What Is a Non-Destructive Testing Inspector and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A non-destructive testing inspector determines the safety of structures, vessels, or vehicles using ultrasound, fiber optics, x-ray, or similar equipment. As a non-destructive testing inspector, your responsibilities include testing equipment and hardware, inspecting materials, developing new or adapting existing NDT methods to solve problems, and properly documenting all testing procedures, processes, methods, and results. You use radio astronomy, rheometric flow measurement, and amperage and voltage measurement to evaluate material properties, detect object flaws by making radiographic images, use sonic measurements to map object imperfections, and use a variety of equipment and tools, such as closed circuit television systems or endoscopes to visually examine structures and materials.

The minimum qualifications for a non-destructive testing inspector include at least a GED certificate or high school diploma, followed by completion of a program at a vocational school offering formal classroom training for NDT equipment use and theory. These programs typically take one year or less to complete. Some employers offer apprenticeship programs so that aspiring NDT professionals can get hands-on experience. In order to best succeed, you should have strong reading comprehension and communication skills, in addition to a strong foundation in math, technology, and engineering.