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How ATS Can Help Boost Your Career in Non-Destructive Testing

November 1, 2023

How ATS Can Help Boost Your Career in Non-Destructive Testing
ATS collaborates with a growing network of 74 partners to advance the education of individuals. One of them is CINDE, the Canadian Institute for Non-Destructive Evaluation. This article aims to provide you with a better understanding of Non-Destructive Testing, including educational and training prerequisites, certifications, career opportunities, exam registration, and recommendations for preparation.

What is Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)?

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) refers to various non-invasive testing techniques to ensure the safety and quality of materials, products, and structures. NDT methods are used to prevent failures that could result in serious accidents. Some of these methods include:
  • Liquid Penetrant Testing
  • Magnetic Particle Testing
  • Radiographic Testing
  • Ultrasonic Testing
  • Eddy Current Testing

Employment Opportunities

According to CINDE, there is a growing demand for skilled workers in the NDT industry. Professionals have a wide range of employment options, as they are needed in almost all industries across Canada and worldwide. Some examples include:
  • construction
  • manufacturing
  • nuclear power
  • oil and gas industry

Job Titles can include:

  • NDE Technician
  • QA/QC Manager
  • Reliability Engineer
  • Radiation Safety Officer

How Can I Enter the Field?

As noted by Indeed, NDT equipment is highly specialized and can be hazardous, and therefore, employers usually require certifications. Different testing methods require varying credentials, which can take more or less time to acquire. A combination of on-the-job and classroom training is required for all certifications, which must be regularly renewed to ensure your knowledge and skills stay up-to-date.

What is CINDE?

CINDE is a not-for-profit organization and one of the institutions providing education to current and future NDT personnel. CINDE is government-approved and works closely with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the Canadian General Standards Board, and Natural Resources Canada. These organizations regulate the professional standards of education and certifications in NDT. A CINDE membership offers many benefits, such as work gear discounts, a free online math exam, access to exclusive job postings and a CINDE Journal subscription.

What CINDE exams does ATS administer?

Ashton Testing Services administers CINDE’s written English and math exams, which are prerequisites for many CINDE courses. For example, this includes the CINDE online math exam, a one-time exam in which candidates must receive a minimum passing grade of 70%.

How can I register for an exam?

Firstly, arrange a date and time with ATS through our website before registering for your exam through your CINDE account. This will avoid delays and complications. Depending on the exam type, exams can be online or paper-based. However, they must always be live-proctored.

Online

The process for online exams is quick and straightforward. Once CINDE processes your registration, instructions are emailed to you and ATS. We will reply to the email requesting the proctor code. Contacting us before your appointment ensures that we have received your exam code, enabling you to take the exam as planned.

Paper-Based

Once CINDE processes your registration, the exam is mailed to ATS, which may take up to three weeks. Ensure we have received the exam copy by contacting us ahead of time.

Why Choose ATS?

ATS has been pre-approved by CINDE and offers a comfortable and safe testing environment to remove unnecessary stress on your exam day. Our welcoming team ensures academic integrity through consistent audio and video monitoring. With over 55,000 test-takers having taken one of our 450+ exams, ATS is one of the best exam centres available and is highly rated by Pearson, Yardstick, and Prometric.

Study Tips

Preparing for an exam can be stressful if you are unfamiliar with the format. Therefore, it's essential to direct your time and energy to the right areas. To achieve this, you must understand the concepts instead of memorizing them. For example, try to describe them to friends or family members and rephrase them in your own words. Establishing a routine, taking breaks, and studying at the time of day when you are the most focused can also be helpful.

Know Before You Go

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam. ATS charges a $60 non-refundable fee for three hours, $10 for every additional hour and a $20 rescheduling fee. Additionally, test takers will need a government-issued photo ID and a credit card. ATS provides all materials required for the exam, and lockers for small items and bags are available. We look forward to welcoming you at ATS.