Recertifying Your NDT Certification
2022 Standard Implementation
Updated certification requirements and forms according to CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2022 standard is currently in effect as of March 31, 2024. Refer to the updated Rules of Implementation for the CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2022 / (ISO 9712:2021, IDT) standard rollout and the list of key updates on the Non-Destructive Testing Certification page.
Structured Credit System for Level 3 Recertification
An updated (version 2) Structured Credit System for level 3 recertification (in lieu of the written recertification examination) is currently in effect as of March 31, 2024. The previous version of the Structured Credit System Application form will not be accepted after June 30, 2024. As there are more stringent criteria for point minimum and maximums for Level 3 recertification structured credit system, different forms and assessment processes will be implemented from those for renewal structured credit system. Please contact NRCan NDTCB for more information.
Online Examination System for Level 3 Recertification Written multiple-choice questions exams
Number of questions for Level 3 Recertification online multiple-choice question written exam is increased to 45; adding 5 more questions from the CAN/CGSB-48.9712 standard. Exam time duration is increased to 2 1/4 hours. Updated Exam guide for Recertification is available in the Quick Downloads: NDT Certification Body Forms and Guides page.
On this page:
- Recertification and renewal due dates/expiry dates
- Recertification examination requirements
- How to apply for recertification
- Our responsibilities and policies
- Late recertifications
Recertification and renewal due dates/expiry dates
Personnel certified by the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) National Non-Destructive Testing Certification Body (NDTCB) in Non-Destructive Testing are required to recertify or renew their certifications prior to their certification expiry date, in order to have the period of validity for a given certification extended for up five (5) years (60 months or less).
To find out when your certifications are due for renewal and/or recertification, view the Certified NDT Personnel Directory.
- If the expiry date and the recertification due date for a given certification are the same in the directory, then you are required to apply for your recertification examinations within the fifteen (15) months prior to the expiry date/recertification due date. If you have certifications considered to be within the recertification transition period, you may apply for these recertifications as soon as possible.
- If the expiry date for a given certification is different from the recertification due date in the directory, then you are required to apply for renewal within the twelve (12) months prior to the expiry date.
- If you have multiple certifications, you may have different expiry dates for one or more of those certifications. Certifications that have the same expiry dates may not all require renewal or recertification at the same time; in this case you can only submit a renewal application form for certifications that require renewal, and you can only submit a recertification application form for the certifications that require recertification.
CAN/CGSB 48.9712-2014 Recertification
Due to the Covid-19 temporary extension on candidates affected by the pandemic, select Recertification expiry dates that fall within the previous standard (2014 version) transition period are still valid and due to expire by December 15, 2024. During the transition period for the implementation of CAN/CGSB 48.9712-2014, once clients who require recertification are renewed, their certifications are valid until their next NDT certification renewal date. However, these renewals are issued conditionally, pending the successful completion of the recertification examination process. Candidates who do not complete their recertification examination by the end of their period of validity will not have their certifications renewed.
Recertification examination requirements
Level 1: Two-specimen practical examination
Level 2: Two-specimen practical examination with written instruction for Eddy Current Testing (ET), Magnetic Testing (MT), Penetrant Testing (PT), and Ultrasonic Testing (UT); two-specimen practical examination with film interpretation and written instruction for Radiographic Testing (RT).
Level 3: Two-specimen practical examination and choice of either a written examination or Structured Credit System for Eddy Current Testing (ET), Magnetic Testing (MT), Penetrant Testing (PT), and Ultrasonic Testing (UT); two-specimen practical examination with film interpretation for Radiographic Testing (RT) and choice of either a written examination or Structured Credit System.
Detailed information about the recertification examinations can be found in the Examination guide for NDT recertification. See Quick downloads: forms and guides page in the Find out more section below to download the guide.
Recertification examination attempts and applying for re-examination
Recertification candidates have a maximum of two (2) re-examination attempts if they are unsuccessful on the first recertification examination attempt. There must be a minimum of seven (7) days between attempts and any re-examinations must be completed within twelve (12) months of the initial attempt.
