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PCN/SPEC . issue 2 1 15 November 1996

CERTIFICATION
SERVICES DIVISION

The British Institute of NDT, 1 Spencer Parade, Northampton NN1 5AA, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1604 259056. Fax: +44 (0)1604 231489. Email: 100443.24@compuserve.com
















Authorised for the Board







J R Thompson
Secretary

The use of the Accreditation Mark indicates accreditation in respect of those activities covered by accreditation certificate
number 30.

PCN REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE EMPLOYER SPECIFIC
CERTIFICATION OF
PERSONNEL ENGAGED IN
NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTING

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PCN/SPEC Issue 2 2 15 Nov 1996
PREAMBLE
The PCN certification scheme is based on the requirements of EN 473 and is an international scheme for
the certification of NDT technicians and supervisors. PCN is administered by an Independent Certifying
Body for a Governing Board representative of industry and meets with the requirements of EN 45013.
There is a wide range of qualification examinations available, covering various methods and applications of
NDT.
This document sets out the requirements and procedures common to all parts of the scheme.
Supplementary appendices are available covering employer specific examinations applicable to various
companies. The full list of current published appendices is available upon request, but each appendix is
regarded by PCN as commercial in confidence to the company concerned and is only distributed through
the company or by PCN after authorisation by the company.
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Employer Specific PCN Certification of the competence of Non-Destructive Testing personnel is
offered as an alternative to certification issued by the employer under an SNT-TC-1A or MIL-STD-410
system.
1.2 PCN certification, which satisfies the requirements of European standard EN 473 and international
standard ISO 9712, will provide wider recognition and obviate the time consuming and expensive practice
of external audit usually applied when an employer based certification system is used.
1.3 In the PCN system, the employer retains a written practise and carries out (or sub-contracts) the
necessary training and examination of candidates. The employer is also responsible for providing
documented evidence of the NDT experience gained under supervision by the candidate. By this method,
the requirements of independent and employer based NDT certification standards are met.
1.4 To implement the PCN system, the employers centrally certificated level 3 staff will work with PCN to
develop the necessary training/examination syllabus and examination question bank, which will reflect
the employers products and the NDT techniques used to test them. All examination questions so
developed will be controlled by PCN, which will construct examination papers for examinations which will
be conducted on site under PCN supervision. Theoretical and practical examinations may be invigilated
by an individual, independent of the candidate or his/her employer, who is trained and authorised by PCN.
1.5 Practical examinations will involve the candidate testing a range of products (examination
specimens), typical of those produced by the employer, which have been segregated and placed in
suitably secure bonded storage approved by PCN. The number of specimens to be held in secure storage
will be agreed between the employer and PCN. All such examination specimens will have been tested by
experienced certificated personnel using the appropriate technique, and will have a master report which is
agreed by the employer and by PCN. Examination specimens must not be used for training purposes.
Master reports will be held by PCN and used in the marking of examinations.
1.6 The system agreed by PCN and the employer will be fully described in an appendix to this document.
This appendix will be confidential to PCN, the employer and to the employers clients, and will be issued
only with the approval of the employer concerned.
1.7 Employers wishing to develop and implement employer specific PCN certification systems should
contact the Scheme Manager at PCN Certification Services, The British Institute of NDT, 1Spencer
Parade, Northampton NN1 5AA, United Kingdom. Telephone: +44 (0)1604 259056 or fax: +44(0)1604
231489.
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PCN/SPEC . issue 2 3 15 November 1996
2. OVERVIEW OF PCN SCHEME
2.1 PCN is an accredited certifying body offering qualification examinations covering the main NDT
methods.
2.2 To ensure that PCN reflects the needs of industry and its customers, the scheme is overseen by a
Governing Board, a policy making body representative of users of the scheme with no single interest
predominating. The day to day management of the scheme is provided by the British Institute of NDT,
which is located at 1 Spencer Parade, Northampton, NN1 5AA.
2.3 The PCN scheme is consistent with European standards for NDT personnel qualification and
certification, and the intention is that it shall be maintained as such.
2.4 The modular nature of PCN examinations means that certification can be extended easily without the
need to repeat common parts. For example, a candidate who has obtained ultrasonic certification to test
a specific product in a particular company can later extend the certification to another product without the
need to retake the general theory of ultrasonics paper.
2.5 All examinations are carried out under the control of PCN authorised examiners or invigilators, and all
operations are subject to rigorous audit. This provides customers and their clients with a high level of
confidence in the independence of the results.
2.6 Employer specific PCN examinations consist of two main parts, general and job specific.
Examination modules are as follows:
2.6.1 Part 1. The General (theory) examination Comprises a number of written examination questions
concerned with the principles of the applicable NDT method.
2.6.2 Part 2. The Specific examination includes both written and practical examinations and includes the
demonstration of theoretical and practical knowledge related to the application of the NDT method to the
product being tested. This examination also covers the applicable specifications, codes and acceptance
criteria. The practical element involves a demonstration of familiarity with, and the ability to operate
specific test equipment on prescribed components, and to record and analyse the resultant information to
the degree required.
2.7 There are three levels of PCN certification (level 3 is described for information only and those seeking
level 3 certification should refer to the current edition of the PCN General requirements for certification of
personnel engaged in NDT):
2.7.1 Level 1
An individual certificated to level 1 is qualified to carry out NDT
operations according to a written instruction and under the supervision of level 2 or level 3 personnel.
Level 1 certificated personnel have demonstrated the ability to:
set up equipment;
carry out the test;
record and classify the results in terms of written criteria;
report the results.

