Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians (NOC 2261)

The practice of this trade or part of its functions is regulated and requires a certificate of qualification issued by Emploi-Québec

Please note that detailed information for each of the regulated trades is only available in French.

• Pressure installation inspection

Nature of work

Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians operate radiographic, ultrasonic, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current and similar testing equipment to detect discontinuities in objects of various compositions and materials. They are employed by quality control, maintenance and safety departments of manufacturing, processing, transportation, energy and other companies and by private industrial inspection establishments.

Main duties

Non-destructive testers and inspection technicians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Set up and calibrate non-destructive testing equipment
- Conduct tests to ensure quality or detect discontinuities (defects) using ultrasonic, radiographic, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current and other non-destructive testing methods
- Establish techniques for proper examination of objects under inspection, ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations
- Continued…
- Interpret radiographs, cathode ray tube (CRT) or digital readouts, conductivity meters and visual indicators
- Apply testing criteria in accordance with applicable specifications or standards and evaluate results
- Organize and report test results
- May perform specialized inspections using acoustic emission, vibration analysis, infrared thermography and laser shearography testing methods
- May instruct and supervise trainees.

Employment requirements

• * Completion of secondary school is required.
• * Completion of two years of an approved post-secondary science or engineering program may be required.
• * Additional classroom and on-the-job training is required for certification in non-destructive testing.
• * Non-destructive testing certification by Natural Resources Canada is available in three levels and is usually required by employers.
• * Industrial radiographers using a radioactive isotope must pass an examination to be recognized as a certified exposure device operator by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
• * Welding inspector certification by the Canadian Welding Bureau is available in three levels and may be required by employers.
• * Boiler and pressure vessel, process pipeline and above-ground storage tank inspector certification is available from the American Petroleum Institute.