# NDT, inspection and asset management glossary

> Plain-language definitions of the NDT, inspection, accreditation, asset management and AMPS terms used across this site, one page per term.

- Source: https://amps.global/glossary/
- Entries: 85

- [Horizontal linearity (ultrasonic testing)](https://amps.global/glossary/horizontal-linearity/): Horizontal linearity in ultrasonic testing: what it checks, how the multiple back-wall echo method works on a V1 block, acceptance limits and check intervals.
- [Vertical linearity (ultrasonic testing)](https://amps.global/glossary/vertical-linearity/): Vertical linearity in ultrasonic testing: the amplitude check behind flaw sizing, the 10% to 100% FSH method, ASME V screen height limits and check intervals.
- [A2LA (American Association for Laboratory Accreditation)](https://amps.global/glossary/a2la/): A2LA is a US accreditation body for laboratories and inspection bodies (ISO/IEC 17025, 17020) whose mark appears on many NDT calibration certificates.
- [Acceptance criteria](https://amps.global/glossary/acceptance-criteria/): Acceptance criteria are the code or specification limits that decide whether an indication is acceptable or a rejectable defect: sources and reporting.
- [Acoustic emission testing (AE)](https://amps.global/glossary/acoustic-emission-testing/): Acoustic emission testing (AE) listens for stress waves released by growing cracks, leaks or corrosion while a structure is loaded, monitoring whole vessels.
- [AINDT (Australian Institute for Non-Destructive Testing)](https://amps.global/glossary/aindt/): AINDT is the Australian professional NDT body and runs an ISO 9712-based personnel certification scheme; its role for NDT companies in Australia and NZ.
- [API 1104 Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities](https://amps.global/glossary/api-1104/): API 1104 sets welding procedure and welder qualification and the NDT acceptance criteria for pipeline girth welds, including radiography, UT and automated UT.
- [API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspection Code](https://amps.global/glossary/api-510/): API 510 covers in-service inspection, rating, repair and alteration of pressure vessels: inspection intervals, thickness monitoring and remaining life.
- [API 570 Piping Inspection Code](https://amps.global/glossary/api-570/): API 570 governs in-service inspection, rating, repair and alteration of process piping: piping classes, condition monitoring locations and thickness intervals.
- [API 653 Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction](https://amps.global/glossary/api-653/): API 653 covers in-service inspection, repair, alteration and reconstruction of aboveground storage tanks: inspection intervals, floors, shells, settlement.
- [AS 4037 Pressure equipment - Examination and testing](https://amps.global/glossary/as-4037/): AS 4037 is the Australian standard for examination and testing of pressure equipment: NDT methods, extent and acceptance for vessels, boilers and piping.
- [AS/NZS 1554 Structural steel welding](https://amps.global/glossary/as-nzs-1554/): AS/NZS 1554 is the Australian and New Zealand structural steel welding series: weld categories SP and GP, inspection extent, NDT methods and acceptance levels.
- [ASME BPVC Section V (Nondestructive Examination)](https://amps.global/glossary/asme-bpvc-section-v/): ASME BPVC Section V defines how NDT methods are performed: RT, UT, PT, MT, ET, VT, LT and AE articles, written procedures and instrument linearity checks.
- [ASME BPVC Section VIII (Pressure Vessels)](https://amps.global/glossary/asme-bpvc-section-viii/): ASME Section VIII sets the rules for constructing pressure vessels, including the extent of weld radiography or ultrasonic examination and acceptance.
- [Asset integrity management](https://amps.global/glossary/asset-integrity-management/): Asset integrity management keeps plant safe and reliable through inspection, RBI, fitness-for-service assessment and maintenance: where NDT and records fit.
- [Asset register](https://amps.global/glossary/asset-register/): An asset register lists plant items with identifiers, hierarchy, documents and inspection history; how QR codes and sub-assets make it usable in the field.
- [Audit trail](https://amps.global/glossary/audit-trail/): An audit trail records who did what and when in a system: job changes, report uploads, document revisions. Why assessors ask for it and how AMPS provides it.
- [Authorised signatory](https://amps.global/glossary/authorised-signatory/): An authorised signatory is the person approved to sign and release accredited inspection or test reports: how the role is granted, its scope and its upkeep.
- [Automated ultrasonic testing (AUT)](https://amps.global/glossary/automated-ultrasonic-testing/): Automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) scans welds with an encoded, motorised probe carrier for repeatable, recorded inspection, mostly on pipeline girth welds.
- [AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code - Steel](https://amps.global/glossary/aws-d1-1/): AWS D1.1 governs welding of structural steel: prequalified procedures, welder qualification, inspection and NDT acceptance criteria by loading type.