Level 1 personnel cannot be responsible for the choice of test method or technique to be used, nor for the
assessment or characterisation of test results.
2.7.2 Level 2
Level 2 personnel are qualified to perform and direct NDT according to established or recognised
procedures and have demonstrated the competence to:
choose the technique for the test method used;
set up and calibrate equipment;
perform and supervise the test;
interpret and evaluate results according to applicable standards, codes or specifications;
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PCN/SPEC Issue 2 4 15 Nov 1996
define the limitations of application of the testing method for which the level 2 certificate holder is
qualified;
understand and transform NDT standards and specifications into practical testing instructions adapted
to the actual working conditions;
prepare written test instructions;
carry out and to supervise all level 1 duties;
provide on the job training or guidance of personnel below level 2;
organise and report the results of non-destructive tests.

2.7.3 Level 3
Level 3 personnel are qual ified 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.

Level 3 personnel have demonstrated:
the competence to interpret and evaluate test results in terms of existing codes, standards and
specifications;
a practical background in applicable materials, fabrication and product technology sufficient to enable
the selection of methods and techniques, and to assist in the establishment of test criteria where
none are otherwise available;
a general familiarity with other NDT methods;
the ability to guide or provide on the job training of personnel below level 3.

2.8 Where level 3 duties regularly require the individual to apply routine NDT by a method or methods,
PCN recommends that this person should hold and maintain level 2 certification in the method(s). Indeed,
he or she may be required to maintain such level 2 certification by relevant QA authorities.
2.9 Level 3 personnel may, if authorised by PCN, manage and supervise PCN examinations for those
personnel in whose training they have had no involvement.
3. ELIGIBILITY FOR EXAMINATION
3.1 Physical Requirements
3.1.1 All candidates and holders of PCN certification shall have natural or corrected vision, as determined
annually by an oculist, optometrist or other medically recognised person, to meet the following minimum
requirement:
Corrected or uncorrected near distance acuity in at least one eye shall be such that the individual is
capable of reading from a standard test chart Jaeger No1 letters, Times Roman N4 or equivalent at a
distance of not less than 30 cm.
Colour vision shall be such that the individual can distinguish, and differentiate contrast, between the
colours used in the NDT method concerned as specified by the employer.
3.1.2 Initially, all candidates and holders of PCN certification will be required to have had colour
perception tested by the Ishihara method. This test must be administered by an optometrist,
ophthalmologist or other medically recognised person, and a record of the test must be retained and
presented to PCN upon request. PCN will subsequently accept evidence of an annual test, administered
by the employer to determine that he or she is able to distinguish, and differentiate contrast, between the
colours used in each NDT method for which PCN certification is held. The test is to be recorded in writing
and the colours tested are to be stated. Evidence of the test must be presented to PCN upon request.
3.1.3 PCN accepts that a holder of PCN level 3 certification, having documented proof of satisfactory
training (conducted by a person holding a recognised medical or ophthalmic qualification) in the
