A Nadcap (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) audit is one of the most rigorous assessments an NDT provider can undergo. For aerospace and defense suppliers, Nadcap accreditation isn’t just a badge of honor; it’s often a prerequisite for doing business. At the heart of this audit is your NDT Written Practice—the foundational document that governs how you train, certify, and manage your inspection personnel.

A non-conformance related to your Written Practice can jeopardize your accreditation. Proactively auditing this critical document is not just recommended; it’s essential for a smooth and successful Nadcap visit. This guide will walk you through the key areas to scrutinize to ensure you’re prepared.

Understanding the Scope: What Auditors Look For

A Nadcap auditor’s review of your Written Practice is comprehensive. They are verifying that your internal procedures for qualifying and certifying NDT personnel meet the stringent requirements of aerospace standards, primarily NAS 410. The audit is an in-depth look at every part of your NDT process, including qualification/certification, process controls, and calibration.

The auditor’s goal is to confirm that your documented procedures exist, are adequate, and are being followed precisely. They will verify this through direct observation, reviewing records, and witnessing job audits.

Need to hire a Responsible Level 3 to prepare for your audit? Find qualified candidates on NDT-Jobs.com today.

Your Pre-Audit Checklist for the Written Practice

Think of the Nadcap audit as an open-book test. The Performance Review Institute (PRI) provides the audit checklists on their eAuditNet website, which should be the foundation of your internal audit. Use these checklists to meticulously review every aspect of your process.

1. Verify Personnel Qualification and Certification Files

This is arguably the most critical part of your internal audit. A Nadcap auditor will thoroughly examine personnel files to ensure they align perfectly with the commitments made in your Written Practice.

• Training and Experience Hours: Confirm that the documented training and on-the-job experience hours for every technician meet or exceed the minimums specified in your Written Practice and NAS 410.
• Examinations: Ensure all required exams (General, Specific, Practical, and Vision) are documented, graded correctly, and were administered according to your procedures. The Responsible Level 3 or Examiner who administered the exams must be clearly identified.
• Certification Status: Maintain a clear and current list of all NDT personnel, including trainees and suspended individuals. This list should provide traceability to certification expiration dates and vision examination due dates.

2. Align Your Written Practice with NAS 410

Your Written Practice must be in complete alignment with the governing industry standard, which for aerospace is typically NAS 410.

• Minimum Requirements: Cross-reference every section of your document (training outlines, experience requirements, recertification) with NAS 410 to ensure you meet the minimums.
• Responsible Level 3 Approval: The document must be approved by your designated Responsible Level 3. The auditor will verify their credentials and confirm they are qualified to oversee your program.
• Customer Specifications: Ensure your Written Practice addresses the flow-down of specific customer requirements. An auditor will often look at a customer purchase order and trace its NDT requirements back through your procedures.

3. Review NDT Procedures and Technique Sheets

Your Written Practice doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It connects directly to your operational procedures.

• Procedure Approval: Confirm that all general NDT procedures have been reviewed and approved by the applicable Level 3.
• Technique Approval: Verify that specific technique sheets used for inspections have been properly developed and approved according to your internal process. The auditor will review these during live job audits to ensure technicians are following them exactly.
• Annual Reviews: Ensure there is a system in place for the required annual review of NDT techniques by a Level 3.

4. Conduct a Thorough Self-Audit

Nadcap requires suppliers to perform a self-audit using the official checklists at least 30 days before the scheduled visit.

• Treat it Seriously: Go through every line item on the AC7114 and related checklists. For each question, reference the specific procedure and paragraph where the requirement is addressed.
• “No” is the Wrong Answer: If you find a gap or a “No” during your self-audit, don’t ignore it. This is your chance to correct it before the official auditor arrives. The goal is to identify and fix non-conformances internally.
• Review Common Findings: PRI often publishes lists of the most common non-conformance reports (NCRs). Reviewing these can help you focus on areas where other companies often struggle, such as procedure requirements and self-audits.

Feeling overwhelmed? Connect with experienced NDT consultants and Level 3s who specialize in Nadcap preparation on the NDT-Jobs.com platform.

Final Preparations for a Successful Audit

A successful Nadcap audit is the result of a strong quality culture, not last-minute scrambling. Meticulous organization and clear documentation are what the auditor wants to see. By thoroughly auditing your Written Practice and the associated records against the official Nadcap criteria, you can identify and correct issues long before the auditor arrives, paving the way for a smooth and successful accreditation process.