Welding Inspection
Certification Services Division
PCN certification for personnel engaged in Weld Inspection
The availability of PCN Weld Inspector certification through the network of PCN Authorised Qualifying Bodies (AQB) has enhanced the level of service provided through the PCN Scheme at home and abroad. In addition, the introduction of the PCN Weld Inspection certification scheme in the UK has brought numerous benefits to industry:
Transition to PCN Weld Inspector certification from other schemes
Holders of current valid weld inspection certification issued by other certification bodies (recognised by BINDT) seeking to gain PCN certification for Weld Inspection at an equivalent level will be required to be successful in the PCN recertification examination.
Holders of current valid weld inspection certification issued by other certification bodies (recognised by BINDT) seeking to gain PCN certification for Weld Inspection at the higher level will be required to be successful in the PCN initial examination for the level of certification sought.
Further information, including detailed documentation, is available directly from BINDT Certification Services, tel +44 (0)1604 438249 or email: pcn@bindt.org
Transition from BGAS Welding Inspector to PCN Weld Inspection Level 2
A transitional arrangement has been agreed whereby BGAS/CSWIP Welding Inspectors, certificated under arrangements described in document BGAS/ER1 dated May 1999, may attempt a bridging examination and, if successful, be awarded a PCN certificate for Weld Inspection at Level 2.
Comparison of examination content of the two schemes
Mandatory additional training
Applicants for transition will be required to satisfactorily complete a 1½ day validated course of training at a BINDT Approved Training Organisation. The course will be designed to cover those elements of the syllabus published in PCN WI/01 Annex A that are not covered under a the BGAS Welding Inspector scheme.
Bridging examination content
The scope of the BGAS Welding Inspector examination is not as encompassing as the PCN examination for Weld Inspection, therefore candidates for transition will be required to be successful in the following PCN bridging examination:
Examination availability
The BGAS to PCN transition bridging examinations are available at:
The availability of PCN Weld Inspector certification through the network of PCN Authorised Qualifying Bodies (AQB) has enhanced the level of service provided through the PCN Scheme at home and abroad. In addition, the introduction of the PCN Weld Inspection certification scheme in the UK has brought numerous benefits to industry:
- The availability of PCN weld inspection personnel certification has enhanced the range of options available to UK and overseas industry.
- PCN weld inspection personnel certification has achieved international recognition and acceptance.
- The knowledge that the training and examination provision for weld inspection is underpinned by the support of British Industry, through the PCN Certification Advisory Board, has resulted in enhanced confidence in the certification.
- Candidates holding other brands of welding inspector and NDT personnel certification may be granted examination exemptions when converting the present certification to PCN.
Transition to PCN Weld Inspector certification from other schemes
Holders of current valid weld inspection certification issued by other certification bodies (recognised by BINDT) seeking to gain PCN certification for Weld Inspection at an equivalent level will be required to be successful in the PCN recertification examination.
Holders of current valid weld inspection certification issued by other certification bodies (recognised by BINDT) seeking to gain PCN certification for Weld Inspection at the higher level will be required to be successful in the PCN initial examination for the level of certification sought.
Further information, including detailed documentation, is available directly from BINDT Certification Services, tel +44 (0)1604 438249 or email: pcn@bindt.org
Transition from BGAS Welding Inspector to PCN Weld Inspection Level 2
A transitional arrangement has been agreed whereby BGAS/CSWIP Welding Inspectors, certificated under arrangements described in document BGAS/ER1 dated May 1999, may attempt a bridging examination and, if successful, be awarded a PCN certificate for Weld Inspection at Level 2.
Comparison of examination content of the two schemes
| BGAS Welding Inspector | PCN Level 2 Weld Inspection |
| Up to 20 short narrative questions covering the syllabus published in BGAS/ER1 dated May 1999. | Thirty multiple choice questions on general welding theory and product technology Four narrative questions (selected by the candidate from 6 provided) covering specific welding technology. |
| The candidate will inspect and report on various pipe weld defects. | Inspection of two macros, and a bend or fractured fillet for a welder, or a procedure approval test against ISO 5817/BS EN 25817; Inspection of a plate butt weld and reporting to a code provided by the examiner; Inspection of a pipe butt weld and reporting to a code nominated by the candidate (which requires the prior approval of the examiner). |
Mandatory additional training
Applicants for transition will be required to satisfactorily complete a 1½ day validated course of training at a BINDT Approved Training Organisation. The course will be designed to cover those elements of the syllabus published in PCN WI/01 Annex A that are not covered under a the BGAS Welding Inspector scheme.
Bridging examination content
The scope of the BGAS Welding Inspector examination is not as encompassing as the PCN examination for Weld Inspection, therefore candidates for transition will be required to be successful in the following PCN bridging examination:
- 30 multiple choice questions covering the syllabus published in PCN WI/01 Annex A (time allowed: 60 minutes);
- inspect and report on two macros, and a bend or fractured fillet (time allowed: 45 minutes);
- inspect and report on a plate butt weld (time allowed: 11/4 hours).
Examination availability
The BGAS to PCN transition bridging examinations are available at:
- The Northern Test Centre
- Lavender International