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PCN/SPEC . issue 2 5 15 November 1996
administration of the annual near vision acuity and colour perception test, is medically recognised as
competent and may therefore conduct such tests for candidates and holders of PCN certification. The
PCN level 3 administering the near vision test must provide proof of appropriate training upon request by
PCN.
3.1.4 Candidates for PCN examinations will be required, on the day of the examination, to provide proof of
a satisfactory vision test, as described above, conducted within the 12 months preceding the
examination.
3.2 NDT Training: levels 1 and 2
3.2.1 To be eligible for level 1 or level 2 examination, candidates must have successfully completed a
PCN approved course (see note 1) of structured training to the appropriate PCN syllabus.
3.2.2 Successful completion of a course of training implies that the candidate has attended all training
sessions of a PCN approved training course and achieved a satisfactory end of course assessment.
Trainers should provide trainees and their employers with documentary proof of successful (or
unsuccessful) completion of training.
NOTE 1
PCN will upon request conduct approval assessments of training courses conducted by employers. The
current fee for such assessment will be payable in advance and details of fees and acceptance criteria
will be provided to enquirers. In the event that the appointed assessor is satisfied that the course
concerned meets the acceptance criteria, PCN approval will be granted. To maintain approval it will be
necessary for PCN to undertake regular surveillance of the training course.
3.2.3 For mature candidates, with at least 5 years documented experience without significant interruption
(see clause 6.3.5) in the NDT method and sector for which certification is sought, who can provide
evidence of completion of a course of training covering the relevant PCN approved syllabus which was of
at least the duration specified in table 1, the need to have attended a PCN approved course of training
may not apply. If a 'significant interruption' in experience exists, the candidate will be required to meet the
training requirements given in clause 3.2.1. Such training must have been completed within the 24
calendar months prior to applying for examination.
3.2.4 The minimum duration of any training in order to satisfy the PCN rules for examination eligibility is
shown in Table 1.


NDT METHOD
TRAINING
LEVEL 1
HOURS
LEVEL 2
ET 40 40
PT 16 24
MT 16 24
RT 40 80
UT 40 80
Table 1 - Pre-certification training hours
3.2.5 The figures given in Table 1 include both practical and theoretical training.
3.2.6 For candidates who have successfully completed a PCN approved course of training, formal
structured on-the-job training to the PCN syllabus may account for up to one third of the above training
requirement. Documentary evidence of such on- the-job training must be submitted with the application
for examination.
3.2.7 Direct access to level 2 requires the total of hours shown for level 1 and level 2.
3.3 Experience: levels 1 and 2
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PCN/SPEC Issue 2 6 15 Nov 1996
The candidate shall have had regular practical experience in the application of the NDT method in the
relevant product or industry sector. This will include a specified period of documented practical work on
site or in works under PCN (or equivalent recognised by PCN) level 2 or level 3 certificated supervision.
The minimum periods of experience (see note 2) for eligibility, which may include up to 50% of the
required period of training, are specified in Table 2.

