PdM Community Blogs

My Journey to ASNT PdM Level III                     

This journey started 36 years ago when I began my maintenance career at General Motors.  Many years later, I began teaching Infrared Thermography for Snell Infrared and decided to go for my ASNT PdM Level III certification in the Infrared method.

After taking the Snell Infrared Level III Prep course, which is highly recommended, and several months of studying the related information, I felt confident about passing the Method portion of the ASNT PdM Level III certification; however, was unsure about the Basic test.  The ASNT PdM Level III certification involves two separate tests a Method test and a Basic test.  The Method test covers either Thermal/Infrared knowledge or Vibration Analysis knowledge at Level III expertise.  The Basic test covers three main areas: ASNT qualification and certification programs, other PdM methods, and general knowledge of machinery.  The test can be either a written test or a computer-based test, although only select test sites can offer the computer-based test.   

I arrived in Columbus Ohio the night before my 8 am test.  This location offers only the written test, but the location was within driving distance, so that is what I choose for my first test attempt.  Taking both the Method and the Basic test on the same day is difficult, however, I felt good about the Method test because I answered all of the 135 questions in two and a half hours of the four hours allotted.  The Basic did not go quite so well.  I struggled to answer all 90 questions in the 2 hours allotted and I was very unsure of the outcome.  After receiving the test results in the mail from ASNT (waiting six long weeks), I would have to retake the Basic test (somewhat expected).  However, taking the test helped me to know what areas needed more work.  I needed more studying/information on lube/oil analysis, bearings, motor circuit analysis, and ASNT PdM Level III certification procedures.

Six months and a lot of studying later, I retook the Basic test at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Center in Charlotte.  This time the computer-based test was available, which was easier and faster than the written test.  The computer-based test has the advantage of giving you the test results immediately, while I had to wait a very long 6 weeks to get my results back from the written test.  I finished the Basic test with time to spare; however, the instant results brought an instant letdown.  I would have to take the test again still needing more work in alignment and electrical matters.  Forgot how to do the trigonometry of shaft alignment (wow, use it or lose it).

Another six months and several books and classes later, I was ready to try again.  The computer-based testing is the best way to go so it was back to the EPRI Center and Charlotte (nice town).  Two hours of terror ended in one of the best moments of my life.  I clicked on the "finished" icon and the almighty machine declared me worthy.  ASNT PdM Level III!!!  Later I learned that only six other people in the USA had passed this test.  If it is your goal, ASNT PdM Level III is a lot of hard work, a lot of studying, and a lot of time invested, but well worth it.  Good luck.

Ron Conner ASNT PdM level III #169449