SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant Testing Technician

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
119433	Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant 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 Liquid Penetrant Testing Technician (NDTT).

A Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant 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 Liquid Penetrant 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 liquid penetrant testing technique and prepare instructions.

Prepare for liquid penetrant testing according to instructions.

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

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

Rationale:
Non-destructive liquid penetrant 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 Liquid Penetrant Testing Technician 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 Visual 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 liquid penetrant 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). Liquid penetrant testing spans several occupational levels, i.e., engineering, technologist, technician, and operator.

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

Currently, liquid penetrant 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 liquid penetrant 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 Liquid Penetrant Testing Technician -- would give greater credence to non-destructive liquid penetrant 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 Liquid Penetrant Testing Operator (NDT Level I) and then proceed to become a Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant Testing Technician (NDT Level 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.

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 Liquid Penetrant Testing Operators and Technicians to conduct testing at NDT Levels I and II.

By creating career pathways in the sector, employees will be able to progress from liquid penetrant testing Level I to liquid penetrant 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 results or by 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:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Any NQF Level 3 qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

Knowledge Modules

311703-003-00-00-KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 3, 8 Credits.

311703-003-00-00-KM-02, Introduction to Non-destructive Testing, Level, 3, 6 Credits.

311703-003-00-00-KM-03, Materials (NDT Level I), Level 3, 6 Credits.

311703-003-00-00-KM-04 Materials, Satistics and NDT drawings (NDT Level II), Level 3, 10 Credits.

311703-003-00-00-KM-05, Liquid Penetrant Testing, Recording and Classification (NDT Level I), Level 3,
6 Credits.

311703-003-00-00-KM-06, Liquid Penetrant Testing, Evaluation and Interpretation (NDT Level II), Level 3, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 46

Practical Skill Modules

311703-003-00-00-PM-01, Perform Basic Statistical Calculations for NDT and Interpret NDT Drawings, Level 4, 4 Credits.

311703-003-00-00-PM-02, Conduct Liquid Penetrant Testing, Recording and Classification (NDT Level I), Level 3, 5 Credits.

311703-003-00-00-PM-03, Conduct Liquid Penetrant Testing, Recording and Classification in an Occupational Context (NDT Level I), Level 3, 5 Credits.

311703-003-00-00-PM-04, Evaluate and Interpret Results of Liquid Penetrant Testing against Codes (NDT Level II), Level 4, 10 Credits.

311703-003-00-00-PM-05, Evaluate and Interpret Results of Liquid Penetrant 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

311703-003-00-00-WM-01, Participate in the Shift and Operational Planning Meetings, Level 2, 12 Credits.

311703-003-00-00-WM-02, Procedures for Preparing Tools for Glass Production, Level 2, 26 Credits.

311703-003-00-00-WM-03, Conduct Single Insulated Glass (SIG) Processes to Produces Double Glazed Glass, Level 3, 12 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 50

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Use applicable knowledge to select liquid penetrant testing technique and prepare instructions.
2. Prepare for liquid penetrant testing according to instructions.
3. Conduct liquid penetrant testing and then interpret whether indications are relevant or non-relevant, according to prescribed procedures.
4. Evaluate liquid penetrant 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 liquid penetrant testing technique according to procedure.

Ensure that the prepared instructions demonstrate correct translation of liquid penetrant testing codes, standards, specifications, and procedures.

Define the limitations of application of the testing method correctly.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Ensure that the preparation for liquid penetrant testing demonstrates understanding of the instructions.

Ensure that the 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 liquid penetrant testing techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Ensure that the 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.

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

Ensure that the tasks are completed within specified time.

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

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

Demonstrate an understanding of instruction preparation and application of liquid penetrant testing procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Ensure that the evaluation of the results against codes (standards, specifications, or procedure criteria) is correct.

Complete compiled liquid penetrant testing report according to correct procedure.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
Integrated Formative Assessment
The Skills Development Providers 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 leads to entrance into the integrated External Summative Assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment
An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue 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 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 Liquid Penetrant Testing which are developed with strict guidance and adherence to the standards alluded to above. These are:

The Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant Testing Engineer.

The Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant Testing Level III Technologist.

The Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant Testing Level II Technician.

The Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant Testing Level I Operator.

International Standard Organisation (ISO) 9712
Apart for the engineer, training for the Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant 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 Liquid Penetrant Testing (VT) for Technicians.

This South African qualification focuses on Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant Testing Technicians. The ISO document spells out the tasks that Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant 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.

American Society for Non-destructive Testing (ASNT) standard SNT-TC-1A
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 liquid penetrant 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 liquid penetrant testing qualifications, including training requirements for Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant Testing Technicians.

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

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.

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 knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience including Foundational Learning Competences.

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 Liquid Penetrant Testing Technician: 311703-003-00-00

Encompassed Trade:
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 (s)
Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant Testing Operator, 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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