Program Evaluation | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 17-3029.01

Skills

Reading ComprehensionQuality Control AnalysisActive ListeningCritical ThinkingMonitoringWritingActive LearningOperations Monitoring

Knowledge

Engineering and TechnologyMathematicsEnglish LanguagePhysicsEducation and Training

Abilities

Problem SensitivityWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningNear VisionOral ComprehensionInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingOral ExpressionFar VisionWritten Expression

Tasks

Interpret the results of all methods of non-destructive testing (NDT), such as acoustic emission, el
Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, o
Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
Operate drones for remote inspection of large or hard-to-reach structures, such as wind turbines, bridges, or tall buildings.

Technology

Computer aided design CAD softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareGeographic information systemElectronic mail softwareData base user interface and query software

Tools

Acoustic emissions systemsAcoustic testersAmp metersBinocular polarizing microscopesBinocularsBlack lightsCapacitance testersCharge-coupled device CCD camerasClosed circuit television systemsComputer assisted tomography CAT inspection equipmentDepth gaugesDesktop computersDigital micrometersDigital oscilloscopesDigital refractometers

Work Values

SupportIndependenceAchievementWorking ConditionsRecognitionRelationships

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium17-3029.01	Non-Destructive Testing Specialists	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: proficient (Level 3)(based on Post-Baccalaureate Certificate)

Full range of NDT methods including acoustic emission, neutron radiographic, thermal infrared, ultrasonic, and vibration analysis — interpret results autonomously and apply engineering judgment across complex or non-routine inspection scenarios.
Test results against codes, standards, specifications, and customer requirements — evaluate independently, determine accept/reject dispositions, and document rationale in accordance with quality management systems.
Critical infrastructure such as aircraft, nuclear reactor components, bridges, dams, and high-pressure pipelines — examine using appropriate NDT techniques and provide authoritative fitness-for-service assessments.
Calibration and performance verification of advanced NDT systems — execute without oversight, troubleshoot equipment anomalies, and adjust procedures to maintain measurement integrity in field and laboratory environments.
Ambiguous or complex defect indications — analyze using deductive and inductive reasoning, correlate with material history and service conditions, and recommend corrective or monitoring actions.
Comprehensive NDT inspection reports including quantitative data, defect maps, and engineering recommendations — author with precision for regulatory submissions, client deliverables, or quality records.
NDT procedures and work instructions — develop or revise to reflect updated codes, new material types, or modified inspection geometries encountered on specialized projects.
Analytical or scientific software and CAD tools — utilize to model inspection coverage, analyze data trends, and present findings to engineering or management teams.
Thermal, infrared, or leak testing methods — apply to structures or systems exhibiting atypical service damage, adapting technique parameters to non-standard geometries or environmental conditions.
Cross-functional quality control processes — support by linking NDT findings to production or maintenance root-cause investigations and contributing technical input to corrective action plans.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.