TechKnowServ
TechKnowServ is a privately held, founder-led non-destructive testing services and certification training firm headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania, serving federal agencies (U.S. Navy, Army Corps of Engineers, DOE, DOT), state DOTs, oil and gas operators, marine, power, and entertainment clients across the U.S. and ten or more countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersState College, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What TechKnowServ does
TechKnowServ (legal entity TechKnowServ Corporation, also branded TKS) is a privately held, founder-led non-destructive testing (NDT) services firm headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania. Founded in 2002 and operated by the same principals for approximately twenty years under President Thomas R. Hay (Ph.D., Penn State, 2004; ASNT Level 3 since 2000; P.E. licensed in the U.S. and Canada), the firm provides advanced and conventional NDT inspections — acoustic emission (AE), phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) including Total Focusing Method and Full Matrix Capture, guided wave ultrasonic testing (GWUT), magnetic flux leakage (MFL), eddy current testing (ECT), Internal Rotary Inspection System (IRIS), automated ultrasonic C-scan, and 3D laser scanning — to clients in oil & gas, petrochemical, transportation (state DOTs), marine, power generation, steel fabrication, federal agencies (U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army Corps of Engineers, DOE, DOT, NSF), amusement parks, and entertainment rigging. Deliverables certify compliance with API 510/570/653/650/571/579/941/572, ASME Sections V/VIII/RTP-1, ASTM, AISC, OSHA, and ISO 4309, and the firm holds a U.S. DOT RIN authorization with special permits for AE testing in lieu of hydrostatic testing for tube-trailer recertification.
The business combines two revenue streams. Inspection work is delivered on-site at customer facilities through an enterprise field-sales motion — website quote requests, phone contact, and direct mobilization — across the continental United States and ten or more international countries; pricing is project-quote-based and tied to mobilization, methodology, and regulatory scope. A training franchise offers ASNT/ISO 9712/SNT-TC-1A compliant certification courses at the State College facility or on customer sites, with publicly listed course pricing of $1,500 (UT Level I certification) and $1,750 (UT Level II 40-hour course) and additional courses in Phased Array, Acoustic Emission Levels I/II, Liquid Penetrant, Magnetic Particle, Wire Rope, and Flow Iron Recertification. A third line, NDT consulting, supports engineering assessments and fitness-for-service evaluations per API 579.
TechKnowServ also operates a software touchpoint in the form of the Flow Iron Asset Management (FIAM) client portal at frc.techknowserv.com for asset and recertification tracking. Customer acquisition relies on direct quote requests, a technical blog, a downloadable annual training catalog, and organic social profiles on LinkedIn, Twitter (@NDTExpert), YouTube, and Facebook. The firm is bootstrapped and founder-owned, with no institutional investors, no disclosed funding, no M&A history, and a steady headcount band of 11–50 employees serving 300–400+ clients accumulated over nearly two decades.
TechKnowServ firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- TechKnowServ
- Legal name
- TechKnowServ Corporation
- Website
- https://techknowserv.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- TechKnowServ is a privately held, founder-led non-destructive testing services and certification training firm headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania, serving federal agencies (U.S. Navy, Army Corps of Engineers, DOE, DOT), state DOTs, oil and gas operators, marine, power, and entertainment clients across the U.S. and ten or more countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
TechKnowServ industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Non-Destructive Testing Services
- NAICS
- Testing Laboratories and Services (541380)
- SIC
- Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) & Inspection Services (IMAIACAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) & Advanced Inspection (Phased Array, TOFD, Guided Wave) (EUAEAKAF), Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) & Advanced NDT (PAUT, TOFD, RT/DR) (EUAEAHAK), Storage Tank Inspection (AST/UST) (EUAEAHAC), Marine Surveys, Testing & NDT (Thickness Gauging, UT/MPI, Pressure Testing, Commissioning) (TLAHAMAK)
Keywords
Where TechKnowServ is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- State College
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
TechKnowServ business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- NDT Inspection Services: On-site non-destructive testing inspection services for various industries including transportation, marine, power generation, steel fabrication, natural gas, petrochemical, and amusement parks. Services include acoustic emission testing, phased array ultrasonic testing, guided wave ultrasonic testing, and magnetic flux leakage testing.
- NDT Training Programs: Certification and training courses for NDT professionals including Ultrasonic Testing Level I ($1,500), Ultrasonic Testing Level II ($1,750), Phased Array Ultrasound, and other specialized courses. Training complies with ASNT and ISO guidelines.
