PCN News
Certification Services Department – June 2020
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CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 8: 6 JULY 2020
From 6 July, BINDT is introducing a phased return to the office and to help safeguard its employees has decided, for the time being, to run the office with a limited staff attending to essential work, with many staff continuing to work from home.
Please be aware that there will be a delay in the despatching of certificates, and PCN telephone lines will remain unmanned until further notice. Please continue to submit enquiries via email to the relevant department.
If your enquiry is in relation to PCN certification, please email: pcn@bindt.org
If your enquiry is in relation to a Level 1 or Level 2 CP16 renewal application, please email: renewals@bindt.org
If your enquiry is in relation to a technical query, please email: technical@bindt.org
If you enquiry is in relation to an audit, please email: audits@bindt.org
The online certificate verification facility at www.bindt.org/pcn continues to be updated on a regular basis. We therefore urge employers to use the online resource, or the PCN Verifier smartphone app.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 7: 9 JUNE 2020
UPDATE TO THE BINDT COVID-19 TEMPORARY EXTENSION POLICY
End date of extension: 30 September 2020
BINDT is working closely with its AQBs to monitor the situation with recertification exam bookings.Due to the relaxation of lockdown restrictions, the majority of exam centres across the UK and internationally are re-opening in line with government guidance and with Health and Safety measures in place.
With the end date of the extension (30 September 2020) fast approaching, exam centres may experience a surge in bookings and this, along with reduced class sizes to align with social distancing measures, mean that it may be a challenge to facilitate your recertification exam when required.
Therefore, BINDT strongly urges you contact your AQB as soon as possible to check on the current situation and book for your recertification exam in good time.
PCN holders are reminded that it is their responsibility to recertify before 30 September 2020; after this there is no further extension and the late approval process would have to be implemented.
Full details of the temporary arrangements and examples of how it will affect candidates are described in the following documents:
'BINDT PCN Temporary Extension Policy'
You can find videos on the BINDT website covering some of the Health and Safety measures that may be adopted by our AQBs below.
BINDT reserves the right to continually review the situation and will make further statements as and when required.Due to the fast escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic, these are exceptional circumstances and action is being taken by BINDT with regard to expiring NDT certificates (including PCN Aero and Weld Inspection) as per ISO 9712 requirements and CM certificates as per ISO 18436.
Please note that the processing of applications and other services is likely to be disrupted and delayed at this time.
In response to the current global situation of national/international travel restrictions, employers’ travel limitations and/or the closure of CM/NDT training and examination centres globally as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, BINDT is proposing to implement temporary contingency planning.
An extension has been applied to affected candidates with original expiry dates from 16 March 2020. The extension will be applied automatically and there is no requirement for application.
PCN is still accepting renewal applications. BINDT strongly encourages those eligible certificate holders to continue with renewal applications as usual. Please be aware that due to remote working the application process may take longer than usual, so to prevent further delay and gaps in certification we recommend that you submit the application as soon as possible. There are editable PDF applications on the website for CP16, CP17 and CP17A (signatures are still required and we do accept scanned copies of these). Applications for renewal that are already submitted and in process shall remain current until the application is completed or cancelled for a specific reason, for example the PCN certificate holder cannot complete the application and requires a recertification exam. Please be advised that during this time there will be a significant delay for refunds.
Full details of the temporary arrangements and examples of how they will affect candidates are described in the following documents:
- BINDT PCN Temporary Extension Policy (www.bindt.org/downloads/BINDT-PCN-Temporary-Extension-Policy.pdf); and
- Guidance and FAQs (www.bindt.org/downloads/Guidance-and-FAQs.pdf).
PCN certificate holders and candidates are encouraged to speak with their Authorised Qualifying Body (AQB) for further information on examination/training bookings.
BINDT reserves the right to continually review the situation and will make further statements as and when required.
Considering the escalation of the seriousness of the coronavirus situation and following advice from the UK government, we have introduced further measures to help safeguard our employees. We have therefore, for the time being, closed the BINDT office in Northampton. As a result, please be aware that no certificates or ID cards will be issued until further notice. Our dedicated staff are nevertheless continuing to work from home where possible and the online certificate verification facility at www.bindt.org/pcn continues to be updated on a regular basis. We therefore urge employers to use the online resource, or the PCN Verifier smartphone app.
Health & Safety procedures for people attending training courses at BINDT Approved Training Organisations (ATOs)
It is BINDT's top priority to take all the necessary steps to minimise the risk of infection, among our employees, volunteers, members and stakeholders. It is with this in mind that we have been pleased to work together with colleagues from our Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) in the production of a video presentation on the measures being introduced to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus in the training and examination environment.
