Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Certification Services Department (CSD)
| NOTE: All PCN Scheme documents referred to
in this document are available to download at: www.bindt.org/certification/pcn24download |
Applications
How long does it take to process my application?
The Certification Services Department (CSD) has up to 14 working days to begin the processing of any application from the date it has been submitted.
What is the cost of an application for experience gained?
Document PCN24/PSL35 lists all PCN Scheme charges for certification services. The fee listed in document PCN24/PSL35 as ‘Administration and certification fee’ is the correct administration charge.
Why have I received a PCN24/PSL57C form?
You will receive a PCN24/PSL57C application form from CSD if you have taken a PCN examination without the correct amount of experience to hold the qualification; this is advised by the amount of experience stated on the PCN24/PSL57A application for initial examination completed when booking your examination.
What is the fee for submitting a PCN24/PSL57C application form?
Document PCN24/PSL35 lists all PCN Scheme charges for certification services.
The fee listed on document PCN24/PSL35 as ‘Administrative and certification fee (PCN24/PSL57) (following review of experience gained subsequent to examination)’ is the correct administration charge; this is separate to the PCN examination levy.
I have gone past the two-year date to submit my log of experience gained; can I still submit this application?
CSD does not accept any applications for experience gained submitted beyond the two-year expiry date. If you still wish to gain this qualification, you will need to sit the initial examination again.
Certificates and renewals
What is the cost of an application for renewal?
Document PCN24/PSL35 lists all PCN Scheme charges for certification services.
The fee listed in document PCN24/PSL35 as ‘Certificate renewal without examination’ is the correct administration charge.
How soon can I renew my qualification?
Qualifications can be renewed no sooner than six months prior to the expiry date and no later than six weeks prior to the expiry date by completing the appropriate form (PCN24/CP16) for your qualification level.
Once you are within six weeks of the expiry date, completion of a PCN24/PSL28 form and the deferred approval fee detailed in document PCN24/PSL35 will be required. You will then be required to sit a recertification exam. An application for renewal using a PCN24/CP16 form will not be accepted if submitted within the six week period prior to the expiry date.
What does the ‘D’ stand for on my certificate?
The ‘D’ stands for ‘distinction’. This means that you passed the examination at an 80% pass mark or higher.
Why did I not receive a ‘D’ on my RPS, BRS, CDS, WI or ISO 20807 qualifications?
RPS, BRS and CDS have always had a pass mark of 70%; therefore, the distinction grade does not apply.
WI and ISO 20807 do not comply with ISO 9712; therefore, the distinction grade does not apply.
What qualifications cannot be renewed via paperwork (PCN24/CP16, PSL/57WIR, etc)?
RPS, BRS and CDS are always initial examinations; these cannot be deferred or renewed via paperwork.
Examinations
I am interested in taking a PCN exam, how do I do this?
Please refer to document PCN24/PSL04 on the BINDT website. This document lists the location of available exam centres and the exams they can conduct. Your chosen exam centre will be able to answer any questions regarding your first PCN exam.
I have not received my exam results yet; who do I need to contact?
Your PCN exam result notice is sent to you directly from the PCN test centre where the examination was taken. Please contact them directly for your results.
How do I get an exemption to take a PCN exam?
To make an application for exemption in PCN examinations, a PCN24/PSL49 form must be completed and sent to CSD at the address below.
What happens if I fail my initial examination?
You have 12 months from the examination date to sit up to two retest examinations.
What happens if I fail my recertification exam?
If your certificate is still valid at the time of failing your recertification it will be immediately removed from the verification page of the BINDT website. You will be sent a letter explaining this and you will have two more retest examinations available to you, to be taken within six months of the failed recertification exam date. Any future applications made will be treated as initial candidate applications only.
Can I get an extension if I am unable to sit the retests within 12 months?
You can get an extension of up to six months to sit the retest. A PCN24/PSL55 form must be completed and submitted to CSD at the address below, no later than four weeks before the latest retest date.
Which form do I need to complete for an initial exam, retest and recertification or supplementary examination and where do I need to send this?
The form below must be sent directly to the test centre through which you wish to sit the exam.
PCN24/PSL57A
General
How can I change my address?
A PCN24/PSL18 form must be completed and sent to CSD at the address below, along with the duplicate certificate fee advised on document PCN24/PSL35.
I have lost/not received my PCN certificate/ID card; how do I request a replacement?
If you have lost your PCN certificate/ID card, you will need to complete a PCN24/PSL18 form and send it to CSD at the address below, along with payment details to cover the fee advised on document PCN24/PSL35. (Please note that if the certificate/ID card was posted over 12 months ago, the fee will automatically be required.)
How often am I required to have an eye test?
Please refer to document PCN24/PSL44, which states the following:
| “The employer is responsible for ensuring that the tests of visual acuity are carried out at least annually. Records of tests shall be retained by the employer or responsible agency and provided to PCN upon request. Failure to do so will invalidate all PCN certification.” |
What is the difference between weld inspection and visual testing?
The ISO 9712 standard does not offer a weld inspection option, it only offers a visual testing option that covers welded, cast and wrought products. The syllabuses for each qualification are significantly different, along with the expected work duties.
