SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technician

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
119426	Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technician
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Engineering and Related Design
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	130	Not Applicable	NQF Level 04	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0522/24	2022-08-04	2025-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-31		2029-12-31

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technician (NDTT).

A Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technician (NDT Level II) applies a wide range of non-invasive analysis techniques used in science, engineering, and industry to evaluate the properties of a material, component, or system. A Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technician can set up and calibrate equipment (up to a point depending on the nature of the calibration), conduct the inspection according to procedures, interpret, evaluate, and document results in all the testing method(s).

A qualified learner will be able to:

Select visual testing technique and prepare instructions.

Prepare for visual testing according to instructions.

Conduct visual testing and then interpret whether indications are relevant or non-relevant, according to prescribed procedures.

Evaluate visual testing results by applying technical methods to examine materials and evaluating results according to codes.

Rationale:
Non-destructive visual testing, a method of non-destructive testing (NDT), is one of the engineering sciences, which is on par with materials sciences, materials engineering, welding sciences and engineering, transport engineering, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering - which includes finite element analysis (FEA), condition monitoring and fracture mechanics.

This Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technician qualification is one of a suites of seven (7) non-destructive testing qualifications. All these non-destructive testing methods are based on international standards. The other six (6) methods are:

Non-Destructive Magnetic Particle Testing Technician.

Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant Testing Technician.

Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Technician.

Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Technician.

Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing Technician.

Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Testing Operator.

The same visual testing methods and technologies, and the same type of codes, standards and procedures are applied in all industrial sectors (e.g., mechanical engineering, welding, materials, construction, mining, transport, chemical and electricity production engineering sectors). Visual testing spans several occupational levels, i.e., engineering, technologist, technician, and operator.

This qualification focuses on the Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technician (NDT Level II) and has a part qualification, the Non-Destructive Visual Testing Operator (NDT Level I).

Currently, visual testing competencies are found in the Further Education and Training Certificate: Welding Application and Practice (ID 57887) as an elective stream entitled Non-Destructive Testing. However, most of the industry seems to offer non-destructive visual testing programmes based on international standards and programmes. Some offer ISO 9712 based programmes, others offer programmes based on those of the British Standard Institute (BSI, or the European Standard (EN ISO: 9712) or the Training Guidelines in Non-destructive Testing Techniques: 2008 Edition of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or the standards of the American Society for Non-destructive Testing (ASNT).

With the rapid growth of the NDT industry internationally and locally the industry believes that the occupational qualification - Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technician -- would give greater credence to non-destructive visual testing training programmes because these could be compared to national standards, which in turn, would be comparable to international standards.

Typical learners are school leavers, TVET college graduates or workers who have been employed in the NDT industry. Typically, a learner will become a Non-Destructive Visual Testing Operator (NDT Level I) and then proceed to become a Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technician (NDT Level II).

Learners will receive a high standard of training and education that is occupationally aligned. Once qualified learners will be able to further their education and obtain access to industry-related non-destructive testing programmes available in the sector.

Employers in the sector will gain access to suitably qualified Non-Destructive Testing Visual Testing Operators and Technicians to conduct testing at NDT Levels I and II and this shall bring great benefit to the economy as more qualified Non-Destructive Visual Testing Operators and Technicians will be available in industries while these individuals would be benefiting themselves as recruits into the industry this benefiting their societies.

By creating career pathways in the sector, employees will be able to progress from visual testing Level I to visual testing Level III and beyond. This will create a healthy employment cycle providing employment opportunities to unemployed youth and those interested in non-destructive testing. The manufacturing industries will be dependent on these skills to quality assure their products and maintain those products in operation.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Gain access through RPL
Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.
Be exempted from modules through RPL
Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL.

Be awarded credits for, or towards the qualification or part qualification.
RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

An NQF Level 3 with Mathematics and Physical Science.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

Knowledge Modules:

311703-001-00-KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 3, 8 Credits.

311703-001-00-KM-02, Introduction to Non-destructive Testing, Level 3, 6 Credits.

311703-001-00-KM-03, Materials (NDT Level I), Level 3, 6 Credits.

311703-001-00-KM-04, Materials, Statistics and NDT drawings (NDT Level II), Level 4, 10 Credits.

311703-001-00-KM-05, Visual Testing, Recording and Classification (NDT Level I), Level 3, 6 Credits.

311703-001-00-KM-06, Visual Testing, Evaluation and Interpretation (NDT Level II), Level 4, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 46

Practical Skill Modules:

311703-001-00-PM-01, Perform Basic Statistical Calculations for NDT and Interpret NDT Drawings, Level 4, 4 Credits.

311703-001-00-PM-02, Conduct Visual Testing, Recording and Classification (NDT Level I), Level 3, 5 Credits.

311703-001-00-PM-03, Conduct Visual Testing, Recording and Classification in an Occupational Context (NDT Level I), Level 3, 5 Credits.

311703-001-00-PM-04, Evaluate and Interpret Results of Visual Testing Against Codes (NDT Level II),
Level 4, 10 Credits.

311703-001-00-PM-05, Evaluate and Interpret Results of Visual Testing Against Codes in an Occupational Context (NDT Level II), Level 4, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 34

Work Experience Modules:

311703-001-00-WM-01, Visual Testing Processes (NDT Level I), Level 3, 12 Credits.

