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Non-destructive testing technician

Alternative titles for this job include NDT technician

Non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians test the safety of materials and components used in structures, machinery and manufactured goods.

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Starter

to

£50,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42

You could work

weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

College

You might be able to find a place as a trainee technician after doing a qualification at college. 

Relevant college courses include:

  • welding
  • engineering
  • applied science
  • T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with an engineering or manufacturing company, for example:

  • Non-destructive Testing (NDT) Operator Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
  • Non-destructive Technologies Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

With further training, you may be able to take up a place on a Non-destructive Testing Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

These take between 2 and 4 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You can do a foundation degree in non-destructive testing (NDT) if you're already working in this field, for example in an engineering workshop or a materials testing lab.

The course is offered by the University of Northampton and is done by distance learning. You can go on to complete an NDT degree with them to qualify as an engineer.

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about this career through The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • knowledge of physics
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As non-destructive testing technician, you could:

  • create a testing plan and choose the types of test to be carried out
  • examine materials for internal and external cracks, flaws and defects
  • test samples using methods like X-rays, ultrasonics, staining and visual inspections
  • check welds and joints on structures, like pipelines and pressure vessels
  • collect and analyse test data
  • compare test results with original specification manuals
  • monitor the condition of components to track wear and tear over time
  • write reports on test findings, safety risks and recommendations

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a non-destructive tester to be a green job, you could:

  • incorporate environmental standards into all stages of testing
  • use renewable power sources for testing processes
  • store and dispose of testing materials, like chemicals, in an environmentally conscious way

Find out more about green careers

Working environment

You could work in a factory, in a workshop or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior non-destructive technician, or specialise in particular forms of testing.

You could also move into:

  • quality assurance
  • project management
  • technical sales
  • research and development

You might study part-time for a degree, or do a degree apprenticeship, to become a qualified NDT engineer.

You could register for Engineering Technician (EngTech) status, which would demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the industry.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

V05056 - Advanced Apprentice Non-Destructive Examination - NDE (Quality)

  • Wage: £14,526.20 to £23,492.04 a year Annually
  • Location: 1st Floor, Main Shipyard Offices, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

V05057 - Advanced Apprentice Radiography (Quality)

  • Wage: £14,526.20 to £23,492.04 a year Annually
  • Location: 1st Floor, Main Shipyard Offices, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Engineering (Automotive Engineering) - BEng Hons Degree (Full-time)

  • Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2026
  • Location: Blackpool

Engineering

  • Provider: NORTH KENT COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2026
  • Location: Gravesend
Find courses near you

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