NDT Training Courses

Whether you want training for a specific inspection method or are prepared to begin a new career in nondestructive testing with our NDT Career Program, the National Inspection Academy provides the training you need for a price that is affordable.

Welcome to The National Inspection Academy

NIA provides quality, cost-effective Nondestructive Testing and Inspection training for the infrastructure, energy, petrol-chemical, aerospace, and related commercial industries.

Our NDT curriculums are offered as online training or hybrid training, incorporating a mix of online instruction with hands-on classroom education our facility or remote locations.

NIA supports apprenticeship programs as well as promote outreach and education to the public, partnering with other organizations and corporations in support of the NDT inspection industry.  We offer granting opportunities providing training to veterans and minorities seeking career transition.

” NDT inspection detects fractures, voids, corrosion, and other flaws that could threaten structural integrity or operations.”

NDT Career Program

The National Inspection Academy has created an innovative NDT Career program that combines hands-on equipment familiarization with on-demand online instruction to provide all the educational requirements needed to begin a career in nondestructive testing. Tuition cost: $8,000

NDT Training Programs

NIA’s NDT Career Program immerses students in the world of nondestructive testing, providing them with a robust NDT  training program which includes Level I and Level II training in seven highly sought after NDT methods as well as a full radiation safety training course.  This level of education propels students into the NDT industry with a diverse training background highly sought after by employers compared to individuals with limited NDT training.

Our blended NDT training program separates the lecture and laboratory training elements into separate components to provide a more flexible learning environment for our students.

Students will be expected to complete approximately 400 hours of online NDT training over a six-month period.  At the time of enrollment students will be scheduled for the three-week laboratory portion of the training program six months from their online initiation date.  Laboratory NDT training will be provided at the NIA facility in Baxter Minnesota.  This provides students ample time to complete the online training portion of the program.  Students may request to attend the laboratory portion of the training program in advance of their scheduled date provided that all online training modules are complete, and all examinations have been passed.

The laboratory portion of the NDT training program consists of three weeks of Level I and Level II hands on training for all seven NDT methods included in the program.  Laboratory classes are from Monday through Friday at 10hrs of instruction per day for three consecutive weeks.

home
NIA Line II

NDT Earning Potential

The PQNDT Salary Survey is a comprehensive annual report that provides insights into the compensation and benefits within the nondestructive testing (NDT) industry. It has been a critical resource since 1994, offering valuable data on industry trends by region, sector, and certification level.

Key findings from recent surveys highlight the following trends:

Compensation and Employment Trends: The survey indicates a positive trend in full-time employment and compensation within the NDT industry. For example, the average compensation for full-time NDT professionals saw an increase of over 4%, reaching approximately $102,977 in recent years. This rise in compensation was consistent across various certification levels (PQNDT).

Shift from Contract to Full-Time Positions: There has been a notable shift from contract to full-time positions. The economic recovery has led to employers offering more stable, full-time jobs, reducing the reliance on contractors. This shift is reflected in a 7% increase in full-time employment among NDT professionals since 2011 (NDT.org).

Geographical and Sectoral Insights: The survey provides detailed breakdowns of compensation and employment trends across different regions and sectors, helping employers create competitive compensation packages and understand where most jobs are located (PQNDT).

Overall, the PQNDT Salary Survey serves as an essential tool for both employers and employees in the NDT industry, enabling them to benchmark salaries, understand industry trends, and make informed decisions about career and business strategies.

For more detailed results and to participate in future surveys, you can visit the PQNDT website (PQNDT) (NDT.org)

Financing Available For NDT Training

Start Your NDT Career with Confidence: Finance It Locally with MMFCU

Are you ready to invest in your future and start a rewarding career in the non-destructive testing (NDT) field? Our NDT Career Program is the perfect stepping stone, offering a comprehensive package that includes 400 hours of online study and 15 days of hands-on NDT training at our facility in Baxter, MN. But we know financing your education can feel overwhelming, which is why we’re excited to offer a financing option you can trust—right here in our local community.

Partner with Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union (MMFCU) for a personal loan designed to help you achieve your career goals without breaking the bank. MMFCU offers some of the lowest interest rates in the region, allowing you to focus on your studies and future success instead of worrying about high-interest payments.

Unlike online lenders that may come with higher, less predictable interest rates, MMFCU is a local, trusted credit union that has been supporting individuals and families in our community for years. By choosing MMFCU, you’ll benefit from personalized service, a commitment to helping you succeed, and the peace of mind that comes from working with a local institution that truly cares.

