ASNT NDT Level III Basic Exam Practice Quiz (2026 Guidelines)

1. Who bears the ultimate responsibility for the implementation and adherence to the employer’s Written Practice for the qualification and certification of NDT personnel?

The corporate Quality Assurance Director The NDT Level III certified by the employer The examining NDT Level II personnel The employer’s designated Certifying Authority

Hint: While the Level III executes the program, the final accountability rests with the executive management.

2. A Level III must maintain records of all administered written specific examinations. What key component is mandatory to record for the exam itself, besides the score?

A log of all reference materials consulted by the candidate. The passing score for the examination and the time limit used. The specific questions and correct answers used to determine the score. A signed confidentiality agreement from the candidate.

Hint: The record must be auditable, proving the exam met the minimum requirements.

3. When evaluating a candidate’s qualification, what is the most robust method a Level III can use to confirm the candidate’s NDT experience hours are valid?

A notarized statement from the candidate. Cross-referencing NDT reports signed by the candidate with labor records. A certificate of completion from an ASNT recognized training facility. A performance demonstration on the required NDT method.

Hint: Experience must be verifiable through documented, time-stamped work.

4. According to general NDT standards, if an NDT technician’s certification in a specific method has lapsed for more than three years, what is the mandatory course of action for re-certification?

Pass only the Specific and Practical examinations. Completion of refresher training and an approved OJT period. Full re-examination including General, Specific, and Practical portions. The certification is permanently revoked and cannot be recovered.

Hint: A significant break in performance requires the entire qualification process to be repeated.

5. In an NDT certification program audit, the auditor observes that practical examinations are consistently performed on the same flaw-free test piece. This practice is most likely to result in a deficiency related to:

Qualification criteria for experience. Consistency of the scoring matrix. Validity of the practical examination to cover all applicable techniques. Adequacy of the General examination.

Hint: A practical exam must test a technician’s ability to find and characterize defects.

6. The ASNT NDT Level III Basic examination is designed to test which core knowledge requirement?

The specific NDT procedures used by the employer’s organization. Fundamental technical knowledge in materials, processes, and NDT methods. The applicant’s ability to interpret acceptance criteria from various industry codes. Proficiency in the use of specialized NDT equipment.

Hint: The Basic exam is not method-specific, but covers the foundational knowledge expected of all Level IIIs.

7. A Level III is tasked with selecting an NDT technique to detect subsurface laminar flaws in a flat plate of a composite material. Which method and technique is generally the most appropriate initial choice?

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) with dry powder. Eddy Current Testing (ET) with a surface probe. Ultrasonic Testing (UT) with a straight beam technique. Visual Testing (VT) with high magnification.

Hint: Laminar flaws are planar and parallel to the surface, and the material is non-magnetic.

8. Which Level III activity directly contributes to the creation of inspection plans based on expected flaw types derived from the component’s manufacturing process?

Determining the NDT equipment purchase schedule. Reviewing the welding procedure specification (WPS) for likely weld defects. Calculating the geometric unsharpness for a radiographic setup. Developing the specific exam questions for Level I personnel.

Hint: The inspection plan must anticipate the most common flaws for that specific manufacturing method.

9. When validating an NDT procedure, the primary goal is to ensure the procedure is:

Approved by the customer’s certifying authority. Compliant with all relevant safety and environmental regulations. Capable of detecting the minimum acceptable flaw size or type specified by the code. Easily executed by a Level I technician with minimal supervision.

Hint: Validation must focus on the procedure’s technical effectiveness.

10. In RT of a weld, a straight, dark, continuous line runs along the fusion line but stops short of the end of the weld. This indication is most likely:

External undercut. Elongated slag inclusion. Lack of fusion (LOF) at the side wall. Internal linear porosity.

Hint: This type of lack of bond appears sharp and linear at the interface between the weld metal and the base metal.

11. The term ‘non-relevant indication’ in MT or PT primarily refers to an indication that is:

Less than 1/16 inch in length. Caused by a change in geometric configuration or a magnetic disturbance. Too small to be detected by the specified technique. Not associated with any manufacturing discontinuity.

Hint: These indications are unrelated to material defects but still form on the surface.

12. When using Infrared (IR) Testing to inspect for subsurface damage in honeycomb structures, the Level III should advise using which technique?

Passive IR Thermography Pulsed Eddy Current IR Thermography Pulsed Thermography (Active IR) Shearographic IR Testing

Hint: This technique uses an external heat pulse to analyze transient thermal properties.

13. What is the fundamental difference between a Level III developing an NDT procedure and developing a work instruction?

The work instruction defines the technical parameters, while the procedure provides acceptance criteria. The procedure is based on the NDT method, while the work instruction is based on a specific component or inspection. Procedures are subject to approval; work instructions are for Level I personnel only. Procedures are always NDT method specific; work instructions are always inter-disciplinary.

Hint: The work instruction breaks down the procedure into executable steps for a single job.

14. In Acoustic Emission (AE) Testing, the primary parameter monitored to characterize flaw activity and growth is the:

Change in ultrasonic wave speed. Amplitude of the acoustic event (dB). Frequency of the emission source. Signal time-of-flight (TOF).

Hint: AE is a dynamic test; this value relates to the severity of the flaw event.

15. When a Level III verifies an NDT equipment calibration, the main objective is to confirm the instrument’s accuracy against:

The Level II technician’s recorded settings. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications. Traceable reference standards (e.g., ASTM or NIST). The acceptance criteria of the inspection code.

