Why is NDT personnel certification important?
Certification is a procedure for determining conformity, showing that an individual is qualified to carry out a particular job. In the EU the qualification and certification of NDT personnel is carried out to EN ISO 9712. Certification is carried out by an independent certification body accredited by an accreditation body operating under the umbrella of the European Accreditation (EA). NDT personnel often make decisions on the fitness for use of products or structures with safety or financial consequences. Because most methods do not give a direct record of results, a certificate is objective evidence of an individual’s level of knowledge and skill.
Who can start the certification process?
- has sufficient industrial experience in the method and sector for which they want to be certified, which must be confirmed by a person certified in the relevant method and sector,
- has documented evidence of satisfactory vision (near vision and colour recognition),
- has completed training for the method and sector at a recognised institution,
- successfully passes the elements of the qualification exams.
For the pressure equipment (PED) field you also need at least 60 days of work experience in that field, confirmed by the employer or the pressure equipment manufacturer, and additional training of up to 4 hours. The PED certificate does not replace the ISO 9712 certificate but requires a valid ISO 9712 certificate as its basis. For radiography an additional exam in protection against ionising radiation at an authorised institution is also needed.
How much training and experience is needed?
| Method | Training (days): level 1, level 2, level 3 | Experience (days): level 1 | Experience (days): level 2 after level 1 | Experience (days): direct to level 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VT | 3, 2, 3 | 15 | 45 | 60 |
| PT | 3, 2, 3 | 15 | 45 | 60 |
| MT | 3, 2, 4 | 15 | 45 | 60 |
| UT | 8, 10, 5 | 45 | 135 | not possible |
| RT | 5, 10, 5 | 45 | 135 | 180 |
How does the exam work?
- General exam (levels 1 and 2): at least 40 questions with four answers, one correct; at most 2 minutes per question, no reference material.
- Specific exam: at least 20 questions for one sector (30 for two or more sectors), at most 3 minutes per question, standards may be used.
- Practical exam: examination of test pieces; for level 2 also interpretation and a report; for RT level 2 also the evaluation of at least 10 films or digital images.
- Written instruction (level 2 only): the candidate prepares a written NDT instruction.
- At least 70% is required in each element.
How much do re-sits cost?
Since 1 January 2022 re-sit exams are chargeable according to the following price list.
| Exam | Price |
|---|---|
| General exam | EUR 50 |
| Specific exam | EUR 50 |
| PED exam | EUR 30 |
| Written instruction | EUR 100 |
| Practical exam | EUR 150 |
| Hire of UT equipment for training or an exam | EUR 150 per day |
How long is the certificate valid and how do I renew it?
The certificate is valid for up to 5 years; this applies to the first issue and to recertification. Validity is conditional on an annual certificate of satisfactory vision (you can take a vision test with us after prior booking with mojca.radman@i-var.si in Ljubljana or branko.kralj@i-var.si in Maribor). The certificate holder must maintain uninterrupted NDT activity, which the employer confirms. Renewal takes place 5 years after the date of the exam; you get the documentation from the Institute.
Dates of certifications and recertifications are in the Slovenian education plan 2026 and recertification plan 2026. Revoked certificates are published in the register.