CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
KEY DIFFERENCES
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PATH
ISO 9712 vs ASNT SNT-TC-1A: Which NDT Certification Should Indian Technicians Choose?
By First Welding Certification Technical Editorial Team
6 Min Read
02 Sep 2026
Table Of Contents
ISO 9712 VS SNT-TC-1A: CERTIFICATION AT A GLANCE
ISO 9712
THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION
Independent certification body
Individual Competence
International Specific
SNT-TC-1A
EMPLOYER-BASED CERTIFICATION
Employer under written practise
Employer Certification
client Specific
WHAT TO CHECK
BEFORE CHOOSING
Customer Specification
Applicable standard
International Specific
NDT Method & Level
The difference between ISO 9712 and SNT-TC-1A is important for NDT technicians, inspectors, and Indian companies working with international clients.While both systems are about certifying NDT technicians, the way they certify is quite different.
For an Indian NDT technician working in export-related manufacturing or doing inspections overseas, especially in Europe, understanding the difference between an ISO 9712 certificate and an SNT-TC-1A certificate can help prevent confusion when looking at job descriptions.
ISO 9712 vs SNT-TC-1A: What Is the Difference?
The main difference between the two standards is how they handle the certification process.
ISO 9712:2021 sets out the requirements for training and certifying people who do non-destructive testing in industry.
It covers different testing methods like ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, magnetic testing, penetrant testing, visual testing, and other specific techniques.You can find the latest version of ISO 9712:2021 on the official ISO website.
SNT-TC-1A, on the other hand, is a guide from ASNT that helps employers create their own system for training and certifying NDT staff.
It’s important to note that SNT-TC-1A is not a separate certification program.
Instead, it’s a way for employers to manage their own certification process.This was confirmed by ASNT in their advisory on SNT-TC-1A certification practices from June 2026.
What Is ISO 9712 Certification?
The ISO 9712 certification provides a structured way to show that NDT personnel are qualified through a certification process.
Based on this certification, people may be able to work with different NDT methods at various skill levels across different industries.
These methods include:
– Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
– Radiographic Testing (RT)
– Magnetic Testing (MT)
– Penetrant Testing (PT)
– Visual Testing (VT)
– Eddy Current Testing (ET)
It is important to consider whether the customer, employer, contract, or project requires NDT personnel to have independent certification.
This is especially important for Indian NDT technicians who want to work on NDT projects abroad.
What Is ASNT SNT-TC-1A?
ASNT-TC-1A is about the qualifications and certification of people who do nondestructive testing.It is a suggested guideline made by the American Society for Nondestructive Testing.
Under SNT-TC-1A, the company that employs NDT workers creates a Written Practice.
This document explains what training, experience, tests, and certifications are needed for NDT staff.
In 2026, ASNT made a key clarification stating that SNT-TC-1A is not a separate, independent, or third-party certification system.
Also, ASNT warned against training centers giving certificates that say they follow SNT-TC-1A but aren’t properly connected to the company’s Written Practice.
So, Indian technicians need to check where the certificate came from, which company’s Written Practice it is linked to, and what the customer’s specific requirements are.
ISO 9712 vs SNT-TC-1A: Key Differences
| Factor | ISO 9712 | ASNT SNT-TC-1A |
|---|---|---|
| Certification model | Independent/third-party certification scheme | Employer-based certification |
| Document type | International Standard | ASNT Recommended Practice |
| Certification responsibility | Certification body under the applicable scheme | Employer |
| Written Practice | Certification scheme requirements apply | Employer establishes Written Practice |
| Personnel certification | Individual certification under the scheme | Employer certification |
| International projects | Relevant where ISO 9712 is specified | Acceptance depends on employer/client/project |
| European work | Often relevant where ISO 9712 is required | Must be specifically accepted |
| Main consideration | Applicable certification scheme | Employer Written Practice and customer requirements |
The key thing to realize is that the choice between ISO 9712 and ASNT SNT-TC-1A isn’t about picking a superior certificate, but about selecting the one that is most suitable for the specific task.
