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How to Plan for Your ASNT 9712 Level III Exams

Comprehensive, standards-based examinations are a cornerstone of ASNT certifications.

Before you schedule your exams, review the information on this page to ensure you know what topics and skills your exams will cover, how to study, and what to expect when test day comes.

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Review ASNT 9712 Level III Exam Topics

To receive 9712 Level III certification, you must pass all examinations for at least one of the test methods and the practical exam for all techniques associated with that method.

Exams include computer-based testing (CBT) as well as practical exams to demonstrate your ability to perform the method and techniques in an advanced nondestructive testing role. These exams are broken down into multiple sections:

  • Basic exam (CBT) – processes, materials and processes, and general knowledge of NDT test methods
  • Basic supplemental exam (CBT) – additional knowledge of ISO 9712:2021 exam requirements
  • Method exam (CBT) – specific knowledge of the test method
  • Procedure preparation (CBT) – prepare written NDT procedures for a supplied NDT standard
  • Practical exam – perform the method and technique on test samples containing known defects

Start by getting familiar with the topics and depth of knowledge you’ll need for each of your exams.

For Exams Prior to January 2026

Number of Items: 135
Time for Completion: 4 hours

 

  1. Administration of NDT personnel certification programs

    • SNT-TC-1A, 2020 edition

    • ASNT CP-189, latest edition

  2. General familiarity with other NDT methods

    • Radiography (safety, X-ray, and isotope methods)

    • Neutron radiography

    • Ultrasonic testing

    • Electromagnetic testing

    • Magnetic flux leakage testing

    • Liquid penetrant testing

    • Magnetic particle testing

    • Leak testing

    • Acoustic emission testing

    • Visual testing

    • Thermal/infrared testing

  3. Training

    • Develop training materials (e.g., study guides, worksheets, quizzes, test samples, manuals, etc.)

    • Instruct trainees, Level I, and Level II on theory of test method and practical application of test method

    • Evaluate training procedures

    • Materials technology

    • Fabrication and product

    •  

For Exams After January 2026

Number of Items: 135
Time for Completion: 4 hours

  1. NDT Certification

    1. Maintain knowledge of qualification and certification processes

    2. Develop NDT personnel qualification program

    3. Develop NDT personnel certification examinations

    4. Manage NDT personnel qualifications and certifications

    5. Administer NDT personnel certification examinations

    6. Evaluate NDT personnel competency

    7. Conduct NDT certification program audits

    8. Determine qualification/certification requirements for methods

  2. Application of NDT Methods

    1. Advise appropriate methods for inspecting products

    2. Review client NDT requirements

    3. Evaluate supplier NDT capabilities

    4. Select NDT techniques applicable for a given inspection scenario

    5. Develop/apply procedures and techniques for performing NDT

    6. Validate procedures and techniques for performing testing

    7. Create inspection plans based on the flaw types expected

    8. Validate work instructions for inspections

    9. Verify NDT equipment/system calibrations

    10. Perform visual inspections

    11. Inspect components based on the manufacturing process

    12. Differentiate between relevant and non-relevant indications produced by manufacturing

    13. Provide flaw interpretation and evaluation

    14. Develop documentation of inspection results

    15. Determine use of other methods for supplemental examinations

    16. Conduct NDT process audits

    17. Evaluate NDT equipment performance

    18. Evaluate NDT equipment

    19. Monitor changes in NDT methods

  3. NDT Training

    1. Develop NDT training programs

    2. Approve NDT training programs

    3. Provide NDT instruction/training

    4. Provide on-the-job training (OJT)

    5. Mentor NDT personnel

    6. Identify technicians requiring refresher training

    7. Provide oversight of instructors

  4. Technical Knowledge in Materials Science & Process Technology

    1. Characterize types of flaws based on materials and processes

    2. Monitor trends with materials under test

    3. Monitor changes in manufacturing processes

    4. Conduct product research (e.g., for NDT equipment, technology, and/or application)

    5. Assist material engineering with investigations of material failures

    6. Determine samples for destructive testing to assess detected flaws

    7. Evaluate NDT methods and techniques

  5. Codes, Standards, Specifications, & Procedures

    1. Interpret NDT requirements of codes and standards

    2. Develop NDT procedures

    3. Develop work instructions for inspections

    4. Approve NDT procedures (e.g., internal, supplier, vendor)

    5. Apply quality control protocols

    6. Assist in developing acceptance criteria

    7. Participate in external audits by customers

For Exams Prior to January 2026

Number of Items: 55
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Administration of NDT personnel certification programs