Hint: All measurements must be linked back to a recognized national or international standard.

16. Which Level III task is most relevant to monitoring changes in NDT methods and technologies?

Writing the daily inspection log. Participation in NDT society technical committees or trade shows. Performing the final weld acceptance VT inspection. Calculating the decay curve for an Ir-192 source.

Hint: This requires external engagement and continuous professional development.

17. The primary goal when developing NDT training programs for Level I and II personnel is to ensure the training content covers:

Only the theoretical physics of the NDT method. The general requirements of the ASNT SNT-TC-1A standard. The specific procedures, equipment, and acceptance criteria used by the employer. The minimum recommended training hours in ASNT CP-189.

Hint: While general knowledge is important, the training must be immediately applicable to the job.

18. What is the most important element a Level III must include when providing On-the-Job Training (OJT)?

An OJT log signed by the candidate and the Level III instructor, detailing the tasks performed. A dedicated classroom session on basic NDT theory prior to any practical work. Use of practice components that are intentionally flawed at the maximum acceptance limit. A final performance demonstration on an actual production component.

Hint: OJT is a mandatory, auditable element of qualification.

19. A Level III is mentoring a Level II on flaw evaluation. Which ethical principle is most important to instill regarding the evaluation process?

Always favor the interpretation that passes the part to meet production quotas. Always require a secondary NDT method before rejecting a critical component. Base the evaluation solely on the written acceptance criteria, regardless of pressure from management. Document only the relevant indications that exceed the rejection threshold.

Hint: The core of NDT professional ethics is independence and adherence to the rules.

20. A Level II technician has failed a required annual vision re-examination. The Level III should advise that the technician:

Is immediately disqualified from all NDT activities until the vision test is passed. Can continue to perform NDT but must have all results verified by a Level III. Must pass the vision test within 90 days, provided a medical doctor approves the interim work. May be granted an extension by the Certifying Authority to continue working.

Hint: Vision requirements are non-negotiable prerequisites for the NDT function.

21. Which type of flaw is most characteristic of a wrought product (rolling or forging), appearing as linear separations parallel to the main direction of material flow?

Hot tears Laminations Porosity Shrinkage cracks

Hint: These are typically caused by non-metallic inclusions being flattened and elongated during the forming process.

22. When investigating a material failure that occurred during service, the Level III is tasked with non-destructively characterizing the fracture initiation site. Which two NDT methods are best suited for this task?

Radiographic Testing (RT) and Leak Testing (LT) Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) and Eddy Current Testing (ET) Neutron Radiography (NR) and Acoustic Emission (AE) Ultrasonic Testing (UT) and Thermal Infrared (IR)

Hint: The initiation site is often a surface or near-surface crack that may have grown from a micro-discontinuity.

23. In the investigation of a fatigue failure, the Level III observes beach marks on the fracture surface. NDT should focus on locating:

Casting shrinkage and porosity cavities. Pre-existing stress concentrations or cracks. Weld slag inclusions in the root pass. Areas of over-tempering due to excessive heat.

Hint: Beach marks are evidence of crack growth; the initial crack must be identified.

24. When a Level III is monitoring a change in a heat treatment process, which NDT method would be most appropriate for determining the depth of case hardening?

Penetrant Testing (PT) Visual Testing (VT) Eddy Current Testing (ET) Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)

Hint: This change in material property affects conductivity and/or permeability near the surface.

25. Destructive testing is sometimes necessary to assess detected flaws. When determining the DT samples, the most critical factor for the Level III to ensure is that the samples are:

Flawed to the maximum allowable limit. Representative of the flaw type and orientation detected by NDT. Easily removable without damaging the entire component. Identical in geometry to the original test piece.

Hint: The destructive test must correlate the NDT result to the true physical characteristic of the flaw.

26. A Level III is interpreting an ASME Section V code requirement for an inspection. If the code states an action “shall be performed,” this is interpreted as a:

Recommendation to be implemented only if practical. Mandatory requirement that must be complied with. Suggestion of best practice that may be substituted. Technical guideline for developing a site-specific procedure.

Hint: Codes and standards are built on specific terminology to define obligation.

27. When developing a new NDT procedure based on a customer specification, the Level III must ensure the procedure is:

Flexible enough to accommodate various NDT equipment models. Written with sufficient detail for consistent repeatability by qualified personnel. Signed and dated by the site manager only. Identical to the template provided by ASNT.

Hint: The quality of the procedure is measured by how accurately it can be reproduced.

28. A Level III discovers that an existing NDT procedure does not explicitly address a new component geometry. The required next step is to:

Reject the component and return it to the manufacturing department. Apply the procedure as written and add an addendum later. Modify or amend the procedure and validate the change. Consult with the Level II to determine the best approach.

Hint: The NDT must always be performed to a written, approved procedure.

29. In a robust QC protocol, why is it essential to audit the storage conditions of radiographic film and fluorescent penetrant materials?

To ensure the materials are organized for inventory purposes. To verify that the materials do not suffer premature degradation of sensitivity. To track the usage rate for cost analysis. To ensure materials are disposed of according to EPA regulations.

Hint: These materials are sensitive to environmental factors like heat and light.

30. The acceptance criteria for an NDT inspection are typically established based on:

The technician’s prior experience with similar flaws. The written NDT procedure and the governing design code or specification. The maximum detection capability of the NDT equipment. A consensus vote among the Level II interpreters.

Hint: The criteria must be traceable back to the component’s functional requirements.