Industrial radiography training, certification and supervision 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 who may act as a radiographer or radiographer's assistant, the related definitions in § 34.3, when two qualified individuals must be present (§ 34.41(a)–(b)), the qualifications and duties of the Radiation Safety Officer (§ 34.42), training, certification, refresher training and job performance inspections (§ 34.43), personal supervision of radiographers' assistants (§ 34.46), and records of training and certification (§ 34.79). 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.
Key definitions
A radiographer is any individual who performs industrial radiographic operations, or who personally supervises them while in attendance at the site where the sealed source or sources are being used, and who is responsible to the licensee for assuring compliance with the Commission's regulations and the license conditions.
“Radiographer means any individual who performs or who, in attendance at the site where the sealed source or sources are being used, personally supervises industrial radiographic operations and who is responsible to the licensee for assuring compliance with the requirements of the Commission's regulations and the conditions of the license.”
A radiographer's assistant is any individual who, under the direct supervision of a radiographer, uses radiographic exposure devices, sealed sources or related handling tools, or radiation survey instruments in industrial radiography.
“Radiographer's assistant means any individual who under the direct supervision of a radiographer, uses radiographic exposure devices, sealed sources or related handling tools, or radiation survey instruments in industrial radiography.”
The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for industrial radiography is an individual with the responsibility for the overall radiation safety program on behalf of the licensee and who meets the requirements of § 34.42.
“Radiation Safety Officer for industrial radiography means an individual with the responsibility for the overall radiation safety program on behalf of the licensee and who meets the requirements of § 34.42.”
A certifying entity is either an independent certifying organization meeting the requirements in appendix A of Part 34, or an Agreement State meeting the requirements in appendix A, parts II and III.
“Certifying Entity means an independent certifying organization meeting the requirements in appendix A of this part or an Agreement State meeting the requirements in appendix A, parts II and III of this part.”
An independent certifying organization is an independent organization that meets all of the criteria of appendix A to Part 34.
“Independent certifying organization means an independent organization that meets all of the criteria of appendix A to this part.”
Radiographer certification is written approval received from a certifying entity stating that the individual has satisfactorily met certain established radiation safety, testing, and experience criteria.
“Radiographer certification means written approval received from a certifying entity stating that an individual has satisfactorily met certain established radiation safety, testing, and experience criteria.”
A practical examination is a demonstration, through practical application, of the safety rules and principles in industrial radiography, including use of all appropriate equipment and procedures.
“Practical Examination means a demonstration through practical application of the safety rules and principles in industrial radiography including use of all appropriate equipment and procedures.”
Hands-on experience means experience in all of the areas considered to be directly involved in the radiography process.
“Hands-on experience means experience in all of those areas considered to be directly involved in the radiography process.”
Annual refresher safety training is a review, conducted or provided by the licensee for its employees, on the radiation safety aspects of industrial radiography. The review may include, as appropriate, internal inspection results, new procedures or equipment, new or revised regulations, and accidents or errors that have been observed, and should also give employees opportunities to ask safety questions.
“Annual refresher safety training means a review conducted or provided by the licensee for its employees on radiation safety aspects of industrial radiography. The review may include, as appropriate, the results of internal inspections, new procedures or equipment, new or revised regulations, accidents or errors that have been observed, and should also provide opportunities for employees to ask safety questions.”
Not covered here
Definitions of places, equipment, operations and units (for example permanent radiographic installation, field station, temporary jobsite and radiographic operations) are in the licensing, records and notifications set. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Two qualified individuals and locations
Whenever radiography is performed at a location other than a permanent radiographic installation, the radiographer must be accompanied by at least one other qualified radiographer or by an individual who has, at a minimum, met the requirements of § 34.43(c).
“Whenever radiography is performed at a location other than a permanent radiographic installation, the radiographer must be accompanied by at least one other qualified radiographer or an individual who has at a minimum met the requirements of § 34.43(c).”
The additional qualified individual shall observe the operations and be capable of providing immediate assistance to prevent unauthorized entry.