    • SNT-TC-1A, latest edition

    • ASNT CP-189, latest edition

    • ASNT CP-9712, latest edition

  2. General familiarity with other NDT methods

    • Liquid penetrant testing

    • Magnetic particle testing

    • Radiographic testing

    • Ultrasonic testing

    • Visual testing

  3. Training

    • Develop training materials (e.g., study guides, worksheets, quizzes, test samples, manuals, etc.)

    • Instruct trainees, Level I, and Level II on theory of test method and practical application of test method

    • Evaluate training procedures

    • Materials technology

    • Fabrication and product

For Exams After January 2026

Number of Items: 55
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Technical knowledge in materials science and process technology

  2. Knowledge of the certification body’s qualification and certification system

  3. General knowledge of NDT methods

    1. Magnetic particle testing (MT)

    2. Liquid penetrant testing (PT)

    3. Radiographic testing (RT)

    4. Ultrasonic testing (UT)

    5. Visual testing (VT)

For Exams Prior to 1 October 2025

Number of Items: 90
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Principles/Theory

  2. Principles of magnets and magnetic fields

  3. Characteristics of magnetic fields

  4. Equipment/Materials

  5. Magnetic particle test equipment

  6. Inspection materials

  7. Technique/Calibrations

  8. Magnetization by means of electric current

  9. Selecting the proper method of magnetization

  10. Demagnetization

  11. Interpretation/Evaluation

  12. Procedures

  13. Safety and Health

For Exams After 1 October 2025

Number of Items: 90
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. MT Principles & Theory

    1. Develop or evaluate new MT techniques

    2. Prepare MT technical demonstrations

    3. Assist in MT POD studies (e.g., reliability, sensitivity)

    4. Select appropriate demagnetization method(s)

  2. MT Equipment & Materials

    1. Evaluate new MT equipment

    2. Select MT equipment for examinations

    3. Select MT inspection medium

    4. Manage MT equipment maintenance program

  3. Interpret, Evaluate, & Document Results

    1. Determine flaw type by material and product form

    2. Confirm flaw interpretations

    3. Verify indication evaluation against acceptance criteria

    4. Review and approve MT reports

  4. Codes, Standards, Specifications, Procedures, & Techniques

    1. Interpret Codes, Standards, and Specification MT requirements

    2. Review client MT requirements

    3. Determine applicable MT acceptance criteria

    4. Develop and prepare MT procedures

    5. Develop and approve technique sheets

  5. MT Training & Certification Programs

    1. Manage MT qualification/certification programs

    2. Develop MT training programs

    3. Develop MT personnel certification examinations

    4. Provide MT classroom training

    5. Provide MT hands-on training

    6. Provide training on MT procedures

    7. Proctor MT exams (e.g., written, practical)

    8. Perform MT program audits

    9. Evaluate MT personnel performance

For Exams Prior to January 2026

Number of Items: 90
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. Principles and Theory

  2. Principles of Liquid Penetrant Process

  3. Theory

  4. Proper Selection of PT as Method of Choice

  5. Liquid Penetrant Processing

  6. Equipment and Materials

  7. Liquid Penetrant Test Units

  8. Methods of Measurement

  9. Lighting for Liquid Penetrant Testing

  10. Materials for Liquid Penetrant Testing

  11. Testing and Maintenance of Materials

  12. Interpretation and Evaluation

  13. General

  14. Factors Affecting Indications

  15. Indications from Discontinuities

  16. Relevant and Nonrelevant Indications

  17. Procedures

  18. Liquid Penetrant Testing Procedures, Codes,

    Standards, and Specifications

  19. Safety and Health

  20. Toxicity

  21. Flammability

  22. Electrical Hazards

  23. Personal Protective Equipment

  24. Right to Know (MSDS)

  25. Disposal of Used Materials

For Exams Prior to January 2026

Number of Items: 90
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  1. PT Principles & Theory

