Nondestructive Testing

Partnering with the United States Navy, the College is bringing Nondestructive Testing training to the Philadelphia region. Nondestructive testing technicians are an essential part of construction and manufacturing, both in the Navy and in the private sector. Using techniques like magnetic particle inspection, nondestructive technicians inspect the quality of welds and materials used in maritime construction and transportation. This means testing and assuring the quality of welds for ship and submarine parts, testing pipelines that carry hazardous materials like oil and nuclear elements, testing for small defects in parts, evaluating the condition and lifespan of equipment used in manufacturing, and more. Outside the Navy, this skillset can be applied to the construction of large buildings, machinery, and more.

About the Program

In just six months, you’ll be prepared for careers in quality assurance and inspection. You will be trained in methods used to evaluate the integrity of materials, components and structures without causing damage. Aligned with ASNT SNT-TC-1A (2024), NAS-410, and CP-105 standards, the program offers both Level I and Level II training in Visual Testing (VT), Dye Penetrant Testing (PT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), and Ultrasonic Testing (UT).

You will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical lab experience, learning to detect surface and subsurface defects, interpret indications, and apply industry-specific codes and standards. The program integrates employer-defined applications, safety protocols, equipment calibration, and inspection report documentation.

Career Outlook

Graduates are equipped for high-demand roles in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction and energy sectors. Entry-level technicians typically earn $27/hour, with opportunities for advancement into supervisory or engineering inspection roles. The median salary for nondestructive technicians is $77,000 a year.

Program highlights:

• Taught by certified ASNT Level II and AWS-CWI instructors
• Hands-on training with industry-grade equipment
• Strong career placement support through BlueForge Alliance and regional employers
• Integration of soft skills, workplace readiness and professional development

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Use industry-standard tools and equipment for Magnetic Particle, Penetrant, Visual, Ultrasonic, and Radiographic Testing
• Apply correct setup, calibration, and inspection procedures for each NDT method
• Interpret and evaluate test results to identify and classify defects
• Compare inspection findings against applicable codes and acceptance criteria
• Select appropriate NDT methods based on material, geometry, and defect type
• Follow safety protocols for radiation, chemical handling, and equipment use
• Develop inspection plans, techniques, and checklists for various applications

Certifications and Competencies

• OSHA 10 General Industry
• ASNT Level I & II in VT, PT, MT, and UT
• Instruction aligned with industry-recognized codes including ASTM, ASME, and NAVSEA standards

Workforce Development Program Scholarships

Thanks to the Community College of Philadelphia Foundation and its donors, workforce development scholarships are available for the Nondestructive Testing program. To submit your scholarship application, follow the steps in this Workforce Development Program Scholarship Application Guide.

Payment Plan Available

You can pay for the Nondestructive Testing program in four installments, with a 25% deposit due when you register. You will then be invoiced in three equal monthly installments beginning with the month the course starts.

Noncredit Program Refund Policy

Refunds for noncredit programs will be granted if the class is canceled or if you withdraw no later than the day before the first class. Refunds are not available after class begins.

Program Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent

Course Dates and Times

Course hours: 500