For NDT technicians in India, the first thing to ask is:
“Does my employer or client require any certification?”
If you are working on a European contract or for the international market, or if there is a specific need for ISO 9712, then getting ISO 9712 certification would be the best option for you.
However, if your employer has a well-established SNT-TC-1A written practice and your client agrees to it, then SNT-TC-1A might be a suitable choice.
Technicians looking to build a career in other countries should consider this before deciding on the right certification.
NDT Certification Decision Path
Indian NDT Technician
↓
Where will the qualification be used?
↓
European / International Project
→ Check if ISO 9712 is required
Employer-Based NDT Program
→ Check the company’s SNT-TC-1A Written Practice
Export Manufacturer
→ Review the customer’s purchase specification
Code / Contract Controlled Project
→ Check the relevant code, standard, and personnel certification requirements
Why ISO 9712 Matters for Indian NDT Technicians
Indian NDT professionals are now working in many areas like fabrication, oil and gas, power, railways, aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and international projects.
In these fields, having a certified person is just part of the technical paperwork.
Companies might also need proper NDT methods, inspection records, welding qualifications, WPS/WPQR documents, and any special requirements from their customers.
That’s why it’s important for both technicians and their employers to look at all the project needs instead of thinking that one NDT qualification will work for every customer.
If you’re specifically looking for ISO 9712 certification in India, you can check the First Welding Certification Pvt Ltd (PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a.s.) for the right information.
You can also look into other NDT certification topics through our Knowledge Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ISO 9712 better than SNT-TC-1A?
There is no single “better” certification. ISO 9712 and SNT-TC-1A have two different approaches to the certification model. The appropriate choice will be dictated by the employer, customer, contract, code applicable, and project specification.
What is the difference between ISO 9712 and SNT-TC-1A?
ISO 9712:2021 specifies the requirements for qualification and certification of personnel engaged in NDT while SNT-TC-1A contains guidelines for the development of a Written Practice and personnel certification.
Is SNT-TC-1A an ASNT certification?
The SNT-TC-1A is a recommended practice issued by ASNT. Certification according to an SNT-TC-1A scheme is essentially employer-based certification, which is explicitly outlined in ASNT’s advisory 2026.
Which NDT certification is the best for Indian technicians working in Europe?
In case where the European customer, contract or project specification demands ISO 9712 certification, then the ISO 9712 certification scheme would be the relevant one to consider.
Is the ISO 9712 certification internationally recognized?
ISO 9712 is an internationally recognized standard for qualifying and certifying NDT personnel. Nevertheless, the recognition of this certification varies based on the specific project requirements of the applicable customer, contract, regulation and certification body.
Can an NDT technician be qualified through ISO 9712 and SNT-TC-1A simultaneously?
An NDT practitioner may qualify through different programs depending on the specific employers’ or projects’ needs. The certification must identify the appropriate certification program.
What considerations should Indian NDT technicians take into account before deciding on certification?
Before selecting a certification program, an Indian NDT technician should check on the NDT method, level of certification, industry, employer requirement, customer requirement, code of certification, project location, and certification program.
Conclusion
The main difference between ISO 9712 and ASNT SNT-TC-1A is the way the certification is handled.
ISO 9712 sets the standards for qualifying and certifying NDT personnel based on a recognized certification system.
On the other hand, SNT-TC-1A is a recommended practice that allows employers to create their own written procedures and certification process.This was clarified in an ASNT advisory released in June 2026.
For Indian NDT technicians who are seeking jobs overseas, working with European clients, involved in exports, or doing international inspections, it’s important to note that if a project or customer requires ISO 9712, then that’s the certification they should aim for.
The simplest way to decide is to not rely on the name of the certification alone.
Always consider the specific needs of the job or customer.
Begin Your ISO 9712 Certification Journey
Looking for ISO 9712 Certification? Visit First Welding Certification Pvt Ltd (PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a.s.) – ISO 9712 Certification to find the right certification route for you.