    1. Develop and deliver PT training and exams (e.g., Level I, Level II, Level III)

    2. Perform oversight of PT personnel training

    3. Understand/Apply limitations of method and technique(s)

    4. Establish PT technique and procedures

    5. Establish PT pre/post cleaning protocols

  2. PT Equipment & Materials

    1. Select PT materials per requirements

    2. Determine required test materials & equipment

    3. Manage quality control of PT materials & equipment

    4. Verify environment meets procedures (e.g., debris, lighting, safety, temperature, weather conditions)

    5. Maintain environmental controls (e.g., SDS, ventilation)

  3. Interpret & Evaluate PT Results

    1. Establish acceptance criteria based on Codes, Standards, Specifications, and Procedures

    2. Determine relevancy of indications

    3. Interpret/Evaluate indications

    4. Audit PT activities and records

  4. PT Procedures

    1. Determine PT requirements per Specifications

    2. Collaborate with engineers and management

    3. Implement inspection technique(s) per written procedures

    4. Prepare test procedures & work instructions

    5. Qualify written test procedures

    6. Maintain PT training & certification program(s) (e.g., document, qualify/requalify)

    7. Oversee PT operations (e.g., inspect/reinspect, process audit)

    8. Maintain PT material & process control program

Number of Items: 135
Time for Completion: 4 hours

  1. Principles and theory

  2. Equipment/Materials

  3. Electrically generated sources

  4. Particulate radiation sources

  5. Radiation detectors

  6. Techniques/Calibration

  7. Imaging considerations

  8. Film processing

  9. Viewing of radiographs

  10. Judging radiographic quality

  11. Exposure calculations

  12. Radiographic techniques

  13. Interpretation and evaluation

  14. Procedures

  15. Safety and health

  16. Exposure hazards

  17. Methods of controlling radiation exposure

  18. Operational and emergency procedures

  19. Dosimetry and film badges

Number of Items: 135
Time for Completion: 4 hours

  • Principles/Theory

  • Equipment/Materials

  • Techniques/Calibrations

    • Contact

    • Immersion

    • Comparison of contact and immersion methods

    • Remote monitoring

    • Calibration (electronic and functional)

  • Interpretation/Evaluations

    • Evaluation of base metal product forms

    • Evaluation of weldments

    • Evaluation of bonded structures

    • Variables affecting test results

    • Evaluation (general)

  • Procedures

    • Specific applications

    • Codes/Standards/Specifications

Safety and Health

Number of Items: 90
Time for Completion: 2 hours

  • Visual Testing

  • Fundamentals

  • Vision and light

  • Ambient conditions

  • Test object characteristics

  • Equipment Accessories

  • Magnifiers/microscopes

  • Mirrors

  • Dimensional

  • Borescopes

  • Video systems

  • Machine vision

  • Replication

  • Temperature indicating devices and materials

  • Chemical aids

  • Surface comparators

  • Lasers

  • Applications and Requirements

  • Raw materials

  • Primary process materials

  • Joining processes

  • Fabricated components

  • In-service materials

  • Coatings

  • Other applications

  • Requirements

  • Variables affecting results of interpretation/ evaluations

  • Equipment including type and intensity of light

  • Material including the variations of surface finish

  • Discontinuity

  • Determination of dimensions (e.g., depth, width, length, etc.)

  • Sampling/scanning

  • Process for reporting visual discontinuities

  • Personnel (human factors)

  • Documentation

  • Safety

2

Study Recommended 9712 Level III Exam Resources

To help you build knowledge and confidence, ASNT offers a variety of study materials. You can use self-study materials from ASNT and other industry sources—or take a combined approach.*

Self-Study Collections

Created in alignment with the body of knowledge for each exam, ASNT study materials collections are designed to empower you in your 9712 Level III certification.

