1. According to SNT-TC-1A, what is the primary purpose of the written practice for NDT personnel?
A. To serve as a legal contract between employer and employee
B. To establish guidelines for qualification and certification of NDT personnel
C. To replace ASNT certification requirements
D. To provide a detailed procedure for each NDT method
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SNT-TC-1A is a guideline for employers to establish their own written practice for the qualification and certification of NDT personnel. It outlines training, experience, and examination requirements but does not serve as a legal contract, replace ASNT certification, or provide detailed method procedures.
2. Who is responsible for the certification of NDT personnel under SNT-TC-1A when an outside agency is used?
A. The outside agency
B. The employer
C. ASNT
D. The Level III examiner
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SNT-TC-1A states that the employer retains responsibility for certification, even when an outside agency provides training or examination services. The employer must ensure compliance with the written practice.
3. What should an employer do if SNT-TC-1A guidelines are not appropriate for their specific circumstances?
A. Ignore the guidelines entirely
B. Modify the guidelines to meet their needs
C. Request ASNT to revise SNT-TC-1A
D. Use CP-189 instead
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SNT-TC-1A acknowledges that its guidelines may not suit all employers and allows them to modify the written practice to meet specific needs, provided it maintains qualification and certification standards.
4. In CP-189, what is the minimum composite score recommended for Level I and II examinations?
A. 60%
B. 70%
C. 80%
D. 90%
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: CP-189 requires a minimum composite score of 80% for Level I and II examinations, ensuring a high level of competency. Individual exam sections (e.g., general, specific) may have different minimums, but the overall composite must be at least 80%.
5. Which document specifies the topical outlines for NDT personnel qualification?
A. SNT-TC-1A
B. CP-189
C. CP-105
D. ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: ANSI/ASNT CP-105 provides the standard topical outlines for the qualification of NDT personnel, detailing the body of knowledge for each method and level, used in both SNT-TC-1A and CP-189.
6. What is a key difference between SNT-TC-1A and CP-189 regarding certification?
A. SNT-TC-1A is mandatory; CP-189 is optional
B. CP-189 requires ASNT Level III certification; SNT-TC-1A does not
C. SNT-TC-1A allows employer flexibility; CP-189 is more rigid
D. CP-189 applies only to Level III personnel
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: SNT-TC-1A is a guideline, offering employers flexibility to tailor their written practice, while CP-189 is a standard with stricter, mandatory requirements.
7. According to SNT-TC-1A, when does a certification typically terminate?
A. After three years
B. When employment with the certifying employer ends
C. After failing a recertification exam
D. When ASNT revokes the certificate
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SNT-TC-1A recommends that certification terminates when an individual leaves the employer who certified them, unless re-certified by a new employer within a specified period (e.g., six months).
8. What is the role of an NDT Level III according to SNT-TC-1A?
A. Perform all NDT tests independently
B. Establish techniques and evaluate test results
C. Conduct on-the-job training for Level I personnel only
D. Maintain equipment calibration
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A Level III is responsible for establishing techniques, interpreting codes, standards, and specifications, and evaluating test results, not necessarily performing tests or calibrating equipment.
9. Which NDT method uses sound waves to detect internal flaws?
A. Radiographic Testing (RT)
B. Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
C. Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
D. Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ultrasonic Testing uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal discontinuities in materials, making it effective for volumetric inspections.
10. What is the primary purpose of maintaining certification records as per SNT-TC-1A?
A. To comply with tax regulations
B. To provide documentation for client and regulatory review
C. To track equipment maintenance
D. To monitor employee performance
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Certification records and the written practice provide documentation for review by clients, customers, and regulatory agencies to verify compliance with qualification standards.
11. In SNT-TC-1A, a Trainee may:
A. Conduct NDT independently
B. Report test results without supervision
C. Work under the guidance of certified personnel
D. Establish NDT procedures
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A Trainee is not certified and may only work under the direct supervision of certified personnel, without conducting tests independently or reporting results.
