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CERTIFICATION PREP Courses FAQs

Formerly Refresher Courses

Frequently asked questions about the ASNT NDT Level III Certification Prep Courses

What are refresher courses?

The ASNT refresher courses are designed to help review and expand your knowledge of important concepts in each NDT topic. A thorough review of each subject’s Body of Knowledge will give you an awareness of areas where further study is needed and are intended to supplement each candidate’s personal studies.

The subject matter for all of the courses is derived from the training topics found in the Level III Topical Outlines of Topical Outlines for Qualification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel, CP-105, as referenced in Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing and CP-189, ASNT Standard for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel. This is the same Body of Knowledge from which the ASNT NDT Level III exams are written. Courses should not be considered the sole source for exam preparation.

Who should take Refresher Courses?

The ASNT refresher courses are considered Level III courses and are designed for those who are currently Level II or III and are looking to become an ASNT Level III or to maintain their Level III status.

Will the ASNT refresher courses help me pass the Level III ASNT exam?

The refresher courses are not designed to be used as “exam prep” courses. The refresher courses are designed to help review and expand your knowledge of important NDT concepts and should not be used as the sole source of exam preparation. The courses cannot possibly cover everything that may appear on the exam. They are not sufficient by themselves to pass a Level III exam. However, many people do choose to take the refresher courses before the exams. The courses do offer dedicated study time away from work, the opportunity to interact with other students in NDT and learn from an experienced instructor so the courses may offer an advantage over someone who did not take a course before the exam. There is a section of referenced books that may be studied for the examination and not all of them are ASNT materials, and some cannot be purchased through ASNT.

Where are the ASNT Refresher Courses held?

The Refresher Courses will be held (when not virtual) at the ASNT International Service Center, 1711 Arlingate Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43228-0518

Are ASNT Refresher Courses only offered in Columbus, Ohio?

When not held virtually they are offered at the ISC. A Refresher Course could be held in conjunction with a conference or topical conference during the year.

What refresher courses are offered by ASNT and how long do they last?

See the Refresher Courses page for more information on what courses are currently offered.

What are the dates available for the ASNT Refresher Courses?

See the Refresher Courses page for more information on available dates.

How much do the courses cost?

See the Refresher Courses page for pricing information.

What do the tuition fees include?

When held at the ISC the cost includes the study materials, refreshment breaks, and lunch.

Is there a member rate for the ASNT refresher courses?

Yes, there is a member and non-member rate for the Refresher Courses.

What books are included?

Visit the Refresher Courses page, and click on the individual course descriptions for a listing of the course material.

When will I receive the course materials?

Course materials are distributed on the first day of the class when the courses are held at the ISC.

Can the course materials be shipped to me before the course?

Yes, however restrictions do apply.

Advanced book shipping is only available in the contiguous United States and you must be registered for the course in order to receive the books. An advanced book shipping form will be emailed to you with your course confirmation. Books will be shipped no earlier than 4 weeks prior to the start of the courses and no later than 1 week prior to the first day of the first course. You will be responsible for the shipping charges and for bringing these materials with you to the course, another set will not be provided.

By requesting books in advance, you are receiving the current version of that publication. Should changes be made to a publication, ASNT will not provide the updated version; the customer must purchase it separately. If you cancel and it is before the cancellation deadline posted on the registration form, you will be credited your tuition less the cancellation fee per course and less the cost for the books. If ASNT cancels a course, you will receive a refund of your tuition, less the cost of the books.

By sending in the advanced book shipping form, you agree to the above terms.

Why can't books be shipped earlier than 4 weeks prior to the start of the courses?

This is to ensure that the course will be held so that we haven’t sent out the books for a cancelled course. You are also more likely to receive the current version of that publication that will be used in class. If for example, you have the books advanced shipped and then you have to you transfer to a later course date, changes may be made to a publication and ASNT is not able to provide the updated version; the customer must purchase it separately.

I already have all the "Included Material" that ASNT is supplying for the course. I don't need the books again. Can I receive discounted tuition or exchange the books for something else?

No, the books are packaged as part of the course fee and cannot be separated out from the tuition. Refunds or exchanges for Refresher Course books are not available.

