PCN News

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE – PCN OFFICE

From 6 July, BINDT introduced a phased return to the office and to help safeguard its employees is, for the time being, running the office with a limited staff attending to essential work, with many staff continuing to work from home.

Please be aware that there may be a delay in the dispatching 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 your 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.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused; we stress that we have implemented this stringent measure to help combat the spread of the virus and thank you for your cooperation.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 10: 1 SEPTEMBER 2020
UPDATE AND REMINDER TO THE BINDT COVID-19 TEMPORARY EXTENSION POLICY

The initial extension period, applied to affected candidates with original expiry dates from 16 March 2020, ends 30 September 2020 and PCN holders are reminded that it is their responsibility to recertify before this date. 

NOTE: PCN holders and candidates are encouraged to speak with their AQB for further information on examination/training bookings.

After analysing the continued effects of COVID-19 on the NDT and CM industry across the globe, specifically where there are severe travel restrictions, BINDT has identified a need to consider requests for further extension to the validity of PCN certificates under certain uncompromising conditions. 

Full details of the temporary arrangements and examples of how candidates will be affected are described in the following documents:

• BINDT PCN Temporary Extension Policy (www.bindt.org/downloads/BINDT-PCN-Temporary-Extension-Policy.pdf)
• PCN Extension application form 1 (https://www.bindt.org/Downloads/PCN Extension application form 1.docx)
• Guidance and FAQs (www.bindt.org/downloads/Guidance-and-FAQs.pdf).

BINDT reserves the right to continually review the situation and will make further statements as and when required on the PCN News page on the BINDT website. 

PCN is still accepting renewal applications and 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 application forms 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 will 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.

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 9: 14 AUGUST 2020

The initial extension period applied to affected candidates with original expiry dates from 16 March 2020, ends 30th September 2020 and PCN holders are reminded that it is their responsibility to recertify before the 30 September. NOTE: PCN holders and candidates are encouraged to speak with their AQB for further information on examination/training bookings.

After analysing the continued effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the NDT and CM industry across the globe, specifically where there are severe travel restrictions, BINDT/PCN has identified a need to consider requests for further extension to the validity of PCN certificates under certain uncompromising conditions.

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'
'PCN Extension application form 1'
'Guidance and FAQs'

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.

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

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' 

'Guidance and FAQs' 

You can find videos on the BINDT website covering some of the Health and Safety measures that may be adopted by our AQBs below. 

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

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'

'Guidance and FAQs'

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.

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.

BINDT is looking to introduce electronic certification.

BINDT believes that electronic certification will help to protect the quality and robustness of the PCN Scheme while also making the issue of certificates a more streamlined and efficient process.

The key features will include:

• The PCN holder’s image and signature appearing on the certificate, therefore removing the need for separate ID cards
• Security features to protect against forgery and safeguard integrity
• Information and a QR code, encouraging verification of PCN certification using the online verification tool or the PCN Verifier app.

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. Alternatively, the PCN Verifier app can be downloaded at: www.bindt.org/publications/ndt-apps

Further digital innovations will be published on this page.

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 online using the online verification tool at: www.bindt.org/Certification/pcn-certificate-verification

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.

The Certification Services Department (PCN) and the Technical & Industrial Department (TID) are continuing to collaborate on certification projects. Updates will be provided by way of online updates on the PCN news page.

Please keep up to date with the latest PCN documents via the website.An index of the document suite, form PSL/8a, can be downloaded from the BINDT website at: www.bindt.org/downloads/PSL8A.pdf

Two models of stamp are available:

Certification for PCN numbers 212770 and 315893 has been withdrawn, with a five-year ban on attempts at PCN examination/certification.

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.