PCN News

Certification Services Department – December 2025

Qualifications & Certification Talk

PCN24/PSL30: guidance to successfully capture, document and log practical industrial NDT work experience for review by the referee

Practical industrial non-destructive testing (NDT) experience is defined as experience acceptable to the Certification Body (CB), gained under qualified supervision, in the application of the non-destructive testing (NDT) method within the relevant industrial sector for which certification is sought.

All aspirant PCN certification candidates will be required to demonstrate that they have acquired the experience and practical competencies required to meet the provisions of qualification.

This guidance document provides information to candidates, employers and suitably qualified persons/referees for the successful completion of the candidate’s practical industrial experience log (PCN24/PSL30).

The document guides the reader on making a successful declaration needed to confirm the aspirant PCN certificate holder’s practical testing ability. The document provides guidance on making signed declarations when confirming that the candidate has met all required industrial experience and practical competency criteria prior to certification release by PCN and as required by BS EN ISO 9712, PCN24/GEN and PCN24/PSL30.

1. Recording industrial experience (PCN24/PSL30 – Form 2)

BS EN ISO 9712 mandates that all practical industrial NDT experience will be achieved prior to the release of certification to the candidate by PCN and that all evidence and signed written attestation will be provided to the Certification Body confirming matters.

To facilitate this, PCN mandates that demonstrable evidence will be captured on an ongoing basis within the candidate’s ‘personal experience log’.

An example of a personal experience log template (which may be used by the candidate and employer) is provided within PCN24/PSL30 (see Form 2).

Each individual entry made on Form 2 will be reviewed for suitability by the referee.

Referee – requisites:

A referee shall be:

certified to Level 2 or 3 in the NDT method for which certification is sought; or
classified as a non-certified person who is deemed acceptable by the Authorised Qualifying Body (AQB) and/or CB based upon their possession of NDT knowledge, skills, training and experience required to attest to the PCN candidate’s industrial experience, continued employment and competence. Such persons are normally those with NDT management and/or NDT supervisory experience within the employer’s facility. Persons acting under clause (b) will seek the authority from the AQB to act as the referee prior to the candidate’s accrual of practical industrial experience.

The acceptability and suitability under clause (b) shall be at the discretion of the AQB. Where doubt exists, the AQB will contact the CB for authorisation to accept or reject the proposed non-certified person as a referee.

During completion of the personal experience log, the referee must physically monitor and review progress at key stages throughout the experience-gathering process. This will ensure that the candidate receives the appropriate level of supervision, guidance and support while developing the practical NDT experience required to successfully test the employer’s products or plant.

2. Final declaration and submission (PCN24/PSL30 – Form 1)

Once the candidate has achieved the required duration of documented practical industrial experience, recorded in days, where one day is defined as a minimum of seven hours, as specified in PCN24/GEN and PCN24/PSL30, and the referee is satisfied that the candidate is competent to perform NDT inspections within the method for which certification is sought, the employer, candidate and referee shall complete and sign Form 1 contained within PCN24/PSL30.

Their signatures will attest to the accuracy and authenticity of the information provided.

Form 1 must then be submitted, together with the candidate’s personal log of practical industrial experience (Form 2) and PCN24/PSL57C, to the AQB and/or PCN for review.

Upon satisfactory review and verification, and where the candidate has successfully met all examination requirements in accordance with PCN procedures, PCN certification will be issued.

If it is subsequently determined that any false statements have been made by the candidate, referee or employer concerning declarations of practical industrial experience, any certification issued or pending issuance shall be rendered null and void.

Furthermore, additional disciplinary actions may be applied in accordance with:

PCN24/CP27 – The code of ethics for PCN certificate holders.

3. Employer responsibilities and candidate declarations

All employers must be fully aware of their obligations, as outlined in Section 5.5 of PCN24/GEN. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure accurate documentation of the applicant’s personal information. This includes, but is not limited to, declarations relating to education, training, practical industrial experience and visual acuity, all of which are required to determine the applicant’s eligibility for certification.

In all cases, whether the applicant is employed or self-employed, the record of industrial experience must be attested by a qualified referee.