12. What is required for an individual to be considered for Level III certification under SNT-TC-1A?
A. A bachelor’s degree in engineering
B. Passing the ASNT NDT Level III Basic and at least one method exam
C. Five years of NDT experience
D. Certification by an outside agency
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SNT-TC-1A requires candidates to pass the ASNT NDT Level III Basic exam and at least one method exam, along with meeting experience and education requirements.
13. Which NDT method is most effective for detecting surface cracks in ferromagnetic materials?
A. Ultrasonic Testing
B. Magnetic Particle Testing
C. Radiographic Testing
D. Visual Testing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Magnetic Particle Testing is ideal for detecting surface and near-surface cracks in ferromagnetic materials by applying magnetic fields and magnetic particles.
14. According to CP-189, how often must Level III personnel renew their certification?
A. Every three years
B. Every five years
C. Every ten years
D. Only upon employer change
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: CP-189 requires Level III certification renewal every five years, typically through evidence of continued performance or re-examination.
15. What is a key advantage of Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)?
A. Detects internal flaws
B. Requires minimal equipment
C. Applicable to all materials
D. High sensitivity to subsurface defects
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: PT is portable, requires minimal equipment, and is effective for detecting surface-breaking defects, but it is limited to surface flaws and non-porous materials.
16. In SNT-TC-1A, who is responsible for establishing a written practice?
A. ASNT
B. The employer
C. The Level III
D. The outside agency
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The employer is responsible for creating and implementing a written practice for NDT personnel qualification and certification, tailored to their needs.
17. What is the purpose of the SNT-TC-1A Interpretation Panel?
A. To certify NDT personnel
B. To respond to inquiries about SNT-TC-1A
C. To revise CP-189 standards
D. To conduct Level III exams
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The SNT-TC-1A Interpretation Panel addresses written inquiries about the guideline, providing clarifications in general terms.
18. Which material property affects the effectiveness of Magnetic Particle Testing?
A. Electrical conductivity
B. Ferromagnetic properties
C. Thermal conductivity
D. Surface roughness
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: MT relies on the material’s ferromagnetic properties to create magnetic fields that attract particles to discontinuities.
19. In CP-189, what is required for Level I practical examinations?
A. Written procedures only
B. One or more test samples per technique
C. A minimum of 10 test samples
D. Supervision by a Level II
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: CP-189 specifies that Level I practical exams should use one or more test samples for each technique to assess competency.
20. What is the primary limitation of Visual Testing (VT)?
A. Requires expensive equipment
B. Limited to surface inspections
C. Ineffective for metallic materials
D. Slow processing time
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: VT is limited to detecting surface conditions and requires adequate lighting and access, but it is cost-effective and widely applicable.
21. According to SNT-TC-1A, recertification can be based on:
A. Evidence of continuing satisfactory performance
B. A written exam only
C. A practical exam only
D. Employer discretion alone
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Recertification can be based on evidence of satisfactory performance or re-examination, depending on the employer’s written practice.
22. Which NDT method is best suited for detecting volumetric flaws in welds?
A. Liquid Penetrant Testing
B. Magnetic Particle Testing
C. Radiographic Testing
D. Visual Testing
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Radiographic Testing uses X-rays or gamma rays to detect internal volumetric flaws, such as porosity or inclusions, in welds.
23. In SNT-TC-1A, a Level I may perform:
A. Specific calibrations and tests per written instructions
B. Independent evaluations without supervision
C. Technique establishment
D. Final result interpretation
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A Level I may perform specific tasks, such as calibrations and tests, under written instructions and supervision, but cannot evaluate or interpret results independently.
24. What is a key requirement for ASNT NDT Level III certification?
A. A high school diploma
B. Passing the Basic and at least one method exam
C. Ten years of NDT experience
D. A professional engineering license
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: ASNT NDT Level III certification requires passing the Basic exam and at least one method exam, along with meeting education and experience criteria.
25. Which NDT method uses thermal energy to detect defects?
A. Electromagnetic Testing
B. Thermal/Infrared Testing
C. Acoustic Emission Testing
D. Leak Testing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Thermal/Infrared Testing uses thermal energy to detect variations in heat flow caused by defects, often in composites or electrical systems.
