Home —» Support —» Operator training

Operator training

Operator during an ultrasonic measurement on piping with a Dakota NDT instrument

An advanced instrument in untrained hands produces uncertain results; a basic instrument in expert hands produces reliable measurements. That is why training matters: RODER does not deliver it directly, but puts you in touch with qualified partners, both for the use of the instrument and for EN ISO 9712 certification.

  • ✓ Instrument training delivered by qualified partners
  • ✓ Level I / II / III certification to EN ISO 9712 through accredited bodies
  • ✓ In Italy the recognised certification bodies are AIPnD and CICPND
  • ✓ RODER puts you in touch with the partners and coordinates the dates
  • ✓ Dedicated sessions possible for company groups

In non-destructive testing, the operator matters more than the instrument. A CMX10-DL used without knowing how to set the gate or how to choose the probe returns numbers that look precise and are not; a ZX-1, which costs a fraction, in the hands of someone who knows how to prepare the surface and recognise an anomalous reading gives results on which a decision can be built.

That is why we draw a clear distinction between two things that are often confused. Instrument training is about working well with the equipment you have purchased and is delivered by qualified partners. EN ISO 9712 certification is something else: it attests the operator’s competence in the testing method, it is issued by accredited third-party bodies and, in many regulated sectors, it is mandatory in order to sign an inspection report.

In both cases RODER does not deliver the training: it acts as a facilitator. We put you in touch with the qualified partners and with the certification centres and we coordinate the course dates. We do not issue the certification ourselves — and be wary of anyone who claims otherwise.

Two levels, two different purposes

AspectTraining in the use of the instrumentEN ISO 9712 certification
Who provides itQualified partnersAccredited third-party bodies (AIPnD, CICPND)
What it attestsKnowing how to use that instrumentCompetence in the testing method
WhereAccording to the arrangements agreed with the partnerNormally at accredited centres
When it is neededAlways, for whoever will use the instrumentRegulated sectors: oil & gas, nuclear, aerospace, railway
RODER’s roleContact with the partner and coordinationContact with the accredited centres and scheduling

What instrument training covers

Operator with a Dakota NDT ultrasonic thickness gauge during a measurement
  • Initial configuration of the instrument for your application
  • Calibration with step block and verification of the measurement
  • Data logger management: organisation of points, batches, identifiers
  • Data transfer to PC with DakMaster™ or DakView 4
  • Routine maintenance and care of the probes
  • Diagnosis of common problems: unstable readings, coupling, difficult surfaces

EN ISO 9712 certification

The EN ISO 9712 standard defines the qualification and certification of personnel performing non-destructive testing, structured in three levels. It is required in order to operate officially in many regulated sectors: oil & gas, nuclear, aerospace, railway.

In Italy the reference bodies for certification are:

  • AIPnD — Associazione Italiana Prove non Distruttive Monitoraggio Diagnostica
  • CICPND — Centro Italiano di Coordinamento per le Prove Non Distruttive

For internal company quality control, with no certification obligations towards third parties, instrument training is sufficient in most cases.

Further reading

Frequently asked questions

Can the training be held at our premises?

Instrument training is delivered by qualified partners: the arrangements — on site at your premises or remotely — are agreed with the partner. For Level I/II/III certification to EN ISO 9712 the arrangements depend on the certification body and generally require attendance at accredited venues, although dedicated sessions can be organised for larger company groups.

Does RODER issue EN ISO 9712 certification?

No. RODER does not deliver training and does not issue certifications. Certification is issued by accredited third-party bodies, in Italy AIPnD and CICPND. RODER acts as a facilitator: we put you in touch with the qualified partners and with the certification centres and we coordinate the course dates.

Is certification needed to use a thickness gauge?

It depends on the context. For internal company quality control, training in the use of the instrument is normally sufficient. In regulated sectors — oil and gas, nuclear, aerospace, railway — EN ISO 9712 certification is required in order to operate officially and to sign inspection reports.

Is training in the use of the instrument included in the purchase?

Training is not delivered by RODER: it takes place through qualified partners and is agreed case by case, including for several operators or at your premises. Tell us your requirements and we will put you in touch with the right partner.

To be put in touch with a partner for instrument training or with the certified courses, contact us.

Further information and contacts

Systems division and sensor integration partner : www.roder.it
More information about RODER SRL : about us
Contact for general information : info@roder.it
Contact for information about these products : info@roder.it


The information contained on this web page is provided for information purposes only. Although it has been compiled with the utmost care, it does not constitute a contractual offer or a binding commitment to supply. It may contain transcription, translation or typographical errors. For precise and up-to-date information, please contact our company directly.

Some images on this website have been intentionally generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is because, for many applications and projects, it is not possible to disclose photographs of the installation or of the actual system due to confidentiality agreements, confidentiality clauses and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).