PCN News

Qualifications & Certification Talk

Annual PCN certification event for AQBs/ATOs 2019

The PCN certification event is held annually for BINDT’s Authorised Qualifying Bodies (AQBs) and Approved Training Organisations (ATOs). Many topics are covered at the event, allowing all who attend the opportunity to collaborate face to face.

This year, BINDT was able to meet more of its stakeholders by spreading the event over two locations. The first session was held in Sheffield on 28 February 2019, utilising the conference facilities at IMechE Argyll Ruane. The second session was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, over two days in March 2019. 

The meetings were very successful and the presentations that took place covered topics such as online examinations, the future of PCN and best practice.

PCN Level 2 renewal customer satisfaction survey

All individual comments received are collated and reviewed and then considered when the Certification Services Department revises its strategic plan for documentation and processes.

More surveys regarding the department’s processes are in progress and will be published in due course.

Results from the survey so far are shown below:

Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with  the renewal process?	How would you rate the customer service received from  the Certification Services Department?
How responsive has the Certification Services Department been  to your questions/concerns during your renewal process?	How likely are you to use the renewal process for revalidation of certification in the future?

Certification Services will shortly be releasing the PMI Scheme for qualification of personnel who perform NDT applications of a limited nature with positive material identification. 

Further details will soon be available at: www.bindt.org/certification/pcn-exam-requirements-and-document-download

PCN online examinations

PCN has been working on a project to implement online examinations. The project is due to be rolled out in the UK during 2019.

The Certification Services Department is happy to report that it has reached its highest number of condition monitoring certificate holders since the scheme began. Since January 2018, the number of certificate holders has increased by 9% due to the continued input and development from working group members and stakeholders. 

For more information on CM certification, visit: www.bindt.org/COMADIT/CM-Certification

Revalidation of certification

Options for revalidation:

• Renewal by the paperwork method, direct to PCN (only for issue 1 certificates (CP16 and CP17)).
• Recertification by examination, direct to the Authorised Qualifying Body (AQB) (for issue 1 and issue 2 certificates).

• Revalidation can be initiated six months prior to expiry;
• Revalidation must be no later than six weeks prior to expiry: – Recertification exams must be sat no later than six weeks prior to expiry
  – Renewal applications must be submitted to PCN no later than six weeks prior to expiry.

• Deferred approval – PSL/28, current fee £85.00 + VAT (please always refer to PSL/35 for the latest fee). The PCN certificate holder will apply for deferred approval from BINDT, up until the expiry date of their certificate. Following receipt of the approval letter, the PCN certificate holder must then apply to an AQB for a recertification exam. This does not extend the certificate. 
• Late approval – PSL/28, current fee £190.00 + VAT (please always refer to PSL/35 for the latest fee). The PCN certificate holder will apply for late approval from BINDT if their certificate has already expired. The late approval can be submitted up to ten months after the expiry of the certificate. Following receipt of the approval letter, the PCN certificate holder must then apply to an AQB for a recertification exam. This does not extend the certificate.

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.