Abstract: Method of and apparatus for continuous non-destructive testing of bar-shaped specimens formed of iron-containing material of specific quality characteristics, where the bar-shaped specimens, such as pipes, move on a roll table (2) along an elongated path through two testing blocks (8, 9) spaced apart along the path. The testing blocks (8, 9) are mechanically decoupled from one another and are logically linked to an electronic testing installation (10). As a specimen moves through a first testing block (8) a signal is developed indicating the presence or absence of flaws and their location in the specimen. The location is referred to the length of the specimens. The testing blocks (8, 9) are located between a supply station (1) and a sorting station (3) with the roll table (2) extending between the two stations. Based on the signals generated, the specimens are sorted in the sorting station between an accepted tray (4) and a number of rejected trays (5, 6, 7) for reworkable or scrap specimens.