By using a transient excitation, eddy-current probes exhibit a diffuse pulse-echo response in the presence of stratified conductors. The response has been investigated in order to evaluate pulsed eddy-current signals due to a single conducting layer over a uniform substrate of dissimilar conductivity. The aim of the investigation is to assess the feasibility of measuring the thickness and quality of surface treatments including the diffusion of aluminum into nickel parts and the case hardening of steel components.