I'm kinda confuse.. I'm wanting to take the level 1 Ultrasound Inspector. Here is my question UE is offering a week class.. Monday through Friday with the test on Friday.. But SDT is also offering a Level 1 class and it is only 2 1/2 days... Both are saying they fall under the ASNT requirements.. My question, is this the same class... The SDT class is a lot closer and I can stay with a friend.. The UE is a lot further with a week in a hotel...
Thanks in advance for your help.... ART

Ultra-Sound Technologies is also 2.5 days. However, depending the number of attendees I may run through the third day.
I have written mine SNT-TC-1A, however like the
infrared classes I give the students an assignment sheet to complete as well, and if the assignments are completed as such the total of the 2.5 days will total 32hrs.
My class is theory and a whole lot of applications with over 20 years experience.
I am also vendor-neutral, so no matter whose ultrasound you are using I will give you time after or before classes to work with you and your equipment. NO sales promotions in my classes.
NEXT CLASS APRIL 6, 7 & 8, Kennesaw, GA (NW Atlanta)
Best of Luck to You.
Jim Hall, Ultra-Sound Technologies
www.ultra-soundtech.com

Fireplug,

Hi, this is Adrian Messer with UE Systems. I will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have regarding our Level I Ultrasound training course. Yes, our class is taught over 4.5 days. Our classes are very thorough and provide attendees with a detailed introduction to sound and sound theory. Ample time is spent on each application in which you can use ultrasound for. Also, our classes are held at actual plant/facilities (not hotels) to provide the students with hands-on use of ultrasound instruments in real world environments. You can reach me via email at adrianm@uesystems.com. I look forward to hearing from you, and I thank you for considering UE Systems for your ultrasound training.

Sincerely,

Hello Art,

From the feedback I've received from people who have attended SDT courses, UE courses, and Jim Hall's courses, the transfer of knowledge is excellent in all cases. Regardless of whose training you choose to attend one thing is constant, the trainer teaching the class must be reputable, knowledgeable, interact well with students, and have a wealth of experience to share. I'm confident to say that SDT, UE and Ultra-Sound Tech all have more than qualified trainers that meet this criteria.

These courses, in order to follow ASNT guidelines, have to address a minimum curriculum as stated in SNT-TC-1A. As a co-author of SDT's Level 1 and Level 2 course material I can certainly attest that SDT does meet these requirements. I presume that UE and Ultra-Sound Tech do also, but I've not seen their material nor sat their class.

One thing about those guidelines that irks me is that the original guidelines were built around non destructive testing, not ultrasound testing for PdM applications. However, sound is sound and the theory of sound propagation whether it be for flaw detection, imaging, thickness measurement or detection of ultrasound phenomena from our plant's machines has certain relevant crossovers. Its my belief that the foundation of the ultrasound level 1 is based in that theory. But it is the job of the trainer, and the course material, to bridge the gap between theory and practical applications. This is accomplished very well in the SDT class and the thousands of graduates who have attended will attest to the same. Our classes are NOT equipment specific. Our trainers are able to train you on SDT equipment, or any other manufacturer's equipment you own. You may bring your own equipment to the class and use it for the practical examination.

I'm not sure which SDT class you plan to attend, but many of our public classes are held in hotels convenient to airport served cities. Some of our courses are also hosted at plant sites. Regardless of where we host the class, one of the requirements of ASNT is to put the student through a competency examination. This examination requires both a written test and a practical test. During the practical test the student is required to demonstrate understanding of 1)safety, 2) procedure, 3) equipment/accessory selection, 4) documentation of results. In order for the instructor to fully evaluate the student's understanding of these four critical elements the practical exam must be conducted in the classroom, not during a plant tour. For this reason SDT has invested tens of thousands of dollars in world class simulation equipment which is transported to each hotel venue or plant venue to enable a plant-like setting in a conference room environment. Our training aids are unlike any offered in other courses.

Later this year, in June, we are also delivering a Level 2 Certification. This class is being hosted by The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Facilitiy tours will be part of this classroom, and were I attending I would schedule an extra day or two to take advantage of this wonderful campus of museums.

More info or questions?

SDT Ultrasound Systems
1-800-667-5325
training@sdtnorthamerica.com
www.sdtnorthamerica.com

Thanks for all the great response. Due to my firehouse schedule and money outgo looks like the SDT class in Nashville will be the choice. Again Thanks for all the great input and personal e-mail I received...

ART

You'll do well. These are hard times, good luck and thanks for serving us as a fireman. Look forward to seeing you in the industry. Try and set your calendar to attend the ReliabilityWeb.com Solutions 2.0 Conference
This is where you will start growing your company through networking and world class technical sessions.
Jim H.,

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This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jim H.,