NDTSupport.com - Tech Room - Personnel Qualifications

The current revision of NAS 410 is Rev. 3 issued March 2008. This issue introduced several major revisions to this popular aerospace standard. It is important to note that everyone working to the NAS 410 requirements must be meeting the Rev. 3 requirements six month from the issue date.

While most prime suppliers accept supplier NDT personnel qualified and certified to NAS 410 requirements, a few such as Pratt & Whitney and Honeywell have unique requirements that must also be met. These unique requirements are discussed in our NAS 410 training module available on this site in the training room.

Highlights
The following are highlights of the NAS 410 rev. 3 document to assist you in knowing some of the key changes and interpretations associated with the requirements of the document. Interpretations are often needed when there are new major revisions to such technical documents. As we receive meaningful clarifications to interpretations of the document we will attempt to pass them along to you here on ndtsupport.com. Also, among these highlights will be items (areas of the spec) often having nonconformance's found associated with them.

IMPLEMENTATION (Para. 1.2) - The applicability section of the document was expanded to include individuals formerly not thought by some to fall under the requirements of the document. In essence the requirements of the document apply to:

1. Personnel using NDT methods to test and/or accept materials, products, components, assemblies or subassemblies.
2. Personnel responsible for the technical adequacy of NDT methods used
3. Personnel who write NDT procedures and/or work instructions
4. Individuals who audit NDT facilities
5. Personnel who provide technical NDT support or training

It does not apply to:
1. Individuals who only have administrative or supervisory authority over NDT personnel or to research personnel developing NDT technologies.
2. Individuals who perform specialized inspections using direct readout instruments as determined by level 3 certified in the method.

These implementation requirements will affect many consulting individuals who will have to show evidence of certification to this document.

LEVELS OF QUALIFICATION (PARA. 1.4) - It is important to note the Instructor and Auditor are levels of qualification and should be covered in your qualification documentation somewhere. The auditor qualification could be in an internal audit procedure, but should meet NAS 410 requirements as a minimum.

DEFINITIONS (Sect 3) - I will cover some items were nonconformance's have been known to be found and to introduce you to key additions/revisions that will affect you. I also want to emphasize that the verbiage used here is not verbatim to the document, but an attempt to make a simple presentation of some of these newly revised definitions. You will need to obtain a copy of the document to read a definition verbatim

1. CERTIFICATION (para. 3.1) - It must be remembered that the certification of an individual is a written statement by the EMPLOYER, not a contracted level 3.

2. CLOSED BOOK EXAMINATION (para. 3.2) - This now is an examination administered without access to any reference materials. This is a major consideration for all future examinations which involve testing an individuals understanding of technical requirements for multiple customer requirements.

3. DIRECT OBSERVATION (para. 3.3) - This now states the observer is able to some to the immediate aid of a trainee and is within a distance that allows unblocked and unaided eye and verbal contact with a trainee. A phone link would not be allowed here. The actions of a trainee must be observable. It does not require over the shoulder eye witnessing of a trainee during rinsing parts, for example.

4. EMPLOYER (para. 3.7) Now includes self employed personnel.

5. EXAMINER (para. 3.10) This is a new definition and it is: a Level 3 certified to the requirements of NAS 410 and who is designated (In writing) by the Responsible Level 3 or NANDTB to administer and part of the qualification and certification process in the method(s) that the individual is certified in.

6. INSTRUCTOR (para. 3.15) This individual must be designated or approved by the Responsible Level 3 to do training for NDT personnel. Note: It does not distinguish between internal or external instructors.

7. METHOD (para. 3.17) One of the disciplines of nondestructive testing (e.g.penetrant, magnetic particle, radiography, ultrasonic, etc). METHODS used shall be identified with the TECHNIQUES utilized in the WRITTEN PRACTICE.

8. TECHNIQUE (para. 3.30) A category within a METHOD (e.g. fluorescent, wet fluorescent, X-ray, immersion). TECHNIQUES used shall be identified with the METHODS utilized in the WRITTEN PRACTICE.

There has been a lot of confusion between method and technique. The example given in the document pretty well outlines UT examples of different techniques in a method. I will give you examples to use for the following other methods commonly audited.
It is IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER, the facility must identify what specific techniques are in use at their facility in their written practice. Following are some common examples of Methods & Techniques:

a) (The Method) Penetrant Testing - (The Techniques) - Visible dye, Fluorescent Dye. These may be further broken down if desired. For example some have defined post emulsified fluorescent dye and water washable fluorescent dye as two separate techniques. Some will designate in a format such as Type 1, Method A, Form a.

b) (The Method) Magnetic Particle Inspection - (The Techniques) Wet Fluorescent, Wet Visible, Dry Visible

c) (The Method) Radiography - (The Techniques) X-ray, Radioscopy, Gamma, Computed Tomography, etc.