- [Calibration certificate](https://amps.global/glossary/calibration-certificate/): What a calibration certificate for NDT equipment must contain, why it should come from an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab and how to keep due dates from lapsing.
- [Client portal](https://amps.global/glossary/client-portal/): A client portal lets customers log in for reports and certificates: what it does, its limits, and how AMPS delivers reports by email and shared storage.
- [Corrective and preventive action (CAPA)](https://amps.global/glossary/corrective-and-preventive-action/): CAPA removes the cause of a non-conformance (corrective) and of potential ones (preventive), with root cause analysis and a check that the action worked.
- [Corrosion mapping](https://amps.global/glossary/corrosion-mapping/): Corrosion mapping scans an area with encoded ultrasonic probes to produce a colour thickness map (C-scan), revealing pitting and wall loss.
- [CSWIP](https://amps.global/glossary/cswip/): CSWIP is the TWI Certification scheme for welding inspectors (3.0, 3.1, 3.2), NDT technicians, plant and underwater inspectors: scope, renewal and records.
- [Digital and computed radiography (DR/CR)](https://amps.global/glossary/digital-and-computed-radiography/): Digital (DR) and computed (CR) radiography replace film with detector arrays or imaging plates: faster exposures, no chemicals, digital archives and codes.
- [Document control](https://amps.global/glossary/document-control/): Document control keeps only approved, current versions of procedures, templates and work packs in use: ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17020 requirements in practice.
- [E-signature (electronic signature)](https://amps.global/glossary/e-signature/): Electronic signatures let technicians and reviewers sign inspection reports on a device, recording who approved what and when: legal basis in AU and NZ.
- [Eddy current testing (ET / ECT)](https://amps.global/glossary/eddy-current-testing/): Eddy current testing (ET) induces currents in conductive materials to find surface cracks, measure conductivity and coating thickness and inspect tubes.
- [Employer-based vs central certification](https://amps.global/glossary/employer-based-vs-central-certification/): Employer-based NDT certification (SNT-TC-1A written practice) versus central certification (ISO 9712 via PCN or AINDT), and what each means for audits.
- [EN 4179 and NAS 410 (aerospace NDT personnel)](https://amps.global/glossary/en-4179-nas-410/): EN 4179 (Europe) and NAS 410 (USA) set qualification and certification rules for aerospace NDT personnel, overseen by national aerospace NDT boards.
- [EN ISO 17635 series (NDT of welds)](https://amps.global/glossary/en-iso-17635-series/): The ISO 17635 family sets general rules and method standards for NDT of welds: 17636 radiography, 17637 visual, 17638 magnetic particle, 17640 ultrasonic.
- [Enquiry-to-invoice workflow](https://amps.global/glossary/enquiry-to-invoice-workflow/): The enquiry-to-invoice workflow runs from client request through quote, job, fieldwork, report, timesheet and invoice: the steps and where jobs leak time.
- [FSM vs ERP vs QMS vs LIMS for inspection companies](https://amps.global/glossary/fsm-erp-qms-lims/): What field service management (FSM), ERP, QMS and LIMS software each do, how they overlap for an NDT company, and where a job and asset platform like AMPS fits.
- [Guided wave testing (long-range UT)](https://amps.global/glossary/guided-wave-testing/): Guided wave testing (long-range UT) screens tens of metres of pipe from one location with low-frequency waves, finding wall loss under insulation.
- [Hardness testing (HT)](https://amps.global/glossary/hardness-testing/): Hardness testing measures resistance to indentation to verify heat treatment, weld and HAZ properties and sour-service limits: lab scales and portable methods.
- [IANZ (International Accreditation New Zealand)](https://amps.global/glossary/ianz/): IANZ is the New Zealand national accreditation body for laboratories and inspection bodies (ISO/IEC 17025, 17020); what IANZ accreditation means for NDT firms.
- [Infrared thermography (IRT)](https://amps.global/glossary/infrared-thermography/): Infrared thermography (IRT) maps surface temperature with a thermal camera to find electrical hot spots, insulation loss, moisture and delaminations.
- [Inspection and test plan (ITP)](https://amps.global/glossary/inspection-and-test-plan/): An inspection and test plan (ITP) lists each inspection point of a project with its acceptance criteria, responsible party and client hold or witness level.
- [Inspection interval](https://amps.global/glossary/inspection-interval/): The inspection interval is the time between periodic inspections of an asset, fixed by code or set by risk-based inspection: how due dates are tracked.
- [Internal audit](https://amps.global/glossary/internal-audit/): Internal audits check that the quality system is followed and effective before the accreditation body does: planning, vertical audits, findings and closure.
