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Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

SOC 17-3029.01Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis 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.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Basic NDT terminology and method categories — recognize and define under direct supervisor guidance during initial on-the-job training at an inspection facility.
  2. Hand tools and visual inspection equipment such as endoscopes and fiber optics — identify and handle following established safety protocols on a supervised job site.
  3. Liquid penetrant and magnetic particle testing procedures — follow step-by-step written instructions under close technician oversight in a controlled shop environment.
  4. NDT equipment components and calibration standards — locate and distinguish with guidance from a lead specialist before beginning any testing activity.
  5. Radiographic imaging safety rules and radiation protection protocols — observe and apply consistently under direct supervision at an industrial inspection site.
  6. Applicable codes and standards documents such as ASME or ASTM references — read and locate relevant sections with direction from a senior technician.
  7. Ultrasonic testing instruments — set up and power on according to manufacturer guidelines while being coached by an experienced NDT specialist.
  8. Visual examination findings for obvious surface cracks, corrosion, or metal fatigue — record observations on standardized inspection forms at entry-level competency.
  9. Basic inspection data and test readings — collect, label, and organize using spreadsheet software under supervision for entry-level documentation tasks.
  10. Safety and procedural checklists for NDT site preparation — complete accurately and submit to a supervising technician before and after each inspection shift.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Ultrasonic testing techniques — apply independently to identify and characterize defects in solid materials across common industrial components with reduced oversight.
  2. NDT equipment including probes, transducers, and calibration blocks — select, calibrate, and operate routinely in accordance with written test procedures on production or maintenance sites.
  3. Radiographic images of welds, castings, or structural components — produce and process using established radiographic testing protocols to detect internal flaws without damaging the object.
  4. 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.
  5. NDT test results from liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, or electromagnetic methods — interpret against applicable codes and flag indications for supervisor review.
  6. Non-destructive testing reports — prepare clearly and accurately using word processing and office suite software, summarizing findings, equipment settings, and applicable acceptance criteria.
  7. Electromagnetic and eddy-current testing procedures — perform on familiar material types such as tubing or plate stock following qualified written procedures.
  8. Multiple NDT methods across routine inspection scenarios — monitor and cross-check results to verify consistency, escalating anomalies to senior personnel as appropriate.
  9. Inspection schedules and test documentation logs — maintain using database or project management software to support traceability and quality control requirements.
  10. Verbal communication of inspection status and preliminary findings — deliver clearly to supervisors, quality engineers, or client representatives on active job sites.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. 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.
  2. Test results against codes, standards, specifications, and customer requirements — evaluate independently, determine accept/reject dispositions, and document rationale in accordance with quality management systems.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Ambiguous or complex defect indications — analyze using deductive and inductive reasoning, correlate with material history and service conditions, and recommend corrective or monitoring actions.
  6. Comprehensive NDT inspection reports including quantitative data, defect maps, and engineering recommendations — author with precision for regulatory submissions, client deliverables, or quality records.
  7. NDT procedures and work instructions — develop or revise to reflect updated codes, new material types, or modified inspection geometries encountered on specialized projects.
  8. Analytical or scientific software and CAD tools — utilize to model inspection coverage, analyze data trends, and present findings to engineering or management teams.
  9. 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.
  10. 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
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Junior and mid-level NDT technicians — mentor, evaluate, and develop through structured on-the-job training programs, competency assessments, and certification preparation activities.
  4. 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.
  5. NDT quality management systems and audit programs — design and oversee, identifying systemic gaps in documentation, equipment control, or personnel qualification and driving corrective improvements.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Regulatory agencies, clients, and third-party inspection bodies — represent the organization authoritatively during audits, witness tests, or technical disputes involving NDT scope and findings.
  9. Organizational knowledge base for NDT — build and sustain through lessons-learned documentation, case study development, and contributions to industry working groups or standards committees.
  10. 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.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) · Corrosion Control Technician (Corrosion Control Tech) · Corrosion Technician (Corrosion Tech) · Industrial Radiographer · NDE Specialist (Non-Destructive Evaluation Specialist) · NDE Technician (Non-Destructive Evaluation Technician) · NDI Technician (Non-Destructive Inspection Technician) · NDT Coordinator (Non-Destructive Testing Coordinator) · NDT Engineer (Non-Destructive Testing Engineer) · NDT Inspector (Non-Destructing Testing Inspector) · NDT Inspector (Non-Destructive Testing Inspector) · NDT Scientist (Non-Destructive Testing Scientist)
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
Reading ComprehensionQuality Control AnalysisActive ListeningCritical ThinkingMonitoringWritingActive LearningOperations MonitoringSpeakingMathematicsLearning StrategiesJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationComplex Problem SolvingOperation and ControlInstructingTroubleshootingSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationTime ManagementScience
Knowledge domains
Engineering and TechnologyMathematicsEnglish LanguagePhysicsEducation and TrainingComputers and ElectronicsProduction and ProcessingCustomer and Personal ServiceMechanicalAdministration and ManagementPublic Safety and SecurityBuilding and ConstructionDesign
Abilities
Problem SensitivityNear VisionDeductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionInductive ReasoningOral ComprehensionInformation OrderingFar VisionOral ExpressionWritten Expression
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessIntegrityAchievement OrientationPerseverance
Technology
Computer aided design CAD softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareGeographic information systemElectronic mail softwareData base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwarePresentation softwareProject management softwareWord processing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Interpret the results of all methods of non-destructive testing (NDT), such as acoustic emission, electromagnetic, leak, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, neutron radiographic, radiographic, thermal or infrared, ultrasonic, vibration analysis, and visual testing.
  2. Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
  3. Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
  4. Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
  5. Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.
  6. Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.
  7. Visually examine materials, structures, or components for signs of corrosion, metal fatigue, cracks, or other flaws, using tools and equipment such as endoscopes, closed-circuit television systems, and fiber optics.
  8. Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques.
CIP education codes
15.000115.010115.030415.030715.040115.050115.059915.060715.061115.061415.061515.061715.080615.080715.090115.110315.120115.120215.120315.120415.129915.140115.150315.170115.170215.170315.170415.170515.170615.179929.030329.030629.030729.0409

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.