Nondestructive Examination Technology
The Nondestructive Examination (NDE) Technology curriculum prepares students for careers in non-destructive testing of materials, equipment and/or components. NDE test methods assess an object’s integrity without affecting its function. NDE is used in many industries, including construction, petrochemical, pulp and paper, power generation and aerospace.
Coursework includes ultrasonics, radiography, liquid penetrant, visual, magnetic particle and eddy current examination. Students gain knowledge of these methods through applied theory and hands-on applications.
The NDE curriculum meets classroom and laboratory training requirements of Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), permitting graduates the opportunity to obtain method-specific NDE certification after a few months of on-the-job experience with their employers. Career opportunities exist in applied NDE, material sciences, technical sales and quality control in many industries.
All of the courses are offered through a Fast Track program (any semester course offered in less than a 16 week semester). When creating a class schedule, pay particular attention to the start/end dates and times of the courses.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in NDE employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Non-Destructive Examination Technology (A50350)
Degree Awarded
An Associate in Applied Science Degree in Non-Destructive Examination Technology is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Many courses have prerequisites; check the Courses section for details.
Contact Information
Non-Destructive Examination Technology is in the Skilled Trades Division. To receive a suggested sequence of courses, contact instructors through the NDE Technology program office at 704.330.4434. For more information, contact the Skilled Trades Division at 704.330.4413.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Writing and Research in the Disciplines | ||
| Literature-Based Research | ||
| Professional Research & Reporting | ||
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Take 3 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | ||
| Algebra/Trigonometry I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| World Civilizations I | ||
| World Civilizations II | ||
| American History I | ||
| American History II | ||
| American Government | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| WLD 141 | Symbols and Specifications | 3.0 |
| NDE 110 | Introduction to Nondestructive Examination | 3.0 |
| NDE 111 | NDE Codes and Specifications | 2.0 |
| NDE 142 | Visual Testing-1,2 | 2.0 |
| NDE 143 | Liquid Penetrant Testing-1,2 | 2.0 |
| NDE 152 | Magnetic Particle Testing-1,2 | 2.0 |
| NDE 121 | Principles of Ultrasonic Examination-UT Level I | 4.0 |
| NDE 122 | Angle Beam Examination | 4.0 |
| NDE 131 | Radiation Safety and Principles of Radiographic Testing | 4.0 |
| NDE 132 | RT Industrial Applications | 3.0 |
| NDE 153 | Eddy Current Testing-1 | 3.0 |
| NDE 221 | UT Industrial Applications | 4.0 |
| NDE 231 | Advanced Radiographic Testing Techniques | 3.0 |
| NDE 252 | Eddy Current Testing (ET) | 2.0 |
| CIS 110 | Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
| Select one of the following: | 4.0 | |
| Conceptual Physics and Conceptual Physics Lab | ||
| Conceptual Physics Lab | ||
| Physics-Mechanics | ||
| College Physics I | ||
| Technical Electives | ||
| Select 2.0 credits from the following: | 2.0 | |
| CAD I | ||
| Engineering Graphics | ||
| Engineering and Design Graphics | ||
| Applications Software for Tech | ||
| Introduction to Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Electricity | ||
| Motors and Controls | ||
| Workplace Safety | ||
| Industrial Safety | ||
| Quality Management | ||
| Metrology | ||
| Engineering Materials | ||
| UT Industrial Applications | ||
| Advanced Ultrasonic Testing Including Phased Array | ||
| Advanced Radiographic Testing Techniques | ||
| Advanced Visual Testing (VT) | ||
| Performance Demonstration Initiative -1, Ultrasonic Testing, Carbon Steel Pipe Welds | ||
| Performance Demonstration Initiative -2, Ultrasonic Testing, Stainless Steel Pipe Welds | ||
| Perf Demonstration Initiative -3, Ultrasonic Testing, Thru Wall Sizing, Carbon Steel/Stainless Steel | ||
| Perf Demonstration Initiative -8, Ultrasonic Testing, Weld Overlay and Dissimilar Metal Thru Wall Sizing | ||
| Performance Demonstration Initiative -10 Ultrasonic Testing, Dissimilar Metal Detection and Length Sizing | ||
| Nuclear Reactor Systems | ||
| Cutting Processes | ||
| Oxy-Fuel Welding | ||
| Basic Welding Processes | ||
| SMAW (Stick) Plate | ||
| Welding Metallurgy | ||
| GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate | ||
| GTAW (TIG) Plate | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Total Credits | 66 | |
Nondestructive Examination Technology Diplomas
Dual Nondestructive Examination and Quality Assurance (QC) Diploma (D50350)
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | ||
or MAT 121 | Algebra/Trigonometry I | |
| Major Required Courses: | ||
| NDE 110 | Introduction to Nondestructive Examination | 3.0 |
| NDE 121 | Principles of Ultrasonic Examination-UT Level I | 4.0 |
| NDE 122 | Angle Beam Examination | 4.0 |
| NDE 142 | Visual Testing-1,2 | 2.0 |
| NDE 143 | Liquid Penetrant Testing-1,2 | 2.0 |
| NDE 152 | Magnetic Particle Testing-1,2 | 2.0 |
| WLD 110 | Cutting Processes | 2.0 |
| WLD 141 | Symbols and Specifications | 3.0 |
| WLD 115 | SMAW (Stick) Plate | 5.0 |
| WLD 131 | GTAW (TIG) Plate | 4.0 |
| WLD 121 | GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate | 4.0 |
| Total Credits | 41 | |
Non-Destructive Examination Technology Certificates (C50350)
- Non-Destructive Examination Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Ultrasonic Examination (C50350-C1)
- Non-Destructive Examination Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Visual and Penetrant Examination (C50350-C2)
- Non-Destructive Examination Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Radiographic Examination (C50350-C4)
- Non-Destructive Examination Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Eddy Current Examinations (C50350-11)
- Non-Destructive Examination Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Testing and Measurement (C50350-12)
These are special, short-term certificates offered in the NDET program. The courses listed are taken from the NDET diploma and0 degree programs. These certificates are issued in accordance with Central Piedmont policy and certify that students have successfully completed the courses (GPA of 2.0 or higher) within the certificate program. These are not certificates to perform NDE. These certificates, along with the process of NDE qualification and testing, are performed by the employer, not Central Piedmont.
