Radiography Testing I

Course Overview

Radiographic Testing Level I is a foundational course designed for individuals pursuing certification in radiographic testing (RT). It addresses the training requirements outlined in certification standards such as NAS-410, SNT-TC-1A, and NavSea Technical Publication T9074-AS-GIB-010/271, and follows the topical outlines defined in ANSI/ASNT CP-105.

Through structured learning, students gain a solid understanding of RT principles, radiation physics, equipment operation, image quality, and radiation safety. When paired with hands-on training under the guidance of a Level II or III, this course satisfies the total required training hours for Level I certification. Upon successful completion of all course materials and exams, learners receive a training certificate—an important document to retain throughout one’s NDT career.

Upon Completion, Learners Will Be Able To:

• The history of radiography and the advantages and disadvantages of RT
• Mathematics for radiography and calculator operation
• Properties of matter, the atom and its parts, elements, and periodic table notations Ionization; alpha and beta particles and gamma and x-rays; electron volts; photo-electric effect;
• Compton scattering; pair production; Units of radiation exposure in air; gamma source emissivity; X-Ray output
• Gamma radiation; Isotope production; gamma source properties; activity and half-life; calculations for half-life; agreement and non-agreement states; advantages and disadvantages of gamma ray radiography; gamma source projectors; double encapsulation; collimator
• X-Ray generation; Bremsstrahlung process; Scatter; parts of x-ray tube; intensity and Kv of tubes; heel effect; characteristic x-rays; transformers and generators; rectification; warm up requirements; focal spot size; filtering at the tube; high-energy x-ray sources
• Radiographic quality; film processing; sensitivity and quality of radiograph; types of IQIs; film structure, film handling, and film artifacts Intensifying screens and cassettes; multiple film load techniques
• Radiographic sensitivity, contrast, and definition; characteristic curves; latitude; unsharpness; protection and detection of scatter radiation; geometric unsharpness formula and rules of shadow formation
• Measuring radiographic quality; IQI details and uses; placement of IQI; shims for hole-type IQIs; exposure charts; density requirements; step wedge strip for densitometer calibration; calculation of minimum source to film distance
• Non-film imaging devices; line pair gauge; EN-465 gauge; resolution and contrast sensitivity verification Sources of radiation in society; ionizing radiation; tissue damage mechanism from radiation; radiation exposure units; dose calculation; Code of Federal Regulation (CFR); state and NRC control of radiation licenses; ALARA; dose limits for radiation workers and public; radiation effects and variables; acute and somatic effects; restricted area, radiation area and high radiation area limits and posting requirements; types of facilities
• Methods of protection against radiation, including time, distance, and shielding; dose calculation, inverse square calculations, and definition; shielding by ½ and 1/10 value layer and definitions, and calculations
• Radiation safety equipment and monitoring devices; survey meter types, calibration and measurement limits; pocket dosimeter; TLD, OSLD and film badges; alarming rate meter; area alarms
• Required surveys for radiation work; labeling of sites and equipment; gamma ray container types and radiation limits; vehicle requirements for various levels of radiation; truck storage limits; shipping requirements; storage surveys
• Daily and quarterly maintenance checks, leak testing, and x-ray machine labels
• Reports, records, and notifications per NRC regulations; licensing requirements NRC training requirements for radiographers and radiation safety officers; periodic observation by RSO
• 10-CFR-37 regulations
• Radiographic variables such as changing Ma, Ci, Kv and distance
• Qualification and certifications documents and SNT-TC-1A review

This course meets the recommendations for training as described in SNT-TC-1A.

NOTE: There is RECOMMENDED READING assigned at the beginning of the course. The completion of these assignments in addition to self-study is strongly encouraged and will add to the overall training benefit and time to be credited. It will also better prepare the student for the practical lab/’hands-on” session. It is recommended that the student a log of the self-study time. It is also recommended that the applicable Level III be involved and confirm that the reading and self-study assignments have been completed. This should become a part of the student's training records which may be used in conjunction with subsequent certifications.

Meet the Instructor

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  Gary Larson

  Gary Larson brings over 40 years of NDT experience across industries including nuclear, aerospace, and manufacturing. He holds ASNT Level III certifications in RT, UT, PT, MT, and VT, along with ACCP credentials. Gary has worked with Sikorsky and Pratt & Whitney, providing inspection and training in multiple methods. He currently consults as a Level III for aerospace and military suppliers and contributes to ASTM’s E07 Committee. His teaching experience includes developing and delivering online NDT courses.