Best software · Careers
10 Best NDT Certifications of 2026
This list is for trainees and inspectors starting a career in nondestructive testing (NDT) who want to know which certification to earn first and what comes next. We compared documented requirements and published fees for ten credentials from ASNT, API, BINDT, TWI's CSWIP and AWS, covering entry technician certificates, ISO 9712 schemes, plant inspector certifications and practical ultrasonic qualifications. Scores weigh features at 40 percent and ease of use and value at 30 percent each. Prices were checked on each certifying body's own pages in November 2026; PCN and CSWIP do not publish USD fees.
By the Mojolin research desk · Updated November 11, 2026 · 10 tools compared · Prices checked on vendor pages, latest November 11, 2026
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
Mojolin is self-funded How we score
Start with ASNT NDT Level II. ASNT does not certify Level I, so trainees log supervised hours and then sit Level II, which costs $740 per method for members and needs only 30 days of method experience for PT or VT, or 120 days for RT or UT. If you want a certificate that does not depend on your employer's written practice, choose ASNT 9712 Level II in the US or PCN and CSWIP in the UK and Europe; all three follow ISO 9712. Once you have a few years in the field, ASNT NDT Level III is the path into procedure writing and management, and API 510 or API 570 move you into refinery inspection at $875 for API members. UT technicians in oil and gas should add ASNT ISQ or API QUTE (M), and welders crossing over can use an AWS CWI, which ASNT accepts for Level II Visual Testing.
Top picks
Best overall
ASNT NDT Level II
9.0 / 10
Trainees ready to work as independent NDT technicians
Read the review →Runner-up
ASNT NDT Level III
8.6 / 10
Experienced technicians and engineers moving into NDT management
Read the review →Also great
ASNT 9712 Level II
8.2 / 10
Technicians who need an ISO 9712 credential that moves with them
Read the review →Comparison table
| # | Tool | Pricing | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASNT NDT Level II | Trainees ready to work as independent NDT technicians | $740 per method for ASNT members, $820 for non-members, covering the general and specific exams; industry sector add-ons $370 for members | 9.0 |
| 2 | ASNT NDT Level III | Experienced technicians and engineers moving into NDT management | $545 for the NDT Basic exam plus at least one method exam from $525 for ASNT members; non-members pay $625 and from $605 | 8.6 |
| 3 | ASNT 9712 Level II | Technicians who need an ISO 9712 credential that moves with them | $1,270 per method for one technique and $1,620 for all techniques (MT, RT, UT) at ASNT member rates; non-members pay $1,345 and $1,715 | 8.2 |
| 4 |  API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector | NDT technicians moving into refinery and plant vessel inspection | $875 for API members, $1,125 for non-members for initial certification in 2026; recertification $745 for members | 8.1 |
| 5 | API 570 Piping Inspector | Technicians who inspect process piping in oil, gas and chemical plants | $875 for API members, $1,125 for non-members for initial certification in 2026; recertification $745 for members | 8.0 |
| 6 |  PCN (BINDT) | Technicians working in the UK, Europe or on international projects | See vendor pricing (USD check pending); fees are published in GBP | 7.9 |
| 7 |  CSWIP Non-Destructive Testing | Technicians in welded fabrication and offshore inspection | See vendor pricing (USD check pending); fees are set through TWI exam centres | 7.8 |
| 8 | ASNT ISQ Oil & Gas | Level II UT technicians seeking oil and gas work | $560 for UT Thickness, $685 for UT Shear Wave and $760 for UT Phased Array at ASNT member rates; non-members pay $680 to $880 | 7.7 |
| 9 |  AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) | Welders and inspectors who want visual weld inspection credentials | $1,255 for AWS members, $1,520 for non-members for the initial exams | 7.5 |
| 10 | API QUTE (M) Ultrasonic Testing Examiner | Level II UT technicians working for refinery owners | $750 for API members, $850 for non-members for initial certification | 7.4 |
Scoring weights
Every tool gets three editorial scores out of 10, from vendor documentation, product pages and the published price. The overall score is the weighted average below, the same method on every list. Full method
The full ranking
Rank 1 · Best overall
ASNT NDT Level II
The American Society for Nondestructive Testing's first certification level for NDT technicians, built on a general and a specific computer-based exam that meet SNT-TC-1A.
