ASNT MT Level 2 exam guide: format, topics and fees

The exam at a glance

• General exam: 50 multiple-choice items in 2 hours.
• Specific exam: 40 multiple-choice items in 2 hours, taken for a sector. The sectors are General Industry and Pressure Equipment.
• Where: computer-based, in person at Pearson VUE or an ASNT Authorized Exam Center. There are no walk-ins.
• Cut score: ASNT doesn't publish the exact number. It says its exams typically fall in the 70 to 80% range.
• Open or closed book: not stated on ASNT's exam page, so confirm it when you book.
• Employer parts: the visual acuity, practical and job-specific exams are given by your employer, not by ASNT.

Which topic list applies

ASNT publishes two MT General outlines, and your exam date decides which one you study.

• Before 15 December 2026: ten topics. Principles, Flux Fields, Effects of Discontinuities on Materials, Magnetization by Means of Electric Current, Selecting the Proper Method of Magnetization, Demagnetization Procedures, Equipment, Types of Discontinuities, Evaluation Techniques and Quality Control of Equipment Processes.
• After 15 December 2026: five domains. MT Principles and Theory, Use and Care of MT Equipment and Accessories, MT Techniques, Interpret, Evaluate, and Document Results, and Codes, Standards, Specifications, and Procedures.

ASNT gives no topic weights, so you want every topic covered. The MT outline change guide shows how the old headings line up with the new domains.

Fees, retakes and eligibility

• Fee: $740 for ASNT members and $820 for non-members covers the General and Specific exams in one method. An extra industry sector costs $370 and $410.
• Retake: a failed exam costs $370 for members and $410 for non-members, after a 30-day wait.
• Eligibility for MT: 40 days of method experience, 76 days of total NDT experience and 3 training days, where a training day is at least 7 hours.

Fees change, so confirm them on ASNT's Level II page before you register. For the requirements across methods, see NDT Level II requirements by method.

How to prepare

• Take the free check and note which topics cost you the most points.
• Work the technique logic, not just the vocabulary: which magnetization method suits which discontinuity direction. The field direction and technique guide walks through it.
• Follow a review routine from your check results in MT Level II practice.
• Look up field direction, leakage field, wet versus dry particles, yokes and prods, and demagnetization in the NDT terms glossary.
• Studying more than one method? The ASNT Level 2 study guide lays out UT, MT and PT in study order.

Find your weak topics free

The free 10-question check is spread across the MT topics, needs no signup and explains every answer as you go. You finish knowing which topic to open first.