Available in ASNT India Store

Available in ASNT Store

Available in ASNT India Store

Available in ASNT Store

Available in ASNT India Store

Available in ASNT Store

Available in ASNT India Store

Available in ASNT Store

Available in ASNT India Store

Available in ASNT Store

ASNT Level III Study Guide: Radiographic Testing (RT), 3rd ed. (Discontinued)

ASNT Questions & Answers Book: Radiographic Testing (RT), 3rd ed.

Nondestructive Testing Handbook, Vol. 3: Radiographic Testing (RT), 4th ed.

Working Safely in Radiography

 

Available in ASNT India Store

Available in ASNT Store

Available in ASNT India Store

Available in ASNT Store

*ASNT Certification Services LLC does not endorse any source of education or training as a guarantee of success on the certification examinations and does not provide any advantage over other available training and education. Examination candidates qualifying through the eligibility criteria should be aware that a number of study aids are available as added preparation for ASNT Certification Services certification exams. Candidates are not required to complete ASNT’s preparation education or training if a comparable alternative is available. No one source should be considered the only basis for exam preparation.

3

When You’re Ready, Schedule Your 9712 Level III Certification Exams

For 9712 Level III certification, ASNT offers in-person computer-based testing (CBT) through our partner, Pearson VUE at their locations or through our authorized exam centers (AECs). Practical exams are only offered at authorized exam centers (AECs).

Before you schedule your exams, be sure you have:
  • Submitted your application and paid all required fees through MyCert
  • Received application approval and notification that you are authorized to schedule your exams

Then, schedule your exams through your MyCert account.

Register for Computer-Based Tests

CBTs are offered at our AECs or through Pearson Vue – an ASNT partner that provides exams through the world’s most comprehensive and secure network of test centers, with locations in over 175 countries.

Log In and Schedule Computer-Based Tests

Register for Practical Exams

Practical exams are provided at the listed AECs. To schedule, reach out directly to your preferred AEC. No walk-in tests are provided.

Authorized Exam Centers

AECs are approved partners that provide CBT and practical exams for ASNT certifications. No walk-in tests are provided.

ASNT India Office

Address: Tower B, 1st Floor Kosmo One Business Park Plot No.14, 3rd Main Road Ambattur Industrial Estate, Ambattur Chennai – 600058
Phone: +91 8925021395 or +91 8667286224
Email: info@asntindia.org

 

Need to make a change?

You must schedule and complete all the examinations you’ve applied for within one year of our Letter of Approval. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, do so at least 48 hours in advance. Failing to give enough notice will result in losing your exam fees.

Be sure you understand the rules for rescheduling or canceling your certification examinations.

Read ASNT Cancellation/Refund Policy
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Collect Your Identification

When it’s time to take your ASNT 9712 Level III exams, you must bring two original, valid forms of identification to the exam center:

  1. A primary government-issued ID with name and signature.

  2. A secondary ID with a name and signature/photo.

Both identifications must be current and original, and the name on your identification must match the name on your certification application and in your MyASNT record.

A valid photo identification can be your current:

  • passport
  • driver’s license
  • state or government-issued identification card

Other acceptable identification forms are:

  • work ID with your name and signature that matches primary ID

 

ASNT 9712 Certification Level III Examinations

If you don’t pass an exam, you can choose to reapply and retest following the retake waiting period.

There is a waiting period for each retest attempt. After that period, you must submit your retake request and receive a new approval letter before you can schedule and retake your exam.

After failing one or more exam element (general, specific, instruction, or practical):

First Attempt
You can retake the failed practical or CBT element after 30 days.
Second Attempt
You can retake the failed practical or CBT element after 90 days and complete at least 7 hours of training.
Third Attempt
You can retake after six months—but you must reapply as a new candidate and complete all exams (practical and CBT).
The retake policy is in alignment with the ASNT 9712 program document. Review Section 8.5 for complete reexamination details.

When Do I Need to Renew?

ASNT 9712 Level III certifications must be renewed every five years, and you must submit your renewal application and payment before the expiration date on your certificate