Professional Designation Framework

Requirements and Guidelines for NDT Professional Recognition

Professional Designation Policy

Introduction to Professional Designation

Professional Designation through the SAINT Professional Body for Non-Destructive Testing (SPBNDT) is available to Affiliate Members who meet the required qualifications, experience, and ethical standards of the organisation. The designation recognises an individual’s competence and professional standing within the field of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and confirms their right to practice within their area of expertise under the guidance of the Professional Body.

Regulatory Status and Professional Recognition

SPBNDT is recognised as a Non-Statutory Professional Body, meaning that professional designation is voluntary but structured to maintain high professional standards in the NDT industry. Once granted, a designation is issued in the form of a professional title and unique registration number, and the details of designated professionals are recorded on the National Learner Records Database (NLRD) for verification through the SAQA website.

Eligibility and Membership

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Eligibility and Membership

DESCRIPTION

  • Only Affiliate Members may apply for Professional Designation.

  • Members must subscribe to the objectives and principles of the Professional Body as outlined in the Constitution.

  • Members must pay the annual subscription fee as determined by the Board.

  • Professional designation is voluntary but governed by the Professional Body’s requirements.

  • All designated members must comply with the Constitution and Code of Conduct.


Principles of Fairness and Equality

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Principles of Fairness and Equality

DESCRIPTION

SPBNDT and SAINT operate according to principles of fairness and equal opportunity.

  • The Professional Body adheres to fair and transparent processes.

  • Equal opportunity is maintained for all applicants.

  • No discrimination is permitted based on:

National or ethnic origin
Gender
Age
Religion
Marital status
Sexual orientation
Disability


Board Authority and Approval

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Board Authority and Approval

Description

The Board of the Professional Body maintains full authority over professional designation decisions.

  • The Board may approve or decline any designation application.

  • Renewal of designation may also be declined if deemed not in the interest of the Professional Body.

  • The number of designated professionals is not restricted.

  • Professional designations and related benefits are not transferable.

  • All application information is treated as confidential.


Application and Registration

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Application and Registration

Description

Affiliate Members must apply online through the SAINT Professional Body website.

  • Applications are submitted through www.professional-body-ndt.

  • The system includes a database for managing applications and registrations.

  • Designation records are securely stored and backed up in the cloud.

  • Approved designations are issued by the Professional Body Registrar.


Issuing of Professional Certificates

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Issuing of Professional Certificates

Description

SAINT Professional Body for NDT may issue designation certificates to qualifying members provided that the following conditions are met:

  • Maintain registration as a Professional Body with SAQA.

  • Maintain registration of designations with SAQA and upload required data.

  • Maintain a computerised record-keeping system with backups.

  • Keep a complete record of all certificates issued.

  • Provide duplicate certificates when required, clearly marked as copies.

  • Issue certificates only to qualified and experienced Affiliate Members.

  • Revoke designations when necessary.

  • Recognise Academic Members not registered on the NQF.

  • Recognise Qualification and Certification Members not registered on the NQF.

Members working on operational sites are required to carry an SPBNDT identification card, as designation cards are often more practical than paper certificates in working environments.


Professional Designation Titles

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Professional Designation Titles

Description

SAQA recognises the following NDT professional titles within SPBNDT.

  • Operator – NDT Level 1

  • Technician – NDT Level 2

Designation titles may also include method specialisations, such as:

  • ET – Eddy Current Testing

  • MT – Magnetic Particle Testing

  • PT – Penetrant Testing

  • RT – Radiographic Testing

  • UT – Ultrasonic Testing

  • VT – Visual Testing


Qualification Requirements � NDT Operator (Level 1)

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Qualification Requirements � NDT Operator (Level 1)

Description

Experiential Learning and Practical Experience

  • Completion of an in-service training and mentoring programme.

  • Training aligned with company written practice or quality manuals.

  • Procedures aligned with Unit Standard workplace requirements.

  • Minimum 6 months workplace experience.

Examination / Assessment

  • Independent examination based on:

    • AQB approved question papers

    • ICNDT International Question Database

    • ASNT Level 3 examination questions

  • Assessment includes:

    • General paper

    • Specific paper

    • Practical examination

  • Conducted at approved examination centres.

  • Minimum pass mark of 70% per paper and practical assessment.

Industry Certification Requirements

  • Vision acuity certificate

  • Training records and course results

  • Independent qualification examination results

  • Company certification or authorisation

  • In-service training and experience matrix

Continuing Professional Development

  • Minimum 20 CPD points per year for renewal.


Qualification Requirements � NDT Technician (Level 2)

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Qualification Requirements � NDT Technician (Level 2)

Description

Experiential Learning and Practical Experience

  • In-service training and mentoring programme aligned with company procedures.

  • Minimum 1 year workplace experience.

Examination / Assessment

  • AQB approved question papers and ICNDT question database.

  • Assessments include:

    • General paper

    • Specific paper

    • Practical examination

  • Minimum pass mark of 70% per paper and practical assessment.

Industry Certification Requirements

  • Vision acuity certificate

  • Training records and course examination results

  • Independent examination results

  • Company certification or authorisation

  • In-service training and experience matrix

Continuing Professional Development

  • Minimum 30 CPD points per year for renewal.


Additional Requirements for Members

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Additional Requirements for Members

Description

Designated members must:

  • Comply with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.

  • Follow the Code of Conduct and Constitution of the Professional Body.

  • Pay all required membership fees.

  • Uphold the vision and mission of the Professional Body.

  • Maintain ethical, professional, and respectful conduct in all NDT activities.


Rights of Members

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Rights of Members

Description

Members are entitled to:

  • Participate in general meetings.

  • Vote on matters requiring member input.

  • Suggest improvements to the professional designation system.

  • Report issues without fear of retaliation, including:

    • Unsafe operating practices

    • Complaints about systems or service providers

    • Appeals against decisions

    • Concerns regarding system shortcomings

  • Use the authorised designation letters:

    • SPBNDT Professional


Termination of Professional Designation

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Termination of Professional Designation

Description

Designation may be terminated under the following conditions:

  • Failure to renew designation annually.

  • Voluntary resignation, with written notification to the Board.

  • Non-payment of membership fees.

  • Violation of the Code of Conduct or Constitution.

  • Conviction by a court of law resulting in imprisonment without the option of a fine.


Designation Procedures

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Designation Procedures

Description

The following procedures apply to professional designation management:

  • Application – Submitted online through the SPBNDT website.

  • Approval – Reviewed by the Designation Committee and confirmed by the Registrar.

  • Renewal – Completed annually online, with automatic email reminders.

  • Revocation – Conducted according to Disciplinary Procedure SPB-OP-13.


Annual Renewal Requirements

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Annual Renewal Requirements

Description

Designated members must complete the following during annual renewal:

  • Verify or update personal information.

  • Upload CPD evidence through the system.

  • Combine all CPD documents into one PDF file before uploading.