NDT METHOD
LEVEL 1
(MONTHS)
LEVEL 2
(MONTHS)
ET 3 9
PT 1 3
MT 1 3
RT 3 9
UT 3 9
Table 2 - Pre-certification experience
NOTE 2
a) For level 2 certification, the intention is that work experience consists of time as a level 1. If the
candidate is to qualify directly at level 2 with no time as a level 1, the experience shall consist of the sum
of the periods required for levels 1 and 2. An authenticated log of pre-certification experience must be
submitted with the application for examination.
b) Work experience, which is based on a nominal 180 hour working month, may be gained
simultaneously in two or more of the NDT methods for which PCN certification is sought, with the
reduction of total experience as follows:
two testing methods - 25% reduction in total required time
three testing methods - 33% reduction in total required time
four testing methods - 50% reduction in total required time
In all cases the candidate will be required to show that, for each of the NDT methods in which certification
is sought, at least half the period of experience required in table 2 has been acquired.
c) Where a candidate has worked, gaining appropriate experience, in excess of 180 hours per month, he
or she may be credited with experience based on the total hours worked, but will be required to provide
documentary evidence of this with the application for examination.
4. EXAMINATION CONTENT
4.1 This clause sets out the general content of the various examination parts. The appropriate
supplementary appendix listed in Annex A should be consulted for specific detailed requirements. The
provision for retests of failed examination parts is described in clause 6.2. Except where any exemptions
described in clause 4.3 or 4.4 apply, all candidates will be required to attempt an examination comprising
parts (further detailed in the appropriate appendix) from those given below.
Part 1A General Theory of the NDT Method: Forty multiple choice questions. Time allowed: 1 hour.
Passmark: 70%
Part 1B (radiographers only) Basic Radiation Safety: Thirty multiple choice questions of a standard
complexity for all candidates (this part will be marked separately and excluded from the composite
grade). No PCN radiography certificate can be issued unless the candidate has passed the basic
radi ation safety examination. A period of 30 days must elapse between retests of failed radiation safety
examinations, but there is no limit on the number of retests that may be attempted. Time allowed: 45
minutes. Passmark: 70%
Part 1C. Radiation Protection to Supervisor standard. This is an optional examination, available to those
who have passed part 1B in the past 5 years, which is marked and certificated separately from the
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PCN/SPEC . issue 2 7 15 November 1996
radiographer examination, and will be excluded from any composite grade. This part comprises one
compulsory calculation question and three from four narrative answer questions of a standard complexity
for all candidates. Time allowed: 2 hours. Passmark 70%.
Part 2A Specific Theory.: Thirty multiple choice questions on the application of the NDT method to a
specific product and, for level 2 candidates, this part will include questions on production processes and
potential defects. Time allowed: 45 minutes. Passmark: 70%.
Part 2C Specific Practical (see detailed requirements in appropriate appendix): The examination
comprises:
(i) calibration and/or functional checking of test equipment,
(ii) testing a minimum of three samples selected from a range appropriate to the certification sought and
(iii) reporting the results in a prescribed manner in accordance with the instruction, code, specification or
standard provided (for level 2, this will include any calculations necessary for inspection sensitivities).
Time allowed: see appropriate appendix. Passmark: 70%. Level 2 candidates will be required to prepare a
detailed NDT instruction providing written step by step information, suitable for level 1 personnel to follow,
on the testing of one sample from part 2C to a provided procedure, standard or specification.
Part 2E (radiographic interpreters and radiographers only) Employer Specific Practical. Candidates will be
required to read, mark up and report on a minimum of twelve radiographs representative of the certification
sought (see appropriate appendix for details). Time allowed: 15 minutes per radiograph. Passmark: 70%
4.2 Examination Marking
4.2.1 All level 1 and level 2 candidates will be required to attain a passmark of at least 70% in each
individual part of the examination. The general parts will be graded separately from the specific parts, so
that the candidate may be examined later for certification in another method within the same company
without having to be examined in the common parts again. The overall passmark is a composite grade (N)
for levels 1 and 2 candidates, which will be calculated in accordance with the following formula:
N = 0.25n g + 0.25n s + 0.5n p
Where: n g = grade for general theory part 1A
n s = grade for the sector specific theory part 2A
n p = average grade for the relevant practical parts 2C, 2D and 2E.
To be awarded a certificate, the candidate must attain a composite grade (N) of 80% or more.
Table 4. Grading levels 1 and 2
4.2.2 A candidate failing to attain a composite grade of 80%, and who gains less than 70% in one or
more examination parts, will be considered an initial candidate for certification in that examination (see
clause 6.2 for examination retests).
4.3 Exemptions: levels 1 and 2
4.3.1 A candidate for radiography who already holds current PCN radiography certification for any level
will not be required to be examined in Part 1B, basic radiation safety but should note that PCN
radiography certification is valid only so long as the holder has been successful in the PCN basic
radiation safety examination within the past five years (see clause 6.1.3(h)).
