ASNT and AWS Formalize Collaboration to Expand Welding and Nondestructive Testing Training and Certification in India

COLUMBUS, OH – The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) and the American Welding Society (AWS) today announced the signing of a program agreement formalizing their collaboration to expand, develop, and implement training and certification activities for welding and nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals in India and the Middle East region. This agreement solidifies both organizations' commitment to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in these critical industries. 

“This program agreement marks a significant milestone in our joint efforts to advance the NDT and welding professions in India,” said Neal J. Couture, FASAE, CAE, ASNT CEO. “By combining our resources and expertise with AWS, we are creating a comprehensive training and certification ecosystem that will empower NDT and welding professionals and contribute to business growth in India.”  

This partnership will leverage the strengths of both organizations to provide world-class training and certification opportunities. A key element of the agreement is reciprocal access to each other’s authorized training and certification facilities. This will enable ASNT and AWS to conduct qualification and certification training and examination services at each other's approved locations, significantly increasing accessibility for professionals seeking to advance their careers. 

“By combining AWS's established leadership and expertise in welding education and certification with ASNT's recognized leadership in NDT, we are creating a powerful platform for professional development in India and the Middle East,” said Richard Arn, AWS Vice President Welding and Technology. “This collaboration addresses the growing need for highly skilled welding and NDT professionals, ensuring the region's industries have access to best-in-class training and certification.” 

ASNT, through its subsidiary ASNT India, operates a facility in Chennai, India, providing NDT education and certification. This existing presence, combined with AWS’s expertise in welding education and certification, creates a powerful synergy for expanding, developing, and implementing a wide range of training and certification activities for welding and NDT professionals in India and the Middle East. 

ASNT and AWS will also establish a new training and certification center in Gujarat, India.  This strategically located facility will serve as a hub for program activities, providing state-of-the-art training and examination resources to individuals and organizations in the region. 

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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 an object's safety, reliability, or functionality. 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, Washington, D.C., and Chennai, India. 

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.