9. WRITTEN PRACTICE (para. 3.34) A procedure that describes the employers requirements and methodologies for controlling and administering the NDT personnel qualification and certification process.

10. OPEN BOOK EXAMINATION (para. 3.20) The standard now requires the specific examination to be an OPEN BOOK EXAMINATION allowing specific reference material to be provided with or referenced in the examination. However, questions must be designed to examine the candidates ability to understand and comprehend understanding of the material provided.

11. PRACTICAL EXAMINATION (3.23) An examination to demonstrates an individuals ability to conduct an NDT METHOD as used by the employer. A checklist must be used and observation and results must be documented.

12. PROCEDURE (3.25) A general "how to" instruction for conducting a given process. Procedures are then used to develop WORK INSTRUCTIONS.

13. WORK INSTRUCTION (3.32) A document detailing the NDT technique and testing parameters to be used for the inspection of a specific material, components, part(s), etc. These are also know as "technique sheets".

14. TEST SAMPLE (3.31) A part or image containing one or more known and documented natural or artificial discontinuities, flaws or conditions used in the practical examination to demonstrate the candidate's proficiency in the NDT method. Test samples and refer to actual hardware fabricated test parts, or when applicable images of actual part(s) such as radiographs.

Note: This is an area where it is common to find nonconformance's. While this definition does allow the use of actual hardware, it must be remembered that whatever sample is used, it must have known discontinuities or defects that require evaluation. This applies to at least 1 sample per technique and 2 samples per method (see para. 7.1.4.2 thru 7.1.4.3) . The intent of this portion of the exam in the case of an individual who will interpret for product acceptance/rejection is that they have the ability to properly interpret what they find to a given acceptance standard. If no interpretation is required, this ability must be determined by the exam.

15. WRITTEN PRACTICE (3.34) A procedure that describes an employer's requirements and methodology for controlling and administering the NDT personnel qualification and certification process.

WRITTEN PRACTICE

The written practice shall address the procedural details necessary for the employer to implement an NDT qualification and certification program and shall include, either directly or by reference the details of the process, including:

* the levels of qualification and certification used by the employer
* personnel duties and responsibilities, including the Responsible Level 3
* training and experience requirements
* certification and recertification requirements
* records and record keeping requirements
* requirements for expiration, suspension, revocation and reinstatement of certification
* any additional requirements imposed by the employer or cognizant engineering organization
* identification of technique(s) within each method as defined by the employer or NANDTB
* NDT training outlines used by the employer, or reference them. Note: The amount of time spent on each subject must be documented. Additionally, if an outside agency or NANDTB is used to provide the training, the Responsible Level 3 shall verify that the training meets the employers requirements.
* the designation of the individual(s) or organization(s) responsible for administering examinations
* the number of examination questions to be administered
* the specific visual acuity method to be used
* the written examinations to be administered
* identification of the designated individual(s) or organization(s) responsible for the administering and maintaining all or part of the employer's certification program
* identification of the designated individual(s) or organization(s) responsible for maintaining the qualification and certification records and where such records shall be kept
* the minimum requirements for training, experience and examination for methods used
* Additional qualification/certification requirements levied by the employer or cognizant engineering organization (e.g. P&W or Honeywell)

RESPONSIBILITY: New to this revision of NAS-410 is that Self-Employed individuals may certify themselves provided they have a written practice and have been qualified to the requirements of NAS410 by another individual certified to Level 3 in accordance with NAS410.

Employers are responsible for the implementation of, and compliance with NAS 410 and for certifying individuals qualified to NAS 410. They are also responsible in assuring outside agencies used meet the appropriate requirements of NAS 410.

Prime contractors are responsible for compliance to NAS 410 by their suppliers and subcontractors.

RESPONSIBLE LEVEL 3 (para. 4.5) - The employer must identify, in writing, a "Responsible Level 3" to act on it's behalf in matters regarding the qualification and certification process. The Responsible Level 3 must be certified in accordance with NAS 410 in at least one or more NDT methods and shall have a thorough knowledge of the written instructions, codes, specifications and standards used by the employer. He/she shall also have a thorough knowledge of the materials, components, product technologies, NDT methods and NDT techniques used by the employer. Additional Level 3 Examiners as defined in this standard may be identified and delegated in writing, as necessary, to provide coverage for all methods used by the employer. The Responsible Level 3 may be an outside agency, but in this case he/she can only qualify personnel, as only the employer can certify personnel.

NAS 410 rev. 3 also expands explanation for the use of NANDTB's. See the document if you use one. (Ref. 4.5.1 & 4.5.2).

