ASNT Newsroom

Chennai, India — The leadership team of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) made a notable visit to the International Conference and Exhibition on Nondestructive Evaluation (ICENDE 2024), a prestigious event jointly organized by the ASNT India Section and ASNT India. The delegation included Neal Couture, CEO of ASNT; Jason Riggs, Vice President of ASNT; Paul Lang, Chief Global Strategy Officer of ASNT and Executive Director of ASNT Certification Services; Nealy Wheat, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of ASNT; Prakash Gokulanandam, Director and General Manager of ASNT India; and Mohammad Abufour, Director of Region 19.

During the conference, the ASNT leadership met with several industry leaders, including representatives from NLC India Ltd., Reliance Industries, and other key organizations. Discussions focused on advancing the field of Nondestructive Testing (NDT) and exploring collaborative opportunities to promote the industry's growth in India and globally.

While in Mumbai, the ASNT team met with Mr. Anil Parab, Whole-Time Director and Senior Executive Vice President (Heavy Engineering and L&T Valves) of Larsen & Toubro at the company’s Powai office. The conversation focused on potential initiatives to enhance NDT practices and expand training within the industry. The delegation continued to Delhi, where they held high-level discussions with leading organizations such as GAIL, NTPC, Maruti, Thales, and the Director General of Civil Aviation. These meetings highlighted the critical role of ASNT’s training and certification programs in developing the skills and expertise of professionals in the NDT sector.

The team had a productive meeting with the ASNT India Section leadership to review ongoing initiatives and discuss future objectives. Additionally, ASNT also held a significant meeting with the Indian Society for Non-destructive Testing (ISNT) to explore potential collaboration and new ventures within the NDT industry. This meeting marks a major step toward strengthening the partnership between both organizations, promoting knowledge sharing, and advancing global best practices in the field.

In parallel, the ASNT and AWS teams discussed the possibility of a strategic collaboration in India, aimed at combining their expertise in Nondestructive Testing (NDT) and welding to boost professional development opportunities. They explored joint certification programs to meet the growing demand for skilled technicians in both fields, as well as the establishment of shared training facilities. The collaboration would also involve co-hosting events and workshops to foster innovation and knowledge exchange within the Indian industry, supporting the growth of NDT and welding practices in the region.

The ASNT leadership concluded their tour with a visit to the ASNT India facility in Chennai, where they reviewed ongoing projects and outlined future plans to further enhance ASNT’s presence and impact in the region.

The ASNT leadership’s visit to India reaffirms the organization’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships and advancing the NDT profession both in India and on the global stage.

For press inquiries, please email govrelations@asnt.org.

(Houston, TX and Miami, FL) ASNT Certification Services LLC and The American Welding Society are excited to announce a cooperative relationship aimed at advancing the art, science, and technology of welding and nondestructive testing (NDT). This collaboration will focus on harmonizing requirements for certifications and expanding the global reach of both organizations through various training and certification programs.

This partnership allows for sharing of authorized training programs, examinations, and certification facilities, creating a more cohesive and integrated approach to certification. By working together, the two organizations aim to deliver enhanced value to their members and the broader industry.

Richard Arn, Vice President of Welding Technology at AWS, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "The American Welding Society is excited to partner with The American Society for Nondestructive Testing to develop certification products that will benefit the members of both associations. We look forward to collaborating with them closely over the course of the next few months to begin to materialize these opportunities.”

Paul Lang, Chief Global Strategy Officer at ASNT and Executive Director of ASNT Certification Services LLC, echoed this sentiment, saying, “This partnership represents a significant step forward in aligning our respective certification programs. By combining our expertise in welding and nondestructive testing, we can provide more comprehensive and globally recognized certifications. We are committed to fostering innovation and excellence within our industries, and this collaboration is a testament to that commitment.”

