ECNDT 2006 - Th.3.6.
New Education Courses of DGZfP
(1) NDT Technologist and
(2) Materials Tester
Hannelore WESSEL, DGZfP e.V., Berlin, Germany
Abstract. On demand of the corporate members of the DGZfP and F-GZP the
German Society for NDT has set up a training network between the society and its
training organisation DGZfP Ausbildung und Training GmbH, Siemens AG in
Berlin and several German NDT service providers.
Goal of this training network is the creation of vocational education in the field
of materials testing of high quality and broad competence. As a result of this project
two new vocational training concept in the area of NDT have been created:
the NDT Technologist and the Materials Tester with focus on NDT.
Introduction
In 2004, German NDT service companies discussed with DGZfP and F-GZP (which is the
“Technical Society of accredited NDT service providers” within DGZfP) the urgent need to
take actions because of missing well training and competent young NDT personnel.
DGZfP and F-GZP started to establish a training network between different partners
which are:
• Different German NDT service providers
• Werner-von-Siemens Berufsschule (vocational school)
• Siemens Professional Education AG
• Siemens Technik Akademie
• DGZfP e.V
• DGZfP Ausbildung und Training GmbH
The result of this cooperation is the creation of two new vocational training courses with
state-approved examination in the field of NDT.
1. NDT Technologist
1.1 Training network
The training course of the NDT Technologist is divided into 4 semesters, each of six
months. The first three semesters will take place at Siemens Technik Akademie and DGZfP
in Berlin. The last semester includes the performance of a practical semester work which is
to be realised at the respective NDT company which covers the cost for the course, and is
the main part of the final examination.
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NDT Technologist
Ö Main focus on NDT level 3
Ö in 6 NDT methods (ET, MT, PT, RT, UT, VT)
Ö including DGZfP NDT Master qualification
Ö 4 semesters
Ö State-approved examination
The training is a modular combination of engineer-like theoretical and practical studies and
NDT training sessions according to the requirements of the European standards EN 473 and
the DGZfP NDT Master certificate.
1.2 DGZfP select and DGZfP NDT Master Certificate
A few years ago, DGZfP has redrafted its basic
training course for level 3 and established the so-
called NDT select training and the NDT Master
certificate, both are protected trade marks.
The idea was that for level 3 personnel who will
focus afterwards mainly on one specific NDT
method, e.g. ultrasonic testing, the broad
knowledge of the former NDT basic course is not
necessary.
On the contrary in such cases the quick achievement of the level 3 in the specific NDT
method is of more importance than broad and comprehensive knowledge. So, two different
models of level 3 basic knowledge were developed:
a 2-weekly course (Module 1) focussing on materials, main NDT methods (RT, UT,
MT, PT, VT and ET) and EN 473 requirements, and
a comprehensive 4-weekly training.
The latter includes the 2-weekly standard basic course and additionally two more modules:
a 1-weekly course (Module 2) dealing with selection of NDT methods, comparisons
of NDT methods and case studies, and
a 1-weekly course (Module 3) covering more NDT methods such as LT, AT, VA
and IT, the ASNT recommendation “SNT-TC-1A, Personnel Qualification and
Certification in NDT“ as well as accreditation principles and procedures.
This comprehensive 4-weekly training is called “DGZfP select”. At the end of each module
an examination takes place.
NDT personnel who has successfully completed the NDT select course and
additionally has passed the level 3 examination of two NDT methods whereas one of them
must be a volume method (radiographic or ultrasonic testing), are allowed to use the
DGZfP title “NDT Master”. This title certifies that this NDT expert has comprehensive
knowledge of NDT methods, their advantages and disadvantages in comparison with other
NDT methods, and extensive practical training in planning and organising inspection
processes.
This new concept of level 3 training was well accepted by NDT companies and
currently two training courses are taking place per year.
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1.3 NDT Technologist
The NDT Technologist combines the NDT Master training with basic theoretical and
practical engineering knowledge, but in a much shorter time and more practice-oriented
than usual engineer studies. The following NDT methods will be trained during the NDT
Technologist training:
• DGZfP NDT select;
• X-ray protection for designated NDT personnel;
• Radiographic testing (RT) level 3;
• Ultrasonic testing (UT) level 3;
• Eddy current testing (ET) level 3;
• Penetrant testing (PT) level 3;
• Magnetic testing (MT) level 3;
• Visual testing (VT) level 3;
Each NDT methods will start with the level 2 practice training as trainees will come
directly from school without too much NDT knowledge.