asnt.org9.0
out of 10
Best for: Trainees ready to work as independent NDT technicians
ASNT NDT Level II is where most new inspectors in the United States earn their first real NDT credential, because ASNT does not certify a Level I: trainees work under supervision and log hours until they qualify for Level II. Each method costs $740 for members and $820 for non-members, which covers a general and a specific computer-based exam aligned with SNT-TC-1A. Requirements are modest compared with other programs here. Liquid penetrant and visual testing need 30 days of method experience and 58 days of total NDT work, with 2 and 4 days of training respectively, while radiography and ultrasonics need 120 days in method and 12 days of training. The trade-off is that ASNT leaves visual acuity and practical exams to your employer's written practice, so the credential leans on the company you work for. ASNT publishes average pay of $23 an hour for trainees and $38 an hour at Level II on its certification page, and certificates renew every five years.
Standout feature
ASNT NDT Level II is the best choice for new inspectors because it costs $740 per method for members and starts at 30 days of method experience.
Use cases
A trainee with two months of penetrant and visual work
Apply for PT and VT Level II through MyCert
Outcome: Two Level II methods on the strength of 30 days of method experience each
A plant hiring its first NDT technicians
Pair ASNT's written exams with its own practical under a written practice
Outcome: Technicians certified to SNT-TC-1A without building an exam program
Key features
- Five methods offered: MT, PT, RT, UT and VT
- Initial fee of $740 per method for members covers the general and specific exams
- Industry sector add-on exams for general industry or pressure equipment at $370 for members
- Employer runs the visual acuity and practical exams under its written practice
- Renewal every five years
Pros
- Lowest experience bar on this list: 30 days in method for PT or VT
- Applications reviewed in 2 to 4 weeks through the MyCert portal
- Training needs are short, from 2 days for PT to 12 days for RT or UT
Cons
- Practical exam is left to your employer, so the credential depends on an employer written practice
- RT and UT each need 120 days of method experience and 229 days in NDT
- Training certificates alone do not count as experience documentation
Rank 2 · Runner-up
ASNT NDT Level III
ASNT's senior certification for NDT managers who write procedures, interpret codes and train teams, with exams that meet ANAB accreditation standards.
asnt.org8.6
out of 10
Best for: Experienced technicians and engineers moving into NDT management
ASNT NDT Level III is the credential for the person who writes the procedures everyone else follows. ASNT describes the role as writing inspection procedures, auditing documentation, supervising and training teams, and managing operations, and lists average pay of $46 an hour. First-time candidates pass the NDT Basic exam at $545 for members plus at least one method exam, priced from $525 for magnetic particle, penetrant, infrared, MFL and visual and $545 for ultrasonic, radiographic and others. Exams for ET, MT, PT, RT, UT and VT are accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board. You do not need Level II first. A four-year engineering or physical science degree plus 12 months of Level II equivalent experience qualifies you, two years of study need 24 months, and no college means 48 months. It is not an entry point for a newcomer, but it is the clear goal for a technician who plans to stay in NDT, and it renews every five years.
Standout feature
ASNT NDT Level III is the best choice for future NDT managers because degree holders qualify with 12 months of experience and the Basic exam costs $545 for members.
Use cases
A mechanical engineer with a year of UT work
Sit the NDT Basic and UT method exams
Outcome: Level III status without first holding Level II
A senior Level II technician with four years in RT
Add Level III to write procedures for a service company
Outcome: A credential matching the procedure writing and training duties ASNT lists
Key features
- Initial certification needs the NDT Basic exam plus at least one method exam
- Ten method exams: AE, ET, IR, LT, MFL, MT, PT, RT, UT and VT
- ET, MT, PT, RT, UT and VT exams accredited by ANAB
- Degree holders qualify with 12 months of experience
- Renewal every five years
Pros
- No need to hold Level II first if you have Level II equivalent experience
- A four-year engineering or science degree cuts the experience requirement to 12 months
- ASNT lists average pay of $46 an hour at Level III
Cons
- Without college, you need 48 months of experience
- Exams are computer-based only, with no hands-on component included
- Initial cost is at least $1,070 for members once you add a method exam to the Basic
Rank 3 · Also great
ASNT 9712 Level II
ASNT's ISO 9712 central certification for technicians, with computer-based and hands-on practical exams administered by ASNT rather than your employer.
asnt.org8.2
out of 10
Best for: Technicians who need an ISO 9712 credential that moves with them
ASNT 9712 Level II is ASNT's answer for technicians who need an ISO 9712 certificate rather than an employer-based one, and it replaces the older ACCP program, whose certificates remain valid until renewal. Unlike ASNT NDT Level II, ASNT administers the practical exam itself at an authorized exam center, so the credential does not depend on an employer written practice. Each method includes general, specific and instruction preparation exams plus at least one practical, such as bench or yoke for magnetic particle, gamma or X-ray for radiography, and casting or welds for ultrasonics. A single technique costs $1,270 for members and all techniques cost $1,620 for MT, RT and UT, or $1,970 for PT. Requirements are higher than the SNT-TC-1A route: 60 days of method experience for MT or PT and 180 days for RT or UT, with 5 to 18 days of training. Visual testing was listed as coming soon when we checked.
