Penetrant Testing

• Introduction to the penetrant method
• Principles of penetrant inspection
• Penetrant inspection equipment
• Performance checking
• Defect detection and evaluation
• Penetrant techniques
• Relevant standards
• PCN documentation
• Extensive practical element
• Product technology

An individual certified to Penetrant Testing Level 2 has demonstrated competence to perform NDT according to NDT procedures. Within the scope of the competence defined on the certificate, Level 2 personnel may be authorised by the employer to:

• Select the Penetrant Testing technique for the test method to be used
• Define the limitations of application of the testing method
• Translate Penetrant Testing codes, standards, specifications and procedures into Penetrant Testing instructions adapted to the actual working conditions
• Set up and verify Penetrant Testing equipment settings
• Perform and supervise Penetrant tests
• Interpret and evaluate results according to applicable standards, codes, specifications or procedures
• Prepare written Penetrant Testing instructions
• Carry out and supervise all tasks at or below Level 2
• Provide guidance for personnel at or below Level 2
• Report the results of Penetrant tests.

Full PCN certification is only achieved once the required experience is acquired following the completion of the required training hours and passing of the examination:

Penetrant Testing
• Level 1 – 16 training hours and 1 month experience
• Level 2 – 24 training hours and 3 months experience if Level 1 held or 40 training hours and 4 months experience if direct to Level 2
• Level 3 – 24 training hours (+80 hrs for Level 3 Basic) and 24 months experience

• PCN requirements for Level 3 approval
• Complementary NDT methods
• Product technology
• Quality assurance, quality control and supervision
• Specifications/procedures and techniques
• Analysis of PT reports
• Advanced penetrant theory and revision
• Analysis of procedures
• Procedure writing
• Mock examinations

An individual certified to Penetrant Testing Level 3 has demonstrated competence to perform and direct Penetrant Testing operators for which he is certified. Penetrant Testing Level 3 personnel have demonstrated:

• • The competence to evaluate and interpret results in terms of existing standards, codes, and specifications
  • Sufficient practical knowledge of applicable materials, fabrication, process, and product technology to select Penetrant Testing methods, establish Penetrant Testing techniques and assist in establishing acceptance criteria where non are otherwise available
  • A general familiarity with other NDT methods

Within the scope of the competence defined on the certificate, Penetrant Testing Level 3 personnel may be authorised to:

• Assume full responsibility for the test facility or examination centre and staff
• Establish, review for editorial and technical correctness and validate Penetrant Testing instructions and procedures
• Interpret codes, standards, specifications and procedures
• Designate the particular Penetrant test methods, techniques and procedures to be used
• Within the scope and limitations of any certification held, carry out all tasks at all levels
• Provide guidance for Penetrant Testing personnel at all levels

Level 3 certified personnel may be authorised to carry out, manage and supervise PCN qualification examinations on behalf of the British Institute of NDT (BINDT).

Where Level 3 duties require the individual to apply routine NDT by a method or methods within a particular product or industry sector, BINDT strongly recommends that the industry demand that this person should hold and maintain Level 2 certification in the applicable method(s) and sector(s).

The range and scope of PCN certification available at each level is defined in the relevant appendix to these general requirements.

Full PCN certification is only achieved once the required once sufficient experience is acquired following the completion of the required training hours and passing of the examination:

Penetrant Testing
• Level 1 – 16 training hours and 1 month experience
• Level 2 – 24 training hours and 3 months experience if Level 1 held or 40 training hours and 4 months experience if direct to Level 2
• Level 3 – 24 training hours (+80 hrs for Level 3 Basic) and 24 months experience

• Relevant examination criteria
• Practical exercises on equipment similar to that encountered in examinations
• A theory package orientated towards examination requirements
• Instruction writing
• Mock examination