How Art Thou? Looking at Training and Certification
by 2011-2012 ASNT President Bob Potter*
“OH BROTHER, HOW ART THOU?” More than a catchy phrase, this was asked back in the day to learn the well-being of others. It was asked sincerely and not just for casual conversation. The inquirer truly wanted to know how a family member, friend or neighbor was doing. So, I ask the question in that spirit, “How art thou?”One area where I’m particularly interested in knowing how you are doing is with regard to NDT certification programs. Over the years I’ve been involved in a lot of discussion about alternate certification schemes, and I’ve seen quite a few proposals. I have also witnessed considerable resources being expended in developing alternate schemes, only to find in some cases that the segments that had originally proposed them were not always eager to implement them, choosing instead to rely on their existing certifications, which were usually employer-based programs.
"if our goal is to raise the bar, then we really need to focus on our training models"
Over the last summer, I took the time to review the history of SNT-TC-1A. This document has served the NDT profession well for over 50 years. And I found that in those years it has undergone numerous changes based on the input from various stakeholders, including virtually every industrial sector. That process of updating has kept the document current, relevant and useful for a huge number of NDT certification needs. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that SNT-TC-1A is the most utilized NDT certification document in the world. But as I mentioned, there are people who are strong advocates for alternate schemes, so I wondered, what is the driving force?
I wondered if people might be trying to improve the quality of NDT through certification schemes while missing a critical part of qualification. If the goal is to improve the skills of inspectors – that is, to improve their ability to detect and characterize flaws – that goal can only be met with specific training using specific equipment on specific materials and in search of specific flaws. I believe that training does improve the probability of detection, and that, if our goal is to raise the bar, then we really need to focus on our training models, not certification. As an example, if the aviation industry has the desire for inspectors to detect ply roll or porosity content in carbon fiber, the industry model should require training to that effect. Similarly, if the railroad industry needs all ultrasonic testing inspectors to have the ability to locate incomplete fusion in railcar seal welds, that industry should require pertinent training.
ASNT’s mission is to make the world a safer place through promoting the NDT profession and the application of its technologies. And I believe, through many programs and current initiatives, that ASNT is very much on track with this mission. But should we do more? Should we focus more on additional training needs to raise the bar? I’d like to hear your thoughts. So, I ask the question, “How art thou?” And how could ASNT be even more effective?
* E-mail: bpotter@metalfinishingco.com
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