How to become a non-destructive tester or inspector
Official title: Non-destructive testers and inspectors
Also called: Weld tester, Boiler tester, Forging tester, Infrared tester, Ultrasonic tester, Fluoroscope tester, Hydrostatic tester, Eddy current tester, Radiographic tester, Dye penetrant tester, Pressure tank tester, Reflectoscope tester
Non-destructive testers and inspectors operate radiographic, ultrasonic, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current and similar testing equipment to detect discontinuities in objects of various compositions and materials. They are employed by quality control, maintenance and safety departments of manufacturing, processing, transportation, energy and other companies and by private industrial inspection establishments.
Main tasks
- Transport, set up and calibrate non-destructive testing equipment
- Conduct tests to ensure quality or detect discontinuities (defects) using ultrasonic, radiographic, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, eddy current and other non-destructive testing methods
- Establish techniques for proper examination of objects under inspection, ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations
- Interpret radiographs, cathode ray tube (CRT) or digital readouts, conductivity meters and visual indicators
- Apply testing criteria in accordance with applicable specifications or standards and evaluate results
- Organize and report test results
- May perform specialized inspections using acoustic emission, vibration analysis, infrared thermography and laser shearography testing methods
- May instruct and supervise trainees
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. Completion of two years of an approved post-secondary science or engineering program may be required. Additional classroom and on-the-job training is required for certification in non-destructive testing. Non-destructive testing certification by Natural Resources Canada is available in three levels and is usually required by employers. Industrial radiographers using a radioactive isotope must pass an examination to be recognized as a certified exposure device operator by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Welding inspector certification by the Canadian Welding Bureau is available in three levels and may be required by employers. Boiler and pressure vessel, process pipeline and above-ground storage tank inspector certification is available from the American Petroleum Institute.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 37% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Quality control and safety technologies/technicians; Precision metal working; Industrial production technologies/technicians.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $70,200 a year The middle half earn $51,363 to $87,750.
- About 4,800 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 4,600 are projected by 2033. (-4.2%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Engineering inspectors and regulatory officers
- Occupational health and safety specialists
- Construction inspectors
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Questions people ask
How do I become a non-destructive tester or inspector?
Completion of secondary school is required. Completion of two years of an approved post-secondary science or engineering program may be required. Additional classroom and on-the-job training is required for certification in non-destructive testing. Non-destructive testing certification by Natural Resources Canada is available in three levels and is usually required by employers. Industrial radiographers using a radioactive isotope must pass an examination to be recognized as a certified exposure device operator by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Welding inspector certification by the Canadian Welding Bureau is available in three levels and may be required by employers. Boiler and pressure vessel, process pipeline and above-ground storage tank inspector certification is available from the American Petroleum Institute.
How much does a non-destructive tester or inspector earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $70,200 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $51,363 to $87,750.
Is a non-destructive tester or inspector a growing career in Canada?
Employment is projected to fall 4% by 2033, from about 4,800 to about 4,600 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a non-destructive tester or inspector?
Usually not. Only 13% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03