Qualification of test technicians in accordance with DIN 54161

DIN 54161, “Non-destructive testing – Qualification of non-destructive testing operators”, specifies requirements for the training and qualification examination of test technicians. The term test technician refers to personnel in non-destructive testing (NDT) whose qualification is below Level 1 under DIN EN ISO 9712, which replaced DIN EN 473 in January 2013.

Qualification as a test technician may be considered in two situations, for example:

• For testing tasks that do not require qualification in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9712
• As a preliminary qualification on the path to later qualification in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9712

Inspection methods covered by DIN 54161

The standard applies to the qualification of test technicians in several common non-destructive testing methods: ultrasonic testing (UT), radiographic testing (RT), eddy current testing (ET), magnetic particle testing (MT), penetrant testing (PT) and visual testing (VT). The standard can also be applied by analogy to other inspection methods.

Entry requirements, knowledge and skills of a test technician

Entry requirements for test technician qualification are completion of general or vocational schooling, or comparable prior education, together with evidence of adequate eyesight. Training provides basic knowledge and practical skills for simple testing tasks. These include, in particular:

• Method and equipment fundamentals for simple tests
• Handling testing equipment and accessories
• Carrying out simple functional checks
• Performing simple testing tasks using preset equipment and following a testing instruction
• Recognising and recording indications and completing simple test reports

Scope of training

Qualification consists of theoretical instruction and practical exercises. The standard specifies minimum durations:

• 24 hours for the UT, RT and ET methods
• 12 hours for the VT, PT and MT methods

These comparatively short training periods can naturally cover only some of the testing techniques taught as part of Level 1 and Level 2 qualification in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9712.

Qualification examination and certificate

After successfully passing the qualification examination, which consists of a theoretical and a practical part, the test technician receives a certificate. This includes:

• A statement that the qualification was based on DIN 54161
• The inspection method taught and the testing techniques covered
• The number of theoretical and practical training hours
• Confirmation that the examination was passed

Advantages of test technician training

Test technician training is particularly suitable for in-house training of testing personnel in areas where qualification in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9712 is not required. It also allows companies to respond flexibly to specific requirements when qualifying testing personnel. In practice, DIN 54161 can be applied much more flexibly than the more standardised DIN EN ISO 9712.

Limitations of the qualification

However, test technician training cannot replace the much more extensive qualification in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9712. Nor does it replace requirements stipulating that testing personnel must be qualified and certified under this international standard. In such cases, qualification in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9712 remains the governing basis for the deployment of NDT personnel.

W.S. Werkstoff Service GmbH – expertise in materials testing

We will be happy to answer further questions about test technician training, including occupational entry requirements, funding options, evidence of qualifications and course dates. Dates for our next test technician courses are available online.

We also offer company-specific in-house training on request, provided that sufficient participants attend.