There are three versions of the presentation. Please choose the one(s) according to your needs and click on the appropriate link(s). Each video is in .pptx format and includes embedded videos (each one is approx 420 MB).
1. Health & Safety Presentation for UK ATOs
2. Health & Safety Presentation for ATOs overseas
3. Health & Safety Presentation: Rolling version
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 6: 21 MAY 2020
Due to the recent easing of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, a number of AQBs/ATOs will be re-opening from 1 June 2020. View the full list of international AQBs and examination centres here.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 5: 6 APRIL 2020 (revised 17 APRIL 2020)
BINDT COVID-19 TEMPORARY EXTENSION POLICY
NOTE: At this time, the processing of applications and other services are likely to be disrupted and delayed.
Due to the fast escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic, these are exceptional circumstances and action is being taken by BINDT with regard to expiring NDT certificates (including PCN Aero and Weld Inspection) as per ISO 9712 requirements and CM certificates as per ISO 18436.
In response to the current global situation of national/international travel restrictions, employers’ travel limitations and/or the closure of CM/NDT training and examination centres globally as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the British Institute of NDT is proposing to implement temporary contingency planning.
An extension has been applied to affected candidates with original expiry dates from 16 March 2020. The extension will be applied automatically and there is no requirement for application.
PCN is still accepting renewal applications. BINDT strongly encourages those eligible certificate holders to continue with renewal applications as usual. Please be aware that due to remote working the application process may take longer than usual, so to prevent further delay and gaps in certification we recommend you submit the application as soon as possible. There are editable PDF applications on the website for CP16, CP17 and CP17a (signatures are still required and we do accept scanned copies of these). Applications for renewal that are already submitted and in process shall remain current until the application is completed or cancelled for a specific reason, for example the PCN holder cannot complete the application and requires a recertification exam. Please be advised that during this time there will be a significant delay for refunds.
Full details of the temporary arrangements and examples of how it will affect candidates are described in the following documents:
'BINDT PCN Temporary Extension Policy'
NOTE: PCN holders and candidates are encouraged to speak with their AQB for further information on examination/training bookings.
BINDT reserves the right to continually review the situation and will make further statements as and when required.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 4: 25 MARCH 2020
Considering the escalation of the seriousness of the coronavirus situation and following advice from the UK government, we have introduced further measures to help safeguard our employees. We have therefore decided, for the time being, to close the BINDT office in Northampton. As a result, please be aware that there will be a delay in the processing and despatching of certificates and the handling of associated enquiries until further notice. Our dedicated staff are nevertheless continuing to work from home where possible and the online certificate verification facility at www.bindt.org/pcn continues to be updated on a regular basis. We therefore urge employers to use the online resource, or the PCN Verifier smartphone app.
Please also note that any items for submission, for example PCN applications, should, for the time being, be sent via email to pcn@bindt.org
We will endeavour to deal with your enquiry as quickly as possible, but we do ask for your patience during this time.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 3: 24 MARCH 2020
Please be advised that in addition to the help we are already offering to PCN certificate holders, BINDT is working with UKAS, our accreditation body, for guidance on some of the more difficult circumstances that PCN certificate holders may face. We will keep you updated on this page as soon as we receive any news. We wish you well during these unprecedented circumstances.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 2: 18 MARCH 2020
Due to the ongoing situation regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), BINDT is having to maintain and manage the PCN certification scheme in unprecedented times never before experienced. However, we are implementing measures to mitigate the risks regarding those certificates that are due to expire over the next 3-6 months.
We will be continually assessing this risk on a case-by-case basis. We are aware that some organisations are implementing a ‘lock down’ procedure, meaning some individuals are unable to recertify their certificates. We realise this may have an impact on the status of your certification as a PCN certificate holder; however, we will be taking a common-sense approach to this and will assist where possible in line with the requirements of ISO 9712.
If you are aware of any impending impact to your certification, please contact pcn@bindt.org immediately so that your case can be reviewed.
In order for these measures to prove successful requires input from yourselves as stakeholders in the process. With your support, flexibility and understanding, we can collectively ensure that your certification remains appropriate in these testing times.
Thank you for your cooperation,
Your CSD Team
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: 18 MARCH 2020
Considering the escalation of the seriousness of the coronavirus situation, we are introducing further measures to help safeguard our employees. We have therefore decided, for the time being, to run the office with a limited staff attending to essential work and services, with many staff now working from home. The PCN telephone lines will therefore be unmanned until further notice.
