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Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Architecture and Engineering (17-3029)

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

At a Glance

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists earns a median of $77,390/yr with +1.5% projected growth. Typical entry: Associate's degree. Top skills: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards, Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials, Microsoft Project.

Median Annual Wage

$77,390/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+1.5%

Annual Openings

6

Typical Education

Associate's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (8)

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

3.9
Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

3.9
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.6
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.5
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.4
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.3
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.3
Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

3.3

Knowledge (9)

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

4.1
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

4.0
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.9
Physics

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

3.8
Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

3.7
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

3.7
Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

3.4
Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

3.4
Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

3.3

Abilities (13)

Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

4.1
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.0
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

4.0
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

4.0
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.8
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.8
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.8
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.6
Far Vision

The ability to see details at a distance.

3.6
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.5
Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

3.3
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.3
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.3

Technology (9)

Microsoft Project

Category: Project management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Autodesk AutoCAD

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Work Activities (30)

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.8
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.8
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.5
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.5
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

4.4
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.2
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

4.2
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.1
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.1
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

4.1
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.1
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.0
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

4.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.9
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

3.9
Coaching and Developing Others

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

3.8
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.6
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.6
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.6
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

3.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies

Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

3.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

3.5
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

3.5
Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

3.4
Developing and Building Teams

Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

3.4
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

3.3
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

3.3
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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