Where a candidate is unemployed or self-employed, the declarations of education, training and industrial experience must be attested by at least one independent party deemed acceptable by the Certification Body.

Where necessary, PCN may provide additional guidance to assist candidates and employers in meeting these requirements.

4. Guidance on gaining and documenting NDT experience

The process of gaining NDT experience should not be viewed as unnecessarily complex; however, it is essential that candidates are provided with sufficient opportunities to develop and demonstrate their practical competence.

The following list, while not exhaustive, provides examples of valuable activities that may be recorded on Forms 1 and 2, detailing the specific knowledge and skills a candidate has achieved throughout the experience-gaining period.

Form 1 – Utilisation of written NDT instructions

Has the candidate used, reviewed or assisted in the drafting of written NDT instructions?
Where the answer is yes, the candidate should include a brief statement outlining their interaction, knowledge and practical experience relating to the use or development of written NDT instructions.

Form 1 – Application and interpretation of relevant NDT codes and standards

Does the candidate have knowledge of the specific codes and standards used by their employer?
Where the answer is yes, the candidate should include a concise statement confirming their understanding and awareness of the applicable NDT standards and/or codes.

Form 1 – Execution and comprehension of approved NDT procedures

PCN Level 1 and Level 2 candidates should be able to demonstrate an awareness of approved NDT procedures, while PCN Level 3 candidates are expected to show a detailed understanding of such procedures and how they may be used to generate written NDT instructions.
Candidates should provide a brief statement summarising their level of awareness or knowledge of the procedures used by their employer.

Form 1 – Liaison with clients to define inspection requirements

Has the candidate liaised with clients on matters related to NDT inspections or contributed to the preparation of written NDT reports?
Where applicable, the candidate should provide a short statement outlining the nature of this involvement.

Form 1 – Calibration of NDT equipment

Does the candidate have demonstrable experience in setting up and calibrating NDT equipment in accordance with specified techniques, procedures, codes or standards?
This may include the use of NDT reference standards, calibration blocks or similar tools.
Where applicable, the candidate should provide a brief statement confirming their knowledge and experience in performing such tasks within the method for which certification is sought.

Form 2 – Performance of hands-on NDT inspections under qualified supervision

Does the candidate have verifiable experience of performing practical NDT testing under direct supervision?
The candidate should complete Form 2 for each NDT task carried out on an ongoing basis.
Form 2 shall be continually reviewed and endorsed by the person providing direct supervision.
The candidate should include, where appropriate:

The NDT instruction, code or standard followed for the task.
Basic details of the product tested (for example material type, component, weld, plant or structure), avoiding disclosure of proprietary information.
The number of days of practical industrial experience accrued.Note: one day is defined as a minimum of seven hours.
Where candidates work longer shifts (for example 12-hour days), experience should be converted using the formula: hours worked ÷ 7 = number of days.

The supervising individual shall attest to the candidate’s practical industrial experience on Form 2.
Forms 1 and 2 shall be reviewed by the referee, who may also serve as the supervising individual.
Form 1 shall be attested to by the candidate, referee and employer before final submission.

Form 1 – Understanding and application of complementary NDT methods

Candidates may wish to demonstrate awareness of complementary NDT methods used to confirm or correlate findings.
While not mandatory for certification, evidence of such understanding contributes to demonstrating broader NDT knowledge beyond the primary method for which certification is sought.

Form 1 – Familiarity with product technology, materials, components and structures

This section relates specifically to the NDT method and products for which certification is sought.
Candidates may wish to provide brief statements highlighting their familiarity with product types, materials and the manufacturing or in-service defects they have encountered.

Form 1 – Awareness of statutory, local and organisational health & safety obligations

Candidates are encouraged to provide a brief statement confirming their understanding and application of health & safety practices relevant to their NDT experience.
Form 1 – Knowledge of regulatory and industry bodies
Although not a mandatory requirement, candidates may provide a brief statement confirming their awareness of the relevant regulatory or industry bodies associated with their sector.
Examples include, but are not limited to:

Aerospace: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA – UK),
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA – USA)
Rail: Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB – UK)
Maritime: Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA – UK).

