Non-Destructive Testing

About the program

The courses require basic mathematical skills, and the Materials and Processes course must be successfully completed before proceeding into any of the NDT methods courses. BCIT is required to prescreen students for math skills which may involve an examination.

Who it’s for

The courses will benefit students currently working in the NDT field who are seeking to challenge the certification examinations. The courses will also benefit students who plan to gain knowledge prior to entering the field of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT).

Students who intend to apply for NCB certification are responsible for confirming their eligibility. Please visit the Natural Resources Canada website for more information on eligibility and requirements.

NOTE: Passing mark for all Non-Destructive Testing courses and the Prerequisite Exams: Materials & Process and Math Skills is 70%.

Areas of study in NDT at BCIT include:

• Materials and Processes
• Ultrasonics Level 1
• Ultrasonics Level 2
• Liquid Penetrant Inspection Levels 1 & 2
• Magnetic Particle Inspection Levels 1 & 2

Testing

BCIT is also approved by National Resources Canada as a testing facility for the following methods in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) for both written and practical exams:

NOTE: Effective February 1, 2023, the written multiple-choice examinations for Magnetic Testing (MT) and Penetrant Testing (PT) will be updated to a computer-based electronic format (in-person live proctored). Once you receive your electronic written examination authorization for MT/PT, please register and book your written examinations through the online exam system portal and select the closest available examination centre.

Tutorials

The purpose of tutorial time is to allow candidates to practice and familiarize themselves with the equipment they will be using during their practical exams.

Tutorials are also used to refine techniques.

BCIT currently offers tutorials in the following methods:

• Liquid Penetrant (LT)
• Magnetic Particle (MT)
• Ultrasonics (UT) – see below

The following UT Tutorials are available:

• Basic Calibration
• System Checks and Beam Plot
• Formed Metal Pieces/Immersion Testing
• Welded Joints

All examinations and tutorials must be pre-booked by contacting the program assistant at ndt@bcit.ca. Please note that an admittance form from NRCan is required in order for a written or practical examination to be reserved.

NOTE: Tutorials cover 4-8 hours of practice time in the candidate’s chosen method; information on material covered on practical exams will not be given out.

What Grads Can Do

1. Certified Inspectors can examine materials, components, welds and other structures for defects and irregularities that could affect their performance and safety. These inspectors work hands on, on site and can provide invaluable information for a client or engineer.
2. Liquid penetrant testing: This class of inspector uses a liquid dye to aid in detecting defects open to the surface in most materials.
3. Magnetic particle testing: This class of inspector uses a magnetic field to identify surface and sub surface defects in ferromagnetic materials.
4. Ultrasonic testing: This class of Inspector uses high-frequency, ultrasonic, sound waves to detect defects inside various materials.
5. Eddy current testing inspectors use electromagnetic fields to detect defects in electrically conductive materials.
6. Radiography inspectors use X-rays or gamma rays to look for defects inside materials that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Prior to taking any of the NDT methods courses, students are required to complete NDTE 1155 Materials and Processes and pass the NRCan Materials and Processes (M&P) examination (examination is included in the course). Current and previously certified personnel are considered to have met the M&P prerequisites.

Basic mathematical knowledge including how to use a scientific calculator, algebra, logarithms and trigonometry is required for all courses. For all methods courses, students are required to pass the BCIT NDT Math Skills exam. Students with previous post-secondary math training may apply for exemption.

NOTE: Passing mark for all Non-Destructive Testing courses and the Prerequisite Exams: Materials & Process and Math Skills is 70%.

BCIT Flexible Learning (formerly Part-time Studies) courses are taught assuming that registrants have a BC Grade 12 level of English and proficiency in all four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

BCIT has several upgrading courses for students who wish to improve their English language skills.

Register today for Non-Destructive Testing Flexible Learning courses.

Written & practical testing

BCIT is approved by National Resources Canada as a testing facility in Non-Destructive Testing for both written and practical exams.

Students who are eligible to complete written or practical exams can contact the program assistant at  ndt@bcit.ca to make exam bookings. Please note that an admittance form from NRCan is required in order for a written or practical examination to be reserved.

Students wishing to determine their eligibility can contact Natural Resource Canada (NRCan) for information.

Part-time study courses are individually priced. Please check each individual course to see the applicable tuition fee.

National Resources Canada (NRCan) establishes the prerequisites for all NDT training courses.

Materials and process

Students must complete the 40 hour NDTE 1155 Materials and Processes course prior to taking any NDT training courses. Students who have already taken a 40 hour M&P course and have successfully passed the NRCan M&P examination administered by an NDT Accepted Training Organization (NATO), must provide acceptable evidence to BCIT.

Candidates who are already NRCan certified in any method are exempt from this prerequisite.

Math skills assessment

Students taking any NDT methods course are also required to be pre-screened for math skills. Students with previous post-secondary math training may apply for exemption from the BCIT Math Skills examination. Contact Selina Li at ndt@bcit.ca  to book the math skills exam or to apply for an exemption. These prerequisites are only for the courses and have no impact on NDT method testing and tutorials.

NOTE: Passing mark for all Non-Destructive Testing courses and the Prerequisite Exams: Materials & Process and Math Skills is 70%.

Job opportunities

Diverse employment opportunities in industries such as:

• Construction
• Manufacturing
• Transportation
• Oil and Gas

Staff

Sanja Boskovic, PhD Mechanical Engineering, PhD Educational Technology
Associate Dean
Tel: 604-451-6964
Email: sanja_boskovic@bcit.ca

Program Assistant
Email: ndt@bcit.ca

Program Assistant
Email: ndt@bcit.ca