Yes. It has not proved as successful as originally hoped for Level II Examiners, largely (I believe) because the empoyer still must Certify the Examiner. We have developed our "Written Practice" to include provisions for our certification of ACCP certified Level II examiners.
The ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) was an attempt to expedite the NDT certification process but is industry specific (e.g., aerospace, power, pipeline, etc.) In other words, you cannot have NDT certifications with an aerospace company and then go to a nuclear power plant because the specifications and codes are so different.
It also depends on an employers written practice which usually involves an employer specific exam along with the ASNT ACCP certification.
I hate to disagree with anyone on this subject, but I must.
I hold four ACCP Level III certifications and there are no restrictions on what industrial sector I work in imposed by ASNT.
The ACCP Level III examinations are developed by ASNT committees. They are not industry specific, but are rather broad in the scope. One part of the ACCP examination includes writing a NDT procedure based on a specification provided at the time of the examination.
The advantage of the ACCP certification is that it is developed by a third party that has no finacial ties to the employer so the test isn't influenced by the employer's interest. The examination requires the candidate to have a good understanding of the test method and variations of the test method. For example, if the examination is for ultrasonics, the candidate must understand immersion testing as well as contact testing.
The advantage to the certification holder is that is for all practical purposes it is transportable. Unlike certification to SNT-TC-1A, the ACCP certification is not revoked or terminated when the Level III moves from one employer to another.
The advantage to the employer is that the ACCP certification is an unbiased assessment of the candidates understanding of the test method. The ACCP certification can be easily incorporated into the employer's written practice.
I have held 4 ACCP Level III certifications (grandfathered in). I currently hold 3 ASNT Level III's.
ASNT does not care what sector one works in, but it is up to the employer to accept the portability of ACCP certifications. My point was that to certify in most industry sectors, a specific and practical exmination (hands on) will also be required. If you work in one and only one industry, the portability factor does come into play. If you have worked in aerospace, you are not going to just jump over into another sector such as nuclear.
I know that to work at a nuclear power plant, the ASME Code Section XI and 10 CFR 50.55a are very specific about industry related experience and the ACCP certifications are no better than the regular ASNT Level III certifications in this case. ASNT CP-189 is the governing certification procedure that makes all the recommended practices of SNT-TC-1A mandatory and then some.
Jack, my observation from working globally as an NDT/Inspection Engineer, principally in the Oil and Gas sector, is that very few ASNT Level IIIs will do specific and practical exams once they have qualified Level III. Even many will not do 5 yearly renewal of certification exams but will renew by accumulation of points for attending meetings, conducting audits, etc.
In my opinion ISO 9712/EN 473 certifications are more demanding of the technician/engineer. For instance last time I renewed my PCN Level 3's by examination I also had to do a Level 2 practical exam even though I was previously qualified Level 2 in those methods (but since expired). Quite rightly too, I believe if I am writing procedures or appraising technicians I should demonstrate my own proficiency to a 3rd party on a regular basis.