- NDT Consulting: Technical consulting services for non-destructive testing solutions and engineering support.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Ultrasonic Testing Level I Certification Course - $1,500 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Ultrasonic Testing Training Level 1 - $1,750 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Ultrasonic Testing Training Level II - $1,750 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
TechKnowServ product offering
Product offeringCore offering
TechKnowServ provides on-site advanced and conventional non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection services for infrastructure including pressure vessels, pipelines, storage tanks, wire rope, marine hulls, and amusement ride cables, utilizing methods such as acoustic emission testing, phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT), guided wave ultrasonic testing (GWUT), magnetic flux leakage (MFL), eddy current testing, automated ultrasonic C-scans, and 3D laser scanning. The company also delivers ASNT/SNT-TC-1A/ISO 9712-compliant NDT certification training courses and operates the Flow Iron Asset Management (FIAM) client portal for flow iron recertification tracking.
Product overview
TechKnowServ is a non-destructive testing (NDT) services and training company offering a comprehensive portfolio of inspection services and certification courses. The core offerings include NDT Services (covering acoustic emission testing, phased array ultrasonic testing PAUT, guided wave ultrasonic testing GWUT, magnetic flux leakage MFL, eddy current testing, and advanced methods like TOFD/TFM/FMC) and NDT Training (classroom and certification courses at Levels I and II for ultrasonic testing, phased array, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, and acoustic emission testing). The company also operates the Flow Iron Asset Management (FIAM) client portal for asset tracking. Services span multiple industry verticals including transportation, marine, power generation, steel fabrication, natural gas, petrochemical, and amusement parks, with specialized offerings for wire rope inspection, aboveground storage tank compliance, DOT tube trailer recertification, and pressure vessel integrity assessment.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Inspection Services Advanced and conventional non-destructive testing services including acoustic emission testing (AE), phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT), guided wave ultrasonic testing (GWUT), magnetic flux leakage (MFL), eddy current testing (ET), alternating current field measurement (ACFM), time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD), total focusing method (TFM), and full matrix capture (FMC), delivered on-site for industries such as transportation, marine, power generation, steel fabrication, natural gas, petrochemical, and amusement parks.
- NDT Consulting Technical consulting services for non-destructive testing solutions and engineering support across transportation, marine, power generation, steel fabrication, natural gas, petrochemical, and amusement park industries.
- Wire Rope and Cable Inspection Services Advanced wire rope inspection using acoustic emission (AE), magnetic flux leakage (MFL), guided wave ultrasonic (GWUT), and robotic testing in compliance with ASTM, DIN, and ISO standards.
- Aboveground Storage Tank Compliance Services Aboveground storage tank compliance inspections in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and West Virginia.
- DOT Tube Trailer Recertification U.S. DOT authorized cylinder retesting service with RIN and multiple special permits authorizing acoustic emission testing in lieu of hydrostatic testing.
- Marine NDT Services Non-destructive testing services for marine applications including ship hull surveys and marine structure inspections per American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) standards.
- Power Generation NDT Services NDT services for power generation facilities including boiler tube inspections, pressure vessel integrity, and turbine component testing.
- Steel Fabrication NDT Services Non-destructive testing for steel fabrication including weld inspection and structural steel assessment.
- Amusement Parks NDT Services NDT inspection services for amusement park rides and attractions ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
- Petrochemical NDT Services Non-destructive testing services for petrochemical facilities including pipeline and pressure vessel inspections per API standards.
- Natural Gas NDT Services NDT services for natural gas infrastructure including pipeline inspection and integrity assessment.
- Advanced NDT Services Advanced non-destructive testing methods including phased array testing (PAUT), time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD), total focusing method (TFM), and full matrix capture (FMC).
- Magnetic Particle Inspection Magnetic particle testing services for detecting surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials.
- Flow Iron Asset Management (FIAM) Client Portal Web-based client portal for flow iron asset management and recertification tracking.
- Ultrasonic Testing Training Level 1 Introductory 40-hour course covering ultrasonic testing fundamentals including theory, instrumentation, calibration, and testing methods. Complies with SNT-TC-1A, ASNT-CP-189, and ISO 9712. Price: $1,750. Prerequisites: basic math and analytical skills.
- Ultrasonic Testing Level I Certification Course Certification course providing fundamentals of ultrasonic testing (UT), covering principles, techniques, and applications, with multimedia training tools and practical training with in-house UT equipment. Course complies with SNT-TC-1A, ASNT-CP-189, and ISO 9712. Price: $1,500.
- Ultrasonic Testing Training Level 2 Advanced Level II training focusing on materials, manufacturing processes, and ultrasonic inspection applications including weld inspection, angle beam testing, immersion testing, and thickness testing. Prerequisite: Level 1 UT. Complies with SNT-TC-1A, ASNT-CP-189, and ISO 9712. Cost: $1,750. Duration: 40 hours.