“The additional qualified individual shall observe the operations and be capable of providing immediate assistance to prevent unauthorized entry.”
Radiography may not be performed if only one qualified individual is present.
“Radiography may not be performed if only one qualified individual is present.”
All radiographic operations conducted at locations of use authorized on the license must be conducted in a permanent radiographic installation, unless specifically authorized by the Commission.
“All radiographic operations conducted at locations of use authorized on the license must be conducted in a permanent radiographic installation, unless specifically authorized by the Commission.”
Paragraph (d) states that licensees will have until June 27, 1998, to meet the requirements for having two qualified individuals present at locations other than a permanent radiographic installation as specified in paragraph (a).
“Licensees will have until June 27, 1998, to meet the requirements for having two qualified individuals present at locations other than a permanent radiographic installation as specified in paragraph (a) of this section.”
Not covered here
Lay-barge, offshore platform and underwater radiography (§ 34.41(c)) and the other operating requirements are in the operations, monitoring, surveys and posting set. The definition of a permanent radiographic installation is in the licensing, records and notifications set. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Radiation Safety Officer
The RSO shall ensure that radiation safety activities are performed in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements in the daily operation of the licensee's program.
“The RSO shall ensure that radiation safety activities are being performed in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements in the daily operation of the licensee's program.”
10 CFR 34.42, Radiation Safety Officer for industrial radiography
One of the minimum qualifications, training, and experience for an industrial radiography RSO is completion of the training and testing requirements of § 34.43(a).
“The minimum qualifications, training, and experience for RSOs for industrial radiography are as follows: (1) Completion of the training and testing requirements of § 34.43(a);”
10 CFR 34.42, Radiation Safety Officer for industrial radiography
Another minimum qualification is 2000 hours of hands-on experience as a qualified radiographer in industrial radiographic operations.
“2000 hours of hands-on experience as a qualified radiographer in industrial radiographic operations; and”
10 CFR 34.42, Radiation Safety Officer for industrial radiography
Another minimum qualification is formal training in the establishment and maintenance of a radiation protection program.
“Formal training in the establishment and maintenance of a radiation protection program.”
10 CFR 34.42, Radiation Safety Officer for industrial radiography
The Commission will consider alternatives when the RSO has appropriate training and/or experience in the field of ionizing radiation and, in addition, has adequate formal training in the establishment and maintenance of a radiation safety protection program.
“The Commission will consider alternatives when the RSO has appropriate training and/or experience in the field of ionizing radiation, and in addition, has adequate formal training with respect to the establishment and maintenance of a radiation safety protection program.”
10 CFR 34.42, Radiation Safety Officer for industrial radiography
The RSO's specific duties and authorities include, but are not limited to, establishing and overseeing all operating, emergency, and ALARA procedures as required by 10 CFR part 20, and reviewing them regularly so that the procedures in use conform to current Part 20 procedures, other NRC regulations and the license conditions.
“The specific duties and authorities of the RSO include, but are not limited to: (1) Establishing and overseeing all operating, emergency, and ALARA procedures as required by 10 CFR part 20 of this chapter, and reviewing them regularly to ensure that the procedures in use conform to current 10 CFR part 20 procedures, conform to other NRC regulations and to the license conditions.”
10 CFR 34.42, Radiation Safety Officer for industrial radiography
The RSO's duties include overseeing and approving all phases of the training program for radiographic personnel, ensuring that appropriate and effective radiation protection practices are taught.
“Overseeing and approving all phases of the training program for radiographic personnel, ensuring that appropriate and effective radiation protection practices are taught;”
10 CFR 34.42, Radiation Safety Officer for industrial radiography
The RSO's duties include ensuring that required radiation surveys and leak tests are performed and documented in accordance with the regulations, including any corrective measures when levels of radiation exceed established limits.
“Ensuring that required radiation surveys and leak tests are performed and documented in accordance with the regulations, including any corrective measures when levels of radiation exceed established limits;”
10 CFR 34.42, Radiation Safety Officer for industrial radiography
The RSO's duties include ensuring that personnel monitoring devices are calibrated and used properly by occupationally-exposed personnel, that records are kept of the monitoring results, and that timely notifications are made as required by § 20.2203.