Standout feature
ASNT 9712 Level II is the best choice for contract technicians because ASNT administers the practical exam and the program meets ISO 9712.
Use cases
A contract UT technician working for several clients
Earn 9712 Level II in UT with the welds practical
Outcome: A third-party certificate that does not depend on one employer
An ACCP holder due for renewal
Renew under the ASNT 9712 Program Document
Outcome: Continuity from ACCP into the current ISO 9712 scheme
Key features
- Meets the ISO 9712 standard
- General, specific, instruction preparation and practical exams for each method
- Practical techniques include bench and yoke MT, gamma and X-ray RT, and casting or weld UT
- RT pricing includes film interpretation
- Replaces ACCP; ACCP certificates stay valid until renewal
Pros
- Hands-on exam is run by ASNT at an authorized exam center, not by your employer
- Single technique option lowers the cost when you only need one practical
- Renewal every five years
Cons
- Costs more than ASNT NDT Level II, at $1,270 per method for members
- Needs 60 days of method experience for MT or PT and 180 days for RT or UT
- Visual testing was still listed as coming soon
Rank 4
API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspector
The American Petroleum Institute's certification for inspectors of in-service pressure vessels, accredited by ANSI under ISO 17024.
api.org8.1
out of 10
Best for: NDT technicians moving into refinery and plant vessel inspection
API 510 is the step many NDT technicians take when they want to move from running tests to making fitness-for-service calls on pressure vessels in refineries and chemical plants. API says the certification is valid for three years and accredited by ANSI under ISO 17024. The exam day lasts 7.5 hours, with 2.75 hours for 110 closed-book questions and 3.75 hours for 60 open-book questions; 140 of the 170 questions are scored, and code PDFs are available on screen. Eligibility depends on education: a bachelor's degree in engineering or technology needs 1 year of inspection experience, a two-year degree needs 2 years, and a high school diploma needs 3 years, one of which must be in inspection. That experience must come from work for an authorized inspection agency within the last 10 years. Initial certification costs $875 for API members and $1,125 for non-members in 2026, and the 2027 schedule lists $890.
Standout feature
API 510 is the best choice for refinery vessel inspectors because it is ANSI accredited and costs $875 for API members in 2026.
Use cases
A UT technician with three years in a refinery
Sit the API 510 exam in a scheduled window
Outcome: Certification to inspect pressure vessels under API 510
An inspection agency growing its vessel team
Move Level II staff into API 510 roles
Outcome: Inspectors who meet API's experience and exam rules
Key features
- 170-question exam, 140 scored, over a 7.5-hour exam day
- 110 closed-book and 60 open-book questions
- Code PDFs provided on screen for the open-book part
- Valid for a three-year term
- Accredited by ANSI under ISO 17024
Pros
- A BS in engineering or technology cuts required experience to 1 year
- Exams run in scheduled windows at Prometric centers
- Fees for 2026 and 2027 are published in advance
Cons
- With a high school diploma you need 3 years of pressure vessel experience
- Experience must come from an authorized inspection agency within the last 10 years
- Renews every three years, more often than ASNT credentials
Rank 5
API 570 Piping Inspector
API's certification for inspectors of in-service metallic piping systems, with the same exam format and fees as API 510.
api.org8.0
out of 10
Best for: Technicians who inspect process piping in oil, gas and chemical plants
API 570 covers maintenance, inspection, alteration and repair of in-service metallic piping, and it is a natural fit for NDT technicians who already spend their days on thickness readings and weld checks in process units. The exam mirrors API 510: a 7.5-hour day, 2.75 hours closed-book and 3.75 hours open-book, with 140 of 170 questions scored and 30 pretest questions. Education sets the experience bar, from 1 year of inspection work with an engineering or technology degree to 3 years with a high school diploma. Certification lasts three years and is accredited by ANSI under ISO 17024. To recertify you need 24 continuing professional development hours per cycle and must show that at least 20% of your time was spent performing or supervising piping inspection; otherwise you take the full exam again. Fees match API 510 at $875 for members and $1,125 for non-members in 2026.
