BRITISH STANDARD BS EN 473:1993

General principles for qualification and certification of NDT personnel

The European Standard EN 473:1993 has the status of a British Standard

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BS EN 473:1993

This British Standard, having been prepared under the direction of the General Mechanical Engineering Standards Policy Committee, was published under the authority of the Standards Board and comes into effect on 15 March 1993

© BSI 12-1998

The following BSI references relate to the work on this standard: Committee reference GME/23 Draft for comment 91/74102 DC

ISBN 0 580 21154 1

Cooperating organizations

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN), under whose supervision this European Standard was prepared, comprises the national standards organizations of the following countries:

Austria Oesterreichisches Normungsinstitut

Belgium Institut belge de normalisation

Denmark Dansk Standardiseringsraad

Finland Suomen Standardisoimisliito, r.y.

France Association française de normalisation

Germany Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.

Greece Hellenic Organization for Standardization

Iceland Technological Institute of Iceland

Ireland National Standards Authority of Ireland

Italy Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione

Luxembourg Inspection du Travail et des Mines

Netherlands Nederlands Normalisatie-instituut

Norway Norges Standardiseringsforbund

Portugal Instituto Portuguès de Qualidade

Spain Asociación Española de Normalización y Certificación

Sweden Standardiseringskommissionen i Sverige

Switzerland Association suisse de normalisation

United Kingdom British Standards Institution

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No. Date Comments

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BS EN 473:1993

© BSI 12-1998 i

Contents

PageCooperating organizations Inside front coverNational foreword ii

Foreword 2Text of EN 473 3National annex NA (informative) Committees responsible Inside back coverNational annex NB (informative) Cross-references Inside back cover

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BS EN 473:1993

ii © BSI 12-1998

National Foreword

This British Standard has been prepared under the direction of the General Mechanical Engineering Standards Policy Committee and is the English language version of EN 473:1993 Qualification and certification of NDT personnel — General principles, published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).EN 473 was produced as a result of international discussion in which the UK took an active part.A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.

Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations.

Summary of pages This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii, the EN title page, pages 2 to 14, an inside back cover and a back coverThis standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the inside front cover.

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EUROPEAN STANDARD

NORME EUROPÉENNE

EUROPÄISCHE NORM

EN 473

January 1993

UDC 620.179.007:658.562

Descriptors: Nondestructive tests, personnel, qualification, certification, definitions, generalities

English version

Qualification and certification of NDT personnel — General principles

Qualification et certification du personnel en essais non destructifs — Principes généraux

Qualifizierung und Zertifizierung von Personal der zerstörungsfreien Prüfung — Allgemeine Grundlagen

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1993-01-04. CEN membersare bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations whichstipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of anational standard without any alteration.Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to anyCEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French,German). A version in any other language made by translation under theresponsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to theCentral Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium,Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland andUnited Kingdom.

CEN European Committee for Standardization

Comité Européen de Normalisation Europäisches Komitee für Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

© 1993 Copyright reserved to CEN membersRef. No. EN 473:1993 E

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EN 473:1993

© BSI 12-19982

Foreword

This European Standard was produced by Technical Committee CEN/TC 138 “Non destructive testing”, the secretariat of which is held by Association for Standardization (AFNOR).To achieve its purpose, the Technical Committee took ISO/DIS 9712 dealing with the same subject as a reference document, and amended it on some points.The draft European Standard has been submitted to the public enquiry and to the Formal Vote, and adopted by CEN as a European Standard.This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by July 1993, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by July 1993.According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

Contents

PageForeword 2

1 Scope 32 Normative references 33 Definitions 34 Symbols and abbreviations 45 General principles 56 Eligibility for examination 67 Qualification examination 88 Certification 119 Renewal 12

