Planning guide · Published by Atlantis NDT

PAUT, TOFD and simulation: write an application-focused learning brief

Distinguish interpretation practice, acquisition training and procedure work when requesting advanced NDT training.

Open the working brief Jump to the decision table ↓

Start with the decision you need to make

Define the learning task before selecting an advanced-method course or simulator. PAUT and TOFD interpretation, acquisition setup and production procedure approval are different activities. A learner may understand an idealized display yet struggle with geometry, incomplete coverage or an uncertain indication. Request exercises that make those limitations visible. Record which controls learners can change and which assumptions are fixed. An educational demonstration should explain its boundaries rather than being presented as evidence that an inspection technique is validated.

What to check and why it matters

Use these questions to reveal missing evidence before deciding the next step.
Decision area	Evidence to prepare	Question to resolve
Interpretation practice	Ask for an exercise with an identifiable learning objective, source of the sample signals and an explanation of uncertainty. Include a case where the information is insufficient.	Does the feedback explain the reasoning, or only reveal a preferred answer?
Acquisition learning	State geometry, access and the setup decisions learners need to understand. Confirm which of these are represented in the course or software.	What must still be practiced with physical equipment and representative specimens?
Institutional use	Define instructor review, learner access and required records before discussing licenses or integration. Request a demonstration of supported functions.	Can the instructor distinguish completion of an exercise from demonstrated practical competence?

Illustrative example · Not a customer case study

Apply the questions to a real-world situation

Hypothetical lesson: learners compare a clean indication with a case affected by geometry. The exercise asks them to record what they know, what they infer and which additional evidence would help. The instructor reviews the reasoning before showing an explanation. This makes the lesson useful even when a simplified simulator cannot reproduce every field condition. Any claimed training credit must be agreed under the applicable programme.

Prepare your working brief

Capture what is known and name the unresolved questions. You can use the worksheet without registering or sending information to Atlantis.

Learning objective: State whether learners need interpretation, setup reasoning or application familiarization.
Representative geometry: Describe material, weld form, access and the limitations to discuss.
Exercise evidence: Request signal provenance, adjustable controls and the fixed assumptions.
Instructor review: Define how learner reasoning and unanswered questions will be reviewed.
Delivery and access: State learner group, location, devices and institutional access requirements.

Create and download your brief →

When you need project-specific support

Discuss supported exercises and licensing for Practical NDT Simulation software. Confirm the current deliverables and fit for your requirement with the Atlantis team.

For a broader course pathway, enquire about PAUT and TOFD training. Confirm the current deliverables and fit for your requirement with the Atlantis team.

For a US enquiry, include the project state and time zone, the responsible employer or owner, and the documents governing the work. For other countries, include the relevant recognition or customer requirements. Delivery and availability are confirmed for the engagement.

Request a Simulation demo

Scope and further reading

Simulation supplements learning. It does not replace required experience, practical examinations, calibrated equipment or an approved production procedure.

Continue with the detailed companion guide, Building an Instructor Debrief Record for PAUT and TOFD Simulation Exercises, for a related evidence-handling workflow and its source references. The planning suggestions here are original discussion aids, not approved procedures or reproductions of standards.

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