- [ISO 10675 Acceptance levels for radiographic testing of welds](https://amps.global/glossary/iso-10675/): ISO 10675 gives acceptance levels 1, 2 and 3 for indications found by radiographic testing of welds, linked to ISO 5817 quality levels, for steel and aluminium.
- [ISO 5817 Quality levels for imperfections in welds](https://amps.global/glossary/iso-5817/): ISO 5817 defines quality levels B, C and D for imperfections in fusion-welded steel, nickel and titanium joints, used as visual and NDT acceptance criteria.
- [ISO 9001](https://amps.global/glossary/iso-9001/): ISO 9001 is the international quality management standard: how it relates to ISO/IEC 17020 and 17025 accreditation and what it means day to day for inspectors.
- [ISO 9712](https://amps.global/glossary/iso-9712/): ISO 9712 is the international standard for third-party NDT personnel certification: levels, sectors, exams, 5-year renewal and 10-year recertification.
- [ISO/IEC 17020](https://amps.global/glossary/iso-iec-17020/): ISO/IEC 17020 sets the requirements for inspection bodies: impartiality, competence, equipment, records and reports. Types A, B and C, and what assessors check.
- [ISO/IEC 17025](https://amps.global/glossary/iso-iec-17025/): ISO/IEC 17025 is the standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories: impartiality, traceability, uncertainty, validated methods, records.
- [Job costing](https://amps.global/glossary/job-costing/): Job costing compares the labour, travel, consumables and equipment cost of a job with what was invoiced, revealing the real margin per job and client.
- [Job register](https://amps.global/glossary/job-register/): A job register is the master list of every inspection job with its number, client, status and owner: why it matters for traceability and how AMPS keeps it live.
- [Leak testing (LT)](https://amps.global/glossary/leak-testing/): Leak testing (LT) proves a vessel, pipe or component holds pressure or vacuum: bubble, pressure-change, vacuum-box and tracer-gas methods and when each applies.
- [Liquid penetrant testing (PT / DPI)](https://amps.global/glossary/liquid-penetrant-testing/): Liquid penetrant testing (PT, dye penetrant) finds surface-breaking flaws in any non-porous material by drawing dye into the defect: steps, dwell times, codes.
- [Magnetic particle inspection (MT / MPI)](https://amps.global/glossary/magnetic-particle-inspection/): Magnetic particle inspection (MT, MPI) reveals surface and near-surface cracks in ferromagnetic steel by magnetising the part and applying iron particles.
- [Measurement uncertainty](https://amps.global/glossary/measurement-uncertainty/): Measurement uncertainty quantifies the doubt in a measured value: why ISO/IEC 17025 requires it, how it appears on certificates and how it affects decisions.
- [MYOB](https://amps.global/glossary/myob/): MYOB is an Australian accounting and business management software provider common in AU and NZ businesses; how AMPS works with MYOB customers today.
- [NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities)](https://amps.global/glossary/nata/): NATA is the Australian national accreditation body for laboratories and inspection bodies (ISO/IEC 17025, 17020) and what that means for an NDT company.
- [NDT certification levels (Level 1, 2 and 3)](https://amps.global/glossary/ndt-certification-levels/): What NDT Level 1, 2 and 3 technicians may do under ISO 9712 and SNT-TC-1A, who can interpret and sign reports, and how companies track the certificates.
- [Non-conformance report (NCR)](https://amps.global/glossary/non-conformance-report/): A non-conformance report (NCR) records a product, process or system failure against a requirement, its disposition and closure: how NCRs work in inspection QA.
- [Non-destructive testing (NDT)](https://amps.global/glossary/non-destructive-testing/): Non-destructive testing (NDT) finds flaws in materials, welds and components without damaging them: main methods, who performs it, and how NDT jobs are run.
- [Offline data capture](https://amps.global/glossary/offline-data-capture/): Offline data capture lets technicians record results without connectivity and sync later: when it matters, its trade-offs, and where AMPS stands.
- [PCN certification](https://amps.global/glossary/pcn-certification/): PCN is the British Institute of NDT ISO 9712 personnel certification scheme, recognised worldwide: levels, sectors, renewal and what companies keep on file.
- [Phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT)](https://amps.global/glossary/phased-array-ultrasonic-testing/): Phased array UT (PAUT) steers and focuses sound beams electronically from a multi-element probe to image welds: how it works, uses, codes and reporting.
- [Positive material identification (PMI)](https://amps.global/glossary/positive-material-identification/): Positive material identification (PMI) confirms the alloy of a component in the field with handheld XRF or LIBS analysers, preventing alloy mix-ups.
- [NDT procedure vs technique sheet](https://amps.global/glossary/procedure-vs-technique-sheet/): The difference between an NDT procedure (general, Level 3-approved, code-based) and a technique sheet or work instruction holding the job-specific settings.
