Non-Destructive Testing Foundations

Credential:: certificate More info on program credentials
Program length:: 15 to 34 weeks Learn more about program length
Location:: In person (Main Campus) More info on program location
International applicant info:: Accepted | Not PGWP eligible | CIP: 15.0799 Learn more about international applicant eligibility
Faculty:: School of Manufacturing & Automation

Credit credentials

A credit credential includes courses with post-secondary credit applied.

These credits will be used towards your specific program and may be accepted towards a credential at SAIT or a different post-secondary institution.

The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

Bachelor Degree

SAIT has bachelor's degree programs in business, construction, and hospitality and tourism management.

Bachelor's degrees are generally four-year programs, but you have up to 10 academic years to complete your courses.

Applied Degree

SAIT's full-time applied degree programs involve one year of study through classes and lab work followed by one year of directed studies in a workplace setting. This builds on the completion of a recognized two-year diploma, which you must have to be admitted to an applied degree program.

You then have seven academic years to finish your applied degree, starting from the day you begin the first course in that program.

Diploma

At SAIT, over 40 full-time diploma programs cover a broad range of areas, from aircraft maintenance to travel and tourism.

Most diploma programs are completed in two years, though you can take up to seven academic years to complete the requirements.

Certificate

SAIT has several certificate programs in the sciences, health and trades.

These programs provide the essential skills to start a career but are shorter in length than SAIT's diploma programs - usually a year or less. However, you have up to five years to complete your program.

Post-Diploma Certificate

These programs build on skills developed through a diploma or degree program and combine classroom instruction with a workplace practicum.

They are often completed in a year or less.

Journeyperson

A certified journeyperson is recognized as a qualified and skilled person in a trade and is entitled to the wages and benefits associated with that trade. You must complete all apprenticeship periods and pass the exams to earn a journeyperson designation.

Non-credit credentials

A non-credit credential comprises courses and programs designed for professional or personal development.

Because these do not have post-secondary credits attached, they cannot be used towards any of the credentials above. We also cannot guarantee an external institute will accept these courses or credentials for transfer credit.

SAIT's non-credit certificates of achievement and completion are offered through Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

Certificate of Achievement

Certificates of achievement recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 144 (required and elective) course hours.

Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

A micro-credential recognizes the completion of a non-credit course that includes a formal performance evaluation and verifies you have demonstrated specific competencies.

Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

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 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.

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 89% graduate employment rate

salary icon $62,500 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 planning support

Unsure which career path is for you? Here are some recommended career planning resources to help you decide your future.

You can also head to Alberta alis for lots of information about careers in Alberta, including quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a path.

Finally, you can take our online career finder quiz, which can help narrow your options based on your current skills and interests.

Take our career finder quiz

Courses

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

The program spans 15 weeks (or one semester) if you study full-time and 34 weeks if you study part-time.

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

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you 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 completion of the following courses or equivalents:

Grade 10 Math, and
Grade 10 English.

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

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements outlined above with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents 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

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we have created transfer agreements with partner institutions to allow you to earn course credits toward your SAIT program based on your previously completed credentials.

Transfer Alberta search tool

Use the Transfer Alberta search tool to see all transfer agreements between Alberta post-secondary institutions (including those with the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University and Bow Valley College.)

Search transfer agreements in Alberta

There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.

Transfer options for graduates

When you have completed this program, you may continue your education at a partner post-secondary institution. These transfer agreements include partnerships within and/or outside of Canada.

Available intakes

Spring 2025

Start dates:

May 05, 2025

Domestic students: Waitlisted: Application deadline: April 30, 2025

Fall 2025

Start dates:

Sep 02, 2025

Domestic students: Waitlisted: Application deadline: June 30, 2025

Winter 2026

Start dates:

Jan 05, 2026

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: Oct. 24, 2025
International students: Open: Application deadline: Sept. 26, 2025

Spring 2026

Start dates:

May 04, 2026

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: April 30, 2026
International students: Open: Application deadline: March 27, 2026

Costs

2025/26 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2025.

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees is based on completing the program in one semester of study. Following a modified schedule will impact the fees you pay per semester and may alter final costs.

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	$1,024.30	$11,452.30
Total cost:				$11,452.30

The program total is based on the estimated amount you will pay if you enter this program during the 2025/26 academic year. The program total amount listed on your letter of admission may appear higher. This amount is your maximum tuition guarantee for the program. SAIT will not exceed this maximum, regardless of changes in tuition and fees between academic years.

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	$15,658.50	$1,024.30	$16,682.80
Total cost:				$16,682.80

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
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.

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

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to 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.

Begin your application

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 $175 for international applicants.

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

What sets SAIT apart
An introduction to the program and area of study
Admission requirements
Future career paths
Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Manufacturing and Automation Advising

Phone: 403.284.8641
Email: ma.info@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone: 403.284.8852
Email: international@sait.ca

a view of the moutains and stream in between

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Visit Natoysopoyiis Resource Centre

Non-Destructive Testing Foundations

On this page:

Overview