The unique features that I see in the work of the CGSB include the application of norms and standards to a national standard. In the U.S., certification of non-destructive technologists is left to individual companies. I'm not sure that Canadians would feel very strongly about a company doing inspections of pipeline welds and leaving the certification of those technologists to the individual company that just won a bid to carry out that inspection.
The tests we administer can be failed. In a given year, typically between 25% and 30% of individuals trying to get certified will miss something and have to be retested. To us, this is the ultimate test of a national standard that is applied by an independent organization. I believe that the CGSB is putting us in a position to do that.