{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:38:22.853Z","occupation":{"soc":"17-3029.01","title":"Non-Destructive Testing Specialists","group":"Architecture & Engineering","sector":"54","jobZone":2,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers Non-Destructive Testing Specialists performing visual, ultrasonic, radiographic, electromagnetic, and other NDT inspections on industrial structures, infrastructure, and manufactured components across field and laboratory environments, from entry-level technician work through organizational program leadership.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Basic NDT terminology and method categories — recognize and define under direct supervisor guidance during initial on-the-job training at an inspection facility.","Hand tools and visual inspection equipment such as endoscopes and fiber optics — identify and handle following established safety protocols on a supervised job site.","Liquid penetrant and magnetic particle testing procedures — follow step-by-step written instructions under close technician oversight in a controlled shop environment.","NDT equipment components and calibration standards — locate and distinguish with guidance from a lead specialist before beginning any testing activity.","Radiographic imaging safety rules and radiation protection protocols — observe and apply consistently under direct supervision at an industrial inspection site.","Applicable codes and standards documents such as ASME or ASTM references — read and locate relevant sections with direction from a senior technician.","Ultrasonic testing instruments — set up and power on according to manufacturer guidelines while being coached by an experienced NDT specialist.","Visual examination findings for obvious surface cracks, corrosion, or metal fatigue — record observations on standardized inspection forms at entry-level competency.","Basic inspection data and test readings — collect, label, and organize using spreadsheet software under supervision for entry-level documentation tasks.","Safety and procedural checklists for NDT site preparation — complete accurately and submit to a supervising technician before and after each inspection shift."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Ultrasonic testing techniques — apply independently to identify and characterize defects in solid materials across common industrial components with reduced oversight.","NDT equipment including probes, transducers, and calibration blocks — select, calibrate, and operate routinely in accordance with written test procedures on production or maintenance sites.","Radiographic images of welds, castings, or structural components — produce and process using established radiographic testing protocols to detect internal flaws without damaging the object.","Visual inspection of structures such as pipelines, bridges, or industrial vessels — conduct using closed-circuit television systems or borescopes and document findings in structured reports.","NDT test results from liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, or electromagnetic methods — interpret against applicable codes and flag indications for supervisor review.","Non-destructive testing reports — prepare clearly and accurately using word processing and office suite software, summarizing findings, equipment settings, and applicable acceptance criteria.","Electromagnetic and eddy-current testing procedures — perform on familiar material types such as tubing or plate stock following qualified written procedures.","Multiple NDT methods across routine inspection scenarios — monitor and cross-check results to verify consistency, escalating anomalies to senior personnel as appropriate.","Inspection schedules and test documentation logs — maintain using database or project management software to support traceability and quality control requirements.","Verbal communication of inspection status and preliminary findings — deliver clearly to supervisors, quality engineers, or client representatives on active job sites."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Full range of NDT methods including acoustic emission, neutron radiographic, thermal infrared, ultrasonic, and vibration analysis — interpret results autonomously and apply engineering judgment across complex or non-routine inspection scenarios.","Test results against codes, standards, specifications, and customer requirements — evaluate independently, determine accept/reject dispositions, and document rationale in accordance with quality management systems.","Critical infrastructure such as aircraft, nuclear reactor components, bridges, dams, and high-pressure pipelines — examine using appropriate NDT techniques and provide authoritative fitness-for-service assessments.","Calibration and performance verification of advanced NDT systems — execute without oversight, troubleshoot equipment anomalies, and adjust procedures to maintain measurement integrity in field and laboratory environments.","Ambiguous or complex defect indications — analyze using deductive and inductive reasoning, correlate with material history and service conditions, and recommend corrective or monitoring actions.","Comprehensive NDT inspection reports including quantitative data, defect maps, and engineering recommendations — author with precision for regulatory submissions, client deliverables, or quality records.","NDT procedures and work instructions — develop or revise to reflect updated codes, new material types, or modified inspection geometries encountered on specialized projects.","Analytical or scientific software and CAD tools — utilize to model inspection coverage, analyze data trends, and present findings to engineering or management teams.","Thermal, infrared, or leak testing methods — apply to structures or systems exhibiting atypical service damage, adapting technique parameters to non-standard geometries or environmental conditions.","Cross-functional quality control processes — support by linking NDT findings to production or maintenance root-cause investigations and contributing technical input to corrective action plans."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Organization-wide NDT program strategy — define, implement, and continuously improve across multiple inspection methods, facilities, and industry sectors to meet quality, safety, and regulatory objectives.","NDT method selection and procedure qualification frameworks — establish and govern, ensuring all testing activities align with current ASNT, ASME, AWS, or equivalent code requirements at an organizational level.","Junior and mid-level NDT technicians — mentor, evaluate, and develop through structured on-the-job training programs, competency assessments, and certification preparation activities.","Complex multi-method inspection campaigns for high-consequence assets such as nuclear reactors, aerospace structures, or critical bridge systems — lead from planning through final disposition, coordinating cross-disciplinary teams.","NDT quality management systems and audit programs — design and oversee, identifying systemic gaps in documentation, equipment control, or personnel qualification and driving corrective improvements.","Capital investment decisions for new NDT technologies, instrumentation, and software platforms — advise senior leadership using technical and economic analysis tied to organizational inspection risk profiles.","Emerging NDT technologies and research findings — evaluate and champion adoption, translating advances in areas such as phased array ultrasonics, computed tomography, or digital radiography into operational capability.","Regulatory agencies, clients, and third-party inspection bodies — represent the organization authoritatively during audits, witness tests, or technical disputes involving NDT scope and findings.","Organizational knowledge base for NDT — build and sustain through lessons-learned documentation, case study development, and contributions to industry working groups or standards committees.","Safety and risk culture within NDT operations — champion at the executive level by embedding cautiousness, integrity, and attention to detail into hiring, performance evaluation, and operational governance processes."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}