With this in mind, please be advised that the services provided by PCN may take longer than usual.
We are requesting that all enquiries, applications and other messages are sent via email. We will endeavour to deal with your enquiry as quickly as possible but we do ask for your patience during this time.
Should you have any enquiries for the Certification Services Department, please email them to the relevant team:
If your enquiry is in relation to PCN certification, please email pcn@bindt.org
If your enquiry is in relation to a technical query, please email technical@bindt.org
If you enquiry is in relation to an audit, please email audits@bindt.org
If your enquiry is in relation to a Level 1 or Level 2 CP16 renewal application, please email renewals@bindt.org
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and stress that we have implemented this stringent measure to help combat the spread of the virus. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this uncertain time.
Stay safe and keep well.
Jennifer Cook
Office Manager, Certification Services Department
- PSL/57C / PSL/30 application for experience post examination; and
- Basic Radiation Safety/Radiation Protection training package.
APPTRRA GLOBAL Norway has been withdrawn as an AQB and ATO. Any subsidiary of this company is also no longer authorised to conduct PCN examinations/training.
This is a standard withdrawal and does not affect candidates who have undergone training or examinations through this organisation.
Any certification already issued remains valid.
SUBJECT: IMPORTANT Notification of training/certification NOT accepted by BINDT and clarification of eligibility for examination
This advisory is being issued to all AQBs for information to identify accredited bodies and pre-requisite training NOT accepted by BINDT/PCN.
I have been notified that there have been recent requests for PCN AQBs to accept candidates for examination based on training certificates issued by Global Veritas Certification Service (GVCS). We believe this organisation may be linked to the company previously known as NDT International.
BINDT does not recognise any pre-requisite training from this or any other organisation linked to the company previously known NDT International.
PCN AQBs must not accept pre-requisite training for PCN examinations from the following three organisations, or any other that is linked to NDT International:
• Global Inspection and Certifications (GIC) www.gicgroups.com
• International Academy of NDT (IANDT) www.iandtcb.org
• Meena International Independent Personnel Certification (IPC) www.meenainternational.com
To re-iterate – eligibility for training:
PCN GEN issue 19
Clause 7.2. Training
7.2.1 To be eligible for examination the candidate shall provide documentary evidence of successful completion of a British Institute of NDT validated course of training at a BINDT ATO which covers the relevant part of the published syllabus (CEN ISO/TR 25107), that the candidate has satisfactorily completed training in the method and level for which the certification is sought. Please refer to www.bindt.org/education-and-training/training-courses/
7.2.2. For all levels, the candidate shall satisfactorily complete a course of theoretical and practical training recognised by BINDT.
If approached by any individual or company about this, or if there is any doubt about what training is recognised by BINDT, please raise your enquiry with me and/or the technical department at BINDT.
jennifer.cook@bindt.org
john.moody@bindt.org
Best regards
Jennifer Cook
CSD Office Manager
The BINDT Technical & Industrial Department, appointed in January 2019, works closely with PCN and other departments within the
Institute. To contact members of this department, email: technical@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 CP27).
All certificate holders agree to comply with this Code of Ethics at the point of application for examination, recertification and renewal.
There is a process for whistleblowing via PCN document CP21 for complaints and appeals, which are handled with extreme discretion.
Up-to-date contact details for all Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) can be found on the BINDT website at: education-and-training/bindt-approved-trainers
Up-to-date contact details for all Authorised Qualifying Bodies (AQBs) can be found on the BINDT website at: www.bindt.org/downloads/PSL4.pdf
PCN has a ‘frequently asked questions’ page on the BINDT website at: https://www.bindt.org/Certification/general-information/frequently-asked-questions-faq/
If you have any other PCN-related questions, please email: pcn@bindt.org
Information on the BINDT CM certification scheme can be found on the Institute’s website at: www.bindt.org/COMADIT/CM-Certification
In 2015, it was publicised that PCN moved to a numerical certificate system. We have recently noted that a small number of certificates may have been affected by this change. As a result, PCN certificate holders are encouraged to check their paper certificates against the information shown on the PCN verification page to ensure the data matches. If you experience any discrepancies, please immediately inform PCN to ensure the information is corrected (email: pcn@bindt.org).
All employers, agencies and end-users of NDT personnel are encouraged to seek verification of PCN certification using the online verification tool at: www.bindt.org/pcn. To search, please enter the name or PCN number (do not enter both).