If you have recently failed a recertification examination, you should apply for NDT recertification re-examination as soon as possible.
Level 3 recertification
For written examination: An updated structured credit system is allowed as an alternative to the written recertification examination as per paragraph 11.3.1 b) of CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2022 / (ISO 9712:2021, IDT).
For practical examination: The Level 2 practical examination is required; alternative documentation is not acceptable.
How to apply for recertification
What to submit for your recertification application?
Complete and submit the following required recertification documents in addition to the appropriate fee (see below for fee information):
- Fully completed Recertification Application Form
- Recertification application and examination registration fees
- Vision Test Report Form for Non-Destructive Testing Personnel
- Attestation Form for NDT Vision Test Report (if applicable)
- NRCan National Non-Destructive Testing Certification Body Code of Conduct
- 2 Passport-style photos (required approximately every 10 years)
- Structured Credit System Application Form Note: One for each method, if you are applying for the Structured Credit System for Level 3 recertification instead of completing a Level 3 written recertification examination.
See Quick downloads: forms and guides page in the Find out more section below to download the required documents.
Instructions for submitting your application
1. Recertification application form
Your application form must be fully completed, signed and dated, and include all required attestations.
The Record of Experience (page 2 of the Recertification Application Form) must be completed to provide verifiable documentary evidence of continued satisfactory work activity without significant interruption in the method and sector for which you are seeking certificate renewal. Please ensure this page is signed by yourself and your supervisor. For full details about what work activity counts as continued satisfactory work activity in NDT, please read the Policy for NDT experience.
In the Attestations section (page 3 of the Recertification Application Form), it is your employer’s, supervisor’s and referee’s responsibility to verify your employment and work experience on the Record of Experience to ensure you have annually met the visual acuity requirements and to verify the authenticity of the photograph you are submitting. Please note: All three attestation sections must be completed. You cannot sign for yourself.
The same person(s) may sign for one or more of these roles if appropriately qualified for each. If you are unemployed, you are exempt from two of the three signatures required on the attestation form (employer and supervisor), but still require an NRCan/CGSB-certified NDT Level 2 or 3 referee to sign the attestations.
If you are self-employed, you are exempt from one of the three signatures required on the attestation form (employer), but still require a supervisor (can be a client who oversees your work or an appropriately qualified business partner) and an NRCan/CGSB-certified NDT Level 2 or 3 referee to sign the attestations.
2. Recertification Application and Examination Registration Fees
When you apply for recertification, you are required to pay for the recertification application fees (dependent on number of methods being recertified) and for the examination registration fees (dependent on the methods/levels being recertified) which are detailed below.
The NRCan NDTCB is encouraging all program users to use the electronic payment system when applying for recertification. During application processing, you will receive a specific email from the NRCan NDTCB providing you with the appropriate payment link to our secure online payment system via email. To provide flexibility, pre-authorized payment included with an application will still be processed.
Fees and other process requirements are subject to change. All fees are subject to the current fee schedule in effect. Fees paid to the NRCan NDTCB are non-refundable and non-transferable.
| Number of Methods | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| $320 | $525 | $730 | $935 | $1140 |
Recertification examination registration fees
Recertification examination registration fees are required for each method for recertification. The recertification examination registration fees are:
Recertification Examination Registration Fee (Per Method) |
Radiographic Testing | Ultrasonic Testing | Magnetic Testing | Penetrant Testing | Eddy Current Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $150 | $150 | N/A | N/A | $150 |
| Level 2 | $335 | $335 | $145 | $145 | $335 |
| Level 3 | $460 | $460 | $275 | $275 | $460 |
If you are applying for recertification in both the Engineering Materials and Components (EMC) sector and the Aerospace (A/S) Sector for Radiographic Testing, you must pay separate recertification examination registration fees for each examination.
3. Vision test report
Applicants must undergo a visual acuity test with a recognized medical professional attesting that the candidate has completed a satisfactory vision examination. Near and distance vision acuity results are valid for one (1) year, while colour vision and/or grey scale perception results are valid for five (5) years.