- Phased Array Ultrasound Level II Training Training course for phased array ultrasonic testing at Level II certification.
- UT Weld Inspection Training Training course for ultrasonic weld inspection techniques.
- Liquid Penetrant Testing Training Training for liquid penetrant testing methods, typically lasting 12-24 hours.
- Magnetic Particle Testing Training Training for magnetic particle testing methods, typically lasting 12-24 hours.
- Acoustic Emission Testing Level 1 Training Level 1 training for acoustic emission testing techniques.
- Acoustic Emission Testing Level II Training Level II training for acoustic emission testing techniques.
- Ultrasonic Thickness Testing Training Training for ultrasonic thickness measurement techniques.
- Flow Iron Recertification Training Training for flow iron recertification procedures.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 300 clients served under same management over nearly 20 years
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use TechKnowServ
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
TechKnowServ technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
TechKnowServ partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
TechKnowServ competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Mistras Group: Large publicly-traded NDT services provider offering acoustic emission, ultrasonic, and advanced inspection across energy, aerospace, and infrastructure — closest direct competitor to TechKnowServ's core service mix, but at materially greater scale.
- Acuren: North American NDT and inspection services firm serving oil & gas, power, and industrial clients with conventional and advanced methods; competes for similar pressure vessel, pipeline, and tank inspection mandates as TechKnowServ.
- IRISNDT: Canadian-headquartered advanced NDT services company with overlapping capabilities in acoustic emission, phased array, and integrity engineering for energy and industrial markets — most analogous mid-sized direct peer.
- TEAM Industrial Services: Long-established US-based NDT and mechanical integrity services provider (now under Mistras) serving refineries, power plants, and pipeline operators — directly overlapping TechKnowServ's petrochemical and power-generation NDT work.
Broad incumbents
- Bureau Veritas: Global testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) incumbent with extensive oil & gas, marine, and infrastructure inspection offerings; competes on larger integrated bids while TKS often operates as a specialist subcontractor.
- Intertek: Global TIC provider covering asset integrity, industrial services, and certification across energy and infrastructure — represents the scale benchmark TechKnowServ competes against on large enterprise and government contracts.
- SGS: World's largest TIC company with industrial inspection and NDT services spanning oil & gas, petrochemical, and transportation — broad incumbent whose NDT lines overlap with TechKnowServ's portfolio.
- Applus+: Global TIC and industrial inspection group (Applus+ IDIADA, RTD) with strong energy and aerospace NDT presence; competes with TechKnowServ on advanced inspection mandates for refineries, pipelines, and structural assets.
- DNV: Maritime, energy, and business assurance TIC incumbent with classification and asset integrity services; relevant peer particularly for TechKnowServ's marine hull surveys, shipyard work, and DOT/ASTM-aligned inspection work.
- TÜV SÜD: Global TIC firm offering industrial inspection, pressure equipment certification, and asset integrity services in energy and infrastructure — broader scope than TKS but competes for similar regulated-industry inspection contracts.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
TechKnowServ social profiles
Digital presenceTechKnowServ compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance33 records
TechKnowServ financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
TechKnowServ leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
TechKnowServ funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
TechKnowServ M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about TechKnowServ
What does TechKnowServ do?
TechKnowServ provides on-site advanced and conventional non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection services for infrastructure including pressure vessels, pipelines, storage tanks, wire rope, marine hulls, and amusement ride cables, utilizing methods such as acoustic emission testing, phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT), guided wave ultrasonic testing (GWUT), magnetic flux leakage (MFL), eddy current testing, automated ultrasonic C-scans, and 3D laser scanning. The company also delivers ASNT/SNT-TC-1A/ISO 9712-compliant NDT certification training courses and operates the Flow Iron Asset Management (FIAM) client portal for flow iron recertification tracking.
Is TechKnowServ a public or private company?
TechKnowServ is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was TechKnowServ founded?
TechKnowServ was founded in 2002. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is TechKnowServ based?
TechKnowServ is headquartered in State College, United States, in the North America region.
How does TechKnowServ make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. NDT Inspection Services are the primary driver. The others are NDT Training Programs and NDT Consulting.
Who are TechKnowServ's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Mistras Group, Acuren, IRISNDT and TEAM Industrial Services. Broad incumbents are Bureau Veritas, Intertek, SGS, Applus+, DNV and TÜV SÜD.
Does TechKnowServ have an API?
No public API is recorded for TechKnowServ.
What industry is TechKnowServ in?
TechKnowServ's product category is Non-Destructive Testing Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAIACAI, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) & Inspection Services, with a secondary code of EUAEAKAF, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) & Advanced Inspection (Phased Array, TOFD, Guided Wave). Its NAICS code is 541380 and its SIC code is 8734.