NDT PENETRANT TESTING STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS
WITH ANSWERS 2025/2026 GRADED A+
Discontinuity: - break in the structure regardless the cause
Defect: - break in structure not normal to part -> rejection
Why is removal of developer important? - developer will draw & hold moisture at the
parts surface leading to corrosion
What is the sensitivity of a test? - the sensitivity of the developer (ability to detect
smaller defects)
One factor that can affect the sensitivity of a test? - improper surface penetration
Second factor that can affect the sensitivity of a test? - white light contamination
Third factor that can affect the sensitivity of a test? - extreme temperature
Fourth factor that can affect the sensitivity of a test? - eye fatigue & other variables
Fifth factor that can affect the sensitivity of a test? - improper light levels
Sixth factor that can affect the sensitivity of a test? - contaminated materials
What is reference standard? - it has known sizes of discontinuity due to it being
manufactured that way
What is a system monitor? - tells if system is working & its results change if there is a
problem
One precaution to observe when working around penetrant materials? - hand protection
for prolonged exposure
Second precaution to observe when working around penetrant materials? - remove
penetrant from skin with soap and water
Third precaution to observe when working around penetrant materials? - wear respirator
or dust mask when working with airborne dry developers
Fourth precaution to observe when working around penetrant materials? - don't use
around open flames
What phase of a penetrant test requires the greatest skill? – interpretation
Two material criteria that will allow successful penetrant testing. - Smooth and
Reasonably non porous
, Can penetrant testing accurately measure depths of cracks? - No
What is step one in Penetrant Testing? - Surface Preparation
What is step two in Penetrant Testing? - Penetrant Application
What is step three in Penetrant Testing? - Excess Penetrant Removal
What is step four in Penetrant Testing? - Developer Application
What is step five in Penetrant Testing? - Inspection & Interpretation
What is step six in Penetrant Testing? - Post test cleaning
What is one reason why proper preparation is essential to a successful penetrant test? -
Contaminants may obstruct penetrant from discontinuities
What is another reason why proper preparation is essential to a successful penetrant
test? - Contaminants may cause non-relevant indications
What is a third reason why proper preparation is essential to a successful penetrant
test? - Contaminants may contaminate penetrant tanks
What are the criteria for cleaners? - Must remove contaminants || must be compatible
with material being tested || can't become a contaminant itself
Why must mechanical methods of cleaning be avoided? - They will to close the surface
opening by smearing
Why must acids or acid base cleaners be thoroughly removed or neutralized before
applying fluorescent penetrants? - acids will destroy the penetrants ability to fluoresce
What is one method of penetrant application? - Spraying
What is a another method of penetrant application? - Dipping
What is a third method of penetrant application? - Brushing
What is the final method of penetrant application? - Pouring
How long should a part remain immersed in penetrant when using the immersion or
dipping method? - Only log enough to completely cover the surface
How is a penetrant drawn into discontinuity? - Capillary Action
WITH ANSWERS 2025/2026 GRADED A+
Discontinuity: - break in the structure regardless the cause
Defect: - break in structure not normal to part -> rejection
Why is removal of developer important? - developer will draw & hold moisture at the
parts surface leading to corrosion
What is the sensitivity of a test? - the sensitivity of the developer (ability to detect
smaller defects)
One factor that can affect the sensitivity of a test? - improper surface penetration
Second factor that can affect the sensitivity of a test? - white light contamination
Third factor that can affect the sensitivity of a test? - extreme temperature
Fourth factor that can affect the sensitivity of a test? - eye fatigue & other variables
Fifth factor that can affect the sensitivity of a test? - improper light levels
Sixth factor that can affect the sensitivity of a test? - contaminated materials
What is reference standard? - it has known sizes of discontinuity due to it being
manufactured that way
What is a system monitor? - tells if system is working & its results change if there is a
problem
One precaution to observe when working around penetrant materials? - hand protection
for prolonged exposure
Second precaution to observe when working around penetrant materials? - remove
penetrant from skin with soap and water
Third precaution to observe when working around penetrant materials? - wear respirator
or dust mask when working with airborne dry developers
Fourth precaution to observe when working around penetrant materials? - don't use
around open flames
What phase of a penetrant test requires the greatest skill? – interpretation
Two material criteria that will allow successful penetrant testing. - Smooth and
Reasonably non porous
, Can penetrant testing accurately measure depths of cracks? - No
What is step one in Penetrant Testing? - Surface Preparation
What is step two in Penetrant Testing? - Penetrant Application
What is step three in Penetrant Testing? - Excess Penetrant Removal
What is step four in Penetrant Testing? - Developer Application
What is step five in Penetrant Testing? - Inspection & Interpretation
What is step six in Penetrant Testing? - Post test cleaning
What is one reason why proper preparation is essential to a successful penetrant test? -
Contaminants may obstruct penetrant from discontinuities
What is another reason why proper preparation is essential to a successful penetrant
test? - Contaminants may cause non-relevant indications
What is a third reason why proper preparation is essential to a successful penetrant
test? - Contaminants may contaminate penetrant tanks
What are the criteria for cleaners? - Must remove contaminants || must be compatible
with material being tested || can't become a contaminant itself
Why must mechanical methods of cleaning be avoided? - They will to close the surface
opening by smearing
Why must acids or acid base cleaners be thoroughly removed or neutralized before
applying fluorescent penetrants? - acids will destroy the penetrants ability to fluoresce
What is one method of penetrant application? - Spraying
What is a another method of penetrant application? - Dipping
What is a third method of penetrant application? - Brushing
What is the final method of penetrant application? - Pouring
How long should a part remain immersed in penetrant when using the immersion or
dipping method? - Only log enough to completely cover the surface
How is a penetrant drawn into discontinuity? - Capillary Action