4. Attestation Form for NDT Vision Test Report (if applicable)
In cases where a CAN/CGSB Level 3 NDT personnel acting on behalf of the employer has approved another trained professional according to the requirements of ISO 18490 (latest version) to administer the vision test, the Attestation Form for NDT Vision Test Report must be completed and submitted to NRCan NDTCB together with the completed Vision Test Report form for Non-Destructive Testing Personnel.
5. Code of conduct
Applicants must submit a newly signed Code of Conduct form with each application.
6. Passport photos
Certified Personnel must provide two (2) passport-style photographs every second period of validity (approximately every 10 years) or if your appearance has significantly changed.
Passport photos must:
- measure 5 cm wide X 7 cm high (2 inches wide X 2-3/4 inches high)
- be taken by a commercial photographer and be professionally printed on photographic paper
- commercial photographer: may be provided through a retail location, photo studio, registered business/organization, or NDTCB accepted RTO/AEC.
- be clear, sharp, in focus, and in full colour
- be taken straight on with your face and shoulders centered and squared to the camera
- reflect your current appearance (taken within the last twelve (12) months)
- show your complete name, as well as the name and complete address of the photo studio and the date the photo was taken on the back of one photo
- be submitted, via mail or courier
Note: Self-taken and/or self-printed photographs and non-passport-style photographs will not be accepted. We may request additional photographs at any time if we deem previously submitted photographs unacceptable.
7. Structured credit system (Level 3 certifications only)
An updated Structured Credit System is allowed as an alternative to the Level 3 written recertification examination as per 11.3.1 b) CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2022. Credits may be awarded for certain types of NDT experience/activities gained over the last 5 years, providing that point minimums and maximums are met, and appropriate documentary evidence is provided. A structured credit system application counts as a written examination attempt for recertification and cannot be withdrawn once it has been submitted. If you submit a structured credit system application and it is not approved, it counts as a failed written recertification examination attempt. Only one attempt of the structured credit system is allowed per level 3 method.
How to apply for a structured credit system:
- Ensure that you have submitted a recertification application for the applicable level 3 method(s), with the appropriate recertification examination registration fee (see instructions above).
- Fill out separate Structured Credit System Application Forms for each Level 3 method that you would like to submit an application for. Your application(s) will not be accepted if you submit an application form with more than one method indicated on page 1.
- Attach applicable documentary evidence for each activity that you would like to be credited for, ensuring that you indicate which activity each piece of documentation corresponds to.
- Submit your application form(s) and documentary evidence to the NRCan NDTCB for review and assessment. As structured credit system applications may require additional information, documentation and/or verification, we recommend that you submit at least six (6) months in advance of your recertification due date.
Before you decide to apply:
Please read all information/instructions on the "Structured Credit System Application Form" and the “Examination Guide for Recertification” prior to deciding if you would like to apply for a structured credit system instead of completing a written recertification examination. See Quick downloads: forms and guides page in the Find out more section below.
Our responsibilities and policies
The NRCan NDTCB makes all reasonable efforts to ensure candidate applications, examination requests and certification submissions are completed as per service standard targets. Despite these efforts, errors, omissions and delays are possible. The NRCan NDTCB is not responsible for any direct and indirect costs, expenses or delays that may arise.
Recertification applications are subject to current NRCan NDTCB policies and procedures. Processed payment does not complete or guarantee the recertification process. Recertification of certification is issued only after completion, verification and NRCan NDTCB approval of application and successful completion of the recertification examination(s).
Late recertifications
Late recertifications may require additional information, documentation and/or verification. As recertification applications are processed in arrival sequence, processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications received and are not guaranteed. Incomplete documentation or complexity of routine verifications and checks may also lead to longer processing times.
Once decertified, candidates have a late recertification grace period of up to twelve (12) months after the certification expiry date. The certification can be reactivated by submitting a properly completed recertification application, payment of a $140 late recertification fee (in addition to the regular recertification fees), and by completing the recertification examination(s).
If the recertification process (including successful completion of exams) is not completed more than 12 months after the certificate expiry date, a candidate can only reactivate their certification(s) via successful completion of the initial certification process.
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