Between 1966 and 1971 for the Level 3 there was no general or specific examination but a practical test was proposed. However, it was stated that this may be waived by the employer based on documentary evidence. In 1975 the full examination for Level 3 proposed general and specific theory plus the practical but the waiving of the exam for the Level 3 was still accepted (until the 1988 edition).
The 1980 edition changed the Level 3 exam to include the Basic exam plus the Method examination comprising general and specific theory papers but now no practical exam. (It was a requirement that Level 3 candidates would demonstrate a minimum period of time at Level 2 (or equivalent to Level 2) prior to sitting the Level 3 exams).
In 1988 the practice of waiving the Level 3 exam was removed.
NOTE: In 1976 ASNT introduced their ASNT NDT Level 3 programme as an independent theory test which included a Basic examination and a Method examination as determined by ASNT themselves. The programme began with a 6 month grandfathering programme and was then followed by examinations which are now available at exam locations around the world. 4