NRCan NDTCB Service fees update
The NRCan NDTCB is implementing a service fee update to existing fees; this update will take effect April 1, 2025. Application and fee submissions to the NRCan NDTCB that are postmarked, emailed or faxed after March 31, 2025 are subject to the new fee schedule.
Structured credit system for renewal
NDT certifications due for renewal April 15, 2026, and later include a structured credit system requirement. Instructions for applying for certification renewals that require a structured credit system for each applicable certification are detailed below.
On this page:
- Recertification and renewal due dates/expiry dates
- What to submit to renew your certification
- Details about the renewal process and application requirements
- Our responsibilities and policies
- Late Renewals
Renewal and Recertification due dates/expiry dates
Personnel certified by the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) National Non-Destructive Testing Certification Body (NDTCB) in Non-Destructive Testing are required to renew or recertify their certifications prior to their certification expiry date, in order to have the period of validity for a given certification extended for up five (5) years (60 months or less).
- Renewal is the process for maintaining valid NDT certification via verification of continued satisfactory work activity and other requirements described below (including a structured credit system for certifications due for renewal April 15, 2026 and later).
- Recertification is the process for maintaining valid NDT certification via verification of continued satisfactory work activity, examination(s) and other requirements as described on the Recertifying your NDT Certification page.
To find out when your certifications are due for renewal and/or recertification, view the Certified Personnel Directory.
Please note: if you have multiple certifications, you may have different expiry dates for one or more of those certifications. Certifications that have the same expiry dates may not all require renewal or recertification at the same time; in this case you can only submit a renewal application for certifications that require renewal and you can only submit a recertification application for the certifications that require recertification.
Twelve to six months prior to your certification expiry date/renewal due date the NRCan NDTCB will issue a notice of renewal, which will include links to the renewal application and other required forms. As described in paragraph 10.3 of CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2022 / (ISO 9712:2012, IDT), it is the responsibility of the certificate holder to initiate the renewal procedure and to submit the renewal application to the NRCan NDTCB prior to certification expiry. To ensure that you receive the renewal notice, please inform the NRCan NDTCB of any change in contact information, including your email address.
What to submit to renew your certification
To maintain a valid certification, you must apply to renew the validity of your CAN/CGSB-48.9712 certification past its expiry date. Submit the following items to the NRCan Non-Destructive Testing Certification Body (NDTCB):
Ensure you submit the correct application form
As detailed below, certifications due for renewal April 15, 2026 and later require a new Application Form for Renewal, as well as one Structured Credit System Application Form for Renewal for each applicable NDT method. Submitting the wrong application form(s) for your renewal will result in corrective actions required from the applicant, and a significant delay in application processing.
| Renewal due dates of March 15, 2026 and earlier | Renewal due dates of April 15, 2026 and later |
| May be submitted up to six (6) months in prior to your certification expiry date | May be submitted up to twelve (12) months in prior to your certification expiry date |
| To avoid a lapse of certification after your expiry date, please ensure that your renewal application is received by our office no later than one (1) month before your expiry date. | To avoid a lapse of certification after your expiry date, please ensure that your renewal application is received by our office no later than four (4) months before your expiry date. |
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Details about the renewal process and application requirements
Here are some details and instructions regarding the forms and requirements listed above.
Application form, record of experience and attestations
Your application form must be fully completed, signed and dated, and include all required attestations. Detailed instructions for the required signatures and attestations are listed on the Renewal Application Form. For full details about what counts as continued satisfactory work activity, please read the policy for continued satisfactory work activity in NDT.
Structured credit system for renewal – only for certifications due for renewal April 15, 2026 and later
Successful completion of a structured credit system (SCS) is a renewal requirement as per 10.1 e) CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2022 (as an alternative to the practical renewal examination). A structured credit system is a point system based on the NDT activities of the candidate used as proof of continued competence in the applicable NDT certification(s). Credits may be awarded for certain types of NDT experience/activities gained during most recent period of validity, providing that point minimums and maximums are met, and appropriate documentary evidence is provided.
A structured credit system application counts as an examination attempt for renewal and cannot be withdrawn once it has been submitted. If you submit a structured credit system application and it is not approved, it counts as a failed examination attempt. Only one attempt of the structured credit system is allowed per method/sector specific certification. For more information about the structured credit system application for renewal please review the 8.2.1-065 - NDT Certification Renewal Guide (PDF, 454 kb).
How to apply for a structured credit system:
- Ensure that you have submitted a renewal application for the applicable method(s), with the appropriate fees (see instructions below).
- Fill out a separate 8.2.1-073 - Structured Credit System Application Form for Renewal for each method that you are renewing. Your application(s) will not be accepted if you submit a Structured Credit System Application Form for Renewal with more than one method indicated on page 1 of the form.
- Attach applicable documentary evidence for each activity that you would like to be credited for, ensuring that you indicate which activity each piece of documentation corresponds to.
- Submit your application form(s) and documentary evidence to the NRCan NDTCB for review and assessment well in advance of your due date
Please note: Renewal requirements for the structured credit system are different from Level 3 recertification requirements for the structured credit system, therefore only the 8.2.1-073 - Structured Credit System Application Form for Renewal should be used when applying for renewal. Please ensure that you complete and submit the correct form for each individual certification.
Renewal fees
Renewal application and structured credit system fees (and/or examination registration fees, as applicable) are dependent upon the number of methods being renewed at a given time (and which examinations are required, if applicable). All fees are subject to the current fee schedule in effect. Fees and other process requirements are subject to change. Fees paid to the NRCan NDTCB are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Payment of fees
Secure electronic payment system: Once the NRCan NDTCB begins processing your application, we will send an email message that includes an individualized payment weblink to our secure electronic payment system, which you/the payer will use to pay for your application fee and examination registration fee(s).