OUTSIDE AGENCY (para. 4.6) - A employer may utilize a Level 3 certified in accordance with NAS 410 from an outside agency to develop a certification program, act as the Responsible Level 3, examine NDT personnel or perform any other qualification or certification function. The employer must document the suitability of an outside agency selected to perform any function in meeting the requirements of NAS 410. This documentation shall be of sufficient detail to justify the outside agency's ability to perform the required Level 3 function(s).

QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION LEVELS (Sec. 5) - There are some things that have changed in this section of NAS 410. It allows the employer to add or limit the levels addressed in the written practice, but it requires the stated minimum qualification requirements for each certification level shown in the standard to be met. Below are the added minimum requirements for trainees, levels 1, 2 & 3. The document also addresses Level 1-Limited requirements, but this option is not discussed here due to the rarity of it's use in aerospace. You can read NAS 410 if you use Level 1-Limited personnel.:

TRAINEE (para. 5.1.1) -
* They must be documented as a trainee and be actively participating in a training program for a stated NDT method for a limited and specified period of time. The takeaway here is that trainees must be documented as such and they can not be a trainee for an indefinite or unspecified period of time.
* They must obtain experience un the "DIRECT OBSERVATION" of a certified Level 2 or 3 in the same method or a Level 1 or instructor only when approved by the Responsible Level 3. It is very important to note my emphasis of the term "DIRECT OBSERVATION" and review the definition noted earlier on this web page.

LEVEL 1 (para. 5.1.3) -
* They must be able to follow work instructions
* They must have the skills and knowledge to conduct system performance checks in accordance with the applicable process standard

LEVEL 2 (para. 5.1.4) -
* They must have the skills and knowledge to conduct system performance checks in accordance with the applicable process standard
* When specified in the written practice, have a basic knowledge of aircraft or vehicle maintenance

LEVEL 3 (para. 5.1.5) -
* When specified in the written practice, have a basic knowledge of aircraft or vehicle maintenance

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (Sect 6) -

TRAINING (6.1) - The purpose of training is to provide sufficient training so the candidate becomes proficient with the principles and practices of the applicable test method and technique(s) and be capable of carrying out the duties specified in Section 5 of NAS 410 (The qualification requirements) It is also beneficial to note here that the exams (Physical, General, Specific & Practical) should be developed to adequately verify the candidate can to perform the duties specified in Section 5 of NAS 410. Not keeping this in mind will often lead to inadequately examining an individual. Another thing to remember is that all completed NDT training shall be documented. Hours associated with training should be documented as well.

TRAINING OUTLINES (para. 6.1.1 -
Remember that the amount of hours (minimum) to be spent on each topic in the outline must be documented. Of course, the outline shall include a list of references from which the training is derived and the outline shall include as a minimum:

* Basic Theory
* Test Principles, including choice of NDT methods, relevance to different materials and part and test variables
* Product forms and materials; defect formation and characterization
* Equipment operation and standardization
* The importance of process controls
* The importance of appropriate processing steps and parameters
* Safety
* Applicable techniques and the advantages and disadvantages of each
Limitations and capabilities of each method and technique
* Applicable specifications, codes, operating procedures ad work instructions

Note: If an outside agency is used to provide training, the Responsible Level 3 shall verify that the training meets the employers requirements.

PREVIOUS TRAINING (para. 6.1.2) - Verbiage has not changed much here, but it is worth noting here the requirements for when refresher training is required. They are:
1. When personnel have been credited with previous training. (Common when hiring an individual who has been previously certified and have had training for the previous certifications)
2. When personnel are not certified within 12 months of their training. (Scenario - an individual has had training, but was not certified for over a year after having that training)

EQUIVALENT TRAINING (para. 6.1.3) - This has not changed from NAS 410 rev. 2, nut there are often findings associated around this requirement. Findings usually surface due to an inadequate review of an individuals records to assure adequate training hours have been documents. The scenario arises generally when two test methods (penetrant and magnetic particle) are involved. The minimum training hours was changed in rev. 2 of NAS 410 and the difference between the older training hours and the current requirements has to be addressed by the level 3. The other time this is an issue is when an employer is doing work for Honeywell Aerospace. They require all current training hours to be met. Keep this in mind if you inspect parts directly or indirectly for Honeywell Aerospace (Basically, it means the inspections are done to Honeywell specifications).

TRAINING AND EXAMINATION PERSONNEL (para. 6.2) - The Responsible Level 3 or NANDTB shall maintain overall control and cognizance over the NDT training program, including designating or approving qualified Examiners, instructors and outside agencies.