26. In SNT-TC-1A, who may conduct on-the-job training for Level I personnel?
A. A Trainee
B. A Level II
C. A supervisor without NDT certification
D. An outside agency only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A Level II is qualified to conduct on-the-job training and guidance for Level I personnel, as recommended by SNT-TC-1A.
27. What is the primary purpose of CP-189?
A. To provide optional guidelines for NDT certification
B. To establish a mandatory standard for NDT personnel qualification
C. To replace SNT-TC-1A entirely
D. To certify equipment calibration
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: CP-189 is a mandatory standard for NDT personnel qualification and certification, unlike the flexible guideline of SNT-TC-1A.
28. Which NDT method is limited to conductive materials?
A. Ultrasonic Testing
B. Eddy Current Testing
C. Radiographic Testing
D. Liquid Penetrant Testing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Eddy Current Testing requires conductive materials to induce electromagnetic fields for defect detection, unlike other methods.
29. In SNT-TC-1A, what is true about Level III responsibilities?
A. They must perform all NDT tests
B. They are responsible for establishing acceptance criteria
C. They only supervise Level I personnel
D. They calibrate all equipment
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Level III personnel establish techniques and acceptance criteria, interpret codes, and evaluate results, not necessarily perform tests or calibrate equipment.
30. What is a common application of Acoustic Emission Testing (AE)?
A. Detecting surface cracks
B. Monitoring structural integrity during loading
C. Measuring material thickness
D. Inspecting welds for porosity
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: AE detects stress-induced emissions, making it ideal for monitoring structural integrity during loading or pressure testing.
31. In CP-189, who administers the Level III practical examination?
A. A Level II
B. A certified Level III in the applicable method
C. An ASNT representative
D. The employer’s HR department
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The practical exam must be administered by a certified Level III in the applicable test method to ensure competency.
32. Which process improves material strength through controlled plastic deformation?
A. Annealing
B. Shot peening
C. Tempering
D. Quenching
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Shot peening introduces compressive stresses to improve fatigue strength, unlike annealing, tempering, or quenching, which alter hardness or stress relief.
33. In SNT-TC-1A, what is true about the specific examination for Level II?
A. It covers only equipment calibration
B. It includes codes and acceptance criteria
C. It is optional for certification
D. It is administered by ASNT
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The specific exam for Level II covers codes, standards, and acceptance criteria relevant to the employer’s NDT procedures.
34. Which NDT method is most effective for detecting leaks in pressure vessels?
A. Leak Testing
B. Magnetic Particle Testing
C. Visual Testing
D. Eddy Current Testing
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Leak Testing is specifically designed to detect leaks in pressure vessels or systems using methods like bubble testing or helium detection.
35. What is a key requirement for near-distance vision acuity in CP-189?
A. Tested using a Jaeger reading card per procedure
B. Conducted annually without documentation
C. Waived for Level III personnel
D. Performed by a Level II
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: CP-189 requires near-distance vision acuity testing, often using a Jaeger reading card, in accordance with a documented procedure.
36. Which heat treatment process reduces internal stresses in metals?
A. Normalizing
B. Annealing
C. Hardening
D. Case hardening
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Annealing involves heating and slow cooling to reduce internal stresses and improve ductility, unlike other processes that focus on hardness or grain structure.
37. In SNT-TC-1A, what is true about Level I practical examinations?
A. They are optional
B. They include one or more test samples
C. They are conducted by a Trainee
D. They cover only theoretical knowledge
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Level I practical exams involve one or more test samples to demonstrate competency in performing specific techniques.
38. Which NDT method uses radioactive sources for inspection?
A. Ultrasonic Testing
B. Radiographic Testing
C. Eddy Current Testing
D. Thermal/Infrared Testing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Radiographic Testing uses X-rays or gamma rays, often from radioactive sources, to inspect internal structures.
39. In CP-189, what happens if a candidate fails an exam three times in two years?
A. They are permanently barred
B. They must wait one year and reapply as a new candidate
C. They are automatically certified
D. They must complete additional training only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: CP-189 prohibits retaking an exam for one year after three failures in two years, requiring the candidate to reapply as new.