4.3.2 A candidate for any examination covered by the appendices who already holds current PCN level 1
or 2 certification for the same method and level (or a higher level) as that for which certification is sought
will not be required to be examined on Part 1A (General Theory).
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PCN/SPEC Issue 2 8 15 Nov 1996
4.4 Exemptions: General
4.4.1 For the purpose of claiming exemptions, certification issued by other independent NDT personnel
certification bodies may be considered by PCN (but see clause 6.1.3(h) - basic radiation safety) for
equivalence. An administrative charge will be made where an evaluation of alternative certification is
required by PCN.
4.4.2 If any candidate elects to claim an exemption to which he or she is entitled, the mark obtained in
the examination which lead to the issue of certification under which such exemption is claimed will be
used to calculate the composite grade in the examination applied for.
4.4.3 If any candidate elects to include in his examination any part or parts from which he or she could be
exempt, then failure in any such part will cause the candidate to fail and no certification will be issued.
4.5 Equipment and Documentation
4.5.1 The PCN Examination Centre will provide all necessary equipment and documentation.
4.5.2 Digital instrumentati on capable of storing calibration details, formulae or data relevant to NDT must
be deprogrammed prior to use in any PCN level 2 practical examination using that instrument. The
employer or the candidate will be required to demonstrate compliance.
4.5.3 All necessary reference standards will be provided by the examination centre. No reference
documentation other than that provided will be allowed. The use of a pocket calculator is permissible
provided that it is of a type which does not permanently store programs, formulae or data relevant to NDT.
4.5.4 Once an examination has commenced, candidates found in possession of material or documents
which, if used during a PCN examination, would be deemed to constitute cheating, must be considered
to have cheated and the examination will be terminated. Candidates proved to have cheated in a PCN
examination will not be accepted as a candidate for any PCN examination for a period of 12 calendar
months from the date of the examination in which cheating was established to have taken place. No
examination results will be issued for those examination parts already completed and a letter will be sent
to the candidate concerned and to the employer or sponsor explaining why the examination was
terminated.
5. PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION AND ISSUE OF CERTIFICATION
5.1 Application for Examinations
5.1.1 Initially, applications will be co-ordinated by the employer within the examination centre system.
When sufficient candidates are available for the examination session, the employer will submit formal
application a standard application form to PCN. No examination appointment can be considered
confirmed until receipt of a correctly completed application form.
5.1.2 Application forms ask for specific details on experience and training to the published syllabus and
must be signed to the effect that these details are correct. In the event of a false statement being
discovered, any certification awarded as a result of the examination will be null and void.
5.1.3 Applications dependent upon the individual holding (or having held) appropriate certification must be
supported by acceptable evidence of such certification.
5.1.4 The scale of examination charges is obtainable from PCN.
5.2 Certification Available
5.2.1 Specific details of the certification available in each employer specific scheme is contained within
the relevant appendix to this document. The appendices, which are confidential to PCN, the employer and
his clients, are listed at Annex A.
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PCN/SPEC . issue 2 9 15 November 1996
5.3 Results Notices
5.3.1 All candidates will be issued with a standard PCN examination results notice, normally within 21
days of completion of examination, provided all examination fees have been paid. A results notice
indicating success in PCN examinations will count as evidence of PCN certification for a period of 42
days from the date of issue.
5.3.2 Candidates who fail any part of the examination will be provided with brief reasons for failure on this
notice. Copies of the results notice will be sent to the PCN Central Records Office, which will issue
certification to successful candidates, and to the organisation paying the examination and certification
fees.
5.4 Issue of Certification
5.4.1 Normally within 21 days of receipt of the results notice in respect of a successful candidate,
certification stating the level and category awarded will be issued to the employer of the named certificant
from the PCN Central Records Office. Duplicate records of certification to replace those lost or destroyed
will only be issued after extensive enquiries. Duplicates are, however, available to employers for QA
purposes. For the issue of duplicate records of certification, an administrative fee will be charged.
5.4.2 PCN offers industry a cost free verification service by telephone or fax. Details of PCN certification
held by any individual will be given only if the individual's PCN number (given in part 1 of the record of
certification and on the PCN wallet card) or any specific certificate number is supplied. The PCN Central
Records Office should be contacted on telephone +44(0)1604 259056 or fax +44(0)1604 231489 to obtain
verification of current certification status.
6. ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
6.1 Validity of Certification
6.1.1 PCN certification will be valid for a maximum of five years except that, provided recertification is
