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 Ultrasonic Testing Technician

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
119427	Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Ultrasonic 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 Ultrasonic Testing Technician.

A Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing Technician (NDT Level 2) 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 Ultrasonic 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 ultrasonic testing technique and prepare instructions.

Prepare for ultrasonic testing according to instructions.

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

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

Rationale:
A non-destructive ultrasonic 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 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 Visual Testing Technician.

Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Technician.

Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Testing Operator

Currently, ultrasonic 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 Ultrasonic Testing qualifications based on international standards and programmes. Some offer ISO 9712 based programmes, others offer qualifications 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).

The same ultrasonic 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). Ultrasonic testing spans several occupational levels, i.e. engineering, technologist, technician and operator. This qualification focuses on the Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing Technician (NDT Level II) and has a part qualification, the Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing Operator (NDT Level I).

With the rapid growth of the NDT industry internationally and locally the industry believes that this qualification would give greater credence to non-destructive ultrasonic 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, qualifying learners from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College or workers who have been employed in the NDT industry. A learner will become a Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing Operator (NDT Level I) and then proceed to become a Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing Technician (NDT Level II). Learners will receive a high standard of training and education that is occupationally aligned. Qualifying 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 Ultrasonic 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 as well as benefiting their societies.

Qualifying learners will be able to progress from Ultrasonic Testing Level I to Ultrasonic 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):
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 or certifying a work experience record.

RPL for access to the Qualification:
Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

Entry Requirements:

An NQF Level 3 qualification 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:

311703-006-00-KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 3, 8 Credits.

311703-006-00-KM-02, Introduction to Non-Destructive Testing, Level 3, 6 Credits.

311703-006-00-KM-03, Materials (NDT Level I), Level 3, 6 Credits.

311703-006-00-KM-04, Materials, Statistics and NDT Drawings (NDT Level II), Level 4, 10 Credits.

311703-006-00-KM-05, Ultrasonic Testing, Recording and Classification (NDT Level I), Level 3, 6 Credits.

311703-006-00-KM-06, Ultrasonic Testing, Evaluation, and Interpretation (NDT Level II), Level 4, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 46.

Practical Skill Modules:

311703-006-00-PM-01, Perform Basic Statistical Calculations for NDT and Interpret NDT Drawings, Level 4, 4 Credits.

311703-006-00-PM-02, Conduct Ultrasonic Testing, Recording and Classification (NDT Level I), Level 3, 5 Credits.

311703-006-00-PM-03, Conduct Ultrasonic Testing, Recording and Classification in an Occupational Context (NDT Level I), Level 3, 5 Credits.

311703-006-00-PM-04, Evaluate and Interpret Results of Ultrasonic Testing Against Codes (NDT Level II), Level 4, 10 Credits.

311703-006-00-PM-05, Evaluate and Interpret Results of Ultrasonic 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:

311703-006-00-WM-01, Ultrasonic Testing Processes (NDT Level I), Level 3, 12 Credits.

311703-006-00-WM-02, Ultrasonic Testing, Evaluation and Supervisory Processes (NDT Level II), Level 4, 26 Credits.

311703-006-00-WM-03, Structured Processes in the Workplace, Level 4, 12 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 50

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply essential methods and procedures for the selections of ultrasonic testing techniques and preparation of instructions.
2. Apply essential methods and procedures for the preparation of ultrasonic testing.
3. Apply essential methods, procedures, and techniques to conduct ultrasonic testing and interpret relevancy of indications.
4. Apply relevant technical methods to evaluate ultrasonic testing results and to examine materials according to codes.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

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

Translate ultrasonic testing codes, standards, specifications and procedures correctly as per prepared instructions.

Define limitations of application of the testing method correctly.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Preparation ultrasonic testing according to instructions.

Correct and appropriate selection and setting-up of equipment, choice of specimens, consumables and PPE to the test.

Apply all relevant safety precautions.

Demonstrate an understanding of the preparations for ultrasonic testing techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Ensure that specimen preparation and demarcation of inspection area is in accordance with instruction.

Accurate detection, characterisation or classification of discontinuities.

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

Correct and appropriate use of equipment and to the method.

Complete the tasks within specified time.

Ensure that no equipment, parts, materials, and tools are damaged.

Undertake appropriate post-ultrasonic testing and evaluation activities to the test performed.

Demonstrate an understanding of instruction preparation and application of Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

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

Compile and complete ultrasonic 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.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The industry offers non-destructive visual testing qualifications based on international standards and qualifications. Some offer ISO 9712 based qualifications, others offer qualifications 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 Radiographic Testing (NDT) which are developed with strict guidance and adherence to the standards alluded to above. These are:

Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Engineer.

Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Level III Technologist.

Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Level II Technician.

Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Level I Operator.

International Standard Organisation (ISO) 9712
Apart for the engineer, training for the other Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing Technician is very clearly spelt out in international standards 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 Ultrasonic Testing for Technicians.

The South African qualification focuses on Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing Technicians. The ISO document also spells out the tasks that Non-Destructive Ultrasonic 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 Personnel Qualification and Certification in Non-destructive Testing. In this recommended practice it covers non-destructive ultrasonic testing for Technicians. Included in the ASNT list are the basic methods covered in ISO 9712. The ASNT document provides guidance like the ISO document on the levels of non-destructive ultrasonic testing qualifications, including training requirements for Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing Technicians.

The Technical Report ISO/TR 25107
The Technical Report ISO/TR 25107 entitled "Non-Destructive Testing - Guidelines for NDT training syllabuses" is 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 Ultrasonic Testing Technicians and the means for evaluating and documenting the competence of personnel whose duties demand the appropriate theoretical and practical knowledge.

Technical Documentation (TECDOC) of the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA)
The Technical Documentation of the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA), which covers significant international guidelines for the development of curriculum for the training of Non-Destructive Ultrasonic 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 Radiographic Testing Technicians globally, including colleges and universities, provide training in line with mainly ISO 9712 and other relevant national standards and documents, based on ISO 9712. Examples of such training centres are:

FIFE College Training and Development offers NDT training in a number of methods and so does

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

Lavender Training Institute.

All these institute's training courses are accredited by the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT).

Conclusion
The Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing has been developed in line with ISO 9712 and other international non-destructive ultrasonic testing documents. This qualification compares favourably with Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing training programmes internationally in terms of content and international standards.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical 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 statements of results and work experience records.

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 Ultrasonic Testing Technician: 311703-006-00-00

Encompassed Trades
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD
None.

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

Related Part-Qualifications

Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing Operator, NQF Level 3.

Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Testing Operator, NQF Level 3.

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.

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