How much does ASNT NDT Level II certification cost?
The ASNT exam fee is only one line in the cost of becoming a Level II. ASNT publishes the exam prices, but training, your employer's practical exam and study materials sit outside them. Here is what ASNT lists, what it leaves out and how to avoid paying twice. Fees below were read from ASNT's pages on 26 October 2026, so check the current table before you apply.
The ASNT fees
ASNT's NDT Level II program page lists the same price for every method (MT, PT, RT, UT and VT). Members pay less than nonmembers.
| What you are paying for | ASNT member | Nonmember |
|---|---|---|
| Initial exam: one General plus one Specific | $740 | $820 |
| Industry sector add-on exam | $370 | $410 |
| Retake of a failed exam | $370 | $410 |
The page says an initial applicant must pass at least one General exam and one Specific industry exam. It also says sector add-ons and retakes are available for general industry or pressure equipment, and that you can take one or both sector exams. All fees are due when you apply, by credit card, check or wire transfer, and ASNT does not review your application until payment is in full.
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Does membership pay for itself?
On the exam alone, a member saves $80 on the initial exam and $40 on an add-on or retake. Compare that with the current ASNT membership price on its site before you join, since this article does not list it. If you plan an add-on sector exam or a second method within the same year, the savings add up, and ASNT suggests joining before you apply.
What ASNT does not charge for, and what still costs money
ASNT's pages say that employers carry out the visual acuity, practical and any job-specific exams their written practice requires. So the practical side is usually your employer's cost, not an ASNT fee. Ask in writing before you start.
Other costs to plan for:
- Classroom training. ASNT's requirements include training days by method: 3 for MT, 2 for PT, 12 for UT, with a day defined as at least seven hours. Training providers set their own prices. Our ultrasonic testing classes guide lists what to ask before you pay.
- Study materials. Books, practice sets and a course are optional. Spend on these last, after a free check shows which topics need work.
- Travel and time off. Exams are taken in person at a Pearson VUE test center or an ASNT Authorized Exam Center, so a long drive or a day off can cost more than a book.
- Renewal. ASNT's examinations page says NDT Level II certifications renew every five years, with the application and payment due before the expiration date. Renewal fees are on ASNT's recertification pages.
Where people spend money twice
A retake costs half the initial exam, so a failed attempt is a $370 to $410 lesson. Three habits cut that risk:
- Apply when the paperwork is ready. Missing documentation delays review, and the exam day guide shows ASNT's rules on lapsed approvals and no-shows, where fees can be forfeited.
- Book only a date you can keep. A change inside 48 hours of your appointment counts as a no-show under ASNT's policy.
- Test your readiness before you pay. A timed practice run under exam conditions shows more than a feeling does. The practice exam pacing guide shows how to run one.
If you have already failed once, rebuild your plan before you pay for the retake.
Check your level for free first
The cheapest step is the one that costs nothing. Take the free 10-question UT check. It needs no signup, explains every answer and names the topics to drill first. If you want more than a first look, see the plans for the full course, which adds timed practice exams and a week-by-week study plan. Echo, the AI study buddy inside the course, can explain a question you missed and suggest what to drill next.
FAQ
How much is the ASNT NDT Level II exam?
ASNT lists $740 for members and $820 for nonmembers for the initial exam, which is one General plus one Specific. The price is the same for MT, PT, RT, UT and VT.
Is the ASNT fee refundable?
ASNT's cancellation and refund policy says no refund is issued once you have received the Letter of Approval, or if you do not test within one year. Read the policy on the ASNT site before you pay.
Does my employer pay for Level II certification?
Some do, and some pay only for the practical exam. ASNT does not set that. Ask your employer what it covers before you apply, and get the answer in writing.
Sources
- ASNT NDT Level II Certification, ASNT Certification Services: fees, requirements and payment rules, read 26 October 2026.
- ASNT NDT Level II Examinations, ASNT Certification Services: exam format, employer responsibilities and renewal period, read 26 October 2026.
- Cancellation and Refund Policy, ASNT Certification Services.
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