effected within the period 56 days prior to expiry, the new certification will expire 5 years after the expiry
date of the certification being re-validated. It should be noted that some standards may require the
employer to undertake internal recertification on a more frequent basis and, if so, the PCN recertification
procedure may be invoked at any time within the period of validity of the certification. The recertification
procedure is described in clause 6.3 below.
6.1.2 Certification issued after successful completion of retests (as set out in clause 6.2) will be valid for
a period of five years from the date of successful completion of all the examination parts leading to the
issue of certification.
6.1.3 Certification is valid only provided:
a) it is within date
b) it is on standard PCN paper bearing the PCN logo
c) it has been signed by the individual to whom the certification is awarded
d) it has been signed by a duly authorised representative of PCN
e) the holder has successfully passed a vision test within the past 12 calendar months which meets the
minimum requirements of clause 3.1.
f) it bears the current address of the employer
g) it is presented with a PCN wallet card showing a photograph of the holder impressed with the PCN
cold seal, and bearing the holder's signature
h) for radiographers only, the holder has passed the PCN basic radiation safety examination
6.1.4 Any individual querying the validity of PCN certification should note the availability of a verification
service detailed in clause 5.4.2.
6.1.5 Photocopies of the record of certification are unauthorised by PCN and should only be used for
internal administrative purposes.
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PCN/SPEC Issue 2 10 15 Nov 1996
6.1.6 PCN Employer Specific certification will be invalidated:
at the option of PCN after reviewing evidence of unethical behaviour
in the event of a significant interruption (see clause 6.3.5) in applying the NDT method for which
certification is held
if the holder is proved to have misused PCN certification in a fraudulent manner, or
forged/misrepresented PCN certification.
if the holder leaves the employ of the company shown on the record of certification.
6.1.7 It is a condition of PCN that, when making an application for recertification, certificants inform PCN
of any significant interruption (as defined at clause 6.3.5) or complaints made against them. Failure to do
so may lead to withdrawal of all PCN certification.
6.2 Failed Examination Retests
6.2.1 A candidate who fails the examination must wait at least 30 days before reapplying for retest. A
candidate whose results have not been accepted for reasons of fraud must wait one year before
reapplying for certification in any method and/or sector.
6.2.2 Where the final composite grade attained is less than 80%, but with no part less than 70%, the
candidate may attempt one retest in a maximum of two examination parts of his/her own choice in order
to attempt to attain a composite grade of 80% or more.
6.2.3 A candidate who attained a composite grade of 80% or more, but who failed to attain at least 70%
in one examination part, may attempt only one retest of the failed part.
6.2.4 All examination retests shall take place within 12 calendar months of the date of the failed
examination. Candidates who fail a retest will be considered initial candidates for certification in that
method, sector and level.
6.3 Renewal and Recertification Procedure
6.3.1 Renewal of Certification - Level 1 and Level 2
6.3.1.1 Because of the high degree of regulation applied in the PCN Employer Specific scheme, a five
year renewal examination is not considered by PCN to be necessary provided the criteria detailed below
are met. Level 1 or level 2 specific certification which expires at the end of the first five year period of
validity will be renewed for a further five year term providing the holder provides:
documentary evidence obtained during the preceding twelve months of satisfactorily meeting the PCN
eyesight requirements.
satisfactory documentary evidence signed by an appropriate officer of the employing company
indicating that the holder has continued to be employed without significant interruption in the method
for which recertification is sought and that his or her performance continues to be satisfactory.
NOTE. A significant interruption means an absence from (or a change of) work activity which prevents the
holder of PCN certification from practising the duties corresponding to his or her level in the method and
sector(s) for which certification was issued, for one or several periods totalling one year or more. For the
purpose of calculating this period, authorised holidays, illness or periods of related training and education,
any of which are one month or less in duration, shall not be considered.
6.3.1.2 In the event that the candidate for 5 year renewal is unable to comply with the requirements of
clause 6.3.6.1., he/she will be required to undergo the recertification procedure detailed below.
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PCN/SPEC . issue 2 11 15 November 1996
6.3.2 Recertification
6.3.2.1 Holders of level 1 or 2 certification which expires at the end of the second five year period of
validity will be required to undertake a recertification examination comprising the practical part (part 2C,
and parts 2D and 2E where appropriate) of the initial examination in which the candidate will be required
to obtain a passmark of 80%.
6.3.2.2 In addition, holders of radiography certification at all levels will be required to be successful in Part
1B (basic radiation safety) to obtain recertification (see also clause 6.1.3(h)).
6.3.2.3 Only one attempt at the recertification examination is permitted. If the candidate is successful in
all parts of the recertification procedure, new certification will be issued covering the categories included
in the original certification.