The above examples are provided for guidance only and are not exhaustive.

5. Further guidance

Properly documented evidence of these activities constitutes an essential component of the candidate’s industrial experience record. When such experience is obtained and recorded under the supervision of a suitably qualified and experienced individual, it provides assurance that the candidate is adequately prepared and competent to perform NDT tasks independently and without supervision following the successful achievement of PCN certification.

For further information or clarification regarding this revised process, please contact: technical@bindt.org

Product Technology online training

In response to a demand from industry, ISO 9712:2022, the standard to which the PCN Scheme operates with respect to non-destructive testing (NDT) certification, now requires that all candidates demonstrate a prior understanding of materials and processes, also known as ‘product technology’, before undertaking training in any method, in order to supplement their knowledge of the specific methods and techniques in which they are seeking certification.

To meet this requirement, BINDT has developed a new interactive online Product Technology training course to help PCN candidates achieve the required knowledge in a convenient way and at a time and pace that suits them. The course also provides four points towards the PCN24/CP16 renewal.

All BINDT Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) and Authorised Qualifying Bodies (AQBs) will be instructing all new, initial PCN candidates, ie those candidates who have never attained PCN certification and/or other BS EN ISO 9712-compliant certification, that they should look to complete the product technology learning module prior to first attending NDT method training at a BINDT ATO.

The course is now available worldwide at: www.bindt.org/Certification/product-technology-online-training-online training

Changes in requirements for PCN renewal and recertification in line with BS EN ISO 9712

There is a requirement for all BS EN ISO 9712-accredited Certification Bodies, of which BINDT is one, to ensure that all certificate holders applying for renewal or recertification meet the criteria defined within the latest edition of BS EN ISO 9712 prior to the issue of certification to them.

This allows Certification Bodies to demonstrate to organisations such as the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) that the certification decisions made are complete, correct, documented and meet the requirements of the standards aligned to the Certification Body’s scope of accreditation.

It is the requirement of the latest edition of BS EN ISO 9712, and therefore the PCN Scheme, to ensure that the practical competency of a Level 1, 2 or 3 certificate holder can be verified at the point of certification renewal, hence the need for all certificate holders (Level 1, 2 or 3) to have successfully demonstrated this to PCN, through correct submission of the recently published PCN24/CP16. These changes are a mandated requirement of the latest edition of BS EN ISO 9712.

More information can be found at: www.bindt.org/admin/downloads/PCN24-CP16-FAQ.pdf

Ongoing verification of Basic Radiation Safety competence for PCN certification in RT – Mandatory notice

Due to global differences within requirements for radiation safety and the difficulties in PCN being able to establish parity between a specific country’s requirements for radiation safety when compared to the BINDT requirements for PCN Basic Radiation Safety (BRS), the BINDT Certification Management Committee (CMC) has mandated that candidates for initial PCN radiographic testing (RT) certification and subsequent revalidation of any issued PCN RT certificate shall be required to pass the PCN BRS examination as a means of proving competence for radiation safety.

Successful completion of the PCN BRS certification examination will verify to PCN that the candidate’s knowledge for radiation safety has met the minimum training and examination requirements for radiation safety, which shall be the satisfactory benchmark in terms of level of knowledge and understanding.

This rule will be enforced irrespective of the existence of other national or local regulations that normally apply in a given country and which may fall short of the above benchmark.

This revised requirement is not intended to discredit either national or local regulations that apply at any given worksite and it is the responsibility of the person conducting industrial radiography to comply with all local/legal requirements and/or approved codes of practice.

This requirement was implemented 1 March 2025.

Lost, stolen or withdrawn certificates

All employers, agencies and end-users are advised that PCN certificates are only valid when presented with a laminated wallet card bearing the image and signature of the certificate holder.

Information on withdrawn/suspended certification:

At the discretion of the Certification Body, certification may be suspended/withdrawn in those situations whereby the Certification Body deems it necessary that a certification suspension/withdrawal is appropriate in line with PCN24/CP21 (Annex A – complaints, cheating and falsification applied penalties).

