PCN Qualifications
The PCN scheme
The PCN (Personnel Certification in Non-Destructive Testing) is a scheme for the certification of NDT technicians and supervisors and meets BS EN ISO 9712 requirements. It is founded in UK but also has an influence over many near-European countries.
What are the certification types?
There are 3 separate levels (See BS EN ISO 9712 for full details)
PCN Level 1 qualifies personnel to carry out NDT operations according to written instructions under the supervision of a Level 2 or Level 3 qualified individual. A Level 1 qualified individual has demonstrated competence to:
- set up equipment and carry out tests
- record and classify the results in terms of written criteria
PCN Level 2 qualifies personnel to perform and direct NDT according to established or recognised procedures and has demonstrated competence to:
- Choose the technique for the test method used
- Perform and supervise the test
- Interpret, evaluate and report results according to applicable standards, codes or specifications
- Define the limitations of the testing method for which the qualification covers
- Understand and transform NDT standards and specifications into practical testing instructions adapted to the actual working conditions
PCN Level 3 qualifies personnel to direct any NDT operation for which they are certificated and:
- Assume full responsibility for a test facility and staff
- Establish and/or validate NDT instructions or procedures
- Interpret codes, standards, specifications and procedures
- Designate the particular test methods, techniques and procedures to be used
How useful are PCN courses and certifications?
They contain comprehensive information on NDT but will be mainly of use if you involved solely in the NDT industry. In practice a lot of PCN certificate-holders work in a practical capacity as an NDT technician
Are PCN certificates more use than API inspection qualifications?
They are a different thing. API inspector certificates provide general coverage of the inspection and integrity aspects of vessels, pipework, pipelines and storage tanks. PCN qualifications are solely about NDT.
See our article NDT and Asset Integrity; The difference to understand how the subjects differ.
See the website for details of the PCN scheme www.bindt.org/Certification/pcn-news
Can we help you further?
We offer a TRIAL TECHNICAL INTERVIEW
If you want to check your knowledge for a specific job role in the integrity industry then try our trial technical interview. Its purpose is to test you on the technical aspects of the job you are thinking of applying for. There’s no time limit on it but expect it to last at least 20 minutes. After the discussion we’ll give you honest feedback on how you did. Just let us know the type of position you are going for; we’ll do the rest and respond with at time slot for you to call us.
There’s no charge, but we will expect you to call us at the allocated time and be ready to answer technical questions.
Remember your trial interview is on a purely technical subjects. We are not interested in you personality traits, do-gooding activities or any wonderful extra-curricular interests you may have.
