"PURPOSE This standard establishes the minimum requirements for the qualification and certification of personnel performing nondestructive testing (NDT)@ nondestructive inspection (NDI)@ or nondestructive evaluation (NDE) in the aerospace manufacturing@ service@ maintenance and overhaul industries. For the purposes of this standard@ the term NDT will be used and will be considered equivalent to NDI and NDE. In Europe@ the term ""approval"" is used to denote a written statement by an employer that an individual has met specific requirements and has operating approval. Certification per EN ISO/CEI 17024 is required by this standard when specified by local or regulatory requirements. The term ""certification"" as defined in 3.1 is used throughout this standard as a substitute for the term ""approval"". Except when otherwise specified in the written practice@ certification in accordance with this standard includes operating approval. APPLICABILITY This standard applies to personnel using NDT methods to test and/or accept materials@ products@ components@ assemblies or sub-assemblies. This standard also applies to personnel: directly responsible for the technical adequacy of the NDT methods used@ who approve NDT procedures and/or work instructions@ who audit NDT facilities@ or who provide technical NDT support or training. This standard does not apply to individuals who only have administrative or supervisory authority over NDT personnel or to research personnel developing NDT technology for subsequent implementation and approval by a certified Level 3. Personnel performing specialized inspections using certain direct readout instruments as determined by a Level 3 certified in the method@ do not require qualification or certification to this standard."