“Ensuring that personnel monitoring devices are calibrated and used properly by occupationally-exposed personnel, that records are kept of the monitoring results, and that timely notifications are made as required by § 20.2203 of this chapter; and”
10 CFR 34.42, Radiation Safety Officer for industrial radiography
The RSO's duties include ensuring that operations are conducted safely and assuming control for instituting corrective actions, including stopping operations when necessary.
“Ensuring that operations are conducted safely and to assume control for instituting corrective actions including stopping of operations when necessary.”
10 CFR 34.42, Radiation Safety Officer for industrial radiography
Paragraph (d) states that licensees will have until June 27, 1999, to meet the requirements of paragraph (a) or (b) of § 34.42.
“Licensees will have until June 27, 1999, to meet the requirements of paragraph (a) or (b) of this section.”
10 CFR 34.42, Radiation Safety Officer for industrial radiography
Radiographer training and certification
Paragraph (a) of § 34.43 gives two options. Under the first, (a)(1), the licensee may not permit any individual to act as a radiographer until the individual has received training in the subjects in § 34.43(g), in addition to a minimum of 2 months of on-the-job training, and is certified through a radiographer certification program by a certifying entity in accordance with the criteria in appendix A of Part 34. The second option, (a)(2), is set out below.
“The licensee may not permit any individual to act as a radiographer until the individual— (1) Has received training in the subjects in paragraph (g) of this section, in addition to a minimum of 2 months of on-the-job training, and is certified through a radiographer certification program by a certifying entity in accordance with the criteria specified in appendix A of this part.”
An independent organization that would like to be recognized as a certifying entity shall submit its request to the Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, by an appropriate method listed in § 30.6(a).
“(An independent organization that would like to be recognized as a certifying entity shall submit its request to the Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, by an appropriate method listed in § 30.6(a) of this chapter.)”
The second option, paragraph (a)(2), states that the licensee may, until June 27, 1999, allow an individual who has not met paragraph (a)(1) to act as a radiographer after the individual has received training in the paragraph (g) subjects and demonstrated an understanding of them by successful completion of a written examination previously submitted to and approved by the Commission.
“The licensee may, until June 27, 1999, allow an individual who has not met the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, to act as a radiographer after the individual has received training in the subjects outlined in paragraph (g) of this section and demonstrated an understanding of these subjects by successful completion of a written examination that was previously submitted to and approved by the Commission.”
In addition, the licensee may not permit any individual to act as a radiographer until the individual has received copies of and instruction in the requirements of the NRC regulations in Part 34 and the other regulations that § 34.43(b)(1) names, in the NRC license(s) under which the radiographer will perform industrial radiography, and in the licensee's operating and emergency procedures.
“In addition, the licensee may not permit any individual to act as a radiographer until the individual— (1) Has received copies of and instruction in the requirements described in NRC regulations contained in this part; in §§ 30.7, 30.9, and 30.10 of this chapter; in the applicable sections of 10 CFR parts 19 and 20, of this chapter, in applicable DOT regulations as referenced in 10 CFR part 71, in the NRC license(s) under which the radiographer will perform industrial radiography, and the licensee's operating and emergency procedures;”
A further condition before the licensee permits someone to act as a radiographer: the individual has demonstrated understanding of the licensee's license and operating and emergency procedures by successful completion of a written or oral examination covering this material.
“Has demonstrated understanding of the licensee's license and operating and emergency procedures by successful completion of a written or oral examination covering this material.”
Another condition: the individual has received training in the use of the licensee's radiographic exposure devices and sealed sources, in the daily inspection of devices and associated equipment, and in the use of radiation survey instruments.
“Has received training in the use of the licensee's radiographic exposure devices, sealed sources, in the daily inspection of devices and associated equipment, and in the use of radiation survey instruments.”
Another condition: the individual has demonstrated understanding of the use of radiographic exposure devices, sources, survey instruments and associated equipment by successful completion of a practical examination covering this material.
