Visual Testing

Designed to provide a full appreciation of the methods and practices of visual testing. A high level of theoretical and practical content is offered within these courses in preparation for ePCN Level 2 examinations. The courses meet the training hour requirements as specified in the relevant PCN documentation.

• Definitions
• Vision
• Lighting
• Environmental factors, direct and indirect methods of visual assessment
• Visual inspection equipment
• Surface conditions
• Inspection and testing criteria
• The reporting of results
• Codes and standards
• Preparation of a written instruction
• Product technology (welds, castings, wrought), in-service and secondary process defects

An individual certified to Visual 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 Visual Testing technique for the test method to be used
• Define the limitations of application of the testing method
• Translate Visual Testing codes, standards, specifications and procedures into Visual Testing instructions adapted to the actual working conditions
• Set up and verify Visual Testing equipment settings
• Perform and supervise Ultrasonic tests
• Interpret and evaluate results according to applicable standards, codes, specifications or procedures
• Prepare written Visual 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 Visual 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

This programme includes a combination of general theory and specific application theory with procedure writing. It is ideal preparation for PCN Level 3 examinations. The courses meet the training hour requirements as specified in the relevant PCN documentation.

• Definitions
• Vision
• Principles of light and lighting
• Environmental factors, direct and indirect methods of visual assessment
• Visual inspection equipment
• Surface conditions
• Inspection and testing criteria
• Codes and standards
• Current and developing methods in visual testing
• Digital image assessment
• Procedure writing
• Product technology (welds, castings, wrought), in-service and secondary process defects as assessed by the specific application of visual testing

An individual certified to Visual Testing Level 3 has demonstrated competence to perform and direct Visual Testing operators for which he is certified. Visual 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 Visual Testing methods, establish Visual 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, Visual 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 Visual Testing instructions and procedures
• Interpret codes, standards, specifications and procedures
• Designate the particular Visual 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 Visual 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.

Ideal for those who already have a basic understanding of the techniques of visual testing and would like intensive instruction to improve their knowledge and increase their experience in preparation for a recertification examination. This course is suitable for refresher training towards both the PCN and employer based recertification examinations.

(Subject to student’s requirements)

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