Through this agreement, the focus will be on harmonizing certification program qualifications requirements to ensure that professionals in both the welding and NDT fields have access to top-tier training and certification opportunities. By aligning their efforts, both organizations are setting a new benchmark for quality and consistency in the certification landscape.

About ASNT Certification Services LLC

ASNT Certification Services LLC was established to manage and operate the certification and accreditation programs of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT). With more than 33,000 certifications issued to NDT professionals worldwide, ASNT Certification Services currently administers six certification programs—ASNT NDT Level III, ASNT NDT Level II, ASNT 9712, ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP), Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel (IRRSP), and the Industry Sector Qualification – Oil & Gas (ISQ – O&G) program—and manages the Employer-Based Certification (EBC) Audit Program.

For press inquiries about ASNT, please email gliming@asnt.org.

About AWS:

The American Welding Society is the worldwide authority in the development of standards, certifications and educational programming for the welding, allied joining and cutting community. We are a not-for-profit organization committed to connecting the welding industry to our extensive collection of resources, informing our community of technological advancements and developing the next generation of welding professionals with the help of the AWS Foundation. AWS serves over 60,000 members worldwide, is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters and includes more than 1500 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees and task groups.

For more information, visit the American Welding Society's website at aws.org

For press inquiries about AWS, please email tafliss@aws.org.

(Columbus, Ohio) The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) and NDT.net are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing NDT.net as a publishing and media partner for the Asia Pacific Conference on Nondestructive Testing 2026 (APCNDT 2026). This collaboration marks a significant step towards expanding the reach and impact of the APCNDT 2026 conference by providing open access to its proceedings.

As a premier event in the field of nondestructive testing (NDT), APCNDT 2026 will bring together experts, professionals, and researchers to share advancements, technologies, and research in NDT. The partnership with NDT.net, a leading online platform for NDT knowledge, will ensure that the valuable contributions made during the conference are widely disseminated and accessible to the global NDT community.

Through this partnership, NDT.net will publish the conference proceedings in an open access format, making the research and developments presented at APCNDT 2026 available to a broader audience, facilitating knowledge sharing and fostering innovation within the field.

Barry Schieferstein, COO and Director of Events for ASNT, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are thrilled to collaborate with NDT.net as a media partner for APCNDT 2026. This partnership aligns with our mission to promote the advancement of nondestructive testing by ensuring that the insights and discoveries shared at the conference reach a wide and diverse audience. By offering open access to the proceedings, we are not only increasing visibility but also supporting the global NDT community in its pursuit of knowledge and excellence.”

Dr. Tamara Diederichs, Co-CEO and Owner of NDT.net, added: "We are delighted to enter into our first collaboration with ASNT as a publishing and media partner for the upcoming APCNDT 2026 and to disseminate the open access proceedings through NDT.net. APCNDT 2026 is an important regional conference for the NDT community. We look forward to working with ASNT to achieve the widest possible dissemination and impact for APCNDT 2026 and the knowledge shared there."

The APCNDT 2026 conference is scheduled to take place in Honolulu Hawaii 11 – 14 May 2026, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. This partnership with NDT.net is a strategic move to enhance the visibility and accessibility of the conference content, furthering the development of the NDT field.

For more information about APCNDT 2026, please visit www.asnt.org/events. 

About ASNT

ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, and Chennai, India. 

About NDT.net

"NDT.net is a family and social business founded in Germany in 1996. NDT.net's mission is to consolidate NDT-related knowledge and information from around the world and make it openly accessible. To achieve this goal, NDT.net cooperates with NDT societies and other partners worldwide. NDT.net consists of an open access archive of more than 25,000 publications, a community forum, and an online exhibition, among its diverse offerings. A large proportion of the publications in the NDT.net archive are conference proceedings. NDT.net has also been publishing and distributing APCNDT proceedings since 2006. The platform is supported by sponsors, industry, academia and societies in the field of nondestructive testing. "

For press inquiries, please email gliming@asnt.org.

