PCN News
Certification Services Department – September 2024
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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.
All candidates presenting for PCN RT certification shall be expected to be in compliance with this revised requirement by 1 March 2025. It is strongly recommended in the interim period that persons presenting for initial or recertification look to address these revised requirements for PCN BRS certification to avoid disappointment and/or delay in renewing PCN RT and/or radiation safety certification examinations.
Certification Technical Committee volunteer call out
The BINDT Certification Services Department and the Technical and Industrial Department are looking for industry representatives to join the Certification Technical Committee (CTC) and/or method-specific working groups to develop/update PCN certification schemes.
The CTC, which is a sub-committee of the PCN Certification Management Committee, is concerned with technical matters relating to the certification of personnel engaged in testing, inspection or engineering asset management covering all current and new methods.
The active method-specific Working Groups are:
- Ultrasonic Testing (and advanced techniques);
- Eddy Current (and advanced techniques);
- Radiographic Testing (and advanced techniques); and
- Marine Composites.
The majority of meetings will be held remotely. Members of the CTC shall be individual members of BINDT; this is not a requirement for working group representatives.
If you feel you have the knowledge and time to dedicate to the development of these PCN schemes, BINDT would like to hear from you.
Please contact Jennifer Cook, Certification Manager, at: jennifer.cook@bindt.org or Patrick Boulton, Senior Technical Engineer, at: patrick.boulton@bindt.org for further information or to register your interest.
Changes to PCN (NDT) certificate numbering
BINDT has recently implemented a change in the way certificate numbers are generated, while preserving key aspects. This change will primarily affect candidates’ certification numbers that are entered into the database on/after the date of 14 March 2024.
The change is necessary due the allocation of sequential numbering that could specifically be used to keep certificate numbers unique. The below now defines the new certificate number structure:
- Alpha indicator/s to represent the Authorised Qualifying Body
- Two randomly generated characters or numerical characters
- Two characters to show the year of issue, for example 24
- Digit 1 = Sector of certification
- Digit 2 = Method of certification
- Digit 3 = Level of certification
- Four randomly generated characters or numerical characters.
PCN Rail Certification – Update
BS EN ISO 9712 compliant certification for the testing of railway axles and running rail remains a high priority within BINDT. As such, the Institute is currently working with Serco to reintroduce the supply of PCN Rail certification. See: https://www.serco.com/uk/sector-expertise/transport/rail-technical-services/training-svs
All enquiries for PCN Rail training and examination can be directed to Serco.
PCN introduces electronic certificates
The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) has announced that its Personnel Certification in Non-Destructive Testing (PCN) certificates are to be issued electronically, so that PCN certificate holders will be able to view and print their certificates from their laptop or mobile device.
The launch of electronic certificates (e-certificates) will help to protect the quality and robustness of the PCN scheme whilst also making the issue of certificates a more streamlined and efficient process.
The new key features include:
- The PCN holder’s photograph and signature will now appear on the certificate, thus removing the need for separate ID cards.
- A watermark, end of qualifications statement and reminder of penalties for forgery are included on the certificate to safeguard integrity and increase security of certificates.
- Certificates will include a statement reminding certificate holders that they should always comply with the PCN code of ethics.
- Certificates will also include information encouraging verification of PCN certification using the online verification tool or the PCN Verifier app.
The e-certificates will be issued using digital rights management (DRM) security software. The PCN holder will be able to view their certification on computer, laptop or mobile device via a secure password-protected portal. For certificate holders who do not always have Internet access, certificates can be saved for a period of time so that they can be accessed when not connected.
To be eligible for e-certification, the PCN holder must ensure PCN has an up-to-date electronic copy of their photo (taken within the past 10 years) and signature. To submit or update these items, please complete the PSL33 form and submit the form and image to pcn.applications@bindt.org
Once your e-certificate is available, you will be emailed with instructions to access it. If you are not eligible for e-certification, you will receive a conventional hard-copy certificate.
New contact emails for certification department
As part of its improvements to services, the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing has implemented some new contact details for the PCN team:
pcn.level3@bindt.org for all PCN Level 3 applications
renewals@bindt.org for all PCN Level 1 and Level 2 applications
pcn.weld-inspections@bindt.org for all PCN Weld Inspection certification
pcn.results@bindt.org for all PCN results notice enquiries;
pcn.applications@bindt.org for any other PCN applications ie late, deferral or post experience
pcn.enquiries@bindt.org for general PCN enquiries.
PCN service-level agreement update
Please be advised that BINDT has implemented a 28-day service-level agreement (SLA) for the PCN team. You will note that this has changed from 14 days. The reason for this is to provide its end-users with a realistic turnaround time for receiving certification. Further to this, and with the assistance of the Quality/Technical teams, the Certification Services Department (CSD) is continuing to discuss and action improvements to its services for the benefit of end-users, members and stakeholders. A statement of improvements under development is published on the ‘PCN News’ page of the BINDT website: www.bindt.org/Certification/pcn-news under ‘Improvements to services’. This will continue to be updated.
Pressure Equipment Directive
The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) has received an appointment from CASL (an LRQA company), formerly WQ-iC Ltd, a recognised third-party organisation (RTPO) and notified body (NoBo No 2893) based in Dublin, Ireland.