6.3.2.4 Certification will be re-validated provided, in addition to the above, the holder meets the following
requirements:
he or she can provide documentary evidence obtained during the preceding twelve months of
satisfactorily meeting the PCN eyesight requirements.
he or she can provide documentary evidence signed by an appropriate officer of the employing
company indicating that the holder has continued to be employed without significant interruption in the
method for which recertification is sought and that his or her performance continues to be satisfactory.
6.3.2.5 The validity of this certification will be a maximum of 5 years from the date of recertification, after
which time the holder will comply with the renewal process detailed above and the ten year cycle will be
repeated. If the candidate is unsuccessful in any part of the recertification procedure, no certification will
be issued and to obtain certification, the procedure for a new candidate will have to be followed.
Whichever course is followed, certification will not be valid for more than five years except that, provided
recertification is effected within the period 56 days prior to expiry, the new certification will expire 5 years
after the expiry date of the certification being re-validated.
6.3.2.6 To ensure continuity, it is necessary for recertification applications to be made a minimum of 56
days prior to the expiry date of the original certification.
6.3.2.7 Recertification will be subject to a fee in accordance with the current published scale of charges.
6.3.2.8 The radiation protection certification is not renewable and holders of such certification must be
successful in the initial Part 1C examination before the issue of new certification, valid for 5 years.
6.4 Complaints and Appeals
6.4.1 Holders of PCN certification are required to keep a record of all complaints made against them
within the scope of the certification held. This record must be supplied to PCN on demand. Any holder of
PCN certification who knowingly fails to record a complaint, or to inform PCN of such complaints, will be
liable to withdrawal and cancellation of all PCN certification held.
6.4.2 An aggrieved party in a dispute which considers itself to have reasonable grounds for questioning
the competency of a PCN certificated individual may petition the PCN Governing Board for cancellation of
certification. Such a petition must be accompanied by all relevant facts and if in the opinion of the
Governing Board an adequate case has been presented, a full investigation of the circumstances under
dispute will be initiated.
6.4.3 If the petition is substantiated to the satisfaction of the Governing Board, the certification may be
cancelled or recertification may be refused for such period as the Governing Board may decide, unless
the holder of certification is successful in a further examination, the content of which will be decided by
the Governing Board at an ordinary meeting.
6.4.4 Appeals against certificate cancellation, failure to certify or failure to renew may be made by the
candidate or the employer upon application in writing to the Secretary to the Governing Board.
6.4.5 The Governing Board may delegate the process of dealing with complaints and appeals to a
properly constituted sub-committee.
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PCN/SPEC Issue 2 12 15 Nov 1996
6.5 Change of Employer
6.5.1 Change of employer shall be cause for recertification.
6.5.2 Holders of PCN certification who transfer to a new employer in a different product or industry sector
will be subject to the need for partial re-examination to ensure that certification is appropriate to the
product tested by the new employer. The current published fee for those examination modules will apply.
6.6 Supplementary Examinations
6.6.1 Holders of level 1 or 2 certification who wish to add an additional category (where appropriate) at the
same level, will be required to attempt a supplementary examination comprising the practical parts (part
2C) on appropriate samples and, in some cases, the specific theory part 2A. The appropriate appendix
will provide specific information.
6.6.2 One retest of a partly failed supplementary examination will be allowed within the twelve months
after the initial attempt. Failure of such a retest will result in the candidate being required to pass the
whole of the supplementary examination to gain the certification sought.
6.6.3 In the event of partial failure of a supplementary examination where the retest cannot be completed
(for whatever reason) prior to expiry of certification, the candidate will not be allowed a retest of the
attempted supplementary examination.
6.6.4 Any new certification issued as a result of successful supplementary examination will incorporate
the previous certification and will be valid for a maximum of 5 years from the date of completion of the first
successful attempt at the supplementary examination.
6.6.5 Supplementary examinations may not be attempted within two months of the expiry of the existing
certification.
6.7 Certification and Examination Records
6.7.1 PCN will retain records of certification issued as a result of success in any PCN examination for a
minimum period of 11 years. An updated list of certificated personnel, which includes the name, PCN
identification number and certification held by each individual, is made available and will be provided upon
application to the PCN Central Records Office and upon payment of the fee prevailing at the time of the
application.
6.7.2 PCN Test and Examination Centres will retain examination records of successful and unsuccessful
candidates for a period of 11 years from the date of the examination. Audit of specific individual
examination records, which are under the jurisdiction of PCN may be made in accordance with PCN
document CP19 (Informal Access to PCN Test Centres by Third Parties).