(Columbus, OH) The ASNT Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of four experienced professionals to its Board of Trustees. Effective this month these trustees began to serve and bring a wealth of information and expertise to the Foundation. The existing trustees will continue to serve alongside the new appointees for a total of fourteen Board of Trustees.  

Timothy Bieri is the Vice President of Corrosion Engineering at bp, with over 25 years of experience in mechanical engineering and integrity management. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Franklin University in Ohio and a master’s degree from the University of Alaska. Bieri is a registered Professional Engineer and a certified AMPP Internal Corrosion Specialist. 

Matt Gormley is the Director of Global Sales for Pinnacle X-Ray Solutions LLC. He has 17 years of experience at Pratt & Whitney and holds a bachelor’s degree from Kettering University and two master’s degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Gormley is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt and serves on the ASNT Workforce Development Working Group. 

Eric Lindgren is the NDE Technology Lead at the Air Force Research Laboratory. With over 30 years in NDE research and development, he holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Lindgren is a Fellow of both the Air Force Research Laboratory and ASNT. 

Karen Smith is the President of the Industrial Division at Evident Scientific. She has extensive experience in ultrasound instrumentation and test and measurement technology. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Union College and an MBA from Clark University. 

"The ASNT Foundation is thrilled to welcome these four outstanding individuals to our Board of Trustees," said Heather Cowles, Executive Director of the ASNT Foundation. "Their combined expertise and dedication to the field of nondestructive testing will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission and impact." 

John Iman, President of the ASNT Foundation, added, "The diverse backgrounds and experiences of our new trustees will bring fresh perspectives and strengthen our ability to support the NDT community. We look forward to their contributions and leadership in the coming year." 

About the ASNT Foundation   

Established in 2022, the ASNT Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing. As a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, we rely on the generosity of our industry partners and individuals who understand the importance of nondestructive testing (NDT) and its role in creating a safer world, to support current and future generations of NDT programs through scholarships, grants, research, and workforce development.  

For press inquiries, please email hcowles@asnt.org. 

(Columbus, OH) The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) is proud to announce that ASNT Chief Executive Officer Neal J. Couture, FASAE, CAE, has been selected for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) prestigious 2024 class of Fellows. This recognition is conferred annually by ASAE to honor exceptional association leaders who have made noteworthy and sustained contributions to their organizations and the association community. 

Couture’s selection as an ASAE Fellow underscores his outstanding leadership and dedication to ASNT and advancing the nondestructive testing (NDT) field. Under his guidance, ASNT has continued to promote excellence in NDT technology, training, and certification, fostering innovation and growth within the industry. Additionally, his unwavering dedication to promoting the association industry and driving progress to champion the next generation of association leaders underscores his commitment to fostering a vibrant, innovative, and inclusive future for the entire association community.  

“I am deeply honored to be recognized as an ASAE Fellow,” said Neal J. Couture. "I am proud to champion the impact and leadership of associations across industries, disciplines, and professions. In collaboration with and in support of ASAE, my ASAE Fellow peers and I strive to create solutions for the most critical issues affecting the association management profession while strongly embracing and championing ASAE’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the association world." 

The Fellows program is a professional recognition program for individuals who have demonstrated leadership, foresight, engagement, and vision. ASAE Fellows are a group of association professionals recognized for their achievements, innovation, and strategic thinking. They have been acknowledged for their success in actively making a difference in the association community. Their purpose is to give back to the association community while inspiring and developing extraordinary future leaders. 

About ASNT      

ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, and Chennai, India.      

For press inquiries, please email gliming@asnt.org.

(Columbus, OH) The ASNT Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the Student Travel Grant. The grant supports early career accomplishments in nondestructive testing/evaluation (NDT/E) research by providing travel support for students to attend the ASNT Research Symposium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 24-28 June. 