VISION EXAMINATION (para. 7.1.1) - There was a considerable change to this requirement. The near vision exam requirement is now given in Snellen and is as follows:

20/25 (Snellen) at 16" (42cm) +/- 1" (2.54 cm) or equivalent in at least one eye. Equivalency is to be determined by the Responsible Level 3.

A few things to note regarding the vision exams:
1. The vision requirement does not apply to instructors or auditors.
2. Near vision test shall be administered annually
3. Color perception shall be administered every 5 years
4. The employer shall flow down vision requirements to all necessary personnel and/or facilities.
5. The tests shall be administered by trained personnel designated by the Responsible Level 3 or by a qualified medical person.

EXAMINATIONS

GENERAL (para. 7.1.2) - Those passing a "basic" exam covering other NDT methods used before passing and NDT method examination shall be considered satisfactory evidence the other NDT methods have been covered, otherwise general question covering other test methods used by the employer shall be part of the general exam.

SPECIFIC (para. 7.1.3) - The Specific exam is now an open book examination (See definition earlier covered on this web page). Questions utilizing materials provided for the exam shall require understanding of the information contained therein rather than merely finding it's location.
This revision to the Specific exam requirement will require the exams to be a bit more than simple multiple choices.

PRACTICAL (para. 7.1.4) - The practical exam section of this edition of NAS 410 was revised. Here are some specific requirements:
1. The location and severity of flaws in the test sample shall not be apparent to the candidate.
2. A written checklist shall be used and developed and completed by the Responsible Level 3 or Examiner to assure adequate coverage and to assist in the grading of the examination.
3. The Responsible Level 3 or Examiner shall determine and document how the examination results obtained by the candidate are to be documented (e.g. part maps, drawings, sketches, written descriptions, etc.). All such documentation shall become part of the examination and filed accordingly

Further requirements for the practical exams for each specific level is as follows:

Level 1 (para. 7.1.4.2) -
* The candidate shall demonstrate proficiency by using a work instruction to process at least 2 test samples of DIFFERING CONFIGURATIONS for each method, with at least one test sample for each technique for which certification is sought.
* When only one configuration of hardware is to be inspected upon certification, both test samples may be of the same configuration.
* The candidate shall document NDT results (Results of checks, documentation completion, etc. applicable to the Level 1 functions that will be applicable to the candidate.)
* The checklist used for the Level 1 shall address proficiency in the use and standardization of the equipment and materials, adherence to procedural details and the documentation of the results.

Level 2 (para. 7.1.4.3) -
* The candidate shall demonstrate proficiency by using a work instruction to process at least 2 test samples of DIFFERING CONFIGURATIONS for each method, with at least one test sample for each technique for which certification is sought.
* When only one configuration of hardware is to be inspected upon certification, both test samples may be of the same configuration.
* The candidate shall document NDT results in accordance with the applicable acceptance criteria.
* The checklist used for the Level 2 shall include proficiency in the use and standardization of the equipment and materials, adherence to procedural details, the accuracy and completeness of interpretation and evaluation of indications and, when required by the employer's written practice, the ability to develop work instructions.

Level 3 (para. 7.1.4.4) -
* The candidate shall demonstrate proficiency by preparing an NDT procedure OR work instruction appropriate to the employer's current requirements for the method. The procedure or work instruction shall be developed in conjunction with the general and/or specific examination(s) required for the certification or recertification as applicable. A procedure or work instruction developed within the previous 3 months by the candidate may be used with the approval of the Responsible Level 3 or NANDTB.
* When the candidate's duties will include processing and/or acceptance/rejection or products, proficiency in performing such tasks shall be demonstrated by a hands-on practical examination equivalent to Level 2 in accordance with para. 7.1.4.3.
* The results of the practical examination shall be documented and a checklist shall be used to address the practical and technical adequacy of the procedures or work instructions prepared by the candidate.
* When the candidate is to accept/reject hardware, the adequacy of the candidate's interpretation and evaluation of indications shall also be documented. Note: The additional practical examination to accept/reject hardware is not required for Level 3s who write or approve procedures or work instructions even those instructions are used by personnel to accept/reject hardware.

EXAMINATION OF EXAMINATIONS (para. 7.2) - One revision to be noted here is that the Responsible Level 3 or Examiner may delegate IN WRITING the administration and grading of written examinations using multiple choice or true/false questions to non-examiner personnel (Practical examination excluded).

RECORDS (Para. 8.2) - One revision to this section is noted here.
d. If Annex A is used, documentation of credit points used for Level 3 certification.

RECORD AVAILABILITY (Para. 8.2.1) - All training, qualification, and certification records shall be maintained in accordance with the employer's written practice and shall be made available for audit by the facility's customers or regulatory agencies. Additionally, all records, except for actual examinations, shall be made available to the applicable employee upon request or upon leaving the company for any reason.