Occupation
Non-destructive testing technician
Non-destructive testing technicians inspect welds, castings, and structures for internal and surface flaws without damaging the item, using methods such as ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle, dye penetrant, and eddy current testing. They work to written procedures and certification levels that define what each technician may carry out and sign. Some methods, particularly industrial radiography, carry radiation safety obligations.
Also known as: NDT technician · NDT inspector · Non-destructive examination technician · Radiographic testing technician
Occupation content
Part of Manufacturing, production and quality
What the work involves
- Set up and calibrate NDT equipment against reference blocks and written procedures
- Carry out ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle, penetrant, or eddy current examinations
- Interpret indications and classify them as acceptable or reportable against the code
- Write inspection reports and mark up drawings or components with findings
- Apply radiation, chemical, and confined space controls appropriate to the method used
- Maintain equipment, consumables, source records, and certification documentation
How people commonly enter
- Method-specific NDT training and certification through a recognised certification scheme
- A college diploma in NDT, materials, or engineering technology followed by method certification
- Progression from welding, inspection, or fabrication trades into NDT method training
- Employer-sponsored training with supervised experience logged toward each certification level
Typical training: Certificate or college diploma
Licensing: Regulated in some jurisdictions — confirm the current requirement with the regulator in your province, state, or country.
Typical work context
Client sites · Varied work · Involves travel · High responsibility · Physically active
Related interests
Realistic (hands-on) · Investigative (analytical) · Conventional (organizing)
Related aptitude preparation
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Skills to practise
Practice suites
Related learning
Family-level learning links for Manufacturing, production and quality.
Official sources
Labour-market facts such as pay and employment projections are not reproduced here. Open an official source below for figures, with its own geography and reference period.
- O*NET OnLine — occupation search: non-destructive testing specialist · United States
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- UK National Careers Service — Non-destructive testing technician · United Kingdom
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- Employment and Social Development Canada — National Occupational Classification (NOC) · Canada
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Labour-market context (not part of exploration match)
This is broad family-level context for Manufacturing, production and quality in Canada, not a figure for Non-destructive testing technician. It does not affect matching scores and is not an eligibility determination.
This is a broad Manufacturing, production and quality family. Explore the official profile for the chosen occupation; entry education and training can differ within the family.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Manufacturing, production and quality: education pathways
Some roles in Manufacturing, production and quality may be regulated. Confirm whether the specific role requires registration, certification, or a jurisdiction-specific licence.
Canada Job Bank Career Planning · Canada · Current official profile; consult source for its release period
Manufacturing, production and quality: licensing
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