ASNT central certification vs employer certification under SNT-TC-1A

Angle Beam prepares you for the ASNT General written exam. This page shows where that fits.

Employer certification under SNT-TC-1A

ASNT's certification-practices advisory describes SNT-TC-1A as a recommended practice that guides an employer's own qualification and certification system. The employer's written practice is the link between the requirements, examinations and certification decision.

The advisory makes a useful distinction about outside providers: training institutes may deliver training and may provide examinations for an employer when the applicable requirements are met. They cannot independently issue SNT-TC-1A certification. A signature from an ASNT Level III on a training-provider document does not, by itself, establish that employer linkage.

For any document, know who issued it and whether it records training completion, exam results or an employer certification decision, and describe it that way on your résumé.

ASNT NDT Level II central certification

Under the ASNT NDT Level II program, ASNT administers General and Specific written examinations. The employer still handles visual acuity, practical and any job-specific examinations required by its written practice. ASNT asks employers to check that the program exams meet their requirements.

An ASNT-issued credential and the employer's authorization process have different roles. Ask your employer which ASNT method and sector exams it accepts and which assessments remain, so you prepare for the right written exam.

ASNT 9712 is a separate program

The ASNT 9712 Level II page describes certification meeting ISO 9712. Its examination package includes General, Specific, Instruction Preparation and practical examination components. Do not borrow its eligibility or fee figures for an ASNT NDT Level II application.

When comparing providers, use the full program name, not just “ASNT Level II,” and check the method.

Side by side

ASNT's comparison page points to the 9712 program for anyone who wants to work as a contractor in more than one country, or to show an employer outside their internal program what they can do. It costs more and has more steps because the practical exam is part of the package.

Accreditation is another distinction

ASNT's Employer Based Certification accreditation program audits an organization's written practice or certification procedure and personnel certification packages. That organizational accreditation is different from an individual passing ASNT's central examinations.

An organization's accreditation listing does not show that a particular person holds an ASNT central credential.

How to choose in four questions

1. Does your employer certify its own people? If yes, ask for the written practice and the list of exams it accepts. That decides your first step.
2. Which written exam does it accept? Many employers accept ASNT's General and Specific exams for the written portion. Ask, and get the answer in writing.
3. Will you work outside one company or one country? If so, compare the 9712 program with the central ASNT NDT route.
4. Which method? Training and experience requirements differ by method. The requirements guide lists them, and which method to certify in first helps if you have not chosen.

Reading a certificate or a training flyer

A course certificate records attendance. An employer certification records a decision by that employer. An ASNT credential can be looked up on ASNT's public database, and our verification guide shows how. The free course article explains why a certificate from a free course is not the same thing as certification. For fees, the ASNT NDT cost article covers the central program only, so do not reuse its numbers for 9712.

A checklist before you study

Write down the issuing body or employer, method, program name, applicable written practice and exams still needed. Keep your training and experience evidence apart from your study notes.

Use the method requirements guide to organize your application evidence. Going for the ASNT PT General exam? Start with the PT Level II exam guide.

Find your weak topics free

Take the free 10-question check for UT General now. It needs no signup, every answer is explained, and it shows which topics to drill first. The full course adds timed practice exams, a lesson for each published topic and a study plan built from your exam date. Start the free 10-question check.

FAQ

Is ASNT NDT Level II the same as ASNT 9712?

No. ASNT runs both, but they are different programs with different exam parts. The NDT program uses written exams from ASNT and leaves practical exams to your employer. The 9712 program includes a hands-on practical exam and meets the ISO 9712 standard.

Can a training school certify me under SNT-TC-1A?

Not on its own. ASNT's June 2026 advisory says SNT-TC-1A certification is issued by employers. A school can train you and can give exams for an employer when the employer's written practice permits it.

Which route do employers prefer?

It depends on the employer, and ASNT does not publish a preference. Ask the employer you want to work for what it accepts before you choose.

Sources

Show the list

• Compare ASNT Certifications in Nondestructive Testing, American Society for Nondestructive Testing, read 26 October 2026.
• Advisory on SNT-TC-1A Certification Practices and Use of ASNT Credentials, American Society for Nondestructive Testing, published 11 June 2026.
• ASNT NDT Level II Certification, ASNT Certification Services, read 26 October 2026.
• ASNT 9712 Level II Certification, ASNT Certification Services, read 26 October 2026.