The UT Level II General exam: topics and format
The General exam tests ultrasonic testing knowledge that applies in every industry sector. Sector-specific procedure work is tested separately, on the Specific exam. ASNT lists the General exam's topics but publishes no weights, so prepare for all of them evenly.
- Questions
- 50
- Time
- 120 minutes
What the topics mean in practice
- Review of ultrasonic techniques: straight beam and angle beam, contact and immersion, and choosing a technique for the job.
- Evaluation of base material product forms: plate, forgings, castings and pipe, and the discontinuities typical of each.
- Evaluation of weldments: scanning welds with angle beams, locating indications, and the geometry behind it: beam angle, skip distance, surface distance and depth.
- Evaluation of bonded structures: testing bonds and laminates.
- Discontinuity detection: how indication type, orientation and size affect what you see on screen.
- General evaluation: calibration, reference standards, sensitivity, and reading and recording indications.
How to prepare
- Take the free diagnostic and note which topics cost you the most points.
- Practice the math by hand: Snell's law for refracted and critical angles, skip distance for a given angle and thickness, and decibel gain to amplitude ratio.
- Tie each formula to a picture of the beam path. Most weld-evaluation questions are geometry once you've drawn it.
- Remember that this outline applies to exams taken up to 5 February 2027.
Exam facts
| Questions | General exam 50 multiple-choice items; Specific (sector) exam 40 multiple-choice items |
| Time | 120 per exam (General 2 h, Specific 2 h) |
| Book | not stated on the official page |
| Passing | Exact cut score not published; ASNT says its exams are typically in the 70-80% range, set by Angoff or IRT |
| Where you test | Computer-based, in person at Pearson VUE or an ASNT Authorized Exam Center; no walk-ins; English with translation dictionary |
| Exam fee | initial general plus specific per method: member $740, nonmember $820; industry sector add on: member $370, nonmember $410; retake failed exam: member $370, nonmember $410 |
| Eligibility | ut: UT: 120 days method experience, 229 days total NDT experience, 12 days training (1 training day = 7 h) |
What the exam covers
| Review of Ultrasonic Techniques | weight not published |
| Evaluation of Base Material Product Forms | weight not published |
| Evaluation of Weldments | weight not published |
| Evaluation of Bonded Structures | weight not published |
| Discontinuity Detection | weight not published |
| General Evaluation | weight not published |
American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) lists these sections but publishes no weights, so treat them as equally important until you know otherwise.
Sources
Show the 3 official sources
- certification.asnt.org/certification/asnt-ndt-level-ii (checked 2026-10-17)
- certification.asnt.org/certification/examinations/asnt-ndt-level-ii (checked 2026-10-17)
- certification.asnt.org/certification/resources/psychometrics-information (checked 2026-10-17)
Facts checked 17 October 2026 against American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT)'s own documents (sources above). If something has changed, tell us and we will correct it within 2 business days.
Your next step
- 01Free NDT L2 check10 questions, untimed, about 24 minutes. Answers explained as you go.Start free
- 02UT Level II General course$149. Lessons, timed practice exams and a plan around your exam date.See the plans
The NDT L2 course
Available now · instant accessLearn every General exam topic, work the calculations step by step, then prove it on timed exams.
- 7modules of lessonsEvery task on the outline
- 2full-length timed exams50 questions in 120 minutes each
- 300practice questionsEach one explained
- 5worked calculationsStep by step
- 1week-by-week study planSet to your exam date
Question bank and timed exams: Expert review in progress: questions marked Reviewed were checked by an NDT professional with 18 years in the industry (2026-10-19). The newest questions are still being reviewed. Every answer key is confirmed by a separate blind solve, and reported errors are fixed within 2 business days.