ASNT NDT Level III General Certification Practice Test

ASNT requires candidates to meet specific education and experience prerequisites, detailed in the ASNT Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A or the ASNT Standard for Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel (CP-189). Typically, this involves a combination of formal education in science or engineering and documented, hands-on work experience in NDT. You must submit a completed application with supporting documentation to ASNT for review and approval before you can schedule the exam.

The General exam is a closed-book, multiple-choice test. The exact number of questions can vary but is typically around 135. A passing score is 70% or higher. The exam is computer-based and administered at Pearson VUE testing centers, providing a standardized and secure testing environment.

The core reference is the ASNT NDT Handbook, Third Edition: Volume 10, 'Nondestructive Testing Overview.' A thorough understanding of this text is essential. The exam questions are based on the knowledge contained within it and other documents listed in the current ASNT exam outline, which should be your definitive guide for study.

The General exam is a prerequisite for taking any of the specific Method exams (UT, RT, etc.). To become a fully certified ASNT NDT Level III in a method, you must pass both the General exam and the corresponding Method exam. The General establishes your foundational knowledge, while the Method exam tests your specialized expertise.

Most successful candidates dedicate 3 to 6 months of consistent study, depending on their existing knowledge base and experience. Creating a detailed study schedule that allocates time for each major topic area, followed by comprehensive review and practice testing, is highly recommended.