Industrial radiography licensing, records and notifications study guide
10 CFR Part 34 is the NRC rule for industrial radiography licenses and radiation safety requirements. This guide sets out what the federal rule text states on its purpose and scope (34.1), interpretations (34.5), the definitions of places, equipment and units (34.3), applying for a specific license (34.11 and 34.13), keeping license copies and the form of records (34.61 and 34.87), which documents are kept where (34.89), and notifications to the NRC (34.101). goraedu does not train, test or certify radiographers, and this is not a certification exam. Agreement States license radiography under their own compatible rules, so check yours too. Every point links to the regulation and quotes its exact words.
Purpose, scope and interpretations
Part 34 sets requirements for issuing licenses for the use of sealed sources containing byproduct material, and radiation safety requirements for persons using these sealed sources in industrial radiography.
“This part prescribes requirements for the issuance of licenses for the use of sealed sources containing byproduct material and radiation safety requirements for persons using these sealed sources in industrial radiography.”
Part 34 adds to the other requirements of NRC's chapter of 10 CFR and does not replace them. It names the other parts that apply to applications and licenses under Part 34.
“The provisions and requirements of this part are in addition to, and not in substitution for, other requirements of this chapter. In particular, the requirements and provisions of parts 19, 20, 21, 30, 37, 71, 150, 170, and 171 of this chapter apply to applications and licenses subject to this part.”
Part 34 does not apply to medical uses of byproduct material.
“This rule does not apply to medical uses of byproduct material.”
Unless the Commission specifically authorizes otherwise in writing, the only interpretation of Part 34 by an NRC officer or employee recognized as binding upon the Commission is a written interpretation by the General Counsel.
“Except as specifically authorized by the Commission in writing, no interpretation of the meaning of the regulations in this part by any officer or employee of the Commission, other than a written interpretation by the General Counsel, will be recognized to be binding upon the Commission.”
34.5 shall cease to have effect on January 8, 2027, unless the NRC determines that the deadline should be extended to a date not more than 5 years in the future, after offering the public an opportunity to provide input on the costs and benefits of the section and considering that input.
“This section shall cease to have effect on January 8, 2027, unless the NRC determines that the cessation deadline should be extended to a date not more than 5 years in the future after offering the public an opportunity to provide input on the costs and benefits of this section and considering that input.”
Not covered here
The NRC's Federal Register step after its sunset determination, the information collection section (34.8), exemptions (34.111) and the violations and penalties sections (34.121 to 34.123) are not covered here, and the content of the other parts named in 34.1 is not described. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Places and types of radiography
Industrial radiography is an examination of the structure of materials by nondestructive methods, using ionizing radiation to make radiographic images.
“Industrial radiography (radiography) means an examination of the structure of materials by nondestructive methods, utilizing ionizing radiation to make radiographic images.”
A permanent radiographic installation is an enclosed shielded room, cell, or vault in which radiography is performed. It is not located at a temporary jobsite.
“Permanent radiographic installation means an enclosed shielded room, cell, or vault, not located at a temporary jobsite, in which radiography is performed.”
A field station is a facility where licensed material may be stored or used and from which equipment is dispatched.
“Field station means a facility where licensed material may be stored or used and from which equipment is dispatched.”
A temporary jobsite is a location where radiographic operations are conducted and where licensed material may be stored, other than the location(s) of use authorized on the license.
“Temporary jobsite means a location where radiographic operations are conducted and where licensed material may be stored other than those location(s) of use authorized on the license.”
A storage area is any location, facility, or vehicle used to store or secure a radiographic exposure device, a storage container, or a sealed source when it is not in use. It is locked or has a physical barrier to prevent accidental exposure, tampering with, or unauthorized removal.
“Storage area means any location, facility, or vehicle which is used to store or to secure a radiographic exposure device, a storage container, or a sealed source when it is not in use and which is locked or has a physical barrier to prevent accidental exposure, tampering with, or unauthorized removal of the device, container, or source.”
Radiographic operations means all activities associated with the presence of radioactive sources in a radiographic exposure device during use of the device or transport, except transport by a common or contract transport. It includes surveys to confirm the adequacy of boundaries, setting up equipment and any activity inside restricted area boundaries.
“Radiographic operations means all activities associated with the presence of radioactive sources in a radiographic exposure device during use of the device or transport (except when being transported by a common or contract transport), to include surveys to confirm the adequacy of boundaries, setting up equipment and any activity inside restricted area boundaries.”
Lay-barge radiography is industrial radiography performed on any water vessel used for laying pipe.
“Lay-barge radiography means industrial radiography performed on any water vessel used for laying pipe.”