PCN number	Name	Suspension end date
213191	Darren Thomson	19 March 2026
304873	Mohd Nasir	10 February 2026
313662	Damion Hartley	5 May 2026
332973	Mark Jeffry Celis	6 June 2026
336997	Rohith Tadakala	7 December 2026
301251	Salim Agus	3 March 2027
306704	Shahrilahzam Bin Maraideen	3 March 2027
212298	Sebastian Lata	6 June 2027
N/A	Ruslan Moh	14 February 2027
344798	Tashen Kanaye	14 May 2027
N/A	Mohamad Mohaizzat Bin Mohktarr	20 July 2027
317409	Nofa Setiawan	20 October 2029
328804	Amber Neville	11 September 2029
313844	Khairunniza Mohammed	26 September 2029
101620	Alan Boyd	11 November 2029
301347	Micheal Williams	28 March 2030
337219	Andrei Prokopenko	Until Russian sanctions lifted
343684	Sergei Vyrelkin	Until Russian sanctions lifted
N/A	Lalitha Venkatesh	Permanent
210063	Abdul Rahman	Permanent
300332	Suman Dey	Permanent
309098	Mohd Fadzil Anuar	Permanent
302284	Francis Regis Joe	Permanent
309672	G Venkataraman	Permanent
313268	K V Sivaramakrishnan	Permanent
317701	K Kumaran	Permanent
315893	Mohd Ismail Dollah	Permanent
325842	Biju Pappu	Permanent
327730	Andrew Harvey (AKA A J Lourdes)	Permanent
328063	P Muthu Kumar	Permanent
329206	R Ganesh	Permanent
329274	Venkaiah Vanka	Permanent
329278	G Narayanaswamy	Permanent
333686	C Thangachariman	Permanent

PCN FAQ page

PCN has a frequently asked questions page on the BINDT website, which can be found at: www.bindt.org/certification/general-information/frequently-asked-questions-faq

For any other PCN-related questions, email: pcn.enquiries@bindt.org

Verification of PCN applications

There is a high percentage of verification checks carried out on information submitted in support of PCN applications. In the event that a deliberate attempt to deceive is detected, severe penalties will be applied; please refer to document PCN24/CP21 ‘Procedure for complaints, falsification, cheating and appeals’, available at: www.bindt.org/admin/Downloads/PCN24-CP21-INT.pdf

If in doubt about the validity of the information you are providing, seek the advice of BINDT Certification Records Office staff at: pcn.enquiries@bindt.org

Code of Ethics for PCN certificate holders

Individuals certificated within the PCN Scheme must recognise that personal integrity and professional competence are the fundamental principles on which their testing activities are founded. Accordingly, it is a condition of PCN certification that certificate holders shall abide by the PCN Code of Ethics (PCN document PCN24/CP27). All certificate holders agree to comply with this Code of Ethics at the point of application for examination, recertification and renewal.

Complaints and appeals, which are handled with extreme discretion and impartiality, can be submitted using PCN form PCN24/CP21 (www.bindt.org/admin/Downloads/PCN24-CP21-INT.pdf).

The process for whistleblowing can be viewed by visiting: www.bindt.org/membership/for-individuals/guidance-on-whistleblowing

BINDT training and examination centre status

All up-to-date contact details for Authorised Qualifying Bodies (AQBs)/examination centres, new and continually approved, can be found at: www.bindt.org/admin/downloads/PCN24-PSL04.pdf

All up-to-date contact details for Approved Training Organisations (ATOs), new and continually approved, can be found at: www.bindt.org/education-and-training/bindt-approved-trainers

Approved PCN stamps

BINDT offers candidates the opportunity to purchase an approved form of stamp, which, when used in support of the usual signature, will positively identify the PCN certificate holder reporting the results of tests or authorising NDT instructions and procedures.

For an order form and further information on approved PCN stamps, see PCN document PCN24/PSL/66, which can be found at: www.bindt.org/downloads/PCN24/PSL66.pdf