Non-Destructive Testing Foundations

Credential:: certificate
Program length:: 15 weeks
Location:: In person (Main Campus)
International applicants:: Accepted Not PGWP eligible
Faculty:: School of Manufacturing & Automation

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Overview

The Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Foundations program will equip you with the fundamental skills required to perform critical inspections that contribute to the safety and maintenance of various industries.

Using techniques that assess the integrity of materials and structures without causing damage, NDT technicians play an essential role in preventing potential failures and saving time, money, and lives.

Learn from industry professionals with extensive field experience. Gain practical experience with the latest NDT equipment and technologies. Benefit from job placement assistance and career counselling. Connect with a community of professionals and alumni in the NDT field.

As a graduate, you can look forward to a job market with high demand for qualified NDT technicians. Opportunities for travel and diverse work environments are available, with potential roles across Canada and internationally. Employment sectors include pipelines and refineries, transportation, utilities, construction, steel and other manufacturing, and maintenance.

The program combines online theoretical courses with hands-on practical labs conducted on campus. The program duration varies depending on if you choose a full-time or part-time course load. This blended learning approach allows you the flexibility to manage other commitments while obtaining the necessary knowledge and skills that span the methods in the NDT field.

Enroll in the Non-Destructive Testing Foundations program today and take the first step towards a challenging and rewarding career in the inspection industry.

Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians need:

motor coordination and manual dexterity
communication skills
the ability to maintain focus in busy or noisy surroundings
the ability to work independently, often with little supervision
an aptitude for math
strong attention to detail
the ability to work flexible hours in varying locations
the ability to physically maneuver a job site freely.

You should enjoy performing tasks precisely, analyzing and interpreting data and systematically approaching your work.

The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous postsecondary courses may be available.

There may also be opportunities to further your education once you graduate.

Learn more about program and institution transfer options

Graduates are prepared to undertake the three steps mandated by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) for NDT certification in Canada:

comprehensive training
accumulation of work experience
successful passing of CGSB exams

This program specifically addresses the training component, setting a solid foundation for advancing to subsequent certification levels.

After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Non-Destructive Testing Foundations certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni.

people icon 75% graduate employment rate

salary icon $40,000 average starting salary

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 21120, 22230, 22231, 22232, 94104.

Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Non-Destructive Testing Foundations certificate requires 16.5 credits (nine courses) to complete.

The program spans 15 weeks (one semester.)

Course	Credits
Materials and Processes for NDT provides an overview of casting, forging and welding processes. Learners will discuss defects at various stages of processing and during service, defect detection, mechanical testing and heat treatments.	3
This course explores and develops skills for public speaking and technical presentations. Students will focus on technical writing for reports. Students will also develop resume styles to assist them in their job searches.	1.5
In this course learners are introduced to Visual Testing (VT) methods which allows technicians to locate defects in many materials. Learners work with various equipment and accessories and follow inspection procedures and standards outlined by industry and regulatory groups.	1.5
In this course learners cover generation and properties of eddy currents, sensing element types, factors affecting the test system, instrumentation and applications. Eddy currents are based on a circulating electrical current induced in a conductive material by an alternating magnetic field.	1.5
This course provides a basic foundation to Industrial Radiography for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). Learners cover the physical principles of penetrating radiation, sources, detection, process and weld interpretation. They also focus on practical applications and theory for Level 1 CGSB certification. Radiation safety with x-ray tubes, required by the Alberta Government codes, is also covered. Equivalents: INSP 201	1.5
Certified Exposure Device Operator is the first step in preparing learners for a career in Industrial Radiography. Learners will have the opportunity to review the basics of chemistry and ionizing radiation. The learner will also study safety, biological effects, radiation detection, emergency procedures, and procedures for the operation of exposure devices and Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulations.	1.5
This course is a part of the NDT Inspection Foundations program. It covers topics which include: fundamental properties of sounds, wave propagation, generation of ultrasonic waves, test equipment and test methods. Instruction is provided in calibration, performance tests, weld inspection, specification and result interpretation. Learners must provide their own calculator with scientific functions, which they will use throughout the course. Equivalents: INSP 205	3
In this course learners are introduced to Magnetic Particle (MPI) methods which allow technicians to locate defects in ferro-magnetic materials. Learners work with various equipment and accessories and follow inspection procedures and standards outlined by industry and regulatory groups.	1.5
Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI) also referred to, as Dye Penetrant Testing, is a sensitive, inexpensive and very portable Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) method that is capable of detecting and locating discontinuities that are surface breaking. This method is an enhancement of visual inspection. Topics covered are Basic Principles of Liquid Penetrant Inspection and Processing, Advantages and Disadvantages of various processes, System Controls, Test Equipment and Accessories and Inspection Procedures and Standards.	1.5

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.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

Successfully completed Grade 10 Math and Grade 10 English or equivalent.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

Upgrade

English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Sep 03, 2024

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: June 28, 2024
International students: Closed: Application deadline: May 29, 2024

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Jan 06, 2025

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024
International students: Open: Application deadline: Sept. 30, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	1	$10,428	$1,211	$11,639
Total cost:				$11,639

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	1	$15,427.50	$1,211	$16,638.50
Total cost:				$16,638.50

Books and supplies are approximately $500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Required tools and 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.

Your tools will be provided.

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	1	$10,230	$950	$11,180
Total cost:				$11,180

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	1	$15,427.34	$950	$16,377.34
Total cost:				$16,377.34

Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more

Fees

Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)

Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside the typical 15-week program.

2024/25 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

A breakdown of mandatory fees based on whether you are taking less than or more than nine credits per semester
SAIT fees	Less than 9 credits/semester	9 or more credits/semester
Campus athletic and recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.	$51.50	$103
Student support fee: supports services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including Career Advancement Services and Student Development and Counselling.	$53.75	$107.50
Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance your experience.	$53.75	$107.50
UPass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Additional eligibility requirements apply to obtain a UPass.	n/a	$165
Saitsa fees
Saitsa fee: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of various student services, activities, and programming. Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.	$16.23/credit	$146 maximum
Health and dental plan: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits. In most cases, your fees are quoted based on paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and dental coverage may opt-out.	n/a	$91 for health $84 for dental

Application process

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Apply now using the online application portal.

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $150 for international applicants.

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Non-Destructive Testing Foundations

On this page:

Overview