Not covered here
The offshore platform and underwater radiography definitions are not set out here. The definitions about people, training and certification (such as radiographer, radiographer's assistant and certifying entity) are in the training, certification and supervision set. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Equipment and source terms
A radiographic exposure device, also called a camera or a projector, is any instrument containing a sealed source fastened or contained in it, in which the sealed source or its shielding may be moved or otherwise changed from a shielded to an unshielded position to make a radiographic exposure.
“Radiographic exposure device (also called a camera, or a projector) means any instrument containing a sealed source fastened or contained therein, in which the sealed source or shielding thereof may be moved, or otherwise changed, from a shielded to unshielded position for purposes of making a radiographic exposure.”
A sealed source is any byproduct material encased in a capsule designed to prevent leakage or escape of the byproduct material.
“Sealed source means any byproduct material that is encased in a capsule designed to prevent leakage or escape of the byproduct material.”
A source assembly consists of the sealed source and a connector that attaches the source to the control cable. It may also include a stop ball used to secure the source in the shielded position.
“Source assembly means an assembly that consists of the sealed source and a connector that attaches the source to the control cable. The source assembly may also include a stop ball used to secure the source in the shielded position.”
The shielded position is the location within the radiographic exposure device or source changer where the sealed source is secured and restricted from movement.
“Shielded position means the location within the radiographic exposure device or source changer where the sealed source is secured and restricted from movement.”
An exposure head locates the gamma radiography sealed source in the selected working position. It is also known as a source stop.
“Exposure head means a device that locates the gamma radiography sealed source in the selected working position. (An exposure head is also known as a source stop.)”
A source changer is a device designed and used for replacement of sealed sources in radiographic exposure devices, including those also used for transporting and storage of sealed sources.
“Source changer means a device designed and used for replacement of sealed sources in radiographic exposure devices, including those also used for transporting and storage of sealed sources.”
Not covered here
Other equipment terms in 34.3 (associated equipment, collimator, control (drive) cable, control drive mechanism, control tube, guide tube, S-tube and storage container) are not set out here; the equipment requirements themselves are in the equipment, sealed sources and storage set. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Units and ALARA
ALARA stands for “as low as is reasonably achievable”. It means making every reasonable effort to keep exposures to radiation as far below the dose limits in 10 CFR part 20 as is practical consistent with the purpose of the licensed activity.
“ALARA (acronym for “as low as is reasonably achievable”) means making every reasonable effort to maintain exposures to radiation as far below the dose limits specified in 10 CFR part 20 as is practical consistent with the purpose for which the licensed activity is undertaken, taking into account the state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to state of technology, the economics of improvements in relation to benefits to the public health and safety, and other societal and socioeconomic considerations, and in relation to utilization of nuclear energy and licensed materials in the public interest.”
A becquerel (Bq) is one disintegration per second.
“Becquerel (Bq) means one disintegration per second.”
The gray is the SI unit of absorbed dose. One gray equals an absorbed dose of 1 Joule/kilogram, and also equals 100 rads.
“Gray means the SI unit of absorbed dose. One gray is equal to an absorbed dose of 1 Joule/kilogram. It is also equal to 100 rads.”
The sievert is the SI unit of any of the quantities expressed as dose equivalent. The dose equivalent in sieverts equals the absorbed dose in grays multiplied by the quality factor, and 1 Sv = 100 rems.
“Sievert means the SI unit of any of the quantities expressed as dose equivalent. The dose equivalent in sieverts is equal to the absorbed dose in grays multiplied by the quality factor (1 Sv = 100 rems).”
Applying for a specific license
A person may file an application for a specific license for use of sealed sources in industrial radiography on NRC Form 313, “Application for Material License,” in accordance with 30.32.
“A person may file an application for specific license for use of sealed sources in industrial radiography on NRC Form 313, “Application for Material License,” in accordance with the provisions of § 30.32 of this chapter.”
An application for a specific license for the use of licensed material in industrial radiography will be approved if the applicant meets the requirements listed in 34.13. The first is that the applicant satisfies the general requirements in 30.33 for byproduct material, as appropriate, and any special requirements contained in Part 34.
“An application for a specific license for the use of licensed material in industrial radiography will be approved if the applicant meets the following requirements: (a) The applicant satisfies the general requirements specified in § 30.33 of this chapter for byproduct material, as appropriate, and any special requirements contained in this part.”
The applicant submits an adequate program for training radiographers and radiographers' assistants that meets the requirements of 34.43. After May 28, 1999, a license applicant need not describe its initial training and examination program for radiographers in the subjects outlined in 34.43(g).
“The applicant submits an adequate program for training radiographers and radiographers' assistants that meets the requirements of § 34.43. (1) After May 28, 1999, a license applicant need not describe its initial training and examination program for radiographers in the subjects outlined in § 34.43(g).”