Don’t let high-interest rates hold you back—apply for a loan with MMFCU today and take the first step toward your bright future in NDT!

Jason Dotzel
Jason Dotzel
Google Review
Super awesome team! They were super easy and helpful with everything. Thanks again. Just recently received my RAD-40. Super shoutout for Brent awesome guy
Clayton Lonsberry
Clayton Lonsberry
Google Review
Brent and his team at National Inspection Academy are great to work with. Communication is great, price is great. Highly Recommend for all your NDT training needs.
Rain Clayton
Rain Clayton
Google Review
Was a wonderful program learned a lot from my online classes. The instructors are great very helpful if you want to boost off your NDT career I would highly recommend this school / program
Domenic Garza
Domenic Garza
Google Review
I recently completed the RAD 40-hour certification course with the National Inspection Academy, and the experience exceeded my expectations. The course material was clear, well-organized, and extremely informative. What truly sets this program apart is Brent Moulton. He goes above and beyond to ensure you understand the material, what to expect, and helps calm any nerves you may have about the certification process. His response time is impeccable
Frank Wilbert
Frank Wilbert
Google Review
Brent has a true passion for the NDT field. I highly encourage anyone who is in the NDT field to seek his guidance. The courses were straightforward and well established. As someone who has taken ndt classes from other institutes, this is definitely one of the top ones to attend.
Phillip Sauser
Phillip Sauser
Google Review
Excellent instructors who really understand NDT. I have worked with NIA personnel in a professional capacity and was impressed with the knowledge and inspection expertise possessed. I have also been exposed to their training materials and fine them to be superior to others I have engaged in including AWS, ASNT, and USACE.
D Hoke
D Hoke
Google Review
I haven't taken the classes provided here yet, but I had several conversations with Brent on NDE and Inspection practices. His passion for the industry, teaching, and mentoring is the reason he is one of my go to sources for my company.
Cody Dabill
Cody Dabill
@username
Brent is a wealth of knowledge and knows what he is talking about! The information he shares with you will prepare you to be in the field and excel in the industry! Highly recommend looking him up if you want a career change or just getting out into the work force!
Latest News

Read Latest Updates

December 14, 2024

Unlocking the Power of Eddy Current Inspection: A Guide to Modern Non-Destructive Testing

Revolutionizing Safety and Quality: The Power of Eddy Current Inspection How Eddy Current Inspection Enhances Precision in...

December 4, 2024

Visual Testing of Welds for Structural Buildings

Technical and scientific advances over the past century have provided many options for inspecting structural welds when...

November 30, 2024

The Importance of Remote Visual Inspection in NDT

Remote Visual Inspection has Provided Key Inspection Data While Maintaining Safety for its Operators. Remote visual inspection...

November 30, 2024

Recommendations for Visual Testing of Welds

Visual Testing Responsibilities before Welding and Fabrication Work Project Drawings and Specifications Obtain all current project drawings,...

November 30, 2024

Performing Visual Testing of Pipe Systems

In the construction of pipelines/ pipework for the transporting of petroleum, gas, chemical, or other fluids/slurries, it...

November 30, 2024

Indirect Visual Testing of Welds

Visual Testing (VT) technicians often need to inspect internal welds, welds that are often deep inside a...

November 30, 2024

What You Need to Know When Selecting an Ultrasonic Thickness Gage

When it comes time to choose the proper ultrasonic thickness gage for your needs, many factors must...

November 30, 2024

Ultrasonic Testing of Metal Bars and Tubular Products

Ultrasonic nondestructive testing (NDT) is a well-established technique that utilizes high frequency sound waves to locate cracks...

November 30, 2024

Ultrasonic Testing of Fiberglass and Carbon Fiber Composites

As the use of fiberglass and carbon fiber composites in manufacturing has grown, so has the need...

November 30, 2024

Ultrasonic Testing of Bolts and Pins: Longitudinal Beam Review

A longitudinal beam is also known as a straight beam, or compression wave. Some people think that...

November 30, 2024

Ultrasonic Testing: Not Only for Weld Examination

Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is a versatile volumetric nondestructive testing (NDT) method that enables the NDT technician to...

November 30, 2024

The Role of Ultrasonic Inspection in the Power-Gerneration Industry

Nondestructive testing (NDT) is a vital activity in the power-generation sector, not only for safety reasons, but...