Reassessing the Foundation: Evolution of ASNT SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice

By Paul Lang

For more than six decades, ASNT’s Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A: Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing has served as the cornerstone of employer-based qualification and certification for nondestructive testing (NDT) personnel. Originally crafted to offer a flexible, employer-driven model, SNT-TC-1A allowed organizations to tailor their certification programs to meet their specific operational and regulatory requirements. However, as the global NDT landscape evolves—with growing demands for standardization, transferability, and independent oversight—the time has come to reassess SNT-TC-1A’s role and future.

UNDERSTANDING SNT-TC-1A: PURPOSE AND PRACTICE

SNT-TC-1A is a non-mandatory guideline document, offering a recommended framework for developing an employer’s written practice for the qualification and certification of NDT personnel. Unlike its counterpart, ANSI/ASNT CP-189: ASNT Standard for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel, which is a prescriptive standard with binding requirements, SNT-TC-1A was designed for flexibility. This adaptability has made it an attractive option for organizations needing customized approaches to NDT certification. Employers appreciate the cost-effectiveness, direct oversight, and customizability that SNT-TC-1A provides. It empowers them to manage training, examinations, and certifications internally. Yet, this same flexibility has also led to significant inconsistencies in implementation across the industry.

CRACKS IN THE FOUNDATION: THE WEAKNESSES OF SNT-TC-1A

Over the years, several structural vulnerabilities have surfaced within the SNT-TC-1A model. Among the most pressing concerns are:

• Inconsistent implementation. As a guideline rather than a standard, SNT-TC-1A is interpreted and applied differently across companies, resulting in varied qualification processes and uneven competency benchmarks.

• Minimal compliance practices. Some organizations aim only for the bare minimum, compromising quality in favor of reduced cost or convenience.

• Lack of oversight. Without third-party auditing or certification, the system relies entirely on internal documentation—making it susceptible to manipulation.

• Conflict of interest and bias. Internal certifiers may face pressure to certify underqualified personnel, raising concerns about impartiality and competency.

• Variability in training and recertification. The quality and consistency of training programs vary widely. In some cases, organizations neglect proper recertification protocols, allowing certifications to become outdated. These issues raise critical questions about the credibility, consistency, and global acceptance of certifications issued under employer-based models like SNT-TC-1A.

A NEW DIRECTION: THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION AND GLOBAL STANDARDS

The global NDT community is increasingly shifting toward third-party independent certification programs, such as ASNT 9712, which is based on ANSI/ ASNT CP-9712: Nondestructive Testing Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel (2023), an identical adoption of ISO 9712: Non-destructive testing — Qualification and certification of NDT personnel. ANSI/ASNT CP-9712 aligns more closely with international standards and provides enhanced transparency, transferability, and public trust. This does not mean that SNT-TC-1A is obsolete. On the contrary, ASNT recognizes its continued relevance, particularly for test methods and techniques not covered by third-party schemes. The future of NDT certification lies in a hybrid model, where baseline knowledge and competency are validated through third-party certification, while employer-based programs build upon that foundation with job-specific training and performance monitoring.

PLANNED CHANGES AND THE ROAD AHEAD

ASNT has already taken steps to strengthen SNT-TC-1A. The 2025 Addendum to SNT-TC-1A (2024) has initiated a renewed focus on revising and restructuring the document with the following goals:

• Clearer, mandatory requirements: Restructuring the front of the document to ensure consistent application across programs.

• Preserved flexibility: Maintaining adaptability for developing new techniques and methods in the latter sections.

• Plain language: Improving clarity by placing the burden of understanding on the writer, not the reader.

• Marketing and industry engagement: Crafting a compelling narrative to help stakeholders understand and embrace the shift toward third-party certification.

• Accelerated timeline: While the next edition of SNT-TC-1A is scheduled for 2028, ASNT leadership is working to expedite the revision process, with milestones and KPIs (key performance indicators) already in development.

Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A: Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing with Addendum (2024) will be published this month. It will be available to download from the SNT-TC-1A product page on ASNT’s store under “Resources.” If you have purchased the digital (ebook) version of SNT-TC-1A, it will be updated automatically however, if you have previously downloaded the PDF file, you will need to redownload it.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: THE ROLE OF ASNT

As the NDT industry embraces technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, the traditional concept of NDT personnel may evolve. Future professionals may be data analysts or computer engineers interpreting inspection results through advanced software tools. To remain relevant and forward-thinking, ASNT must lead the transition to a new model of qualification and certification that supports these emerging skill sets.

CONCLUSION

SNT-TC-1A has played a vital role in shaping the employer-based certification landscape, offering flexibility and practicality for decades. But as the industry matures and global expectations rise, it must evolve. By reaffirming its purpose, addressing its weaknesses, and integrating with independent third-party certification schemes, ASNT is laying the groundwork for a more credible, consistent, and future-ready NDT workforce. The journey ahead requires a cultural shift, investment in training and process changes, and a commitment to quality over convenience. But with these efforts, ASNT will ensure that both SNT-TC-1A and the professionals who rely on it continue to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Author: Paul Lang is ASNT Chief Global Strategy Officer and Executive Director of ASNT Certification Services LLC.