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 Radiographic Testing Technician

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
119429	Occupational Certificate: Non-destructive Radiographic 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	140	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 Radiographic Testing Technician. A Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Technician 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 Radiographic 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 radiographic testing technique and prepare instructions.

Prepare for radiographic testing according to instructions.

Conduct radiographic testing and interpret indications according to prescribed procedures.

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

Rationale:
A Non-destructive radiographic 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.

The qualification is one of a suite 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 Eddy Current Testing Technician.

Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technician.

Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing Technician.

Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Testing Operator.

The same radiographic 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). Radiographic testing spans several occupational levels, i.e. engineering, technologist, technician and operator.

This qualification focuses on the Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Technician (NDT Level II) and has a part-qualification, the Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Operator (NDT Level I). Currently, radiographic testing competencies are found in the Further Education and Training Certificate: Welding Application and Practice, as an elective stream titled Non-Destructive Testing. However, most of the industry seems to offer Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing qualifications 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, it is critical that the Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Technician is developed in order to give greater credence to non-destructive radiographic testing training programmes. These would be compared to national standards, which in turn, would be comparable to international standards. Typical learners are school leavers, TVET college qualifying learners or workers who have been employed in the NDT industry. A learner will become a Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Operator (NDT Level I) and then proceed to become a Non-Destructive Radiographic 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 qualifications available in the sector.

Employers in the sector will gain access to suitably qualified Non-Destructive Radiographic 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 thus benefiting their societies.

By creating career pathways in the sector, employees will be able to progress from radiographic testing Level I to radiographic 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 Science.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

Knowledge Modules:

311703-005-00-KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 3, 8 Credits.

311703-005-00-KM-02, Introduction to Non-destructive Testing, Level 3, 6 Credits.

311703-005-00-KM-03, Materials (NDT Level I), Level 3, 6 Credits.

311703-005-00-KM-04, Materials, Statistics and NDT Drawings (NDT Level 2), Level 4, 10 Credits.

311703-005-00-KM-05, Radiation Safety and Protection, Level 3, 6 Credits.

311703-005-00-KM-06, Radiographic Testing, Recording and Classification (NDT Level I), Level 4, 10 Credits.

311703-005-00-KM-07, Radiographic Testing, Evaluation and Interpretation (NDT Level II), Level 5, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 56.

Practical Skill Modules:

311703-005-00-PM-01, Perform Basic Statistical Calculations for NDT And Interpret NDT Drawings, Level 4, 4 Credits.

311703-005-00-PM-02, Conduct Radiographic Testing, Recording and Classification (NDT Level I), Level 4, 5 Credits.

311703-005-00-PM-03, Conduct Radiographic Testing, Recording and Classification in an Occupational Context (NDT Level I), Level 4, 5 Credits.

311703-005-00-PM-04, Evaluate and Interpret Results of Radiographic Testing Against Codes (NDT Level II), Level 4, 10 Credits.

311703-005-00-PM-05, Evaluate and Interpret Results of Radiographic 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:

311703-005-00-WM-01, Radiographic Testing Processes (NDT Level I), Level 4, 12 Credits.

311703-005-00-WM-02, Radiographic Testing, Evaluation and Supervisory Processes (NDT Level II), Level 4, 26 Credits.

311703-005-00-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 radiographic testing techniques and preparation of instructions.
2. Apply essential methods and procedures for the preparation of radiographic testing.
3. Apply essential methods, procedures and techniques to conduct radiographic testing, interpret relevancy of indications.
4. Apply relevant technical methods to evaluate radiographic 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 radiographic testing technique according to procedure.

Demonstrate correct translation of radiographic testing codes, standards, specifications and procedures.

Define limitations of application of the testing method correctly.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Carry out preparation for radiographic testing according to instructions.

Select and setup correct and appropriate equipment, choice of specimens, consumables and PPE to the test.

Apply all relevant safety precautions.

Demonstrate an understanding of the preparations for radiographic testing techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Carry out specimen preparation and demarcation of inspection area in accordance with instruction.

Perform accurate and procedural detection, characterisation or classification of discontinuities.

Establish position and orientation of the relevant discontinuity through various method.
. Correct and appropriate use of equipment and PPE to the method.

Apply all relevant safety precautions.

Complete the tasks within specified time.

Use equipment, parts, materials and tools as per user manual (without damage).

Ensure that post-radiographic testing and evaluation activities are appropriate to the test performed.

Demonstrate correct application of instruction for preparation of Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Carry out evaluation of the results against codes correctly (standards, specifications, procedure or criteria).

Complete radiographic 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

Industry offers non-destructive visual testing qualifications 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 Radiographic Testing (NDT) which are developed with strict guidance and adherence to the standards alluded to above. These are:

The Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Engineer.

The Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Level III Technologist.

The Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Level II Technician.

The Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Level I Operator.

International Standard Organisation (ISO) 9712
Apart for the engineer, training for the other Non-Destructive Radiographic 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 Radiographic Testing (ET) for Technicians.

The South African qualification focuses on Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Technicians. The ISO document also spells out the tasks that Non-Destructive Radiographic 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 radiographic 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 radiographic testing qualifications, including training requirements for Non-Destructive Radiographic 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 Radiographic 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 last very significant document is the Technical Documentation (TECDOC) of the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA), which covers significant international guidelines for the development of curriculum for the training of Non-Destructive Radiographic 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:

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

Huerth and Hechingen in Germany, in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

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

Conclusion
The Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing has been developed in line with ISO 9712 and other international non-destructive radiographic testing standards. This qualification compares favourably with Non-Destructive Radiographic 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.

Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Machining and Tooling, NQF Level 4.

Vertical Articulation:

National Certificate: Metrology, NQF Level 5.

National Certificate: Measurement, Control and Instrumentation, 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 Radiographic Testing Technician: 311703-005-00-00

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-Qualification
Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Operator, NQF Level 4.

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