10 Recertification 1211 Files 1312 Transition period 13Annex A (informative) Bibliography 14Annex B (informative) Example illustrating the dates for renewal and recertification 14Annex C (normative) Structured credit system for level 3 recertification 14Table 1 — Symbols 4Table 2 — Minimum training requirement 7Table 3 — Minimum experience requirements 7Table 4 — Minimum experience requirements 8Table 5 — Minimum required number of general questions 9Table 6 — Minimum required number of specific questions 9Table 7 — Minimum required number of basic questions 10Table 8 — Minimum required number of main method questions 10Table 9 12Table C.1 14

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EN 473:1993

© BSI 12-1998 3

1 ScopeThis European Standard establishes a system for the qualification and certification of personnel who perform industrial non destructive testing.The need for certified personnel shall be defined in the product standards, regulations, codes or specifications. When required the certification shall be in accordance with this European Standard.An independent certifying body, organized in accordance with relevant European Standards, shall be responsible for the certification.The certification shall cover proficiency in one or more of the following methods:

a) eddy current testing;b) penetrant testing;c) magnetic testing;d) radiography;e) ultrasonic testing;f) leak testing (hydraulic tests excluded).

The system described in this standard may also apply to visual inspection (VT), neutron radiography (NT), acoustic emission (AT), infrared thermography (IT), and other NDT methods where national certification programmes exist.

2 Normative referencesThis European Standard incorporates, by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.EN 45013-1989, General criteria for certification bodies operating certification of personnel.

3 DefinitionsFor the purposes of this European Standard, the following definitions apply:

3.1 qualification

evidence of training, professional knowledge, skill and experience as well as physical fitness to enable NDT personnel to properly perform NDT tasks

3.2 certification

procedure used to demonstrate the qualification of NDT personnel in a method, level and industrial sector, and leading to the issue of a certificate

3.3 independent certifying body

the body that administers procedures for certification of NDT personnel according to the requirements of this standard and which fulfils the requirements of EN 45013

3.4 authorized body

a body, independent of any single predominant interest, authorized by the independent certifying body to prepare and administer examinations to qualify NDT personnelan authorized body may refer to an industrial sector

3.5 examination centre

centre approved by the independent certifying body, either directly or through the authorized body, where qualification examinations will be carried outan examination centre may be situated at an employer’s premises

3.6 examiner

a person certificated to level 3 in the method he is to examine and authorized by the independent certifying body either directly or through the authorized body to conduct, supervise and grade NDT qualification examinations

3.7 certificate

document issued under the rules of the certification system defined in this standard indicating that adequate confidence is provided that the named person is competent to perform specific services

3.8 NDT candidate

a NDT candidate is an individual seeking qualification and certification and who works under supervision of certified personnel gaining appropriate experience for qualificationcandidates may be self employed so long as they provide documentary evidence that experience has been gained under the supervision of certificated personnel

3.9 employer

the organization for which the candidate works on a regular basis; an employer may also be a candidate at the same time

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EN 473:1993

4 © BSI 12-1998

3.10 operating authorization

a written statement issued by the employer based on the individual’s competence as specified by the certificate. In addition to the certification, amongst others the job-specific knowledge, skill and physical ability can be assessed for the specific task

3.11 NDT method

discipline applying a physical principle in non destructive testing (for example: ultrasonic method)

3.12 NDT technique

a specific way of utilizing an NDT method (for example: ultrasonic immersion technique)

3.13 NDT procedure

a written description of all essential parameters and precautions to be observed when applying an NDT technique to a specific test, following an established standard, code or specification

3.14 NDT instruction

a written description of the precise steps to be followed in testing to an established standard, code, specification or NDT procedure

3.15 industrial sector

a particular section of industry or technology where specialized NDT practices are used requiring specific product related knowledge, skill, equipment or training. An industrial sector may be interpreted to mean a product (welds, castings, ...) or an industry (aerospace, petrochemical, ...)