“Has demonstrated understanding of the use of radiographic exposure devices, sources, survey instruments and associated equipment described in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(3) of this section by successful completion of a practical examination covering this material.”
One of the training subjects listed in § 34.43(g) is case histories of accidents in radiography.
“Case histories of accidents in radiography.”
Paragraph (h) states that licensees will have until June 27, 1998, to comply with the additional training requirements specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (c)(1) of § 34.43.
“Licensees will have until June 27, 1998, to comply with the additional training requirements specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (c)(1) of this section.”
Paragraph (i) states that licensees will have until June 27, 1999 to comply with the certification requirements in paragraph (a)(1), and that records of radiographer certification maintained in accordance with § 34.79(a) provide appropriate affirmation of those certification requirements.
“Licensees will have until June 27, 1999 to comply with the certification requirements specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. Records of radiographer certification maintained in accordance with § 34.79(a) provide appropriate affirmation of certification requirements specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.”
Not covered here
Appendix A to Part 34 (the requirements for certifying entities) and the other regulations named in § 34.43(b)(1) are not covered here. The full list of training subjects in § 34.43(g) is not reproduced; read the section itself. We only write what an official source states, so study these parts with your certifying program's materials.
Radiographer's assistant training
The licensee may not permit any individual to act as a radiographer's assistant until the individual has received copies of and instruction in the requirements of the NRC regulations in Part 34 and the other regulations that § 34.43(c)(1) names, in the NRC license(s) under which the assistant will perform industrial radiography, and in the licensee's operating and emergency procedures.
“The licensee may not permit any individual to act as a radiographer's assistant until the individual— (1) Has received copies of and instruction in the requirements described in NRC regulations contained in this part, in §§ 30.7, 30.9, and 30.10 of this chapter, in the applicable sections of 10 CFR parts 19 and 20 of this chapter, in applicable DOT regulations as referenced in 10 CFR part 71, in the NRC license(s) under which the radiographer's assistant will perform industrial radiography, and the licensee's operating and emergency procedures;”
A further condition: the individual has developed competence to use, under the personal supervision of the radiographer, the radiographic exposure devices, sealed sources, associated equipment, and radiation survey instruments that the assistant will use.
“Has developed competence to use, under the personal supervision of the radiographer, the radiographic exposure devices, sealed sources, associated equipment, and radiation survey instruments that the assistant will use; and”
A further condition: the individual has demonstrated understanding of the instructions by successfully completing a written test on the subjects covered, and has demonstrated competence in the use of the hardware by successful completion of a practical examination on its use.
“Has demonstrated understanding of the instructions provided under (c)(1) of this section by successfully completing a written test on the subjects covered and has demonstrated competence in the use of hardware described in (c)(2) of this section by successful completion of a practical examination on the use of such hardware.”
Refresher training and job performance inspections
The licensee shall provide annual refresher safety training for each radiographer and radiographer's assistant at intervals not to exceed 12 months.
“The licensee shall provide annual refresher safety training for each radiographer and radiographer's assistant at intervals not to exceed 12 months.”
Except as provided in paragraph (e)(4), the RSO or designee shall conduct an inspection program of the job performance of each radiographer and radiographer's assistant, to ensure that the Commission's regulations, license requirements, and the applicant's operating and emergency procedures are followed.
“Except as provided in paragraph (e)(4), the RSO or designee shall conduct an inspection program of the job performance of each radiographer and radiographer's assistant to ensure that the Commission's regulations, license requirements, and the applicant's operating and emergency procedures are followed.”
The inspection program must include observation of the performance of each radiographer and radiographer's assistant during an actual industrial radiographic operation, at intervals not to exceed 6 months.
“Include observation of the performance of each radiographer and radiographer's assistant during an actual industrial radiographic operation, at intervals not to exceed 6 months; and”
If a radiographer or radiographer's assistant has not participated in an industrial radiographic operation for more than 6 months since the last inspection, then before they next participate the radiographer must demonstrate knowledge of the § 34.43(b)(3) training requirements, and the assistant must re-demonstrate knowledge of the § 34.43(c)(2) training requirements, by a practical examination.
