BINDT Certification & PCN Training Guide
Overview
African NDT Centre (ANDTC) is your trusted partner in achieving internationally recognised PCN certification. PCN stands for Personnel Certification in Non-Destructive Testing, and is administered by the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT). It is a globally respected qualification that proves your competence and commitment to the highest industry standards.
The PCN scheme is an international, third-party certification program for NDT personnel, administered by BINDT. It complies with ISO 9712 and the certification is recognised for Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) compliance, ensuring independent validation of competency for technicians
At ANDTC, we are here to guide you through every step of the certification process — from training, to completing your application correctly, to understanding exactly what is required of you at each stage.
This page covers everything you need to know to get started on your PCN certification journey with confidence.
Mandatory Product Technology Online Training
New requirement
Effective Date: 1st November 2025
The landscape of PCN certification is continually evolving to maintain its high standards. BINDT has introduced a significant new prerequisite for all new candidates under the PCN24 scheme: the Mandatory Product Technology Online Training. This course is designed to provide a foundational understanding of product manufacturing and failure mechanisms, essential knowledge for any NDT technician.
Who Must Complete This Course?
This mandatory online training is required if:
- You have never held PCN certification or a PCN number before.
- You do not currently hold any relevant ISO9712 certification.
- You are attending your first PCN NDT training course.
If you already hold a PCN certification, or an ISO9712 certification from another scheme, you are exempt from this requirement.
How to Complete the Product Technology Online Training:
- Visit the BINDT Product Technology Portal: Access the course directly through the British Institute of NDT’s official portal: https://www.bindt.org/Certification/product-technology-online-training/
- Register and Pay: Register for the course and make your payment directly through BINDT. Please note: This fee (approximately GBP60, or R1500, subject to exchange rate fluctuations) is separate from your ANDTC training costs.
- Complete the Module: The online module is designed for self-paced learning, allowing you to complete it at your convenience.
- Download and Submit Certificate: Upon successful completion, download your certificate, which will include a unique QR code. Email this certificate to training@andtc.com as evidence of completion.
Important Notes:
- Prior to NDT Training: We strongly recommend completing this course before commencing your NDT training with ANDTC.
- Guidance During Training: If you have not completed the course before your NDT training, our instructors will assist and advise you on the requirement during your course.
- Certification Hold: Failure to complete this mandatory Product Technology Online Training, or a failure notice from BINDT, may result in your PCN certification being withheld until valid evidence of completion is forwarded to ANDTC or PCN.
General Certification Process
Overview
Achieving PCN certification involves a clear path designed to ensure you gain the necessary skills and knowledge. While specific details may vary, the overall journey typically includes these essential stages:
- Training: You will attend structured courses at ANDTC to learn the principles and practical applications of your chosen NDT method(s).
- Experience: After your training, you will gain hands-on practical experience, recorded in a logbook, under qualified supervision. The number of days required depends on the NDT method and level.
- Examination: Once your training and experience requirements are met, you will sit for PCN examinations, which include both theoretical and practical assessments.
- Application: You will compile and submit a comprehensive application package to ANDTC, including all required forms, experience logs, and certificates (such as the new Product Technology certificate for eligible candidates).
- Certification: Upon successful review and approval by BINDT, you will be issued your official PCN certificate, confirming your competence.
ANDTC will support you throughout these stages, helping you understand what is needed at each point.
Quick Reference Checklist
Before You Start...
Before you submit your PCN application, it is important to ensure all necessary prerequisites are in place. This quick checklist will help you confirm you are ready. If you are unsure about any item, please contact ANDTC for assistance.
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Training Hours Have you completed all the required training hours for your chosen NDT method and level at a BINDT Approved Training Body like ANDTC?
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Product Technology Course (For new candidates only) Have you successfully completed the mandatory BINDT Product Technology Online Training and obtained your completion certificate? Remember to email this to us!
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Basic Radiation Safety (For Radiographic Testing (RT) only) Do you have a current certificate for Basic Radiation Safety? This is essential for all RT applications.
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Experience Logbook Have you accurately recorded all your practical experience in your logbook (PSL30 Form 2) and ensured it is fully signed off by your supervisor?
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Minimum Experience Days Have you met the minimum number of experience days required for your specific NDT method, sector, and certification level? Our team can help you verify this.
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Current Vision Test Do you have a valid, recent vision test certificate (less than 12 months old) as per PCN requirements (PSL44 Form)?
Experience Requirements
Your Path to Practical Competence
Practical experience is a crucial part of becoming a certified PCN NDT technician. BINDT sets specific experience requirements to ensure you have hands-on exposure to your chosen method. These requirements can sometimes seem complex, as they vary based on:
- NDT Method and Level: Each method (e.g., UT, PT, MT, RT) and certification level (e.g., Level 1, Level 2) has different minimum days of experience.
- Multiple Sectors: If you are seeking certification in multiple industrial sectors (e.g., Castings, Welds, Wrought Products), additional experience days may be required for each.
- Education Reductions: In some cases, relevant academic qualifications can reduce the total experience days needed.
- Adding Methods or Changing Sectors: Specific rules apply when adding new NDT methods to an existing certification or moving between industrial sectors.
We’re Here to Help!
Because these requirements are highly individual, we strongly recommend you contact ANDTC for personalised guidance. Our experts can review your specific background, help you understand the exact number of experience days you need, and assist you in planning your certification pathway effectively.
Email: training@andtc.com | Phone: (+27) 016 001 1000
After Submission
What Happens Next?
Once you have completed your training, gathered your experience, and carefully prepared all your documents, you will submit your application to ANDTC. Our team will then review your package before forwarding it to BINDT.
If Your Application Requires Correction:
It is not uncommon for initial applications to require small adjustments or clarifications. If BINDT identifies any issues with your submission:
- ANDTC Will Contact You: We will receive feedback from BINDT and will contact you directly to explain the specific corrections needed.
- Clear Instructions: We will provide clear, easy-to-understand instructions on how to address the identified issues.
- Prompt Correction: It is important to correct and resubmit any requested information as quickly as possible. Do not wait until the last minute, especially if there are deadlines involved, to ensure your certification process continues smoothly.
Our goal is to help you achieve your PCN certification efficiently. We will support you through this final stage to ensure your application is successful.
