As nondestructive testing (NDT) advances, the personnel certification requirements associated with the methods, technologies and techniques used in NDT also evolve. This ensures the ongoing competence of individuals required to test various items, such as aerospace components, oil and gas installations, critical infrastructure and in many other industries where NDT is an integral part of daily operations. 

To ensure the quality and consistency of NDT practitioners globally, the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) is an independent certification body working to certificate individuals engaged in NDT through its PCN certification scheme, essentially helping to ensure these professionals are properly trained and qualified for the important work they do and helping to ensure that industry has the qualified personnel available for various projects when required. 

The PCN certification scheme is an internationally recognized third-party program for the certification and qualification of NDT personnel, issued in accordance with the international standard BS EN ISO 9712. It offers a comprehensive range of diverse qualification examinations covering NDT methods, techniques, products and industrial sectors for those individuals who can demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements for training, examinations and practical industrial experience. 

Periodically, all standards are reviewed and updated to meet revised working practices and industry expectations. In 2022, BS EN ISO 9712 was updated to include, for example, the implementation of new NDT technologies, clarification of responsibilities, revision of requirements for training, examinations, certification and recertification and modification to the visual acuity requirements. 

In response to the revised standard, the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) adapted its PCN certification scheme and developed PCN24 to reflect those changes and meet the stringent requirements specified in the updated BS EN ISO 9712. 

The modern, contemporary and transparent suite of certification documents now available aims to inform and inspire confidence in employers, end users and aspirant PCN candidates.  

BINDT’s PCN certification scheme is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to provide independent evidence that PCN satisfies the requirements of the relevant British, European and international standards.  

This will provide end users with assurance that the PCN24 certification scheme has been developed through a robust and auditable process. Readers can take confidence that the Institute’s technically competent and experienced personnel make certification decisions based solely on the information provided during the application process, ensuring all requirements have been met.  

All PCN certification is third-party, meaning the certificate holder owns the certification. This contrasts with second-party or employer-based schemes, where certification is provided and owned by the employer. PCN certification is widely recognized and highly respected globally, granting individuals the freedom to move from company to company or contract to contract without re-examination.  

While BINDT manages the certification scheme, it outsources pre-examination training to Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) and PCN examinations to Authorized Qualifying Bodies (AQBs). BINDT continuously audits both ATOs and AQBs and maintains overall control over the certification process, operating and enforcing it to a high standard for both training and examinations.  

The new PCN24 Scheme documents, officially launched in July 2024, are prefixed ‘PCN24’ and will be introduced in phases. In preparation for this transition, BINDT has revised and amended its current PCN certification scheme documents, which provide certification across all NDT methods. 

The revised PCN24 Scheme documentation is available for free to download from the BINDT website at: https://www.bindt.org/Certification/PCN24download/. If you have any questions regarding the scheme, please contact a member of BINDT’s technical team at: technical@bindt.org.