"The ASNT Foundation's Student Travel Grant opens doors to a world of opportunity, empowering young minds in NDT/E to showcase their early career accomplishments on a global stage, “said Heather Cowles, CAE, CVA, ASNT Foundation Executive Director. “It's not just about attending a symposium; it's also about igniting a passion for innovation, fostering collaboration, and empowering the next generation of NDT/E professionals." 

With the support of the ASNT Foundation, the students gain a platform to present their research in front of a global audience, network with other researchers from industry and academia, and learn about breakthroughs in the NDT/E field from fellow researchers. 

The 2024 ASNT Foundation Student Travel Grant winners are: 

Farzaneh Ahmadi – Iowa State University 

Pedram Bazrafshan – Drexel University 

Merrill Dennison – Southern Illinois University Carbondale 

Ali Ghadimzadeh – Drexel University 

Ali Zare Hosseinzadeh – University of California, San Diego 

Xuhui Huang – Michigan State University 

Nihar Masurkar – Arizona State University 

Aaron McCarville – Iowa State University 

Zebadiah Miles – Michigan State University 

Trent Moritz – Iowa State University 

Farid Nazari – Iowa State University 

Prateek Neupane – Southern Illinois University Carbondale 

Oluwatimilehin Oluwajire – North Carolina State University 

Adwoa Kyeiwaa Owusu – University of Tennessee 

Lei Peng – Michigan State University 

Asmi Rana – Southern Illinois University Carbondale 

Himal Sapkota – Southern Illinois University Carbondale 

Subal Sharma – Michigan State University 

Michail Skiadopoulos – Pennsylvania State University 

Logan M. Wilcox – Missouri University of Science and Technology 

About the ASNT Foundation  

Established in 2022, the ASNT Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing. As a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization, we rely on the generosity of our industry partners and individuals who understand the importance of nondestructive testing (NDT) and its role in creating a safer world, to support current and future generations of NDT programs through scholarships, grants, research, and workforce development. 

For press inquiries, please email hcowles@asnt.org.     

(Columbus, OH) The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) is proud to introduce ASNT Connect, an online community for ASNT members, certificate holders, and customers to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge within the nondestructive testing (NDT) industry. 

ASNT Connect will serve as a comprehensive platform designed to facilitate meaningful interactions, foster community engagement, and provide a space for professionals to seek answers, share expertise, and build valuable connections. 

"We are thrilled to introduce ASNT Connect as a dynamic platform that brings together the diverse expertise and insights of our members and certificate holders. This online community will serve as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing within the NDT community." 

• Neal J. Couture, CAE, ASNT Chief Executive Officer.

Specialized Communities: ASNT Connect will debut with five members-only communities tailored to specific interests within the NDT community: 

Research in NDT - catering to members interested in research 

Section Leaders - designed for members actively leading ASNT sections 

Technical - a hub for ASNT members to discuss NDT methods, techniques, and technologies 

IDEA - dedicated to conversations around inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility 

NDT Education - created for students and educators  

An Open Community will be available to the public and is for anyone interested in ASNT or the NDT community at large. Discussions within this community are expected to be wide-ranging, from general information about NDT, how to get into the field, how to become certified, and more. 

ASNT Connect is poised to be an invaluable resource for NDT professionals, offering a dynamic space to connect with like-minded individuals, stay informed about industry trends, and participate in discussions that shape the future of NDT.

About ASNT     

ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22,000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, and Chennai, India.     

(Columbus, OH) - The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) participated in the American Society for Association Executives (ASAE): The Center for Association Leadership Legislative Fly-In held on 5-6 March 2024 in Washington D.C. The event offered an opportunity to engage with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and advocate for the passage of the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act. 

Garra Liming, ASNT Director of Marketing and Communication, represented ASNT at a meeting with congressmen and congresswomen to discuss the proposed legislation. The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act aims to create more opportunities for Americans to pursue credential programs offered by professional societies and associations.  

“ASNT supports the consideration, passage, and implementation of this legislation,” said Neal J. Couture, CAE, ASNT Executive Director. “If enacted, it would allow young people to use their 529 plans to pay for tuition, exam, and supply costs associated with career technical education, such as NDE/NDT.” 