How many CEUs or recertification points will I earn?

Those who plan to recertify by points will earn Continuing Education Units by attending ASNT refresher courses. CEUs convert to recertification points at the rate of 1 CEU = 2.5 recertification points. Full course attendance is required to receive CEU credit.

See the Refresher Courses page for more information.

What kind of documentation do I receive to show I attended the course for recertification credit?

A Certificate of Attendance (COA) form will be given to you during the course for you to fill out when held at the ISC. At the conclusion of the course, the ISC Staff Member will distribute certificates. Full course attendance is required to receive complete credit.

Who teaches the courses?

ASNT contracts with instructors that are ASNT Level III’s in the method being taught and can bring valuable experience and knowledge to the class.

What time do the courses begin and end?

Courses begin at 8:00am in the morning and end at 5:00pm (Eastern) with an hour break for lunch and a couple of short breaks throughout the day determined by the instructor.

What is the class size?

Class size varies depending on the course. The minimum class size is around 4 people and maximum is 15 people. Interaction with fellow students and classroom participation is encouraged.

How do I register for ASNT Refresher Courses?

Links to register are on the Refresher Courses page.

What forms of payment are accepted?

ASNT will accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Purchase orders will not be accepted.

I am interested in the refresher courses however the deadline for registration has passed?

As long as space is still available, we will continue to accept registrations after the deadline. Please contact Ruth E. Staat at 614-384-2427, or rstaat@asnt.org for availability.

Do the classes ever sell out?

Yes, sometimes courses sell out before the registration deadline so we recommend that you register early. Course registration is on a first come, first serve basis and payment must accompany the registration form. A wait list is started once a class sells out.

I have my registration ready but I’m waiting on approval and payment from my employer, can you go ahead and put me in the class?

No, in order to officially register for the course, payment must accompany the registration form. Paid registrations are processed on a first come, first serve basis.

What is the cancellation/transfer policy for Refresher Courses?

Registered students who notify ASNT in writing of cancellations or transfers by the cancellation deadline (four (4) weeks prior to the first day of the course) will be credited their tuition, less a $100 fee per method. To transfer to another session, there is also a $100 fee per method. There are no cancellations or transfers after the cancellation/transfer deadline.

What if ASNT cancels a course?

ASNT reserves the right to cancel any course. If ASNT cancels a course, a full refund of tuition is available or tuition may be applied to future courses or other ASNT programs.

When will I receive confirmation of registration in the course?

An email confirming payment will be sent to you when our accounting department processes the registration. A separate course registration email will be sent to students once the registration deadline has passed, and the courses have been confirmed. Typically, this is 4 weeks prior to the start of the courses.

What should I bring with me to the course?

You should bring your study materials if you had them shipped to you ahead of time, pen/pencil and paper for note taking and a non programmable calculator is recommended.

Am I qualified to take the exams?

Please refer to this document to see if you have met all of the qualifications to take the exam.

Is there a separate fee for exams?

Yes, there is a separate fee and application for exams. Information regarding exams can be found at ASNT Certification Services on this page.

Where can I take exams?

You can take your exams at one of the Pearson VUE test centers. For more information, please refer to our Computer Based Testing Questions.

Does ASNT offer Level I or II courses?

ASNT does not offer Level I or II courses however these courses are offered by many other NDT training companies. You can find a listing of other courses that may better meet your needs at NDT Training Courses or Directory of Educational Institutions.

Does ASNT offer online training?

For Refresher Courses, ASNT will offer online, or virtual courses and will post those when they are available.

What is the dress?

When the Refresher Courses are held at the ISC dress is casual.

What accommodations are available for those with disabilities?

ASNT will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students should contact Ruth E. Staat at rstaat@asnt.org prior to the first day of class to discuss any special needs. Students with disabilities are also encouraged to discuss appropriate accommodation requests with their instructor.

I am new to NDT and interested in learning more but am not currently looking to certify, what do you recommend?

For a listing of educational institutes visit our website our Directory of Educational Institutions. For general NDT information, you can visit ndt-ed.org.

I still have questions, who can I contact?

Ruth E. Staat, at ASNT 614-384-2427, or by email at rstaat@asnt.org .