40. What is a common discontinuity detected by Liquid Penetrant Testing?
A. Porosity
B. Lack of fusion
C. Surface cracks
D. Slag inclusions
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: PT is effective for detecting surface-breaking discontinuities, such as cracks, but cannot detect subsurface flaws like porosity or slag.
41. In SNT-TC-1A, what is the recommended minimum number of checkpoints for Level I and II practical exams?
A. 5
B. 10
C. 15
D. 20
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: SNT-TC-1A recommends a minimum of 10 checkpoints for practical exams to ensure thorough evaluation of skills.
42. Which manufacturing process involves shaping metal by hammering or pressing?
A. Casting
B. Forging
C. Machining
D. Welding
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Forging shapes metal through compressive forces, improving strength compared to casting, machining, or welding.
43. In CP-189, what is true about Level III practical examinations?
A. They are identical to Level II exams
B. They assess technical and procedural competency
C. They are optional for recertification
D. They are conducted by a Level I
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Level III practical exams evaluate technical and procedural competency, including the ability to follow and develop NDT procedures.
44. Which NDT method is used to detect flux leakage in ferromagnetic materials?
A. Magnetic Particle Testing
B. Magnetic Flux Leakage Testing
C. Eddy Current Testing
D. Ultrasonic Testing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Magnetic Flux Leakage Testing detects discontinuities by measuring flux leakage in ferromagnetic materials, often in pipelines or tanks.
45. In SNT-TC-1A, what is true about the Level II’s role?
A. They establish acceptance criteria
B. They may conduct on-the-job training for Level I
C. They certify Level III personnel
D. They perform only equipment maintenance
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Level II personnel may train and guide Level I personnel but do not establish criteria or certify others.
46. Which material property is critical for Ultrasonic Testing effectiveness?
A. Electrical conductivity
B. Acoustic impedance
C. Magnetic permeability
D. Surface reflectivity
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Acoustic impedance, determined by density and sound velocity, affects how ultrasonic waves propagate and reflect in materials.
47. In CP-189, what is the minimum experience for a Level I candidate with a high school diploma?
A. 1 month
B. 3 months
C. 6 months
D. 12 months
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: CP-189 specifies minimum experience, such as 3 months for Level I in certain methods, depending on education and method.
48. Which NDT method is used to monitor pressure vessels during operation?
A. Visual Testing
B. Acoustic Emission Testing
C. Liquid Penetrant Testing
D. Magnetic Particle Testing
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: AE monitors real-time emissions from stress or defects, ideal for in-service pressure vessel inspections.
49. In SNT-TC-1A, what is true about the Level III basic examination?
A. It covers only one NDT method
B. It includes knowledge of SNT-TC-1A and CP-189
C. It is optional for certification
D. It is conducted by the employer
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Level III Basic exam tests knowledge of SNT-TC-1A, CP-189, materials, processes, and other NDT methods, mandatory for certification.
50. Which welding discontinuity is most likely detected by Radiographic Testing?
A. Surface cracks
B. Lack of fusion
C. Undercut
D. Overlap
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: RT excels at detecting internal weld imperfections like lack of fusion, while surface discontinuities are better suited for PT or MT.
Study Tips
- Focus on Key Documents: Study SNT-TC-1A, CP-189, and CP-105 thoroughly, as they form the basis of the Basic exam.
- Understand NDT Methods: Familiarize yourself with the principles, applications, and limitations of all NDT methods listed in CP-105.
- Practice Materials and Processes: Review metallurgy, manufacturing processes, and material properties, as these are heavily tested.
- Use Mock Exams: Platforms like cwindtexams.com or materialwelding.com offer mock exams to simulate the real test.
- Review Explanations: Understanding why an answer is correct or incorrect deepens your knowledge and prepares you for similar questions.
These practice questions provide a solid foundation for the ASNT Level 3 Basic Exam. For additional resources, consult the ASNT Level III Study Guide: Basic (4th ed.) and practice with question banks from reputable sources. Good luck
