1.1 Purpose
This standard establishes the minimum requirements for the qualification and certification of personnel involved in non-destructive testing (NDT). These requirements include training, experience and examinations for personnel performing NDT in the aerospace manufacturing, service, maintenance and overhaul industries.
NOTE In Europe the word “certification” may only be used when the certification process complies with the requirements of EN ISO/CEI 17024 and the term “approval” would be used to denote a written statement by an employer that an individual has met specific requirements. For simplification the term “certification” as defined in paragraph 3.2 is
used throughout this standard as a substitute for the term “approval”.
1.2 Applicability
This standard applies to personnel using NDT methods to test and/or accept materials, products, components, assemblies or sub-assemblies. It also applies to those individuals directly responsible for the technical adequacy of the NDT methods used, as well as personnel performing external NDT technical audits or providing technical NDT training. This standard is not intended to apply to individuals who only have administrative authority over the personnel identified above, nor does it apply to research personnel developing technology for subsequent approval by a certified Level 3.
1.3 Implementation
This standard merges the NDT personnel certification requirements of NAS 410 and EN 4179. It introduces the concept of a National Aerospace NDT Board (NANDTB) from EN 4179, but it is not mandatory to have such a board for compliance with this document. Individuals currently certified in accordance with either
NAS 410 or EN 4179 may have their current certification period extended to the maximum limits defined in Clause 8 of this standard. Personnel do not need to recertify to the requirements of this standard until their current or extended certification expires.