The applicant submits procedures for verifying and documenting the certification status of radiographers and for ensuring that the certification of individuals acting as radiographers remains valid.
“The applicant submits procedures for verifying and documenting the certification status of radiographers and for ensuring that the certification of individuals acting as radiographers remains valid.”
The applicant submits written operating and emergency procedures as described in 34.45.
“The applicant submits written operating and emergency procedures as described in § 34.45.”
The applicant submits a description of a program for inspections of the job performance of each radiographer and radiographers' assistant at intervals not to exceed 6 months, as described in 34.43(e).
“The applicant submits a description of a program for inspections of the job performance of each radiographer and radiographers' assistant at intervals not to exceed 6 months as described in § 34.43(e).”
The applicant submits a description of its overall organizational structure as it applies to the radiation safety responsibilities in industrial radiography, including specified delegation of authority and responsibility.
“The applicant submits a description of the applicant's overall organizational structure as it applies to the radiation safety responsibilities in industrial radiography, including specified delegation of authority and responsibility.”
The applicant identifies and lists the qualifications of the individual(s) designated as the RSO and potential designees responsible for ensuring that the licensee's radiation safety program is implemented in accordance with approved procedures.
“The applicant identifies and lists the qualifications of the individual(s) designated as the RSO (§ 34.42) and potential designees responsible for ensuring that the licensee's radiation safety program is implemented in accordance with approved procedures.”
If an applicant intends to perform leak testing of sealed sources or exposure devices containing depleted uranium (DU) shielding, it must describe the procedures for performing the testing and the qualifications of the person(s) authorized to do it. If it intends to analyze its own wipe samples, the application must include a description of the procedures to be followed.
“If an applicant intends to perform leak testing of sealed sources or exposure devices containing depleted uranium (DU) shielding, the applicant must describe the procedures for performing and the qualifications of the person(s) authorized to do the leak testing. If the applicant intends to analyze its own wipe samples, the application must include a description of the procedures to be followed.”
If the applicant intends to perform “in-house” calibrations of survey instruments, it must describe the methods to be used and the relevant experience of the person(s) who will perform them. All calibrations must be performed according to the procedures described and at the intervals prescribed in 34.25.
“If the applicant intends to perform “in-house” calibrations of survey instruments the applicant must describe methods to be used and the relevant experience of the person(s) who will perform the calibrations. All calibrations must be performed according to the procedures described and at the intervals prescribed in § 34.25.”
The applicant identifies and describes the location(s) of all field stations and permanent radiographic installations.
“The applicant identifies and describes the location(s) of all field stations and permanent radiographic installations.”
The applicant identifies the locations where all records required by Part 34 and other parts of the chapter will be maintained.
“The applicant identifies the locations where all records required by this part and other parts of this chapter will be maintained.”
Not covered here
The certification affirmation in 34.13(b)(2), which the rule allows from June 27, 1997 to May 28, 1999, and the list of what the wipe-sample procedure description must include in 34.13(h) are not set out here; 34.43 itself is covered in the training, certification and supervision set. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
License copies and form of records
Each licensee shall keep a copy of its license, license conditions, documents incorporated by reference, and amendments to each of these, until superseded by new documents approved by the Commission or until the Commission terminates the license.
“Each licensee shall maintain a copy of its license, license conditions, documents incorporated by reference, and amendments to each of these items until superseded by new documents approved by the Commission, or until the Commission terminates the license.”
10 CFR 34.61, Records of the specific license for industrial radiography
Each record required by Part 34 must be legible throughout the specified retention period.
“Each record required by this part must be legible throughout the specified retention period.”
A record may be the original or a reproduced copy or a microform, provided that the copy or microform is authenticated by authorized personnel and that the microform is capable of reproducing a clear copy throughout the required retention period.
“The record may be the original or a reproduced copy or a microform provided that the copy or microform is authenticated by authorized personnel and that the microform is capable of reproducing a clear copy throughout the required retention period.”
A record may also be stored in electronic media with the capability for producing legible, accurate, and complete records during the required retention period.
“The record may also be stored in electronic media with the capability for producing legible, accurate, and complete records during the required retention period.”
Records such as letters, drawings, and specifications must include all pertinent information, such as stamps, initials, and signatures, and the licensee shall maintain adequate safeguards against tampering with and loss of records.
“Records, such as letters, drawings, and specifications, must include all pertinent information, such as stamps, initials, and signatures. The licensee shall maintain adequate safeguards against tampering with and loss of records.”
34.87 shall cease to have effect on January 8, 2027, unless the NRC determines that the deadline should be extended to a date not more than 5 years in the future, after offering the public an opportunity to provide input on the costs and benefits of the section and considering that input.
