Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant Testing Technician

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.

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.

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.

• Use applicable knowledge 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.