THE FUNDAMENTALS OF NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING (NDT) 

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING (NDT) - TRAINING COURSE

From flaw detection to quality assurance—NDT knowledge starts here - No Prior Knowledge Required & Flexible Distance Learning

The course is suitable for candidates at all levels, including those new to non-destructive testing, as no specific qualification entry requirements are needed. Anyone with passion and curiosity can access this world-class non-destructive testing education—regardless of academic background. 

This course is also offered for completion by flexible distance learning, so candidates can start and progress through the training at anytime, anywhere & at their own pace. No need to wait for course dates for classroom-based or online training courses and no need to pay travelling expenses & to spend time away paying for hotels & other living expenses.

Start your journey into an exciting and impactful field by understanding the basics of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). Here’s why studying the fundamentals is the key to unlocking a world of opportunities:

• Learn the Core Principles of Quality Assurance: Understanding the fundamentals of NDT lays the groundwork for ensuring the safety, reliability and integrity of materials and structures in critical industries like aerospace, energy and manufacturing.

• Discover a Variety of Techniques: Gain an introduction to the principles of essential NDT methods, such as ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle testing, dye penetrant testing, radiography, eddy current testing & acoustic emission testing. Build the knowledge for how to detect hidden flaws without damaging the materials.

• Prepare for Advanced Specialisation: The fundamentals are your gateway to deeper knowledge and expertise in specialised NDT techniques, making you a versatile professional in a high-demand field.

• Solve Problems Before They Happen: Learn how NDT is used to prevent potential failures, enhance product reliability and reduce costly repairs, contributing directly to safety and efficiency.

• Step into a Growing Career Field: NDT is an essential aspect of industries across the globe. By understanding the fundamentals, you’ll open doors to career opportunities in sectors like oil and gas, automotive, construction and beyond.

• Make an Immediate Impact: Even with foundational knowledge, you can contribute to important quality control processes, setting you on a path to become a trusted professional in your field.

• Gain a Competitive Edge: Employers value candidates who understand the basics of NDT. A strong foundation will give you an advantage as you move into more advanced roles.

Studying the fundamentals of NDT is more than just an introduction—it’s the first step toward becoming a key player in ensuring safety, quality and innovation. Are you ready to start building your career from the ground up? 

COURSE OVERVIEW

The fundamental principles, typical applications, advantages & disadvantages, applicable international standards and training requirements for inspectors applicable to the main types of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques carried out during the inspection of flaws in metals & other engineering materials, including:

ULTRASONIC TESTING (UT)

RADIOGRAPHIC TESTING (RT)  

MAGNETIC PARTICLE TESTING (MT or MPI)

DYE PENETRANT TESTING (PT)

EDDY CURRENT TESTING (ET)

ACOUSTIC EMISSION (AE)

WHO SHOULD COMPLETE THE COURSE?

The course is ideal for metallurgists, engineers, quality professionals, manufacturing personnel, inspectors, technicians, sales professionals, trainees & apprentices and anyone else in the metals, welding, materials & engineering industries looking to increase their technical knowledge, skills & understanding on NDT inspection techniques. Please note, this course does not train you to be an NDT Operator.

WHY CHOOSE OUR TRAINING?

Our training offers an excellent choice for the following reasons:

1. Distance Learning: The course is offered as a distance learning, self-study training course, making it accessible to candidates regardless of their location.

2. Flexible Learning: Candidates can start and progress through the training at anytime, anywhere & at their own pace. No need to wait for course dates for classroom-based or online training courses and no need to pay travelling expenses & to spend time away paying for hotels & other living expenses.

3. On-Site Training. We also offer on-site training at your premises for this course. Please Contact Us for a quotation.

4. No Prior Knowledge Required: The course is suitable for candidates at all levels, including those new to non-destructive testing, as no specific qualification entry requirements are needed. Anyone with passion and curiosity can access world-class NDT education—regardless of academic background. 

5. Comprehensive Curriculum: A complete list of topics covered on the course is shown further down the page under the heading: 'COURSE CONTENT.'