- [Proficiency testing](https://amps.global/glossary/proficiency-testing/): Proficiency testing compares a laboratory or technician result with others on the same sample: why accreditation bodies require it and how to keep the evidence.
- [Purchase order (PO)](https://amps.global/glossary/purchase-order/): A purchase order is the client commercial authorisation for work and the number they expect on every report and invoice; PO handling decides when you get paid.
- [Radiographic testing (RT)](https://amps.global/glossary/radiographic-testing/): Radiographic testing (RT) images the inside of welds and castings with X-rays or gamma rays: sources, image quality indicators, radiation safety and records.
- [Recertification and renewal of NDT certificates](https://amps.global/glossary/recertification/): How NDT certificates are renewed and recertified: 5-year renewal and 10-year re-examination under ISO 9712, written-practice intervals and vision tests.
- [Reference block (calibration block)](https://amps.global/glossary/reference-block/): Reference blocks (IIW V1/V2, step wedges, side-drilled hole blocks) calibrate ultrasonic instruments and set sensitivity: types, standards and record keeping.
- [Revision control](https://amps.global/glossary/revision-control/): Revision control tracks each version of a report, procedure or work pack, who changed it and why, so the current version is unambiguous for inspectors.
- [Risk-based inspection (RBI)](https://amps.global/glossary/risk-based-inspection/): Risk-based inspection (RBI) sets inspection scope and intervals from the probability and consequence of failure of each asset, following API 580 and API 581.
- [Rope-access NDT](https://amps.global/glossary/rope-access-ndt/): Rope-access NDT brings technicians to welds and structures at height on ropes instead of scaffolding: IRATA and SPRAT certification, scopes and paperwork.
- [Scheduling and dispatch](https://amps.global/glossary/scheduling-and-dispatch/): Scheduling and dispatch match jobs to technicians with the right certificates and equipment at the right site and time: what is specific to NDT work.
- [Shutdown and turnaround](https://amps.global/glossary/shutdown-and-turnaround/): A shutdown or turnaround compresses inspection, maintenance and repair into a planned outage of days or weeks: its problems and how AMPS organises one.
- [ASNT SNT-TC-1A](https://amps.global/glossary/snt-tc-1a/): SNT-TC-1A is the ASNT recommended practice for employer-based NDT qualification: the Written Practice, training and experience hours, exams and recertification.
- [Time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD)](https://amps.global/glossary/time-of-flight-diffraction/): TOFD sizes weld flaws from the sound diffracted at their tips, giving accurate through-wall height: how it works, dead zones, codes and its pairing with PAUT.
- [Timesheet](https://amps.global/glossary/timesheet/): Timesheets record hours and costs per job for billing and payroll: per-job entry, team batch export, reimbursable costs and accounting integration.
- [Traceability](https://amps.global/glossary/traceability/): Traceability in inspection means two things: metrological traceability of measurements to national standards, and material traceability to heat numbers.
- [UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service)](https://amps.global/glossary/ukas/): UKAS is the UK national accreditation body for laboratories, inspection bodies and certification schemes such as PCN, hence its mark on NDT certificates.
- [Ultrasonic testing (UT)](https://amps.global/glossary/ultrasonic-testing/): Ultrasonic testing (UT) uses high-frequency sound to find internal flaws and measure thickness: principle, probes, calibration blocks, codes and reporting.
- [Ultrasonic thickness gauging](https://amps.global/glossary/ultrasonic-thickness-gauging/): Ultrasonic thickness gauging measures the remaining wall of pipes, vessels and tanks at condition monitoring locations to track corrosion and remaining life.
- [Visual testing (VT)](https://amps.global/glossary/visual-testing/): Visual testing (VT) is the direct or remote examination of a surface for defects with lighting, gauges, borescopes and cameras; it precedes every other method.
- [Work in progress (WIP)](https://amps.global/glossary/work-in-progress/): WIP is work performed but not yet invoiced: why inspection companies carry too much, how it hurts cash flow and how a ready-to-invoice status shrinks it.
- [Work order](https://amps.global/glossary/work-order/): A work order is the authorised instruction to carry out defined work on an asset, with scope, location, schedule and the client purchase order reference.
- [WPS and PQR (welding procedure specification and qualification record)](https://amps.global/glossary/wps-and-pqr/): A WPS tells the welder how to weld; the PQR proves the procedure by test. How they relate under ASME IX, ISO 15614 and AWS D1.1 and why inspectors check them.
- [Xero](https://amps.global/glossary/xero/): Xero is the New Zealand-founded cloud accounting platform used by small and mid-sized businesses across Australia and NZ; what the AMPS Xero integration does.