Modernizing NDT Certification: Why structured credits matter

There is a new pathway for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) certification renewal that considers more than just the years on your certificate – it reflects a professional’s real-world experience. 

In the updates to the 2022 version of CAN/CGSB-48.9712, a structured credit system was added as a requirement for renewals of NDT certification. NDT professionals now have a choice between this new system or taking a practical exam.

The CWB Group plays a key role in upholding integrity and public safety by supporting companies through welding certification. As part of its ongoing commitment to quality and competency in inspection, the CWB Group has launched an NDT Personnel Certification program, designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry in initial entry into the world of NDT but also for those who already have NDT certification and would like to renew/recertify.

To support NDT professionals in better understanding the structured credit system during renewals, this article outlines some of its main aspects.

What are structured credits?

Structured credits are essentially a list of activities that reflect the on-the-job experience and continuous learning a certified individual has gained over the last five years of their NDT certification. For Level 1 and 2 professionals, structured credits only apply during renewals. For Level 3 individuals, structured credits also apply during recertification.

Each type of activity is assigned a classification and point value and there are minimum points needed for each level. Table C.1 within Annex C of CAN/CGSB-48.9712 outlines the types of activities acceptable for structured credits, such as: performance of NDT activities; completion or the delivery of theoretical and practical training in the method; participation in research activities, technical seminars, presentations, or papers in NDT; individual membership in an NDT-related society; and participating in a technical committee or related technical NDT role within a certification body. 

It’s important to note that for typical working NDT professionals, most points (up to 95) could come from the documented work activity (or “Performance of NDT Activities”) that is verified by a referee/supervisor, as already required during all renewal applications in Canada.

For a full listing and details about the types of activities applicable to the structured credit process can be found in the CWB Group NDT Personnel Certification Application Guide.

Why structured credits?

The reasoning behind moving to a structured credit model is simple: it is to ensure that NDT professionals are active in the industry and advancing their experience, either through working or through participation in relevant activities that keep their skills up-to-date.

International consensus has been that in previous years, there may have been a lack of insight into individuals carrying NDT certificates, especially those through earlier iterations of the standards, leading to questions about the capabilities of NDT professionals during renewals.

To be clear, the intention behind this is to ensure that certified NDT professionals remain skilled, credible and reliable – and this will benefit CGSB NDT certificate holders and the NDT industry.

How to use structured credits

Table C.1 in CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2022 outlines the activities and related points and limits.

The following are some tips on using Structured Credits:

• Performance of NDT Activities - Up to 95/100 points can come from work activity/experience specific to the method. For the majority of working NDT professionals this shouldn’t be difficult to achieve (each day is worth two points) and since work activity is already recorded on your renewal application, additional evidence typically isn’t needed.
• Membership in an NDT or NDT-related society (such as CINDE or QCCC) is worth two points per year. Therefore, consistent work activity and a yearly NDT society membership should be sufficient structured credits.
• There are a maximum number of points per year AND over the five years for each activity type, so keep this in mind when documenting and collecting structured credits – especially seminars, courses or presentations.
• Keep your records/receipts for anything technical you’re a member of, delivering presentations to, or participating in that’s related to the NDT method you are renewing. You may have to present this as evidence during renewal applications.
• If the activity isn’t specific to a particular method (i.e. an NDT society membership) but is NDT related, then it can be re-used for other method renewals within the five years.
• The 100 points over five years is a minimum; most competent professionals will have more than 100 points over five years.
• Level 1 requires more of the activities to be from the Part A list (75 points) vs Level 2/3 which only requires 50 points from Part A – again these are a minimum, and most competent individuals will have excess points.

NDT professionals can renew or recertify through the CWB Group, including those initially certified through other CGSB-recognized bodies. For questions about structured credits or certification, contact CWB at inspector@cwbgroup.org or 1-800-844-6790.

Patrick Ho, Director, NDT Certification, CWB Group