In a recent interview prerecorded for ASNT Rewind, which took place on 19 March
2025, Paul Lang, ASNT Chief Global Strategy Officer and the Executive Director
of ASNT Certification Services LLC, shared insight into ongoing developments in
nondestructive testing (NDT) certification, training, and global outreach. These
advancements reflect ASNT’s commitment to aligning industry practices and stan-
dards with emerging technologies and strengthening international collaboration.
STRENGTHENING
COLLABORATION
WITH AWS
One of the key topics discussed was
ASNT’s cooperative relationship with
the American Welding Society (AWS).
This partnership aims to harmonize
certification requirements and stream-
line processes for professionals in
both organizations. A primary focus
has been integrating AWS’s Certified
Welding Inspector (CWI) program into
the ASNT 9712 certification framework.
This effort ensures that CWIs can seam-
lessly transition into ASNT’s certification
process while meeting standardized
industry requirements.
Lang emphasized the importance of
this partnership, stating, “We’ve worked
closely with AWS to identify gaps and
ensure that CWIs can move smoothly into
the ASNT 9712 program. This collabora-
tion helps both organizations and, most
importantly, the professionals seeking
certification.”
Additionally, the partnership has led
to the future dual branding of AWS’s
Certified Radiographic Interpreter
program, and other initiatives further
strengthening cross-certification oppor-
tunities. With 40% of ASNT’s members
also holding AWS certifications, this
initiative provides professionals with
greater flexibility and recognition across
disciplines.
NEW AUTHORIZED
TRAINING
ORGANIZATION
ACCREDITATION
ASNT has also launched an Authorized
Training Organization (ATO) accredita-
tion program, responding to industry
concerns about training consistency and
quality. Lang highlighted that training
varies widely in effectiveness, and the
ATO program aims to standardize
instruction quality by accrediting educa-
tional institutions (such as universities,
community colleges, trade schools, and
other training institutions).
“The biggest issue we’ve seen is the
wide range in training quality. Some
programs are exceptional, while others
fall short. With the ATO program, we’re
creating a consistent benchmark for
training institutions to meet industry
expectations,” Lang explained.
The program recently completed beta
testing, with the first accredited organi-
zation already listed on ASNT’s website
and two more nearing final approval.
ASNT anticipates an official launch in
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GLOBAL GROWTH
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the coming months, with applications
opening soon. This initiative is expected
to enhance training credibility and bring
consistency to the NDT industry. To
date, Lang said that they have received
more than a hundred inquires on the
accreditation and how to go about
obtaining it, indicating a high interest
within the NDT community.
EXPANDING ASNT’S
GLOBAL REACH
Since its establishment in 2023,
ASNT India Pvt. Ltd., an entity of ASNT
Inc., has been expanding its influence
by offering certification exams, training
programs, webinars, and industry events.
ASNT Certification Services has an
agreement with ASNT India to admin-
ister exams, reinforcing the organization’s
presence in the region.
“ASNT India has been a fantastic addi-
tion to our global strategy. It’s allowing
us to directly engage with professionals
in the region, making certification more
accessible and efficient,” Lang noted.
Building on this momentum, ASNT is
collaborating with AWS to open a second
facility in India. This expansion aims to
provide direct access to industry profes-
sionals, reducing reliance on US-based
assessments and strengthening ASNT’s
global standing.
THE FUTURE OF NDT
CERTIFICATION
Looking ahead, Lang identified tech-
nological advancements as both a
challenge and an opportunity for NDT
certification. Innovations in artificial intel-
ligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and
virtual reality (VR) are revolutionizing
the industry but pose difficulties when
applied to a certification framework
developed over 50 years ago.
“We’re at a critical point where we
need to reassess how we evaluate
competency. AI and AR are changing the
game, and we must adapt our certifica-
tion methods to reflect these advance-
ments,” Lang said.
ASNT is actively exploring ways to
modernize competency assessment.
Lang emphasized that the traditional
Level I, II, and III certification model
may need to evolve to accommo-
date emerging technologies and new
methodologies. ASNT is committed to
collaborating with industry stakeholders
to develop a future-ready certification
system that ensures continued excellence
in NDT.
“I think in the future we will be evolving
into a different type of certification
system, in which we assess individuals on
their competency for NDT,” said Lang.
CONCLUSION
ASNT Certification Services LLC is
making significant strides in enhancing
certification programs, standardizing
training, expanding global reach, and
adapting to technological advance-
ments. “The challenges we face today
are exciting because they push us to
innovate and improve,” said Lang. “ASNT
is dedicated to ensuring that certifica-
tion evolves with the industry, and I look
forward to seeing how we shape the
future of NDT.”
Paul Lang is ASNT Chief Global Strategy
Officer and Executive Director of ASNT
Certification Services LLC.
SOCIETYNEWS
|
SCOPE
NDT CERTIFICATION WITH
AND INNOVATION
Since its
establishment in
2023, ASNT India
Pvt. Ltd. has offered
certification exams,
training programs,
webinars, and
industry events.
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