Development of new NDT certification scheme in Singapore

Nondestructive testing plays a vital role in Singapore Industry either it is construction or it it oil and gas. To cope up with the future demands for nondestructive testing personnel and cater to the local industry needs for qualified and certified NDT operators, Nondestructive Testing Society (Singapore)-NDTSS launched the SGNDT Certification Scheme. The aim of the organization is to promote and standardize the quality of NDT through education and training based on a scheme that is on par with internationally recognized 3rd party certifications. The certification also provides a greater confidence to the clients and end users who utilize the NDT test results provided by the certified operators. NDE certification in Singapore varies from industries and currently relies on the in-house certification scheme based on SNT-TC-1A where organizations find it difficult to standardize the skill and reliability of operators. NDE Certification system varies globally from countries to countries. A proper certification system is required to produce successful NDT Practitioners to suit the local industry. This paper outlines the development of Singapore NDT Certification Scheme (SGNDT), the operations, levels of qualification, the method of operation and control measures. The Training and Certification committee, Quality Management system within the certification scheme and the current system practiced in Singapore are discussed in this paper. The paper also highlights the importance of third party certification scheme. (author)