ISO 9712 confirms: When the scope of activity is limited in application and/or in technique (and not covered in Annex F of BS EN ISO 9712), then both the training scope and training duration may be reduced by up to 50%. Where the certification sought is limited in application (ie thickness measurement or automated testing, for example), then the practical industrial experience duration requirements may also be reduced by up to 50%, but shall never be less than 15 days.
Examples of such limitations include certification related to application (for example automated eddy current testing (ET), ultrasonic testing (UT) of bar, tube and rod or normal beam ultrasonic thickness and lamination testing of rolled steel plate) and to other non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, such as use of the portable yoke for magnetic particle testing.
In consideration of this, BINDT has recently revised its certification scheme requirements for limited certification and, in doing so, developed the limited certification scheme for the testing of manufactured wrought plate using conventional manual ultrasonic testing techniques as part of the revised PCN suite of documents and appendices under the PCN24 banner.
Some of you will already be familiar with the intent of the scheme and may have already been using NDT techniques to test manufactured wrought plate under the international standard ISO 20807, which establishes a system for the qualification of personnel who perform NDT applications of a limited, repetitive or automated nature.
Much like ISO 20807, BS EN ISO 9712 also provides for limited certification schemes to be developed under similar conditions to those that exist in ISO 20807, which is why BINDT’s PCN Department has chosen to retire its certification package currently offered under ISO 20807 and to transfer the requirements and certification privileges to BS EN ISO 9712.
In order to achieve this, PCN has found it necessary to revise the syllabus document for limited certification and all associated appendices documents to ensure that the revised certification offered meets the requirements of BS EN ISO 9712:2022. As such, the revised scheme will require all initial PCN candidates for limited certification to be successful in an examination comprising:
- A multiple-choice written theory examination element testing the candidate’s limited knowledge of the general theory UT;
- A multiple-choice written theory examination testing the candidate’s knowledge of the specific theory for the testing of manufactured wrought plate;
- Drafting a detailed written NDT instruction for one of the specimens to be practically tested; and
- Practical testing of wrought plate specimens for inclusions and laminations and the provision of a number of thickness measurements.
It is important for employers and candidates alike to be aware of the following, in that the certification provided is not appropriate or authorised for use within the in-service inspection sector where NDT technicians are required to test welds and/or monitor corrosion, erosion and/or material loss associated with in-service material degradation factors.
Where certification for in-service inspection – manual ultrasonic testing is required for the combined testing of welds, thickness measurement and the monitoring of corrosion and/or erosion within steel structures, plant and/or other associated components, candidates are directed to PCN ISI GEN Appendix A1-ISI.
Where persons require certification for the sole purpose of testing of welds, then they are directed to PCN24/UT/APP.
Furthermore, BINDT would like to inform NDT News readership that PCN is currently awaiting the certification scheme to be reviewed by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and is hopeful that the scheme will be accredited and added to its scope in the very near future. However, in the intervening period, candidates requiring limited certification for the testing of manufactured wrought plate are being advised to continue to utilise ISO 20807 certification and the certification privileges awarded to them under the given standard.
When the revised PCN Certification Scheme for limited certification has been accredited for use by UKAS, PCN will publish a press release to confirm matters and issue all revised examination materials to those Authorised Qualifying Bodies (AQBs) that are already approved to offer certification under the ISO 20807 standard.
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