“This section shall cease to have effect on January 8, 2027, unless the NRC determines that the cessation deadline should be extended to a date not more than 5 years in the future after offering the public an opportunity to provide input on the costs and benefits of this section and considering that input.”
Not covered here
The NRC's Federal Register step after its sunset determination and the individual record sections (34.63 to 34.85) are not covered here; the other sets in this cluster cover those record sections where useful. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Where documents and records are kept
Each licensee shall maintain copies of records required by Part 34 and other applicable parts of the chapter at the location specified in 34.13(k).
“Each licensee shall maintain copies of records required by this part and other applicable parts of this chapter at the location specified in § 34.13(k).”
Each licensee shall also keep copies of the documents and records listed in 34.89(b), sufficient to demonstrate compliance, at each applicable field station and each temporary jobsite.
“Each licensee shall also maintain copies of the following documents and records sufficient to demonstrate compliance at each applicable field station and each temporary jobsite;”
One of the listed documents is the license authorizing the use of licensed material.
“The license authorizing the use of licensed material;”
Another is a copy of 10 CFR parts 19, 20, and 34 of NRC regulations.
“A copy of 10 CFR parts 19, 20, and 34 of NRC regulations;”
The list includes utilization records for each radiographic exposure device dispatched from that location, as required by 34.71.
“Utilization records for each radiographic exposure device dispatched from that location as required by § 34.71.”
The list includes evidence of the latest calibration of the radiation survey instruments in use at the site, as required by 34.65.
“Evidence of the latest calibration of the radiation survey instruments in use at the site, as required by § 34.65;”
When operating under reciprocity pursuant to 150.20, the list includes a copy of the Agreement State license authorizing the use of licensed materials.
“When operating under reciprocity pursuant to § 150.20 of this chapter, a copy of the Agreement State license authorizing the use of licensed materials.”
Not covered here
The remaining items of 34.89(b), such as alarm and entrance control check records, shipping papers, daily-check equipment problem records, dosimeter readings, operating and emergency procedures and latest survey records, are not each set out here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Notifications
In addition to the reporting required by 30.50 and other sections such as 21.21, each licensee shall send a written report to the NRC's Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, by an appropriate method listed in 30.6(a), within 30 days of the occurrence of any of the incidents involving radiographic equipment listed in 34.101(a).
“In addition to the reporting requirements specified in § 30.50 and under other sections of this chapter, such as § 21.21, each licensee shall send a written report to the NRC's Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, by an appropriate method listed in § 30.6(a) of this chapter, within 30 days of the occurrence of any of the following incidents involving radiographic equipment:”
One listed incident is unintentional disconnection of the source assembly from the control cable.
“Unintentional disconnection of the source assembly from the control cable;”
Another is inability to retract the source assembly to its fully shielded position and secure it in this position.
“Inability to retract the source assembly to its fully shielded position and secure it in this position; or”
Another is failure of any component critical to safe operation of the device to properly perform its intended function.
“Failure of any component (critical to safe operation of the device) to properly perform its intended function;”
The information listed in 34.101(b) goes in each report under 34.101(a), and in each report of overexposure submitted under 10 CFR 20.2203 which involves failure of safety components of radiography equipment.
“The licensee shall include the following information in each report submitted under paragraph (a) of this section, and in each report of overexposure submitted under 10 CFR 20.2203 which involves failure of safety components of radiography equipment:”
The report includes the cause of each incident, if known.
“Cause of each incident, if known;”
The report includes the qualifications of personnel involved in the incident.
“Qualifications of personnel involved in the incident.”
Any licensee conducting radiographic operations or storing radioactive material at any location not listed on the license for more than 180 days in a calendar year shall notify the appropriate NRC regional office listed in 30.6(b)(2) before exceeding the 180 days.
“Any licensee conducting radiographic operations or storing radioactive material at any location not listed on the license for a period in excess of 180 days in a calendar year, shall notify the appropriate NRC regional office listed in § 30.6(b)(2) of this chapter prior to exceeding the 180 days.”
Not covered here
The other items a 34.101(b) report must include (such as the manufacturer and model number), and the content of the reporting rules in Parts 20, 21 and 30, are not set out here. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Sources
- eCFR: 10 CFR 34.1, Purpose and scope (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 10 CFR 34.5, Interpretations (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 10 CFR 34.3, Definitions (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 10 CFR 34.11, Application for a specific license (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 10 CFR 34.13, Specific license for industrial radiography (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 10 CFR 34.61, Records of the specific license for industrial radiography (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 10 CFR 34.87, Form of records (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 10 CFR 34.89, Location of documents and records (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 10 CFR 34.101, Notifications (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
Other Industrial radiography study guides: Training, certification and supervision, Equipment, sealed sources and storage, Operations, monitoring, surveys and posting