“Provide that, if a radiographer or a radiographer's assistant has not participated in an industrial radiographic operation for more than 6 months since the last inspection, the radiographer must demonstrate knowledge of the training requirements of § 34.43(b)(3) and the radiographer's assistant must re-demonstrate knowledge of the training requirements of § 34.43(c)(2) by a practical examination before these individuals can next participate in a radiographic operation.”
The Commission may consider alternatives where the individual serves as both radiographer and RSO.
“The Commission may consider alternatives in those situations where the individual serves as both radiographer and RSO.”
Where a single individual serves as both radiographer and RSO and performs all radiography operations, an inspection program is not required.
“In those operations where a single individual serves as both radiographer and RSO, and performs all radiography operations, an inspection program is not required.”
Supervision of radiographers' assistants
Whenever a radiographer's assistant uses radiographic exposure devices, associated equipment or sealed sources, or conducts the radiation surveys required by § 34.49(b) to determine that the sealed source has returned to the shielded position after an exposure, the assistant shall be under the personal supervision of a radiographer.
“Whenever a radiographer's assistant uses radiographic exposure devices, associated equipment or sealed sources or conducts radiation surveys required by § 34.49(b) to determine that the sealed source has returned to the shielded position after an exposure, the assistant shall be under the personal supervision of a radiographer.”
Personal supervision must include the radiographer's physical presence at the site where the sealed sources are being used.
“The personal supervision must include: (a) The radiographer's physical presence at the site where the sealed sources are being used;”
Personal supervision must include the availability of the radiographer to give immediate assistance if required.
“The availability of the radiographer to give immediate assistance if required; and”
Personal supervision must include the radiographer's direct observation of the assistant's performance of the operations referred to in § 34.46.
“The radiographer's direct observation of the assistant's performance of the operations referred to in this section.”
Training and certification records
The licensee shall maintain records of the training, including certification documents, written and practical examinations, refresher safety training and inspections of job performance, in accordance with § 34.79.
“The licensee shall maintain records of the above training to include certification documents, written and practical examinations, refresher safety training and inspections of job performance in accordance with § 34.79.”
Each licensee shall maintain its records of training and certification for 3 years after the record is made.
“Each licensee shall maintain the following records (of training and certification) for 3 years after the record is made:”
The licensee keeps records of training of each radiographer and each radiographer's assistant. The record must include radiographer certification documents and verification of certification status, copies of written tests, dates of oral and practical examinations, and names of the individuals conducting and receiving the oral and practical examinations.
“Records of training of each radiographer and each radiographer's assistant. The record must include radiographer certification documents and verification of certification status, copies of written tests, dates of oral and practical examinations, and names of individuals conducting and receiving the oral and practical examinations; and”
The licensee keeps records of annual refresher safety training and semi-annual inspections of job performance for each radiographer and radiographer's assistant. The records must list the topics discussed during the refresher training, the dates it was conducted, and the names of the instructors and attendees.
“Records of annual refresher safety training and semi-annual inspections of job performance for each radiographer and each radiographer's assistant. The records must list the topics discussed during the refresher safety training, the dates the annual refresher safety training was conducted, and names of the instructors and attendees.”
For inspections of job performance, the records must also include a list showing the items checked and any non-compliances observed by the RSO.
“For inspections of job performance, the records must also include a list showing the items checked and any non-compliances observed by the RSO.”
Sources
- eCFR: 10 CFR 34.3, Definitions (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 10 CFR 34.41, Conducting industrial radiographic operations (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 10 CFR 34.42, Radiation Safety Officer for industrial radiography (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 10 CFR 34.43, Training (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 10 CFR 34.46, Supervision of radiographers' assistants (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
- eCFR: 10 CFR 34.79, Records of training and certification (as of Nov 4, 2026)Checked November 6, 2026
Other Industrial radiography study guides: Equipment, sealed sources and storage, Operations, monitoring, surveys and posting, Licensing, records and notifications