Education · 1 of 4
The path
Hire on as a trainee, take a course per method, log supervised hours, pass federal exams.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Math, physics and any shop class. You must pass a near-vision and colour-vision test to be certified.
- 2
Optional college program
0 to 2 years
A one- or two-year NDT (non-destructive testing) diploma at colleges such as Mohawk, NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) or SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology). It bundles the method courses and gets you hired faster.
- 3
Trainee job
Months to a year
Inspection companies hire trainees to assist certified technicians. You log the supervised experience each method requires.
- 4
Certify in your first method
After your hours
Write the federal Level 1 or Level 2 exam: a general written test, a specific written test and a practical test. Magnetic particle and liquid penetrant are the usual first tickets.
- 5
Add methods
1 to 3 years
Ultrasonic and radiographic testing take longer to qualify for and pay more. A technician with three or four Level 2 certificates is in high demand.