be done at several skill levels. See TWI for details.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

There is a regular demand for skilled technicians in all sectors. Prospects will depend on qualifications and experience.

It may be possible to progress to senior NDT technician, to specialise in a particular form of testing or, alternatively, move into quality assurance, purchasing, technical sales and management. Some UK and overseas universities also offer research and development positions.

Annual Income

The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.

Newly qualified technicians can expect to earn around £16,500.
An experienced technician earns between £18,000 and £22,000.
Senior staff can earn up to £25,000.

Further information

Granta Park
Great Abington
Cambridge
CB1 6AL
Tel: 01223 891162 14 Upton Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282 167 1 Spencer Parade
Northampton
NN1 5AA
Tel: 01604 630124 1 Carlton House Terrace
London
SW1Y 5DB
Tel: 020 7451 7300