PCN Forms & Resources
Overview
To get your PCN certification, you need to complete some important forms. These forms tell BINDT (the people who give PCN certificates) about your training, your work experience, and your qualifications.
It is important to:
- Fill out every part of the form. Do not leave any sections empty.
- Attach all needed documents. This might include certificates or your experience logbook.
- Write clearly and correctly. Make sure all your information is right.
If the forms are not filled correctly or if something is missing, your certification might be delayed. This page will help you find all the forms you need and understand how to complete them. If you have any questions, ANDTC is here to help you.
General Application Forms
(Mandatory for All)
To apply for any PCN certification, all candidates must complete certain key forms. These forms gather your personal details, training history, and show that you meet basic health requirements.
You can generally find all PCN forms on the BINDT website’s dedicated PCN Document Download page: www.bindt.org/certification/pcn-document-download/
PCN Application Form (PSL/16):
What it is: This is the main form where you provide all your personal information, details of the NDT method and level you are applying for, and declare your understanding of the PCN scheme rules. Important: Complete every section carefully.Vision Requirements Form (PSL/44):
What it is: All PCN certified personnel must have good vision. This form must be completed by a qualified eye care professional (e.g., an optometrist or ophthalmologist) to confirm your vision meets the required standards. It includes tests for near vision, colour perception, and, if applicable, far vision. Important: This form must be current, usually less than 12 months old from the date of application. If you cannot find these forms or need help completing them, please contact ANDTC.
Experience Logbook & Record Keeping
Your practical work experience is a very important part of your PCN certification. It shows that you have applied your training in real-world situations. To prove your experience, you must complete the official Log of Industrial NDT Experience form.
- What it is: This form, identified as PCN24/PSL30, is your official record of all the hours and days you have spent working in your chosen NDT method. You must write down details of the tasks you performed, the equipment you used, and the dates of your work.
- Why it’s important: BINDT needs to see this record to make sure you have met the minimum experience requirements for your specific NDT method and level. Without a correctly filled and signed experience record, your application cannot be approved.
- Start Early: Begin recording your experience as soon as you start your practical work. Do not wait until the last minute.
- Be Detailed: Clearly describe the NDT activities you performed. Include dates, methods, techniques, types of materials inspected, and the duration of the work.
- Regular Sign-off: Get your supervisor to sign off your experience regularly (e.g., weekly or monthly). This makes sure the information is accurate and current, and avoids delays later.
- Supervisor’s Role: Your supervisor must be a qualified and certified NDT professional (usually Level 2 or Level 3) who can confirm the accuracy of your recorded experience. They must sign and date each entry.
- Keep it Safe: This is an important document. Keep your experience record safe and make copies for yourself.
- Please note: It is recommended to download the form and fill it out using a PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat to avoid display or saving issues.
Recertification & Renewal Forms
For those who already hold a PCN certification, it is essential to recertify or renew your qualification before it expires. This ensures that your skills and knowledge remain current and that you continue to meet the industry standards.
The recertification process usually takes place every 5 years. You generally have two main ways to recertify:
- By Examination: This involves taking a practical examination to demonstrate your continued proficiency.
- By Credit System: For some certifications and levels, you can renew by accumulating credits through continuous work experience, ongoing professional development, and meeting specific criteria, without needing to sit for another examination.
Key Forms for Recertification and Renewal:
For PCN Level 1 and 2 Certifications:
- Application for Recertification/Renewal (by Examination): This form, PCN24/PSL53, is for Level 1 and 2 certificate holders who choose to recertify by taking a new examination.
- Application for Renewal (by Credit System): If you are renewing through the credit system, you will need to complete PCN24/PSL58.
- General Examination Application Form: The PCN24/PSL57A form can also be used for applying for a recertification examination.
For PCN Level 3 Certifications:
- Application for Recertification/Renewal (by Examination): This form, PCN24/PSL54, is specifically for Level 3 certificate holders who will recertify by examination.
- Application for Renewal (by Credit System): Level 3 certificate holders renewing via the credit system should use PCN24/PSL59.
- General Examination Application Form: The PCN24/PSL57A form can also be used for applying for a recertification examination.
Log of Industrial NDT Experience (PCN24/PSL30): Regardless of your level or chosen recertification method, you will likely need to provide an updated Log of Industrial NDT Experience to demonstrate continuous and relevant work experience since your last certification or renewal.
