From Level II to Level III: What It Really Takes
In the world of Nondestructive Testing (NDT), few milestones carry the same weight as earning your Level III certification. It’s not just another line on a résumé — it’s a professional turning point. The moment you move from technician to technical authority, from performing tests to defining them.
But what does it really take to make that leap?
Let’s talk about what’s behind the title, beyond the exam.
1️⃣ Technical Mastery Comes First — But It’s Not Enough
By the time you’re a solid Level II, you’ve already proven you can perform inspections, interpret results, and follow written procedures. That’s the foundation.
Stepping into Level III means going deeper — understanding the “why” behind the “how.”
You’ll need to know:
The physics behind your method (wave behavior, magnetism, radiation, or capillary action).
How materials, geometry, and temperature affect results.
The limitations of every technique — and when to say a test won’t work.
This level of knowledge isn’t memorized. It’s earned through repetition, curiosity, and reading far beyond your procedure sheets.
2️⃣ Leadership Is the Hidden Curriculum
A Level III’s real exam starts when people start looking to you for answers.
You’re no longer just reporting indications — you’re interpreting specifications, training inspectors, and guiding quality decisions that impact safety, production, and compliance.
That means developing soft skills most NDT training programs never teach:
Communicating clearly between technicians, engineers, and management.
Writing procedures that others can follow without confusion.
Maintaining composure under pressure when a decision could halt production.
Leadership in NDT isn’t about rank — it’s about responsibility. When your signature appears on a test report, it represents the integrity of the entire process.
3️⃣ Study Like It’s a Skill — Because It Is
Preparing for the ASNT Level III exam requires discipline and a plan.
You’ll need to be fluent in your method, but also in NDT fundamentals, materials science, and code interpretation.
Here’s what works:
Create structure: Study at consistent times each week.
Mix methods: Read the ASNT Nondestructive Testing Handbook, review sample questions, and discuss concepts with other professionals.
Teach it: If you can explain it simply to someone else, you truly understand it.
And don’t neglect mental endurance — these exams are long, detailed, and unforgiving. Learn to pace yourself.
4️⃣ Mentorship Makes the Difference
Every great Level III I’ve met had someone who guided them along the way.
Sometimes it’s a supervisor, but more often it’s a colleague who took the time to explain why a decision mattered.
When I was a young inspector, I had mentors who challenged me to think critically — not just pass procedures. They reminded me that NDT isn’t about chasing certifications; it’s about protecting people and ensuring safety through integrity.
Seek out those voices. Then become one yourself.
5️⃣ The Transition Never Really Ends
Becoming a Level III isn’t the finish line — it’s the start of lifelong learning.
Standards change. Equipment evolves. Expectations rise. The best professionals never stop asking questions or refining their craft.
Your credibility comes not from what you know today, but from your willingness to keep growing tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Moving from Level II to Level III takes more than passing a test.
It takes humility to learn, courage to lead, and a mentor’s heart to guide others.
Because at the end of the day, NDT isn’t just about detecting flaws in metal — it’s about developing strength in people.
This blog is part of the AMS Level 3 Mentorship Series — dedicated to helping NDT professionals grow their careers through education, ethics, and example