Overview
Play a vital role in the inspection industry by studying non-destructive testing – an important component of many industries. You can make a difference by identifying potential mechanical and structural failures that can save time, money and lives.
Develop the skills to enter the growing non-destructive testing (NDT) field by gaining basic overall knowledge of the inspection industry so you can progress through all levels of inspection methods. This program is a combination of theory courses and practical labs, giving you the flexibility to balance your other obligations while still furthering your education.
In Canada, NDT certification is regulated by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB). There are three steps required to obtain CGSB Certification
- training
- work experience
- CGSB exams
These three steps are required for each level of certification in each method.
The NDT Foundations program at SAIT helps you to accomplish the first step of this process which prepares you to complete step two and step three.
Is this the right fit for me?
To be successful as a Non-Destructive Testing Technician, you need the following skills:
- the ability to work independently, often with little supervision
- math skills
- communication skills
- strong attention to detail
- ability to work flexible hours in varying locations
- the ability to physically maneuver a job site freely.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT certificate in Non-Destructive Testing.
Get important updates about our programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in pipeline and refinery, transportation, utilities, construction, manufacturing and maintenance. Potential positions include:
- NDT technician
- NDT maintenance technician
- NDT inspection technician
- physical sciences technician/technologist
Related careers include:
- boilermaker
- avionics technician
- aircraft structure technician
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $10,567.50
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $15,699.50
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
This program is eligible for Canada-Alberta Job Grant funding.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When do classes start?
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | April 28, 2023 |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
Non-Destructive Testing — turbo-charged career training that pays off
Non-destructive testing (NDT) involves inspecting something to ensure its integrity in a way that keeps the object being tested intact. The 15-week NDT Foundations certificate program is for those interested in full-time, in-person study prior to securing employment in the field.
Admission requirements
Admission dates
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change
- Fall 2022 start: applications are accepted from Oct. 6, 2021.
- Spring 2023 start: applications are accepted from June 13, 2022.
Make note of the program start date as you'll need this when you submit your application.
Admission requirements
- Students must have successfully completed Grade 10 Math and Grade 10 English or equivalent.
All applicants to SAIT must demonstrate english language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program overview information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Non-Destructive Testing Foundations and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the ma.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CODE-270 | Materials and Processes for NDT | 1.5 |
| COMM-249 | Technical Communications | 1.5 |
| INSP-200 | Visual Inspection Level II | 1.5 |
| INSP-207 | Eddy Current Level I | 1.5 |
| INSP-210 | Radiography Level I | 1.5 |
| INSP-220 | Certified Exposure Device Operator | 3.0 |
| INSP-236 | Ultrasonic Level I | 3.0 |
| INSP-263 | Magnetic Particle Levels I & II | 1.5 |
| INSP-264 | Liquid Penetrant Levels I & II | 1.5 |
| Program total | 16.5 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Transfer options
Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $588
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $9,702 | $458 | $407.50 | $10,567.50 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $899.03
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | $14,834 | $458 | $407.50 | $15,699.50 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $98
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $160
- Student support fee: $100
- Student technology fee: $100
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will be held on campus on your first day of classes. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on Tuesday, July 5 for Fall 2022.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
Your tools will be provided.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
You will need overalls, steel-toe boots and safety glasses. We recommend waiting to purchase these until classes begin as your instructors will discuss industry-approved PPE in class.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
A digital copy of the course materials will be provided. Students who wish to purchase a hard copy of the course materials may do so at the SAIT Bookstore.
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Contact
Phone: 403.210.4343
Email: ma.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
Josh Brewster, Academic Chair
Email: josh.brewster@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
