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
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $11,180
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $16,377.34
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
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 requirements
- Students must have successfully completed Grade 10 Math and Grade 10 English or equivalent.
All applicants 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. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program 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 the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program is available to international students, however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program.
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.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | April 28, 2023 |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | Dec. 15, 2023 |
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.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $588
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | $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 | 1 | $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.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | $10,230 | $474 | $476 | $11,180 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | $15,427.34 | $474 | $476 | $16,377.34 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
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 of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.22/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students 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/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
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.
*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
Program orientation (ORNT 118) for students starting in Spring 2023 will take place on campus May 8. 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 March 1 through March 15 for Spring 2023.
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.
