Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Testing Operator

The purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Testing Operator. A Non-Destructive Wall Thickness Testing Operator (NDT Level 1) follows instructions prescribed to them by the technician. They record the test results and, if any anomalies are detected, escalate them to the technician. A qualified learner will be able to: • Prepare for ultrasonic wall thickness testing according to instructions. • Conduct ultrasonic wall thickness testing and then interpret whether indications are relevant or non-relevant, according to prescribed procedures.

A non-destructive ultrasonic wall thickness 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 part-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 Visual Testing Technician. • Non-Destructive Magnetic Particle Testing Technician. • Non-Destructive Liquid Penetrant Testing Technician. • Non-Destructive Radiographic Testing Technician. • Non-Destructive Eddy Current Testing Technician. • Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Testing Technician. The same ultrasonic wall thickness 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). Most of the non-destructive testing (NDT) industry seems to offer ultrasonic wall thickness testing qualifications based on international standards and programmes. Some offer ISO 9712 based programmes, 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 the part-qualification would give greater credence to ultrasonic wall thickness testing training programmes because these would be compared to national standards, which in turn, would be comparable to international standards. Typical learners are school leavers, qualifying learners from the Technical and Vocational education and Training (TVET) College or workers who have been employed in the NDT industry. A learner will become a Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Testing Operator (NDT Level I) and then proceed to become a Non-Destructive Testing Technician in the other non-destructive testing methods at NDT Level II, after having done the Operator qualification in the selected NDT method. Learners will receive a high standard of training and education that is occupationally aligned. Qualified learners will be able to further their education and obtain access to industry related non-destructive testing qualifications available in the sector. Employers in the sector will gain access to suitably qualified Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Wall Thickness Testing Operators to conduct testing at NDT Level I. The career pathways in the sector 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 and this shall benefit the economy by ensuring the supply of quality products. Qualifying learners would be recruited by the industry as Non-Destructive Operators. It is important and a requirement that individuals be qualified as operators before they could be absorbed in the practice by industry hence the need for this part qualification.

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: • NQF Level 3 qualification with Mathematics and Physical Science.

• Apply essential methods and procedures for the selection of ultrasonic wall thickness testing techniques.
• Apply essential methods and procedures for the preparation of ultrasonic wall thickness testing.