ASNT NDT Level II Radiographic Testing (RT) Practice Test

ASNT itself sets the exam content, but specific prerequisites (hours of training and experience) are typically established by your employer's Written Practice, which must conform to guidelines in SNT-TC-1A or CP-189. Generally, Level II RT requires a combination of formal training hours (often 40-80 hours) and documented, radiation-safe work experience (often ranging from 12 to 24 months depending on education level). You must confirm the exact requirements with your Certification Body or employer.

The modern ASNT Level II RT exam encompasses both film and digital radiography. You are expected to understand the fundamental principles of imaging, which apply to all methods, as well as the specific techniques, advantages, and limitations of film, computed radiography (CR), and digital radiography (DR). Knowledge of digital image processing and analysis is now integral to the body of knowledge.

A significant portion. You must be comfortable with calculations involving exposure (kV, mA, time), geometry (source-to-film distance, magnification, unsharpness), radiation intensity (inverse square law), and use of exposure charts. Weakness in these applied mathematical areas is a common cause of exam difficulty.

The primary reference is the ASNT NDT Handbook, Volume 4: Radiographic Testing. The ASNT Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A provides the outline of the required Body of Knowledge. Additionally, study guides, commercial question banks, and your own employer's procedures and technique sheets are invaluable. Practical experience is irreplaceable.

The exam typically consists of two parts: a General exam covering basic NDT principles, materials, and processes, and a Specific RT exam focusing exclusively on radiographic testing theory, methods, and interpretation. Each part is usually a multiple-choice test, though some administering bodies may include practical or film interpretation components. Check with your specific examination provider for the exact format.