TWI Frequently asked questions
by Ivan Pinson
PCN is the UK scheme for the certification of NDT personnel in accordance with the standards EN 473 and ISO 9712. As such, candidates are required to have attended an accredited training course of prescribed duration and satisfy the experience requirements laid down in PCN/GEN Issue 6 Rev A dated 4th March 2011 and shown briefly below.
Training Hours
| Method | Level 1 | Level 2 |
| Penetrant Testing | 16 | 24 |
| Magnetic Testing | 16 | 24 |
| Visual Testing | 16 | 24 |
| Radiographic Interpretation | N/A | 56 |
| Radiographic Testing | 40 | 80 |
| Eddy Current Testing | 40 | 40 |
| Ultrasonic Testing | 40 | 80 |
NB
- On the job training can account for one third of the total training hours.
- Direct access to Level 2 implies the total hours for Level 1 and Level 2.
Experience (months)
| Method | Level 1 | Level 2 |
| Penetrant Testing | 1 | 3 |
| Magnetic Testing | 1 | 3 |
| Visual Testing | 1 | 3 |
| Radiographic Interpretation | N/A | 6 |
| Radiographic Testing | 3 | 9 |
| Eddy Current Testing | 3 | 9 |
| Ultrasonic Testing | 3 | 9 |
NB
- Individuals who qualify directly for Level 2 with no time at Level 1, require the sum of the months for Level 1 and Level 2.
For further information email the NDT Programme Manager