6. Industry-Relevant: Developed by professionally qualified academic and industry experts, the course ensures that the content is both academically rigorous and practically relevant. The prominent academic & professional profile of our Course Tutor is shown below under the heading 'Course Tutor: Philip Bralsford CEng MIMMM MWeldI MMet MBA.'

7. Excellent Feedback: Our courses have received excellent feedback from candidates who have completed them, highlighting their effectiveness in developing knowledge, skills and understanding. To review their comments, please follow the link.

8. Career Advancement: The training is designed to enhance your career prospects by increasing your technical knowledge, skills and understanding. 

9. Supportive Environment: Benefit from the support and guidance from professionally qualified & experienced Course Tutors who are industry experts with decades of experience.

10. Full-Colour Training Handbook: Participants receive a comprehensive, full-colour training handbook that serves as both a course guide and a valuable reference tool after completion.

11. Accredited Certifications: Our courses have accreditation from highly experienced, professionally qualified Metallurgists Materials Engineers & welding experts, with decades of industry experience. The value of our certifications to industry has also been recognised by top organisations & professional bodies

12. Proven Success: Our training has empowered professionals from high-profile organisations & professional bodies including Arcelor Mittal, Bourne Steel, J & D Pierce Contracts Ltd, UKRI - Science & Technologies Facilities Council, TAQA Bratani, Moog Aircraft Group, WQiC, RWE Generation UK PLC, The Institute of Cast Metal Engineers, Sulzer and The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC.)

DISTANCE LEARNING SELF STUDY TRAINING COURSE

Our distance learning, self study training course provides a cost-effective & flexible route for candidates to start & progress through the training at anytime, anywhere & at their own pace.

Total estimated self study time required to complete the course is 10 hours. 

The start date  for the training would follow receipt of payment of the course fees. 

All course materials would be posted & e-mailed to the candidate, including a comprehensive, full-colour training handbook which is posted & which serves as an excellent reference document following completion of the training. There are also links to instructional videos to explain some of the concepts presented in the course.

To complete the course, the candidate works through the Training Handbook. During their progression through the course, the candidate also has the option to request a tutorial session with the course tutor of up to 2 hours duration. The aim of the session, which would be arranged online or by phone, would be to review any issues the candidate may have on their understanding of the course material.

CERTIFICATION

There is an Assessment at the end of the training & candidates who achieve the required standard will be awarded a CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT & CPD 10 HOURS.

SELF STUDY COURSE BOOKING FORM

Course Fees: £750 per person, inclusive of a comprehensive, full colour Training Handbook & all Assessment & Certification fees.

To make a booking, PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK to download & complete a SELF STUDY booking form. 

COURSE CONTENT

• The Need for NDT Inspection

• The Distinction between 'Defects' & 'Imperfections' , 'Flaws' ,'Discontinuities' , 'Indications'

• Terminology of External Standards

• Radiographic Testing (RT):

  • Characteristics of X-Rays & Gamma Rays

  • The Electromagnetic Spectrum

  • Image Characteristics

  • Computed Radiography

• Ultrasonic Testing (UT):

  • Properties of Sound Waves

  • Characteristics of Probes & Piezoelectric Crystals

  • Normal Probes & Angle Probes:

    • Effect of Frequency on Sensitivity

    • Penetration & Attenuation

    • Beam Divergence, Beam Spread & Beam Width

    • Longitudinal Waves & Shear Waves

  • Mode Conversion, Refraction & Snell's Law

  • Pulse Echo Method of Inspection:

    • Imperfections & Defects

    • Determining the Depth of Defects

    • Initial Pulse / Dead Zone 

    • Twin Crystal Probes

    • Choice of Probe Frequency

    • DAC Calibration: Reference Standards-Flat Bottomed Holes & Side Drilled Holes

    • Reference Levels 

    • Acceptance Levels e.g. BS EN ISO 11666, applicable to structural steel welds

    • Calculation of dB & Amplitude

    • Examining Curved Surfaces

    • Use of UT for Thickness Measurements

  • Specialised Inspection Techniques:

    • Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)

    • Use of Angle Probes & Longitudinal Waves on Coarse Grained Austenitic Welds

    • Time of Flight Diffraction (ToFD) Inspection of Welds

    • Automation & Immersion Testing 

    • Guided Wave Testing (GWT)

• Magnetic Particle Inspection (MT):

  • Characteristics & Principles

  • Surface Preparation

  • What are Ferromagnetic Metals?