For more information and a list of FAQs, visit: www.bindt.org/Certification/pressure-equipment-directive and www.inspectioncasl.com
Improvements to services
BINDT would like to assure its end-users, members and stakeholders that the Institute is working hard to ensure improvements are made to services offered. Some of its current projects are as follows:
The Certification Services Department and the Technical and Industrial Department have recently conducted a recruitment drive and additional resources have been allocated to improve services, including PCN, and address new technologies and schemes. Training is underway within the PCN team to assist with the increasing number of results and applications.
Revision of the PCN Scheme to the latest edition of BS EN ISO 9712
The Certification Services Department and the Technical and Industrial Department are working together with industry representatives to fully revise the PCN Scheme in line with the latest edition of BS EN ISO 9712. Although there are many changes to incorporate, BINDT aims to ensure there is no significant impact to PCN certificate holders and that this improves and streamlines the PCN Scheme overall. The scheme was released on 1 July 2024 and will be referred to as PCN24.
Software development
BINDT is working on several projects to streamline certification processes. This includes external and internal application processes:
An online Product Technology course for aspirant PCN certificate holders
An internal application management system
Online applications.
Progress will be reported as it happens on the ‘PCN News’ page of the BINDT website, which can be viewed by visiting: www.bindt.org/certification/pcn-news
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.
Withdrawn/suspended certificates:
All certification for the following individuals has been withdrawn, with a five-year ban on attempts at PCN examinations/certification:
- Jarred Thomas, PCN number 307289, withdrawn from 12 September 2019
- Erik Aulin, PCN number 212770, withdrawn from 28 July 2020
- Mohd Ismail Dollah, PCN number 315893, withdrawn from 28 July 2020
- Mohd Nasir, PCN number 304873, withdrawn from 11 February 2021
- Mark Jeffry Celis, PCN number 332973, withdrawn from 7 June 2021
- Rohith Tadakala, PCN number 336997, withdrawn from 8 December 2021
- Ruslan Moh, (no PCN number), withdrawn from 15 February 2022
- Salim Agus, PCN number 301251, withdrawn from 4 March 2022
- Shahrilahzam Bin Maraideen, PCN number 306704, withdrawn from 4 March 2022
- Daniel Danczyszyn, (no PCN number), withdrawn from 6 April 2022
- Sebastian Lata, PCN number 212298, withdrawn from 7 June 2022
- Mohamad Mohaizzat Bin Mohktar, (no PCN number), withdrawn from 21 July 2022.
The following individuals have been given a 12-month ban on attempts at PCN examinations/certification:
- Busani Liberty Mangena, PCN number 344209, withdrawn from 20 June 2023 (until Russian sanctions lifted)
- Andrei Prokopenko, PCN number 337219, withdrawn from 20 June 2023 (until Russian sanctions lifted)
- Sergei Vyrelkin, PCN number 343684, withdrawn from 20 June 2023 (until Russian sanctions lifted)
- Vinoth Govindharaj, PCN number 339072, withdrawn from 18 October 202
- Dragan Andreevski (no PCN number), 12-month ban on all PCN examination attempts from 16 February 2024.
The following individuals have been given a permanent ban on attempts at PCN examinations/certification:
- G Venkataraman – PCN number 309672
- Francis Regis Joe – PCN number 302284
- Biju Pappu – PCN number 325842
- Venkaiah Vanka – PCN number 329274
- C Thangachariman – PCN number 333686
- Andrew Harvey (aka A J Lourdes) – PCN number 327730
- K Kumaran – PCN number 317701
- R Ganesh – PCN number 329206
- G Narayanaswamy – PCN number 329278
- K V Sivaramakrishnan – PCN number 313268
- P Muthu Kumar – PCN number 328063
- Suman Dey – PCN number 300332
- Abdul Rahman – PCN number 210063
- Lalitha Venkatesh (no PCN number).
Reinstatement of six-month prior to expiry requirement for supplementary certification from August 2023
BINDT has reinstated the six-month prior to expiry requirement for supplementary certification.
It is the responsibility of the certificate holder to initiate the procedure required for revalidation.
Please refer to PCN/GEN issue 19 and the relevant renewal/recertification forms, which can be found at: www.bindt.org/Certification/pcn-exam-requirements-and-document-download
Reinstatement of six-week prior to expiry requirement for supplementary certification from January 2023
BINDT has reinstated the six-month prior to expiry requirement for revalidation of certification via renewal or examination.
It is the responsibility of the certificate holder to initiate the procedure required for revalidation.
Please refer to PCN/GEN issue 19 and the relevant renewal/recertification forms, which can be found at: www.bindt.org/Certification/pcn-exam-requirements-and-document-download
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
A large number of verification checks are 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 CP27 ‘Code of ethics for PCN certificate holders’, available at: www.bindt.org/downloads/cp27.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 or tel: +44 (0)1604 438249.
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.
Complaints and appeals, which are handled with extreme discretion and impartiality, can be submitted using PCN form CP21 (www.bindt.org/downloads/CP21.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/downloads/PSL4.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 PSL/66, which can be found at: www.bindt.org/downloads/PSL66.pdf
| Sector | Method |
| 2. Pre- and in-service 6. Welds | 20. Eddy current |
| 21. Magnetic particle testing | |
| 22. Liquid penetrant testing | |
| 23. Visual testing | |
| 24. Ultrasonic testing | |
| 25. Radiography | |
| 27. Time-of-flight diffraction | |
| 28. Phased array | |
| 29. Computer radiographic testing | |
| 34. Radiographic interpreter | |
| 35. Computer radiographic interpreter |
