Visual Testing (VT) Level I & II

Overview:

Visual Testing (VT) is the most widely used NDT method and forms the foundation of all inspection activities. This course trains participants to perform visual inspections on welds, materials, components, and structures using direct and indirect techniques.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand VT principles and inspection tools
• Identify surface defects and discontinuities
• Apply lighting, magnification, and measurement techniques
• Interpret acceptance criteria from codes and standards
• Prepare inspection reports and documentation

Who Should Attend:

Inspectors, QA/QC personnel, welders, supervisors, maintenance teams.

Course Modules:

1. Introduction to Visual Testing
2. Tools, Equipment & Lighting Requirements
3. Surface Discontinuities & Defect Identification
4. VT for Welds, Castings & Structures
5. Codes, Standards & Acceptance Criteria
6. Reporting & Documentation

Delivery Format:

Onsite / Practical Lab / Hybrid

Certification:

ISO 9712 or ASNT SNT‑TC‑1A

Introduction

Visual Testing (VT) is the first line of defense in inspection and quality assurance. It is the most widely used Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) method across Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Marine, Power, Construction, and Manufacturing industries. More than 80% of all inspection findings originate from visual examination before any advanced NDT method is applied.

VT Level I & II certification ensures inspectors can identify surface discontinuities, evaluate weld quality, detect corrosion, assess structural integrity, and verify compliance with engineering codes and standards. It is the foundation upon which all other NDT methods are built.

This GTMCS Visual Testing Level I & II program is aligned with ISO 9712 and ASNT SNT‑TC‑1A, combining technical theory, hands‑on practice, and certification preparation. Participants gain real‑world competency using inspection tools, lighting techniques, gauges, weld standards, and defect evaluation methods.

This training course will highlight:

• VT principles, tools, and inspection techniques
• Surface discontinuity identification
• Weld inspection and acceptance criteria
• Codes, standards, and compliance requirements
• Hands‑on practice with gauges, lighting, and inspection tools

Course Benefits

• Gain competency in visual inspection techniques
• Identify weld defects, corrosion, and surface flaws
• Interpret engineering drawings and weld symbols
• Apply acceptance criteria from global standards
• Prepare for ISO 9712 / ASNT Level I & II certification
• Improve inspection accuracy and reporting quality

Tools & Technologies Covered

• Inspection gauges (fillet, bridge cam, hi‑lo)
• Lighting tools, mirrors, magnifiers, borescopes
• Weld standards and reference blocks
• Surface condition evaluation tools
• Digital reporting and inspection documentation

Practical Workshops

• Hands‑on weld inspection practice
• Surface defect identification exercises
• Use of gauges and measurement tools
• Lighting and magnification techniques
• VT Level II evaluation and reporting simulation

Real‑World Case Studies

• Pipeline weld inspection
• Pressure vessel and tank inspection
• Structural steel and civil infrastructure
• Corrosion and coating breakdown assessment
• Shutdown/turnaround inspection scenarios

Industry Relevance

This course is essential for:

• Oil & Gas and Petrochemical inspectors
• Welding inspectors and QA/QC teams
• Civil, structural, and mechanical inspectors
• Marine and offshore inspection teams
• Manufacturing and fabrication workshops

Future Skills Alignment

• Inspection competency aligned with ISO 9712
• Engineering drawing and weld symbol literacy
• Defect evaluation and acceptance criteria
• Digital inspection and reporting skills
• Technical communication and documentation

Objectives

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

• Perform visual inspections to Level I & II competency
• Identify weld defects, corrosion, and surface flaws
• Use inspection tools and gauges correctly
• Apply acceptance criteria from codes and standards
• Prepare accurate inspection reports
• Pass ISO 9712 / ASNT Level I & II examinations

Training Methodology

• Instructor‑led technical demonstrations
• Hands‑on practice with real components
• Case study analysis
• Scenario‑based defect evaluation
• Daily quizzes and certification preparation

Organisational Impact

• Improved inspection quality and accuracy
• Reduced welding failures and rework
• Enhanced compliance with global standards
• Stronger asset integrity and reliability
• Better documentation and reporting consistency

Personal Impact

• Higher technical confidence in inspection tasks
• Improved defect recognition skills
• Stronger understanding of engineering drawings
• Career advancement in NDT and QA/QC roles
• Eligibility for ISO 9712 / ASNT certification

Who Should Attend?

• NDT trainees and beginners
• Welding inspectors and QA/QC staff
• Mechanical, civil, and structural inspectors
• Fabrication and workshop supervisors
• Anyone preparing for VT Level I & II certification

Certificates

Upon successful completion, participants receive a GTMCS Certificate of Completion and are prepared for ISO 9712 / ASNT Level I & II certification exams.