Alternatively, the PCN Verifier app can be downloaded at: www.bindt.org/publications/ndt-apps
PCN NDT certification data is updated in real time as a new qualification is issued. This also includes PCN CM certification.
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.
Two models of stamp are available:
- Self-inking stamp. Approximate dimensions: 95 x 50 x 40 mm. Cost: £28.50 plus VAT. You can now include your PCN methods and levels – prices start at £28.50 plus VAT. Please note that this cost depends upon the amount of information to be added. For further pricing information please contact us by emailing: pcn@bindt.org
- Rubber stamp. Requires separate ink pad (not supplied). Approximate dimensions: 70 x 30 x 25 mm. Cost: £22.00 plus VAT.
- New! Coloured ink pads for self-inking stamps. Now available in red, green or blue at a cost of £3.50 including VAT.
10-14 working days.
The resulting graphic for both models measures 30 x 20 mm and includes the PCN logo, the surname and initials and PCN number of the holder. Reference is provided to www.bindt.org/pcn, where the status of PCN certification can be found by searching the name or PCN number of the stamp holder.
For an order form and further information on approved PCN stamps, see PCN document PSL/66, which can be found at: www.bindt.org/downloads/PSL66.pdf
NOTE: We are accepting orders for stamps, but please be aware that there will be a delay in processing and dispatching all orders due to the current coronavirus pandemic, which is beyond our control.
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.
The following staff at NDT International PTE Ltd have been banned from working with BINDT or another BINDT approved organisation permanently and had their PCN Certification removed indefinitely:- Mr G Venkataraman (PCN Number 309672)
- Mr Francis Regis Joe (PCN Number 302284)
- Mr Biju Pappu (PCN Number 325842)
- Mr Venkaiah Vanka (PCN Number 329274)
- Ms Lalitha Venkatesh
- Mr C Thangachariman (PCN Number 333686)
- Mr Andrew Harvey (aka A J Lourdes) (PCN Number 327730)
- Mr K Kumaran (PCN Number 317701)
- Mr R Ganesh (PCN Number 329206)
- Mr G Narayanaswamy (PCN Number 329278)
- Mr K V Sivaramakrishnan (PCN Number 313268)
- Mr P Muthu Kumar (PCN Number 328063)
- Mr Suman Dey (PCN Number 300332).
| Name | PCN no | Name | PCN no | |
| Sankar Ramasundaram | 310095 | Aniket Ashok Sonawane | 331080 | |
| Madan Lal Sharma | Kumaran Kannan | 317701 | ||
| Sherin Roopa Nancy | 326495 | Arun Kumar Kandasamy | 320680 | |
| Satish Naidu Bagadi | 325344 | K R P Mahalakshmi | 326476 | |
| S Mahesh Nainaganti | 323836 | Anamika Roy | 332655 | |
| D Roshan Kumar | 320920 | Ankita Dutta Chowdhury | 332654 | |
| Sharma Varun | 319564 | Simul Dey | 305683 | |
| Shiva Kumar Ramaraj | 310889 | Dino Davis | 329769 | |
| Venkatesh Srinivasan | 320027 | Rini Baby | 334653 | |
| Melvin Adaikalaraj | 319724 | P G Shaju | 300859 | |
| Thirunavukkarasu Sundar | 308177 | Sridhar Yalla | 333872 | |
| Roshin Issac Arakal | 327738 | Anil Arjun Khond | 327757 | |
| Bindhu Varghese Moolan | 328111 | Rahul M Pathare | 327758 | |
| Ganesh Ramadurai | 329206 | Sagar R Jaiswal | 334352 | |
| Jamsheed Salahudeen | 325501 | Rajeev R Nair | 330884 | |
| Narayanaswamy Guruswamy | 329278 | D V V Narendra Kumar | 319741 | |
| A Rajamani | | Arul Vignesh Punniya Moorthy | 320026 | |
| Muhamad Ridwan | | Vediyappa Mudali Govindasamy | 310097 | |
| Mrs Princy Shenny | | P Muthu Kumar D Pandiaraj | 328063 | |
| Pruthu Likhankar | | Zuriadah Binti Hilal | | |
| S Anantha Lakshmi | | Manimohan | | |
| S Karthik Kumar | | Smitha Shaju | | |
| Vinoth Kumar Balasubramanian | 312064 | S Janani | | |
| Edwin Antony Raj Selvaraj | 329404 | Rama Kuna | | |
| S Thiruvenkadam | | Bindu Babu | |