  • Demagnetisation

  • Acceptance Levels e.g. BS EN ISO 23278, applicable to structural steel welds

• Dye Penetrant Testing (PT):

  • Capillary Action

  • Penetrant Types

  • Characteristics & Principles

  • Acceptance Levels e.g. BS EN ISO 23277, applicable to structural steel welds

• Eddy Current Testing (ET):

  • Characteristics & Principles

  • Types of Probe

  • Effect of Probe Frequency

  • Detection of Cracks

  • Automated Testing

• Acoustic Emission (AE) Testing:

  • Characteristics

  • Technique

• Training Requirements of Inspectors to BS EN ISO 9712:

  • Level 1, 2 & 3 Competencies

  • Product Sector Certification

Course Tutor: Philip Bralsford CEng MIMMM MWeldI MMet MBA

Philip is a highly accomplished metallurgist & materials engineer, welding & quality management specialist, with decades of experience in the field. With an excellent academic background, including a Master of Metallurgy in Advanced Metallurgy from the University of Sheffield, his career has been marked by significant contributions to leading engineering firms such as British Steel, Sheffield Forgemasters and Corus, where he has played a pivotal role in research, product development, quality control and the implementation of innovative solutions.

Philip's proficiency in materials engineering, metallurgy, welding and quality management, when coupled with his project management skills and leadership abilities, has earned him a reputation as a dedicated and results-driven professional. His commitment to excellence is further evidenced by his certifications and memberships in professional organisations including Chartered Engineer (CEng), The Institute of Materials (MIMMM) & The Welding Institute (MWeldI.)

Philip has also designed and implemented comprehensive training programs for engineers and technicians, focusing on metallurgical techniques, materials engineering, welding, corrosion and quality control procedures. He has also authored detailed training manuals and documentation, ensuring that team members have access to valuable resources and best practices for their work.

Philip provides training for a number of high-profile clients, including: Arcelor Mittal, The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), UKRI-Science & Technology Facilities Council, The Institute of Cast Metals Engineers (ICME), TAQA Bratani, Building Research Establishment (BRE), Moog Aircraft Group, J & D Pierce Contracts Ltd, Bourne Group Ltd, Mueller Europe, TEi Ltd, Ultra Maritime, William Cook Cast Products, WQiC, Voestalpine Bohler Welding & RWE Generation UK PLC.

Philip has received excellent feedback from the clients & candidates who have undertake his training. For some of their comments see below:

'Our Engineers have found the course and its subject material very informative and helpful as two engineers relatively new to welding. They have also found the material very well presented and easy to follow.'

'It's been done in a way that's understandable for people who already have some knowledge and for those who don't, It's learnable and understandable.'

'I think there is very little or almost nothing to improve, as the course is very well designed, built and the Tutor is very experienced.'

'Thank you Philip for your time. I've enjoyed the course a lot and after meeting with you, I've learnt even more about the role of an RWC. Thank you again for your feedback on where we need to be and I will continue to make a great effort to learn more.'

‘I felt the course material was invaluable. I came away with a complete understanding simply because it was written by somebody who clearly understood their subject area. I look forward to studying again with Philip.’

Purchase the Training Handbook

You can also purchase separately the full-colour, Training Handbook for this course.

Please Contact Us if you would like to order a copy.

Purchase the Digital Course Materials

We also offer for purchase the digital course materials that would enable training providers provide their own training in 'The Fundamentals of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT.)'

When purchasing the digital course materials, you would receive all course materials in digital form, including a comprehensive Microsoft 365 POWERPOINT PRESENTATION, as well as all Assessments for the course. 

The PowerPoint presentation also facilitates a TRAINING HANDBOOK for the course to be printed.

All digital files are also editable to enable you to apply your own branding to the course materials. 

Please Contact Us for a quotation if you are interested in purchasing the digital course materials.