Selecting the right Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) provider is about more than simply comparing prices. The quality of your inspection partner can have a direct impact on safety, compliance, project schedules and long-term asset integrity.
Whether you’re working in offshore wind, oil and gas, fabrication, manufacturing or infrastructure, asking the right questions before appointing an inspection company can save significant time and cost further down the line.
Here are ten key questions every project team should ask.
1. Are You Independently Accredited?
One of the first questions should always be whether the company holds recognised third-party approvals and certifications.
Accreditations such as DNV, ABS, Bureau Veritas (BV) and ISO 9001 demonstrate that an organisation has undergone rigorous independent assessment of its quality systems, technical competence and inspection processes.
These approvals provide confidence that inspections are carried out consistently, competently and in accordance with recognised industry standards.
2. Are Your Technicians Certified?
Not all qualifications are equal.
Ensure inspectors hold recognised certifications such as PCN or ISO 9712, appropriate to the inspection methods being carried out.
Certification confirms technicians have demonstrated the required knowledge, practical skills and experience for the techniques they perform.
3. Do You Have In-House Level 3 Technical Support?
An experienced PCN Level 3 is essential for more than just signing procedures.
They provide:
Procedure development
Technical guidance
Interpretation of inspection standards
Support for complex inspections
Training and mentoring
Independent review of inspection techniques
Having Level 3 expertise within the business ensures technical decisions are made quickly and correctly.
4. Can You Deliver the Inspection Method My Project Requires?
Different projects require different inspection techniques.
A capable provider should be able to offer services such as:
Conventional Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)
Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD)
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI/MT)
Dye Penetrant Inspection (DPI/PT)
Visual Inspection (VT)
Positive Material Identification (PMI)
A company offering multiple methods can recommend the most appropriate technique rather than forcing every project into one solution.
5. What Experience Do You Have in My Industry?
Inspection requirements vary significantly between industries.
Ask whether the company has experience within sectors such as:
Offshore Wind
Oil & Gas
Marine
Structural Steel
Heavy Fabrication
Manufacturing
Energy Generation
Industry knowledge often means fewer delays, better planning and a smoother inspection process.
6. Can You Mobilise Quickly?
Unexpected inspections, shutdowns and repairs rarely happen at convenient times.
A responsive NDT provider should be able to mobilise experienced personnel quickly, helping minimise downtime and keep projects on schedule.
Availability, flexibility and geographical coverage are often just as important as technical capability.
7. How Do You Ensure Quality?
Ask about the company’s quality management system.
A professional inspection company should have robust procedures covering:
Equipment calibration
Procedure control
Internal audits
Competency management
Report verification
Continuous improvement
Strong quality systems reduce risk and improve consistency across every inspection.
8. What Does Your Reporting Include?
Inspection reports are often just as important as the inspection itself.
Clear, accurate reporting should include:
Inspection scope
Applicable standards
Equipment used
Inspection results
Acceptance criteria
Technician certification
Traceable records
Where advanced techniques such as PAUT are used, digital scan records provide valuable long-term traceability.
9. Can You Support the Entire Project?
Many inspection companies specialise in one area.
Consider whether your provider can support projects from start to finish, including:
Procedure development
Inspection planning
Site inspections
Technical support
Final reporting
Client liaison
Engineering advice where appropriate
Working with one trusted partner often simplifies project management.
10. Do You Focus on Long-Term Relationships or Just Winning the Job?
The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value.
A good inspection company should aim to become a trusted technical partner rather than simply completing today’s inspection.
Look for organisations that prioritise:
Honest technical advice
Clear communication
Reliability
Safety
Consistency
Continuous improvement
These qualities often deliver far greater value over the lifetime of a project than selecting purely on price.
Choosing the Right Partner
Non-Destructive Testing plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability and integrity of assets across a wide range of industries. Selecting the right inspection provider is therefore an important decision—one that should be based on competence, experience and quality, not cost alone.
At International Testing Services (ITS), we believe clients should expect transparency, technical excellence and dependable service from their inspection partner. That’s why we invest in highly qualified personnel, advanced inspection technologies, recognised third-party accreditations and a robust quality management system.
Whether your project requires conventional NDT, advanced ultrasonic inspection or ongoing technical support, asking these ten questions will help you make an informed choice—and ensure your project is in safe hands.
About International Testing Services
International Testing Services (ITS) is an independent provider of Non-Destructive Testing, inspection and technical assurance services, supporting clients across the offshore wind, energy, marine, fabrication and manufacturing sectors. With approvals from DNV, ABS and Bureau Veritas, alongside an ISO 9001-certified quality management system, ITS delivers reliable inspection solutions backed by experienced PCN-certified technicians and in-house Level 3 expertise.
