Diploma in Crack Inspection and Basic NDT
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in crack inspection and basic non-destructive testing (NDT). 8 modules covering discontinuities and failure mechanisms, visual inspection, penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, basic ultrasonics, eddy current and other techniques, and application to vehicle components, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Crack Inspection and Basic NDT — studying from the United States
Restoration and classic vehicle engineering is a niche but active field in the United States, supported by a large enthusiast community and well-established events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and Hershey's AACA Fall Meet. Specialist restoration shops, museums and collector car firms require engineers who understand historic materials, mechanical systems and period-correct design. Work often combines traditional craftsmanship with modern diagnostics and documentation. Professional connections are typically built through clubs and heritage organizations.
Fees for the United States: US$1,440 (US Dollars), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in the United States
Typical roles
Questions from the United States
Is there formal professional recognition for classic vehicle restoration in the US?
Restoration is mostly a craft and hobby sector without a licensed engineering title. Relevant organizations include the Antique Automobile Club of America and the Society of Automotive Historians. Some work touches on SAE standards and state vehicle inspection rules. SEIUM's qualifications are private, and their value depends on the client or employer.
What career options exist in classic and restoration work in the US?
Options include independent restoration shops, dealerships specializing in classic cars, auction houses, museums, and collector-focused consultancies. Roles range from restoration technician to project manager. Because this sector values reputation and craftsmanship, portfolios and references often matter more than formal credentials.
Can I study this part-time while working in the US?
Yes, the programmes are fully online and taught in English, so you can study from home and no student visa is needed. Workloads run from 300 hours for specialist courses to 1,900 hours for master's programmes. Fees are payable in instalments, and you can plan study around your existing work commitments.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Recognise the types of discontinuities and their origin.
Carry out visual inspections using standardised criteria.
Apply the penetrant testing method.
Inspect ferromagnetic components by magnetic particle testing.
Use basic ultrasonic testing equipment.
Select the appropriate non-destructive testing method.
Write inspection procedures and reports.
Who it's for
- NDT technicians preparing for ISO 9712 certification levels.
- Welding inspectors who need to add surface and volumetric methods.
- Quality technicians in metal manufacturing and automotive supply.
- Competition component inspectors checking critical racing parts.
- Industrial maintenance technicians running condition inspections.
- Vehicle restoration technicians assessing classic components.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter automotive and motorsport.
What you'll work with
- ISO 9712 (qualification and certification of NDT personnel)
- EN ISO 3452-1 (penetrant testing: general principles)
- EN ISO 9934-1 (magnetic particle testing: general principles)
- EN ISO 17637 (visual testing of fusion-welded joints)
- EN ISO 16810 (ultrasonic testing: general principles)
- EN ISO 5817 (quality levels for imperfections in welds)
- EN ISO 15548-1 (eddy current testing equipment characteristics)
- ASTM E1417 (standard practice for liquid penetrant testing)
- Evident NDT SetupBuilder
- Zetec UltraVision
- Eddyfi Magnifi
- ImageJ
8 modules
1.1Types of discontinuities1.2Fatigue cracks1.3Weld cracks1.4Stress corrosion cracking1.5Porosity and inclusions1.6Casting and forging defects1.7Stress concentration1.8Basic fracture mechanics1.9Acceptance criteria1.10Practical exercise: identifying discontinuities in test specimens
2.1Principles of visual inspection2.2Lighting and visual acuity2.3Magnifiers, mirrors and gauges2.4Borescopes and videoscopes2.5Visual inspection of welds2.6Weld quality levels2.7Photographic documentation2.8Inspection of vehicle components2.9Records and reports2.10Workshop: visual inspection of a welded chassis frame
3.1Principle of capillary action3.2Colour-contrast and fluorescent penetrants3.3Surface preparation3.4Dwell times3.5Removal of excess penetrant3.6Developers3.7Interpretation of indications3.8Limitations of the method3.9Safety and chemical products3.10Lab: penetrant testing inspection
4.1Magnetism and leakage fields4.2Magnetisation methods4.3Yokes and coils4.4Dry and wet particles4.5Inspection under ultraviolet light4.6Field direction and crack orientation4.7Demagnetisation4.8Application to shafts and connecting rods4.9Limitations on non-ferromagnetic materials4.10Practical exercise: inspecting a steering knuckle with a yoke
5.1Propagation of ultrasonic waves5.2Straight-beam and angle-beam probes5.3Calibration with reference blocks5.4Thickness measurement5.5Crack detection5.6Weld inspection5.7Interpretation of A-scan signals5.8Introduction to phased array5.9Limitations of the method5.10Lab: thickness measurement and flaw detection
6.1Principle of eddy currents6.2Surface and rotating probes6.3Crack detection in aluminium6.4Conductivity measurement6.5Coating thickness measurement6.6Active thermography6.7Industrial radiography6.8Computed tomography6.9Method selection6.10Practical exercise: crack detection by eddy current
7.1Inspection of chassis and frames7.2Inspection of suspension components7.3Wheel rim inspection7.4Inspection of competition parts7.5Life-based inspection programmes7.6Restoration of classic components7.7Inspection of industrial vehicles7.8Management of rejected parts7.9Personnel certification7.10Case study: inspection plan for a racing car
8.1Selection of components8.2Failure risk analysis8.3Method selection8.4Written procedures8.5Carrying out the inspections8.6Evaluation of indications8.7Inspection report8.8Periodic inspection plan8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so the programme is compatible with full-time work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Evident NDT SetupBuilder, Zetec UltraVision, Eddyfi Magnifi and ImageJ, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures for penetrant testing of welds, magnetic particle inspection of suspension components and ultrasonic thickness measurement. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: ISO 9712, EN ISO 3452-1, EN ISO 9934-1, EN ISO 17637, EN ISO 16810, EN ISO 5817, EN ISO 15548-1, ASTM E1417.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Evident NDT SetupBuilder, Zetec UltraVision, Eddyfi Magnifi and ImageJ, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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