Students may earn certificates which build to earning a diploma or degree. Students may earn certificates in the same semester that they earn a degree or diploma.
Non-Destructive Examination Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Ultrasonic Examination (C50350-C1)
| Major Requirements | ||
| MAT 121 | Algebra/Trigonometry I | 3.0 |
| NDE 110 | Introduction to Nondestructive Examination | 3.0 |
| NDE 121 | Principles of Ultrasonic Examination-UT Level I | 4.0 |
| NDE 122 | Angle Beam Examination | 4.0 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Non-Destructive Examination Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Visual and Penetrant Examination (C50350-C2)
| Major Requirements | ||
| NDE 110 | Introduction to Nondestructive Examination | 3.0 |
| WLD 141 | Symbols and Specifications | 3.0 |
| NDE 142 | Visual Testing-1,2 | 2.0 |
| NDE 143 | Liquid Penetrant Testing-1,2 | 2.0 |
| CIS 110 | Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Non-Destructive Examination Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Radiographic Examination (C50350-C4)
| Major Requirements | ||
| NDE 110 | Introduction to Nondestructive Examination | 3.0 |
| NDE 131 | Radiation Safety and Principles of Radiographic Testing | 4.0 |
| NDE 132 | RT Industrial Applications | 3.0 |
| MAT 121 | Algebra/Trigonometry I | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Non-Destructive Examination Technology Certificate Specialization in Eddy Current Examinations (C50350-11)
| NDE 110 | Introduction to Nondestructive Examination | 3.0 |
| NDE 153 | Eddy Current Testing-1 | 3.0 |
| NDE 252 | Eddy Current Testing (ET) | 2.0 |
| WLD 141 | Symbols and Specifications | 3.0 |
| Select one course from the following options: | 1.0 | |
| Workplace Safety | ||
| Industrial Safety | ||
| Quality Management | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Non-Destructive Examination Technology Certificate Specialization in Testing and Measurement (C50350-12)
| Major Requirements | ||
| MEC 180 | Engineering Materials | 3.0 |
| MEC 161 | Manufacturing Processes I | 3.0 |
| ISC 212 | Metrology | 2.0 |
| NDE 110 | Introduction to Nondestructive Examination | 3.0 |
| NDE 121 | Principles of Ultrasonic Examination-UT Level I | 4.0 |
| NDE 142 | Visual Testing-1,2 | 2.0 |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
Nondestructive Examination Technology Suggested Course Sequence
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2024-2025 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details. Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor: https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| MAT 121 or MAT 171 | Algebra/Trigonometry I or Precalculus Algebra | 3.0 |
| NDE 110 | Introduction to Nondestructive Examination | 3.0 |
| NDE 143 | Liquid Penetrant Testing-1,2 | 2.0 |
| NDE 152 | Magnetic Particle Testing-1,2 | 2.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Term II | ||
| NDE 142 | Visual Testing-1,2 | 2.0 |
| NDE 153 | Eddy Current Testing-1 | 3.0 |
| NDE 252 | Eddy Current Testing (ET) | 2.0 |
| WLD 141 | Symbols and Specifications | 3.0 |
| PHY 110 | Conceptual Physics | 3.0 |
| PHY 110A | Conceptual Physics Lab | 1.0 |
| Technical Elective | 2.0 | |
| You may have completed program certificate C50350-C8. Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term III | ||
| English/Communications | 3.0 | |
| NDE 111 | NDE Codes and Specifications | 2.0 |
| NDE 131 | Radiation Safety and Principles of Radiographic Testing | 4.0 |
| NDE 132 | RT Industrial Applications | 3.0 |
| NDE 231 | Advanced Radiographic Testing Techniques | 3.0 |
| CIS 110 | Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term IV | ||
| NDE 121 | Principles of Ultrasonic Examination-UT Level I | 4.0 |
| NDE 122 | Angle Beam Examination | 4.0 |
| NDE 221 | UT Industrial Applications | 4.0 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| Behavioral/Social Science | 3.0 | |
| You may have completed a program certificate(s). Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 66 | |