Payments made by company cheque or money order can be made payable to the “Receiver General for Canada” and can be mailed with the application to the NRCan NDTCB. Please note that we do not accept credit card information by email or telephone. Payments from other government departments must be made via inter-departmental FIS transactions.
Applications submitted after the expiry date will need to include a $150 late fee in addition to the regular fees.
Renewal and structured credit system (SCS) fee schedule:
| Number of methods for renewal | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| $345 | $565 | $785 | $1005 | $1225 | $1445 |
The structured credit system fee for renewal is $130.
Vision test report
Applicants must undergo a visual acuity test with a recognized medical professional attesting that the candidate has completed a satisfactory vision examination. Near and distance vision acuity results are valid for one (1) year, while colour vision and/or grey scale perception results are valid for five (5) years.
Attestation Form for NDT Vision Test Report (if applicable)
In cases where a CAN/CGSB Level 3 NDT personnel acting on behalf of the employer has approved another trained professional according to the requirements of ISO 18490 (latest version) to administer the vision test, the Attestation Form for NDT Vision Test Report must be completed and submitted to NRCan NDTCB together with the completed Vision Test Report form for Non-Destructive Testing Personnel.
Code of conduct
Applicants must submit a newly signed Code of Conduct form with each application.
Passport photos
Certified Personnel must provide two (2) passport-style photographs every second period of validity (approximately every 10 years) or if your appearance has significantly changed.
Passport photos must:
- measure 5 cm wide X 7 cm high (2 inches wide X 2-3/4 inches high)
- be taken by a commercial photographer and be professionally printed on photographic paper
- commercial photographer: may be provided through a retail location, photo studio, registered business/organization, or NDTCB accepted RTO/AEC.
- be clear, sharp, in focus, and in full colour
- be taken straight on with your face and shoulders centered and squared to the camera
- reflect your current appearance (taken within the last twelve (12) months)
- show your complete name, as well as the name and complete address of the photo studio and the date the photo was taken on the back of one photo
- be submitted, via mail or courier
Note: Self-taken and/or self-printed photographs and non-passport-style photographs will not be accepted. We may request additional photographs at any time if we deem previously submitted photographs unacceptable.
Practical renewal examinations (as required)
A practical renewal examination may be required (as an alternative to the structured credit system for renewal) if:
- you are unable to fulfill the requirements of the structured credit system for renewal (and have not yet submitted an 8.2.1-073 - Structured Credit System Application Form for Renewal) for the applicable application(s);
- you are unsuccessful in your structured credit system application(s) following review by the NRCan NDTCB certification body.
Practical renewal examinations are comprised of:
Level 1: Renewal by practical examination; inspection of one examination specimen.
Level 2: Renewal by practical examination; inspection of one examination specimen and written instruction (RT2 includes film interpretation).
Level 3: Renewal by practical examination; inspection of one examination specimen (RT3 includes film interpretation).
For more information about practical renewal examinations please review the 8.2.1-065 - NDT Certification Renewal Guide.
Practical renewal examination fees:
| Level | Radiographic Testing | Ultrasonic Testing | Magnetic Testing | Penetrant Testing | Eddy Current Testing | Visual Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $120 | $120 | N/A | N/A | $120 | N/A |
| Level 2 | $310 | $310 | $115 | $115 | $310 | $115 |
| Level 3 | $310 | $310 | $115 | $115 | $310 | $115 |
Renewal re-examinations and unsuccessful structured credit system applications
Practical renewal re-examinations:
If the individual fails to achieve a grade of at least 70% for each individual part and specimen of the renewal examination, two re-examinations (a total of three attempts) of the renewal examination shall be allowed after at least 7 days and within 12 months of the first attempt at the renewal examination. In the event of failure in the two allowable re-examinations the certificate shall be invalidated; to regain certification for that level, sector and method, the candidate shall apply for and complete the recertification process.
Unsuccessful structured credit system application: A structured credit system application counts as an examination attempt for renewal and cannot be withdrawn once it has been submitted. A candidate who applies for and does not meet the requirements of the structured credit system for renewal shall be renewed through successful completion of a practical renewal examination. In the event of failure at the first attempt at recertification by examination, only one re-examination shall be allowed within 12 months of the date of application for the structured credit system for renewal.
Practical renewal re-examination fees:
| Level | Radiographic Testing | Ultrasonic Testing | Magnetic Testing | Penetrant Testing | Eddy Current Testing | Visual Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $120 | $120 | N/A | N/A | $120 | N/A |
| Level 2 | $310 | $310 | $115 | $115 | $310 | $115 |
| Level 3 | $310 | $310 | $115 | $115 | $310 | $115 |
Our responsibilities and policies
The NRCan NDTCB makes all reasonable efforts to ensure candidate applications, examination requests and certification submissions are completed as per service standard targets. Despite these efforts, errors, omissions and delays are possible. The NRCan NDTCB is not responsible for any direct and indirect costs, expenses or delays that may arise.
Renewal applications are subject to current NRCan NDTCB policies and procedures. Processed payment does not complete or guarantee the renewal process. Renewal of certification is issued only after completion, verification and NRCan NDTCB approval of application.
Late renewals
Late renewals may require additional information, documentation and/or verification. As renewal applications are processed in arrival sequence, processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications received and are not guaranteed. Incomplete documentation or complexity of routine verifications and checks may also lead to longer processing times.
As per CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2022, paragraph 10.3, up to twelve (12) months after the certification expiry date, your certification status may be reactivated by submitting a properly completed renewal application and payment of a $150 late renewal fee in addition to the regular renewal fee.
If your renewal application is submitted more than 12 months after the certification expiry date, you may only reactivate your certification status by recertifying. If you fail recertification, you must successfully complete the initial certification process.