Professional Documents
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ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS:
CONTENTS
1. SCOPE .................................................................................................................................... 2
2. EXAMINATION CONTENT........................................................................................................ 2
3. CERTIFICATION....................................................................................................................... 3
4. RENEWAL AND RE-CERTIFICATION ....................................................................................... 3
5. SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATIONS ......................................................................................... 3
6. GRADING................................................................................................................................. 3
REFERENCES
EN 473 : 2000 General Principles for qualification and certification of NDT personnel.
ISO 11484 : 1994 Steel tubes for pressure purposes - qualification and certification of non-destructive
testing (NDT) personnel
2. EXAMINATION CONTENT
The examination format is described in PCN General Requirements. This Appendix amplifies the
provisions of that document only where necessary.
2.1 Level 1
Except where exemptions apply (refer to PCN General Requirements), all candidates will be required
to attempt an examination comprised of the following parts:
2.1.1 General theory of the Liquid Penetrant NDT method. Thirty multiple choice questions to be
answered in 45 minutes. Minimum pass mark 70%.
2.1.2 Sector Specific Theory of the application of the Liquid Penetrant NDT method to Ferritic Steel
tubes and pipes. Twenty multiple choice questions, including questions covering application and
written procedures. The time allowed is 30 minutes and the minimum pass mark is 70%.
2.1.3 Sector Specific Practical examination comprising:
i) preparation of testing systems for use (this may involve system sensitivity and control
checks).
ii) testing two tube/pipe samples (selected by the authorised PCN examiner) appropriate
to the candidates work in accordance with NDT instructions provided.
iii) reporting test results in a prescribed manner on proforma report sheets.
The total time allowed for the sector specific practical examination is two hours, and the minimum pass
mark is 70% (failure to detect and report a reportable discontinuity in any one sample will result in
failure of this examination part).
2.2 Level 2
Except where exemptions apply (refer to PCN General Requirements), all candidates will be required
to attempt an examination comprised of the following parts:
2.2.1 General Theory of the Liquid Penetrant NDT method. Thirty multiple choice questions to be
answered in 45 minutes. The minimum pass mark is 70%.
2.2.2 Sector Specific Theory of the application of the Liquid Penetrant NDT method to the testing of
tubes and pipes. A total of thirty multiple choice questions, including twenty questions covering
application and written procedures, and ten questions on product technology, codes standards and
specifications. The time allowed is 45 minutes and the minimum pass mark is 70%.
2.2.3 Sector Specific Practical examination comprising:
i) preparation of testing systems for use (this may involve system sensitivity and control
checks).
ii) testing 2 samples (selected by the authorised PCN examiner from specimens
appropriate to the candidates work), in accordance with NDT procedures or instructions
(one to be provided by the examiner and one to be generated by the candidate see
(iv) below) which will give, where appropriate, sensitivity levels and reporting thresholds.
iii) reporting the results on the forms provided. Each test report must indicate the location
type and size of any flaws detected.
3. CERTIFICATION
A PCN certificate of competence will be issued to the successful candidate and the employer must
validate the certificate by signature in order to authorise the named certificate holder to carry out the
testing covered by the scope of the certificate. These requirements address the certification criteria
contained in ISO 11484 and EN 473 and cover the following certification:
Level 1 Liquid Penetrant testing of tubes and pipes
Level 2 Liquid Penetrant testing of tubes and pipes
5. SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATIONS
Existing PCN level 1 certificate holders, certificated in accordance with PCN/GEN Appendix G2.1, who
apply to be certificated at level 2 for the Liquid Penetrant testing of tubes and pipes, will be required to
achieve success in the examinations detailed at Clause 2.2 above.
6. GRADING
A weighted composite grade of 80% is required for certification. The method for composite grading of
initial examinations, and the grading of supplementary and recertification examinations will be as
specified in the current edition of PCN General Requirements.
ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS:
CONTENTS PAGE
1. LEVEL 1 SYLLABUS -- GENE RAL............................................................................................. 2
3. LEVEL 2 SYLLABUS -- GENERAL............................................................................................. 3
4. LEVEL 2 SYLLABUS -- SPECIFIC ............................................................................................. 3
5. LEVEL 2 SYLLABUS -- PRODUCT TECHNOLOGY .................................................................... 3
6. REFERENCE LITERATURE ...................................................................................................... 3
Surface preparation, cleaning methods, effect of surface finish and contaminants. Compatibility of
materials.
6. REFERENCE LITERATURE
Essential Reading
For level 2 candidates, Product Technology Classroom Training Handbook. Obtainable from the
Certification Services Division, The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing, 1 Spencer Parade,
Northampton NN1 5AA.
Training Course Notes. PCN requires candidates to have attended an approved course of training.
Training Establishments are required to provide trainees with an up-t o-date set of training course
notes. These are considered essential reading.
ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS:
Appendix G2.1 to PCN/GEN
Specific Requirements for the Certification of Personnel in Liquid Penetrant Testing of Tubes and
Pipes.
CONTENTS PAGE
LEVEL 1........................................................................................................................................2
LEVEL 2........................................................................................................................................3
a) must be defective
b) must be porous
c) must be ferromagnetic
d) can be any type
a) fluorescent light
b) any light
c) black light
d) neon light
3. Which of the following would assist the penetrant to enter sub-surface cracks in a component?
4. The term used to define the period of time that a developer has been applied is:
a) attraction time
b) development time
c) dwell time
d) drain time
a) brushing
b) spraying
c) dipping
d) all of the above
Level 1 Sector Specific Theory of the Application of the Liquid Penetrant Method
1. Consumables of a toxic nature may:
a) bead blasted
b) painted
c) clean
d) sandblasted
a) sub-surface
b) surface breaking
c) internal
d) contaminant filled
LEVEL 2
The level 2 written examination is in two compulsory parts: General Theory and Sector Specific
Theory. Except where exemptions apply (refer to PCN/GEN), all parts must be attempted.
a) surface tension
b) viscosity
c) contact angle
d) a combination of all the above
Level 2 Sector Specific Theory of the Application of the Liquid Penetrant Method
1. The British Standard to be referred to for penetrant flaw detection is:
a) BS 6072
b) BS 4069
c) BS 4489
d) BS EN 571-1
3. Poor forging temperature or too great a reduction in section can give rise to rupturing of the
material, this is called a:
a) lap
b) seam
c) burst
d) inclusion