Standout feature
API 570 is the best choice for process piping inspectors because it requires only 1 year of experience with an engineering or technology degree.
Use cases
A thickness gauging technician in a refinery
Use three years of piping work to qualify for API 570
Outcome: A piping inspector credential on top of NDT methods
An API 510 holder
Add API 570 in the next exam window
Outcome: Coverage of both vessels and piping on one inspector
Key features
- 170-question exam over a 7.5-hour day, 140 questions scored
- Closed-book and open-book portions
- Valid for a three-year term
- Recertification needs 24 CPD hours every three years
- Accredited by ANSI under ISO 17024
Pros
- Same education and experience ladder as API 510, from 1 year with a BS
- Recertification without a full exam if you stay active in piping inspection
- Body of knowledge and effectivity sheets published for each exam window
Cons
- At least 20% of your time over three years must be piping inspection to recertify without a full exam
- High school graduates need 3 years of piping experience
- Exams are only offered in set windows
Rank 6
PCN (BINDT)
The Personnel Certification in Non-Destructive Testing scheme run by the British Institute of NDT, a central ISO 9712 certification for NDT and condition monitoring staff.
bindt.org7.9
out of 10
Best for: Technicians working in the UK, Europe or on international projects
PCN is the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing's central certification scheme, and it is the credential most UK and many international employers ask for. BINDT describes PCN as third-party certification to ISO 9712, which means a certificate shows conformance to an international standard rather than to one employer's written practice. Examinations are set by professional examiners and held at Authorised Qualifying Bodies, independent test centres that BINDT authorises in several countries. The scheme also covers condition monitoring under ISO 18436, and PCN is registered under the European multilateral recognition agreement managed by the European Federation for NDT. For a new inspector, that portability is the main reason to choose PCN over an employer-based route. Downsides: fees are published in pounds, booking runs through each qualifying body, and some qualifications, such as radiation safety, always require a fresh exam. We could not confirm a USD price, so check the qualifying body you plan to use.
Standout feature
PCN is the best choice for UK and European NDT work because it is central ISO 9712 certification run by BINDT.
Use cases
A technician moving to North Sea or European projects
Take PCN UT and MT exams at an Authorised Qualifying Body
Outcome: An ISO 9712 certificate recognized under the EFNDT agreement
A US Level II aiming at API QUTE
Hold PCN Level II as the required ISO 9712 credential
Outcome: Eligibility for API's ultrasonic examiner exams
Key features
- Central (third-party) certification to ISO 9712
- Examinations held at Authorised Qualifying Bodies worldwide
- Covers NDT and condition monitoring under ISO 9712 and ISO 18436
- Registered under the EFNDT European multilateral recognition agreement
- Online certificate verification
Pros
- Third-party certificate is independent of any single employer
- Recognition across Europe through the EFNDT agreement
- Accepted by API as a prerequisite for QUTE examinations
Cons
- Fees are not shown in USD
- Some qualifications cannot be renewed by paperwork and always need an exam
- Exam centres are run by separate qualifying bodies, so booking varies by country
Rank 7
CSWIP Non-Destructive Testing
TWI Certification's ISO 9712 NDT scheme covering welds, castings and wrought products, alongside its CSWIP welding inspection qualifications.
cswip.com7.8
out of 10
Best for: Technicians in welded fabrication and offshore inspection
CSWIP is run by TWI Certification and is best known for welding inspector qualifications, but it also offers a full ISO 9712 NDT scheme covering welds, castings and wrought products. The governing document was reissued in July 2026, with appendices for manual ultrasonics, phased array and automated UT, TOFD, magnetic particle, penetrant, radiographic interpretation, visual and optical inspection, ACFM, eddy current, leak testing and guided wave. That range is wider than most entry routes on this list and suits technicians heading for offshore or fabrication work. CSWIP says it serves over 50,000 certificate holders. An Employer Specific scheme applies ISO 9712 rules to one company's own products and procedures. One point to check: CSWIP's news page lists a temporary suspension of its UKAS ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation and an August 2026 notice that the accreditation was reinstated. Prices are not published in USD, so ask the TWI centre where you plan to test.
