Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Technician

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Technician. A Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Technician (NDT Level II) (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 Eddy Current Testing Technician perform inspections utilising various advanced NDT (Phased Array UT, CR, DR) techniques seeking corrosion, defects, or detrimental conditions in accordance with specific written criteria. A qualified learner will be able to: • Select eddy current testing technique and prepare instructions. • Prepare for eddy current testing according to instructions. • Conduct eddy current testing and then interpret whether indications are relevant or non-relevant, according to prescribed procedures. • Evaluate eddy current testing results by applying technical methods to examine materials and evaluating results according to codes.

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: The minimum entry requirement for this part-qualification is: • An NQF Level 3 qualification with Mathematics and Science.

A Non-destructive Eddy Current 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 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 Radiographic Testing Technician. • Non-Destructive Visual Testing Technician. • Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing Technician. • Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Testing Operator. The same Eddy Current 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). Eddy Current Testing spans several occupational levels, i.e. engineering, technologist, technician and operator. This qualification has a part-qualification, the Occupational Certificate: Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Operator (NDT Level I). Currently, Eddy Current 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 Eddy Current Testing qualifications based on international standards and programmes. Some offer ISO 9712 based qualifications, others offer qualifications 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 this qualification would give greater credence to non-destructive eddy current testing training programmes because these would be compared to national standards, which in turn, would be comparable to international standards. This qualification and its part qualification meet all the international requirements. Typical learners are school leavers, qualifying learners from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges or workers who have been employed in the NDT industry. A learner becomes a Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Operator (NDT Level I) and then proceed to become a Non-Destructive Eddy Current 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 programmes available in the sector. Employers in the sector will gain access to suitably qualified Non-Destructive Eddy Current 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 this benefiting their societies. By creating career pathways in the sector, employees will be able to progress from Eddy Current Testing Level I to Eddy Current 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.

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: The minimum entry requirement for this part-qualification is: • An NQF Level 3 qualification with Mathematics and Science.

• Apply relevant knowledge to select eddy current testing technique and prepare instructions.
• Prepare for eddy current testing according to instructions
• Conduct eddy current testing and then interpret whether indications are relevant or non-relevant, according to prescribed procedures.
• Evaluate eddy current testing results by applying technical methods to examine materials and evaluating results according to codes.