Testing Services Education and Training

Get the education you need to work in materials testing laboratories

Testing services are vital for many industries that provide products for the general public. A materials testing lab is the first stop for most manufactured consumer goods, before they make their way on to store shelves. Laboratories put materials through a battery of tests to ensure the quality, safety and durability of the product. Industrial testing labs function as the first line of quality control for any manufacturer.

Testing services education and training should be specific to the industry you want to work in. Because there are many industries that require testing labs, training will vary widely. Most training can be acquired through:

1. University programs that provide thorough training in chemistry.

2. Mechanical or science engineering may also be required to work in a material testing lab.

3. Seminars and workshops that teach additional testing lab skills.

 

Get an engineering science degree to work in industrial testing laboratories

Because testing labs handle complex materials, extensive education is often necessary to qualify for work in this field. Many universities have four-year programs in mechanical and science engineering that teach all the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of materials testing lab environments.
Try: The University of North Carolina - Charlotte provides extensive coursework in materials processing and testing labs through its mechanical engineering and engineering science programs. The University of New Mexico provides a materials testing lab for its civil engineering degree, where students can learn about material composition and materials used in building environments.

Learn materials testing lab skills by earning a chemistry degree

There are many science and engineering programs that qualify you for work in a materials testing lab. For work with chemicals in a testing lab, a degree in chemistry is strongly advised. This type of education gives you the skills necessary to recognize chemical substances and use them to test materials safely.
Try: Marshall University provides a comprehensive undergraduate chemistry program that includes studies in research and lab testing. Since many chemistry-related fields look for the most talented people, a master's degree in chemistry, like the program at Wright State, is essential training.

Sign up for seminars that teach skills to work in material testing laboratories

After your initial training, there may be some advanced skills or techniques you'll need to learn in order to be safe and productive in a lab environment. For this, extensive training is not necessary; many of these skills can be learned at a day-long seminar.
Try: ASTM International provides a symposium and workshop for those in the materials testing lab field. This workshop provides time for labs to share findings and discuss topical issues. ASM International, a society for materials engineers, offers a schedule of seminars, webinars, self-study courses and online classes throughout the year.

 

• Many material testing services also provide internships and fellowships for those still studying to be chemists. This training is essential for finding a job after earning a degree.

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