Standout feature
CSWIP NDT is the best choice for advanced weld inspection because its ISO 9712 scheme includes PAUT, AUT and TOFD appendices.
Use cases
An offshore inspection technician
Add CSWIP ACFM and TOFD certificates
Outcome: Coverage of methods common in subsea and weld inspection
A fabricator with in-house NDT staff
Use the Employer Specific scheme
Outcome: ISO 9712 certification tied to its own products and procedures
Key features
- Certification in accordance with ISO 9712
- Appendices for UT, PAUT and AUT, TOFD, MT, PT, radiographic interpretation and visual testing
- ACFM, eddy current, leak testing and guided wave appendices
- Employer Specific scheme applies ISO 9712 to a company's own procedures
- Scheme documents updated in July 2026
Pros
- Wide method range, including advanced ultrasonic methods such as PAUT and TOFD
- CSWIP says it has over 50,000 certificate holders
- Pairs with CSWIP welding inspector qualifications from the same body
Cons
- No USD fees published
- CSWIP's news page lists a temporary suspension of its UKAS ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation, since reinstated
- Fees must be requested from the exam centre you plan to use
Rank 8
ASNT ISQ Oil & Gas
ASNT's Industry Sector Qualification, a hands-on ultrasonic performance demonstration for Level II technicians in oil and gas.
asnt.org7.7
out of 10
Best for: Level II UT technicians seeking oil and gas work
ASNT's Industry Sector Qualification for oil and gas is not a starting credential, but it is often the next thing a new UT technician is asked for once they hold Level II. ISQ is a set of hands-on performance demonstration exams, with no written test, covering UT thickness, shear wave and phased array, with a long seam exam listed as coming soon. ASNT built it so owners and operators do not each have to run their own performance testing, which is why oil and gas clients ask for it. Fees are the lowest on this list: $560 for UT Thickness, $685 for UT Shear Wave and $760 for UT Phased Array at member rates, with non-members paying $680 to $880. A failed flaw plotting portion of the shear wave exam can be retaken for $335. The qualification renews every three years. If you do not work in ultrasonics, or do not yet hold Level II, it is not for you.
Standout feature
ASNT ISQ Oil & Gas is the best low-cost add-on for UT technicians because the UT Thickness exam costs $560 for ASNT members.
Use cases
A new UT Level II at a service company
Pass the UT Thickness ISQ
Outcome: A practical qualification oil and gas clients can accept
A phased array technician
Add the UTPA exam for $760 at member rates
Outcome: Third-party proof of phased array skill
Key features
- Hands-on performance demonstration exams only
- UT Thickness, UT Shear Wave and UT Phased Array exams
- UT Long Seam exam listed as coming soon
- Designed for technicians who already hold Level II
- Renewal every three years
Pros
- Lowest exam fee on this list at $560 for UT Thickness
- Owners and operators can accept it instead of running their own performance tests
- No written exam to prepare for
Cons
- Requires an existing Level II, so it is not a first certification
- Covers ultrasonic techniques only
- Renews every three years rather than five
Rank 9
AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
The American Welding Society's welding inspector certification, earned through Fundamentals, Practical and Code Book exams.
aws.org7.5
out of 10
Best for: Welders and inspectors who want visual weld inspection credentials
The AWS CWI belongs on an NDT list because visual inspection is the most common NDT method on welds, and ASNT recognizes a current CWI or SCWI for Level II Visual Testing with no additional exam, with the ASNT certification expiring when the AWS credential does. To earn it you pass three parts: Part A on fundamentals, which includes nondestructive testing among its topics, Part B practical, and Part C on a code book, scoring at least 72% on each. Parts A and C run at more than 450 Prometric centers. The entry bar is high for a newcomer: a high school diploma means 5 years of welding-based work, while a welding engineering degree brings that down to 1 year. Initial exams cost $1,255 for AWS members and $1,520 for non-members. The certification period is nine years with renewals at years three and six. It is a strong credential for welders moving into inspection, but it does not cover UT, RT or MT.
Standout feature
AWS CWI is the best choice for welders crossing into NDT because ASNT recognizes it for Level II Visual Testing with no extra exam.
