Toward a Modular, Global Certification Framework for Concrete NDT Practitioners

Despite the widespread application of non-destructive testing (NDT) in the evaluation of concrete structures, formal certification frameworks for practitioners remain inconsistent and underdeveloped. Unlike sectors such as aerospace or maritime, civil infrastructure lacks unified, standards-based competency paths. Current reliance on private training bodies and vendor-led seminars has helped address this gap, yet lacks harmonization or cross-border recognition. This paper highlights the emerging role of the ACI NDT Certification Program and proposes a modular, method-specific certification scheme allowing practitioners to be qualified according to the standards they apply (EN, ASTM, BS). A globally recognized, multi-standard training and assessment framework—facilitated by a neutral international body—is proposed as a path to greater consistency, safety, and professional credibility in NDT for civil engineering. The proposed framework can build on best practices from ISO 9712 and incorporate tiered assessment, standard-specific training, and centralized accreditation. Technical differences between standards for commonly used concrete NDT methods—such as pulse velocity, rebound hammer, and GPR—are reviewed to illustrate the need for modular certification. A roadmap for implementation and pilot deployment is proposed.