Overview
Enter the inspection industry with the foundations needed to succeed in all levels of inspection methods. Identify possible mechanical and structural failures, failures for oil and gas, transportation and utility companies.
The Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Foundations program assists you to enter the growing NDT field by providing a basic overall knowledge of the inspection industry. This knowledge is a foundation for you to progress through all levels of inspection methods including identifying potential mechanical and structural failures that can save time, money and lives. For example, inspection and reporting must be carried out on equipment in the oil and gas, transportation and aviation industries, just to name a few.
The online/blended learning approach is a combination of approximately four months of online theory courses and one month of on-campus practical labs. If you are self-disciplined and need additional flexibility to balance your other obligations - while still furthering your education - this program may be a fit for you.
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.
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 per year*
Year 1: $9,695
Year 1 (International): $15,466
Year 1: TBA
Year 1 (International): $14,437 (+fees TBD)
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
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 can you apply?
- Applications for winter 2021 open March 30, 2020, and are accepted until the program start.
- Applications for spring and fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020, and are accepted until the program start.
Full-time day
Term | Program start |
---|---|
Winter 2021 | Jan. 11, 2021 |
Spring 2021 | May 10, 2021 |
Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
Shifting career gears: From SAIT to SpaceX
How a SAIT Non-Destructive Testing Foundations grad launched into a career at SpaceX.
Admission requirements
Admission and selection
- Winter 2021 start: applications open March 30, 2020, and are accepted until the program start date.
- Spring or fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020, until the program start date but are subject to change.
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 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 selection
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.
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
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs
2020/21 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $8,473 | $682 | $288 | $252 | $9,695 |
2020/21 International Tuition and Fees*
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2020/21 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $14,153 | $682 | $288 | $344 | $15,466 |
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 domestic tuition and fees.
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | TBA | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
Check back for updates on the 2021/22 fees and program total.
Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $14,437 | $- | $- | $- | TBA |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $171.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $100
Student technology fee: $100
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $500.
Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Winter 2021
Orientation
Orientation for new students will take place online on Jan. 11, 8 am - 3 pm.
View our orientation page.
Delivery
This program will be delivered in a blended format for the Winter 2021 term due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health and safety guidelines. The majority of courses will take place online, with certain labs and hands-on learning scheduled on campus.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
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 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, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
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 bookstore.
The Winter 2021 booklist will be available beginning in late November.
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 required this term.
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.