311703-001-00-WM-02, Visual Testing, Evaluation and Supervisory Processes (NDT Level II), Level 4, 26 Credits.

311703-001-00-WM-03, Structured Processes in the Workplace, Level 4, 12 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 50

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Use applicable knowledge to select visual testing technique and prepare instructions.
2. Prepare for visual testing according to instructions.
3. Conduct visual testing and then interpret whether indications are relevant or non-relevant, according to prescribed procedures.
4. Evaluate visual testing results by applying technical methods to examine materials and evaluating results
according to codes.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Carry out the selection of visual testing technique according to procedure.

Demonstrate correct translation of visual testing codes, standards, specifications, and procedures through prepared instructions.

Correctly define limitations of application of the testing method.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Demonstrates understanding of the instructions by preparation for visual testing.

Selection and setting-up of equipment, choice of specimens, consumables and PPE is correct and appropriate to the test.

Apply all relevant safety precautions.

Demonstrate an understanding of the preparations for visual testing techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Prepare specimen and demarcate inspection area in accordance with instruction.

Accurate detection, characterisation, or classification of discontinuities.

Establish position and orientation of the relevant discontinuity through various methods.

Use of equipment and PPE is correct and appropriate to the method.

Apply all relevant safety precautions.

Complete the tasks within specified time.

Avoid damaged equipment, parts, materials, and tools.

Perform appropriate post-visual testing and evaluation activities to the test.

Demonstrate an understanding of instruction preparation and application of visual testing procedures

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Correct evaluation of the results against codes (standards, specifications, or procedure criteria.

Complete compiled visual testing report according to correct procedure.

Integrated Assessment
Integrated formative assessment
The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated summative assessment:
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

The assessment will be conducted through written assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites by a panel of assessors evaluated by assessor(s) registered with the AQP within a period of 1 day.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Industry offers non-destructive visual testing programmes based on international standards and programmes. Some offer ISO 9712 based programmes, others offer programmes based on those of the British Standard Institute (BSI, or the European Standard (EN ISO: 9712) or the Training Guidelines in Non-destructive Testing Techniques: 2008 Edition of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or the standards of the American Society for Non-destructive Testing (ASNT).

There are four levels of operation in Non-Destructive Visual Testing (NDT) which are developed with strict guidance and adherence to the standards alluded to above. These are:

Non-Destructive Visual Testing Engineer.

Non-Destructive Visual Testing Level III Technologist.

Non-Destructive Visual Testing Level II Technician.

Non-Destructive Visual Testing Level I Operator.

International Standard Organisation (ISO) 9712
Apart for the engineer, training for the Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technicians specified in international documents, the primary one being International Standard Organisation (ISO) 9712. All other standards, documents and all NDT training globally are guided by this document. ISO 9712 covers Non-Destructive Visual Testing (VT) for Technicians.

This South African qualification focuses on Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technicians. The ISO document spells out the tasks that Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technicians need to perform and provides the minimum training requirements in terms of duration. All the other international standards are based on this document.

The American Society for Non-destructive Testing (ASNT)
The American Society for Non-destructive Testing (ASNT) has its standard SNT-TC-1A 2011 Edition entitled 'Personnel Qualification and Certification in Non-destructive Testing'. In its recommended practice, it covers non-destructive visual testing for Technicians.

Included in the ASNT list are the basic methods covered in ISO 9712. The ASNT document provides guidance similar to the ISO document on the levels of non-destructive visual testing qualifications, including training requirements for Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technicians.

The Technical Report ISO/TR 25107
The Technical Report ISO/TR 25107 entitled "Non-destructive testing - Guidelines for NDT Training Syllabuses" is yet another important document against which this South African qualification can be measured. The Technical Report provides recommendations for both the minimum technical knowledge to be acquired by Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technicians and the means for evaluating and documenting the competence of personnel whose duties demand the appropriate theoretical and practical knowledge.

The last very significant document, but not the least, is the Tecdoc of the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA), which constitutes significant international guidelines for the development of curriculum for the training of Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technicians.

The Knowledge and Practical Skills Modules of this South African Qualification were developed using the documents referred to above. Through this endeavour the international comparability for this qualification was achieved.

Every provider of training for Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technicians globally, including colleges and universities, implement the prescriptions and guidelines of ISO 9712 mainly and other relevant national standards and documents, based on ISO 9712.

Examples of such training centres are:

General Electric's Inspection Technologies' NDT Training Academies based in Cincinnati, Lewistown and
Boston in the United States.

FIFE College Training and Development offers NDT training in a number of methods and so does Lavender
Training Institute. All this institute's training courses are accredited by the British Institute of Non-Destructive
Testing (BINDT).

Conclusion
The South African qualification for Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technicians has been developed in line with ISO 9712 and other international non-destructive visual testing documents. The South African qualification compares favourably with Non-Destructive Visual Testing training internationally in terms of content and international standards.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Further Education and Training Certificate: Welding Application and Practice, NQF Level 4.

Vertical Articulation:

National Certificate: Metrology, NQF Level 5.

NOTES

Qualifying for external assessment
To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and statement of work experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable including Foundational Learning Competence

Additional legal or physical entry requirements
None.

Criteria for the accreditation of providers
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

The curriculum title and code are: Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technician: 311703-001-00-00
Encompassed Trades as Recorded on the NLRD
None.

Assessment Quality Partner
Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA).

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

NONE