Recertification Process and Deadlines:
- Be Aware of Expiry Dates: It is your responsibility to know when your certification is due to expire. Start the recertification process well in advance to avoid any lapse in your certification.
- Application Submission: Submit your completed forms and all supporting documents to BINDT or an Approved Qualification Body (AQB) like ANDTC before the deadline.
- Late Applications: Late applications may incur additional fees or require you to undergo the full initial certification process again.
- Documentation: Ensure all parts of your chosen recertification form are filled out correctly, all required attachments (like your updated experience logbook, proof of training, or vision requirements) are included, and any necessary fees are paid.
Where to find these forms:
All these forms are available for download on the official BINDT PCN 2024 Document Download page:
www.bindt.org/Certification/PCN24download/
- Please note: It is recommended to download the forms and fill them out using a PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat to avoid display or saving issues.
If you have questions about which form to use or the specific requirements for your recertification, please contact ANDTC for assistance.
Certification Scheme Documents
The PCN (Personnel Certification in Non-Destructive Testing) certification scheme is governed by a comprehensive set of documents that outline the rules, procedures, and requirements for all aspects of certification, from initial application to recertification. These documents ensure consistency, integrity, and international recognition of PCN qualifications.
What are Certification Scheme Documents?
These are not single application forms, but rather a collection of publications that detail:
- General Requirements: Overarching rules that apply to all PCN certifications.
- Specific Requirements: Detailed criteria for individual NDT methods (e.g., UT, PT, MT, RT, ET) and levels (Level 1, 2, 3), including training, experience, and examination requirements.
- Operational Procedures: Guidelines for examination centres, invigilators, and how the certification process is managed.
- Ethical Standards: Codes of conduct that all PCN certificate holders must adhere to.
- Guidance Documents: Information to help applicants and certified personnel understand and comply with the scheme.
These documents are crucial for understanding the full scope of your responsibilities and the requirements you must meet to achieve and maintain PCN certification.
Importance for Applicants and Certified Personnel:
- Compliance: You must be familiar with the relevant scheme documents to ensure your application, training, experience, and conduct comply with PCN standards.
- Clarity: They provide clear guidance on what is expected at each stage of the certification process.
- Staying Updated: The scheme documents are periodically revised, and it is your responsibility to ensure you are following the latest versions, especially when applying for initial certification, recertification, or adding new methods.
Guidance Documents & Support
Navigating the PCN certification process can sometimes be complex, especially with numerous forms and specific requirements. Fortunately, support and guidance are available to help you successfully complete your application and maintain your certification.
ANDTC’s Role in Assistance:
ANDTC (Approved NDT Training Centre) plays a crucial role in supporting candidates throughout their PCN journey. While ANDTC is responsible for delivering training and examinations, they also often assist with:
- Form Completion: Providing clarification and guidance on how to accurately fill out PCN application, experience, and recertification forms.
- Document Verification: Helping ensure that all supporting documentation, such as training certificates and experience logs, meet PCN requirements.
- Understanding Requirements: Explaining complex scheme documents and specific criteria for different NDT methods and levels.
- Addressing Queries: Answering general questions about the PCN scheme, deadlines, and the overall certification process.
Contact Information for ANDTC Support:
If you require assistance with any aspect of your PCN application or have questions about the certification process, please do not hesitate to contact ANDTC directly.
- Email: training@andtc.com
Helpful Tips for Common Issues:
- Read Instructions Carefully: Before filling out any form, read all instructions and guidance documents thoroughly.
- Start Early: Do not leave your application or recertification process until the last minute. Allow ample time for gathering documents, supervisor sign-offs, and potential queries.
- Keep Copies: Always keep copies of all submitted forms, supporting documents, and correspondence for your records.
- Accurate Experience Logs: Ensure your PCN24/PSL30 Log of Industrial NDT Experience is filled out precisely, with detailed descriptions and regular supervisor sign-offs. This is a common area for queries.
- Current Vision Requirements: Make sure your vision requirements form (e.g., relating to PCN24/PSL44 guidance) is current and completed by a qualified professional.
- Check for Updates: Regularly visit the BINDT PCN 2024 Document Download page for the latest versions of forms and scheme documents.
- Don’t Guess: If you are unsure about any part of the application, contact ANDTC for clarification rather than guessing, which could lead to delays or rejection.
By utilizing the support offered by ANDTC and paying close attention to detail, you can ensure a smoother and more successful PCN certification journey.