Use cases
A welder with five years in structural fabrication
Pass all three CWI exams
Outcome: An inspector credential that also counts for ASNT Level II VT
A CWI adding NDT methods
Apply the CWI recognition and add ASNT MT Level II
Outcome: Visual and magnetic particle coverage on weld jobs
Key features
- Three exams: Part A Fundamentals, Part B Practical and Part C Code Book
- Minimum score of 72% on each part
- Parts A and C at more than 450 Prometric centers
- Part A covers nondestructive testing among other topics
- Nine-year certification period with renewals at years three and six
Pros
- ASNT recognizes a current CWI for Level II Visual Testing without another exam
- Education can substitute for part of the experience requirement
- Fees for exams, renewals and retests are published
Cons
- Needs 5 years of welding-based work with a high school diploma
- Not an NDT method certification for UT, RT or MT
- Initial exams cost more than an ASNT Level II method
Rank 10
API QUTE (M) Ultrasonic Testing Examiner
API's hands-on performance demonstration qualification for manual ultrasonic examiners on carbon steel welds.
api.org7.4
out of 10
Best for: Level II UT technicians working for refinery owners
API QUTE (M) is a practical ultrasonic qualification aimed at technicians who already hold a Level II and want to work on refinery and plant welds where owners ask for API proof of skill. It is open to Level II holders certified by ASNT, CGSB, PCN or any other ISO 9712 accredited body. The exam is a single 8-hour day at the PRCI Technology Development Center in Houston, using conventional single or dual element probes on carbon steel SMAW butt welds in plates 0.25 to 1.00 inch thick and pipes 2 to 12 inches in diameter, about 75 inches of weld in total. Candidates are graded on missed detections, missed characterizations, flaw positions and false calls, and record results on an API laptop. Initial certification costs $750 for API members and $850 for non-members. The term is three years and recertification means a full retest, so it suits technicians who use manual UT every day.
Standout feature
API QUTE (M) is the best choice for proving manual UT skill because it is graded on missed detections and false calls across about 75 inches of weld.
Use cases
A UT Level II at an inspection contractor
Pass QUTE (M) at the Houston center
Outcome: API proof of manual UT skill on carbon steel welds
A refinery owner screening contractors
Require QUTE (M) for weld examiners
Outcome: Examiners tested on detection, sizing and false calls
Key features
- Hands-on performance demonstration exam on carbon steel SMAW butt welds
- Specimens from 0.25 to 1.00 inch plate and 2 to 12 inch pipe, about 75 inches of weld
- Graded on missed detections, characterizations, flaw positions and false calls
- One 8-hour exam day at the PRCI center in Houston
- Three-year term with full retesting to recertify
Pros
- Open to Level II holders from ASNT, CGSB, PCN or any ISO 9712 accredited body
- Results recorded on an API laptop as a non-editable PDF report
- Phased array and thickness measurement variants are also offered
Cons
- Exams held in Houston only
- Full testing required every three years
- Requires a Level II in UT before you can apply
Frequently asked questions
+Which NDT certification is best?
ASNT NDT Level II is the best NDT certification for most people starting out, because it is the first level ASNT certifies and costs $740 per method for ASNT members. Experienced technicians and engineers should aim for ASNT NDT Level III, and those working in the UK or Europe should look at PCN.
+Is there a Level I NDT certification?
No, ASNT does not certify Level I. ASNT describes Level I as a trainee role where you work under supervision and build documented hours toward Level II certification.
+How much does NDT certification cost?
ASNT NDT Level II costs $740 per method for members and $820 for non-members as of November 2026. ASNT 9712 Level II costs $1,270 per method for a single technique, and ASNT NDT Level III starts with a $545 Basic exam plus a method exam.
+How much experience do I need for NDT Level II?
ASNT NDT Level II needs 30 days of method experience for PT or VT, 40 days for MT and 120 days for RT or UT. Training ranges from 2 days for PT to 12 days for RT and UT.
+What is the difference between ASNT NDT Level II and ASNT 9712 Level II?
ASNT NDT Level II follows SNT-TC-1A and leaves the practical exam to your employer, while ASNT 9712 Level II meets ISO 9712 and ASNT runs the practical exam. The 9712 route costs more, at $1,270 per method for members versus $740.
+How much do NDT technicians make?
ASNT lists average pay of $38 an hour for Level II technicians, compared with $23 an hour for trainees and $46 an hour for Level III managers. These figures come from ASNT's certification page.
+Can I get API 510 with NDT experience?
Yes, if the experience involves pressure vessels and was gained with an authorized inspection agency. API asks for 3 years of relevant experience with a high school diploma, including 1 year of inspection, and initial certification costs $875 for API members in 2026.
About this list
Updated November 11, 2026 by the Mojolin research desk. Mojolin is self-funded
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
More best software lists