Liming met with several lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act and share information on the importance of nondestructive testing (NDT). 

"Participating in the ASAE legislative fly-in was an invaluable experience," said Liming. "It provided an opportunity to advocate on behalf of ASNT and the NDT industry by engaging directly with lawmakers to let them know about the legislation’s impact on workforce development. The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act has the potential to open doors for countless students who want to use their 529 savings to make workforce training more affordable and accessible." 

These advocacy efforts align with ASNT's commitment to support workforce development initiatives and foster professional growth within the industry. Through active engagement in legislative advocacy, ASNT continues to champion policies that empower NDT professionals and drive economic prosperity and independence. 

About ASNT     

ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, and Chennai, India.     

For press inquiries, please email gliming@asnt.org.

(Columbus, OH) The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) announces the unveiling of its revitalized identity, symbolizing a new era for the organization. With vibrant colors and a sleek, modern logo, ASNT is embracing change to reflect its unwavering dedication to excellence in the nondestructive testing (NDT) industry after more than 80 years of service to the industry and its members. 

“This rebranding marks an essential step in ASNT's strategic plan and aligns with the evolution the Society has undergone the past few years,” said Neal J. Couture, CAE, ASNT Chief Executive Officer. “ASNT has a strong and respected legacy around the world, and this new look signifies ASNT's readiness to embrace and lead the industry and our members into the future.” 

The revamped logo symbolizes global ambitions, continuous improvement, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. It serves as a testament to the organization's commitment to leading the way for the global NDT industry. 

“The new logo is a nod to ASNT's rich history but infused with more contemporary flair,” said Garra Liming, ASNT Director, Marketing and Communication. “The rebranding is an important step in our business strategy because it not only redefines our visual identity but also reaffirms our commitment to pushing boundaries and leading the way in our industry.” 

Building upon the strength and recognition of the main logo, ASNT has also introduced new logos for its three subsidiaries— ASNT Certification, ASNT Foundation, and ASNT India—representing distinct facets of the Society. Each subsidiary logo embodies the unique essence of its corresponding segment, reinforcing the brand's presence in evolving markets and dedication to meeting the diverse needs of valued stakeholders. 

About ASNT    

ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, and Chennai, India.    

For press inquiries, please email gliming@asnt.org.   

(Columbus, OH) The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) announces that it has hired Nealy Wheat, CAE, SPHR, to serve as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). As CFO, Wheat will oversee accounting, investments, and business operations. 

“Nealy’s extensive global association management and financial experience will be a significant asset to ASNT,” said Neal J. Couture, CAE, ASNT Chief Executive Officer. “As a member of the executive leadership team, Nealy will contribute to ASNT’s mission, driving innovation and opportunities for our members and driving efficiencies across the organization as we fuel our next stage of growth.”  

Wheat joins ASNT with more than 20 years of association management experience, spanning statewide trade and professional organizations, international, charitable foundations, and chambers of commerce.  

“I am truly grateful to join this incredible team of association and NDT professionals,” said Wheat. “I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of ASNT and to the advancement of the nondestructive testing field." 

Wheat is a graduate of the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Management. She earned a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Administration from Kennesaw State University. She is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).  

About ASNT   

ASNT is the association for nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals committed to making the world a safer place. NDT professionals detect irregularities, flaws, and defects in materials, components, and structures that could compromise the safety, reliability, or functionality of an object or structure. Established in 1941, ASNT supports members with certifications, professional development, industry insights, advocacy, events, publications, and networking opportunities, and is focused on fostering the growth of future generations of NDT professionals through the ASNT Foundation. Serving more than 22 000 members and certificate holders worldwide, ASNT is the largest technical society for NDT professionals. ASNT is based in Columbus, Ohio, with offices in Houston, Texas, and Chennai, India.   

For press inquiries, please email gliming@asnt.org.