How to Start a Career in NDT — Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Want to start a career in NDT? Learn required education, skills, certifications, job roles, salary expectations, and a complete 12-month roadmap to become an NDT technician.

Introduction

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is one of the fastest-growing technical fields in industries such as oil & gas, aerospace, heavy engineering, manufacturing, railways, and power plants.If you are a student, diploma holder, technician, or engineer wondering how to enter the NDT field, this guide will give you a clear, step-by-step roadmap.

1. What is NDT? (In Simple Words)

NDT stands for Non-Destructive Testing—a group of techniques used to inspect materials, welding, components, and structures without damaging them.
It helps detect:

• cracks

• porosity

• corrosion

• thickness loss

• weld defects

• leaks

This makes NDT essential for safety, quality, and reliability across multiple industries.

2. Who Can Start a Career in NDT?

You can start a career in NDT if you have any of the following:

• 10th or 12th pass (entry-level courses possible)

• ITI / Diploma (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Metallurgy)

• Engineering (BE/B.Tech)

• Welding/Fabrication experience

• Technician-level experience

Good news: You don’t need an engineering degree to begin.
Many NDT Level II technicians worldwide come from ITI and diploma backgrounds.

3. Skills You Need Before Starting

You do NOT need advanced knowledge to start, but you should learn:

• Basic understanding of metals

• Different types of welding

• Weld defects

• Reading simple engineering drawings

• Using tools like vernier caliper, weld gauges

• Basic English for reporting

These basics help you learn NDT faster.

4. Step 1: Choose Basic NDT Methods (Start Small)

Every beginner should start with the four basic NDT methods:

✔ VT – Visual Testing

✔ PT – Dye Penetrant Testing

✔ MT – Magnetic Particle Testing

✔ UT – Ultrasonic Testing (basic level)

These four methods open the door to 90% of entry-level NDT jobs.

Later you can upgrade to advanced methods like:

• PAUT

• TOFD

• Eddy Current

• RT Film Interpretation

• Digital Radiography

5. Step 2: Take Training From a Recognized Institute

Your training institute matters a lot.

Choose one that offers:

• Qualified Level III instructors

• Practical hands-on training

• Welding samples, pipe joints, plates

• Job assistance or placement support

• Certification accepted in industry

• ISO/ASNT/AWS-based exams

A recognized certificate gets you hired faster.

6. Step 3: Get Certified (Level I → Level II)

Most companies require Level II certification, but you can start with:

Level I:

• Learn basics

• Perform inspection under supervision

Level II:

• Perform tests independently

• Interpret results

• Prepare reports

You can take Level II after completing:

• required training hours

• required practical hours

• supervisor evaluation

Tip:
Start with VT, PT, MT Level II, then move to UT Level II for better salary.

7. Step 4: Apply for Trainee or Junior Technician Jobs

Entry-level roles include:

• NDT Trainee

• NDT Level I Technician

• QC Assistant

• Welding Inspector Assistant

• Inspection Helper

Where to apply:

• fabrication shops

• pipeline contractors

• oil & gas maintenance units

• steel plants

• power plants

• refineries

• NDT service companies

Even 3–6 months of experience increases your value quickly.

8. Step 5: Build Experience on Real Projects

Hands-on experience is more important than the number of certificates.

During work, focus on:

• inspecting different types of welds

• identifying defects

• learning acceptance criteria (ASME, API, AWS)

• report writing

• safety procedures

• communication with engineers & supervisors

Real project experience helps you jump from Level I → Level II → Senior Technician.

9. Step 6: Upgrade to Advanced NDT for Higher Salary

Once you gain 1–2 years of experience, move to advanced NDT:

• PAUT (Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing)

• TOFD (Time of Flight Diffraction)

• RTFI (Radiography Film Interpretation)

• ET (Eddy Current Testing)

These techniques offer higher salaries and overseas opportunities.

10. 12-Month Career Roadmap (Beginner to Job-Ready)

Month 1–2:

Basics of welding, metals, defects, drawings

Month 3–4:

VT + PT + MT Training
Level I & Level II certification (where applicable)

Month 5–6:

Start trainee job
Practice real inspections

Month 7–9:

UT Level I & Level II
Documentation & reporting

Month 10–12:

Work on multiple components
Prepare for advanced NDT or specialization

By month 12, you’re ready for a stable job as an NDT Technician.

Conclusion

Starting a career in NDT is simple, practical, and offers excellent job opportunities—both in India and abroad. With the right training, certifications, and hands-on experience, you can build a strong and rewarding future in inspection and quality.

Whether you are a student, technician, or engineer, NDT is a field where skills matter more than degrees, and career growth is fast

At Make World Institute of Petroleum, we make sure you receive both.
Start with us, grow with us, and succeed with confidence.

📞 Contact us today to join our next batch.
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