Figure 1.3. Semester plan for NDT Technologist
These studies can be performed in German or English, so that it may be also of interest for
NDT companies outside Germany. The general structure of the 4 semesters is shown in
Figures 1.
In Germany, agreements are performed with some universities which will
recognised this education for trainees who will continue with engineering studies, e.g., in
material sciences. They can start studies after the interim examination.
Costs for training services of Siemens and DGZfP and certification in line with EN
473 of in total 34,000 Euro are to covered by the respective NDT company or the student.
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2. NDT Materials Tester
2.1 General
The training course NDT Materials Tester is addressed to young people mainly coming
from secondary school.
In Germany, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) is responsible for
vocational education. Length, content and examination requirements are regulated by law.
So, for the ICC Materials Tester Metal Technique a frame law defines scope, period and
content of training and examination. During this education, the trainee receives only very
little knowledge and practical training in non-destructive testing. The education programme
covers mainly topics such as
Related legislation
Industrial safety
Technical file
Measurement and testing of geometries
Treatment of materials
Welding
Maintenance of work equipment
Determination of materials characteristics
Micro biology
Evaluation and recording
Sampling
Determination and modification of material properties
Inspection of samples with defects and analysis of defect sources
Therefore, DGZfP together with its network partners described above developed a
vocational training based on the CCI and legal requirements. In other words, a package of
non-destructive testing courses was combined with the original materials tester training:
CCI Materials Tester Metal Technique
Ö Main focus on NDT level 1 and 2
Ö 3 ½ years training
Ö State-approved examination
2.2 Modular training concept
The different partners of this training network provide with their specific
competence:
NDT companies contract the trainee(s), cover all training costs and provide with
extensive practical training at their premises.
Siemens Professional Education (SPE) enables fulfilment of legal requirements with
respect to vocational school requirements, technical education, technical English,
project and team work as well as support in selection of eligible candidates.
DGZfP organises all NDT trainings and performs examinations according to
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requirements of the EN 473 standard. The following NDT methods are included:
- Level 1 in MT, PT, RT, UT and VT
- Level 2 in MT, PT, RT and VT
- X-ray protection for NDT personnel
Due to the modular training concept and early creation of groups for team and project
works it was possible to add the NDT training (14 weeks) to the usual CCI Materials Tester
training programme without enlarging the training period.
Figure 1 shows the modular concept the 3 ½ training period with the different section
performed by DGZfP, SPE or the NDT company. The arrangement is to a certain extent
flexible and can be adjusted to the needs of the NDT companies, e.g. to locate the practical
training into periods where shutdowns and inspections of plants are planned.
Figure 2.2.1. Modular training programme of ICC Materials Tester
Figure 2.2.2. Training modules of the first education half-year
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During the training the trainee will be qualified in the following NDT methods:
Overview on NDT and different methods
X-ray protection for NDT personnel
Radiographic testing (RT) level 1 and level 2;
Ultrasonic testing (UT) level 1;
Penetrant testing (PT) level 1 and level 2;
Magnetic testing (MT) level 1 and level 2;
Visual testing (VT) level 1 and level 2.
Certificates will be provided after fulfilment of the requirements of EN 473. Due to the
sections of practical training at the premises of the NDT service company in between the
theoretical training at Siemens and DGZfP, requested practical experience periods in the
different methods are fulfilled at the end of the vocational education. The NDT company
has a young qualified and certified NDT tester with both, knowledge in destructive and
non-destructive testing.
The first training with seventeen participants started in September 2005. In the
meantime, all trainees have performed their first qualifications in the following NDT
methods: MT and PT level 2, RT level 1 and X-ray protection. They will finalise their
education in spring 2008.
Costs of 33,000 Euro to cover theoretical and practical training at Siemens and DGZfP
(including certification in line with EN 473) together with additional costs for monthly
apprentice's payments, travel and accommodation costs, ICC fees etc., are paid by the
respective NDT company. However, these costs are already compensated during the
education period as the trainee can join inspection teams during the practical training
periods (approx. 45 weeks during education period) at the premises of the NDT company.
Figure 2.2.3. Trainees and trainer of the first training course
A second training will start in September 2006. Detailed information on the progress of the
trainings and interim events are presented at the webpage [Link] under the section
NDT Youth.