3.16 qualification examination

an examination administered by the independent certifying body or the authorized body which demonstrates the general, specific and practical knowledge and the skill of the candidate

3.17 general examination

an examination which is concerned with the principles of a NDT method

3.18 specific examination

an examination which is concerned with testing techniques applied in a particular industrial sector, and knowledge of the product being tested, and of standards, codes, specifications and acceptance criteria

3.19 practical examination

an examination of skills in which the candidate of levels 1 or 2 demonstrates familiarity with and the ability to operate the necessary test equipment, to test the prescribed specimens, to record and to analyse the resulting information to the degree required, and in which the candidate of level 3 demonstrates the ability to draft one or more NDT procedures

3.20 basic examination

an examination, at level 3, which demonstrates the knowledge of the materials science and technology in relation to the field of activity of level 3, of this qualification and certification system and of the basic principles of NDT methods as required for level 2

3.21 main NDT method examination

an examination, at level 3, which demonstrates the general and specific knowledge of the level 3 candidate in the main NDT method, and the skill of writing an NDT procedure

3.22 industrial NDT experience

experience in the applicable NDT method and field of application which leads to the required skill and knowledge

4 Symbols and abbreviationsFor the purposes of this standard, the following symbols apply to identify the NDT methods.

Table 1 — Symbols

Symbol

Eddy current testing ET

Penetrant testing PT

Magnetic testing MT

Radiography RT

Ultrasonic testing UT

Leak testing LT

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EN 473:1993

© BSI 12-1998 5

5 General principles5.1 Requirements concerning the independent certifying body, the authorized bodies and the examination centre.5.1.1 The independent certifying body shall fulfil the requirements of EN 45013.5.1.2 The authorized body if established shall comply with the following conditions:

a) to work under the control of the independent certifying body;b) to have the resources needed to carry out examinations through examination centres, including the calibration and control of equipment;c) to prepare and supervise examinations under the responsibility of an examiner;d) to be independent of any single predominant interest;e) to apply a written procedure approved by the independent certifying body;f) to approve examination centres;g) to make sure that examination specimens are not in use for training.

NOTE If there are no authorized bodies, the requirements concerning the authorized body shall be met by the independent certifying body.

5.1.3 The examination centre shall meet the following conditions:

a) to apply a written procedure and to work under the control of the independent certifying body or the authorized body;b) to have the resources needed to carry out examinations, including the calibration and control of equipment;c) to prepare and conduct examinations under responsibility of an examiner;d) to make sure that examination specimens are not in use for training.

5.2 Responsibilities

5.2.1 Independent certifying body

The independent certifying body:a) shall initiate, maintain and promote the certification scheme according to this standard;b) shall administer the procedure and operations for certification in accordance with the requirements of this standard;c) may delegate, under its direct responsibility, the detailed administration of the certification procedure to authorized bodies which could represent industrial sectors;

d) shall approve, either directly or through authorized bodies, properly staffed and equipped examination centres which it shall monitor on a periodic basis;e) shall keep appropriate records and take responsibility for the issue of all certificates; the issue of level 1 and 2 certificates may be delegated to the authorized bodies;f) shall validate all certificates for level 3, and for level 1 and 2 when not delegated to the authorized bodies;g) shall monitor all delegated functions.

5.2.2 Authorized bodies

The authorized bodies shall:a) apply the procedure of the independent certifying body;b) approve the examination centre and supervise the operations of certification at levels 1 and 2 in the examination centre;c) prepare and supervise the qualification examination of level 3;d) keep appropriate records of the operations of certification.

5.2.3 Examination centre

Any examination centre approved by the independent certifying body or through authorized bodies shall:

a) have adequate qualified staff, premises and equipment to ensure satisfactory qualification examinations for the levels, methods, and industrial sectors concerned;b) use only those documents and examination questionnaires established or approved by the independent certifying body;c) use only specimens prepared or approved by the independent certifying body for the practical examinations conducted at that centre;d) keep appropriate records of the qualification examinations.

When more than one approved examination centre exists, each shall use specimens containing comparable defects. Under no circumstances shall examination specimens be used for training purposes.

5.2.4 Employer

The employer shall introduce the candidate to the independent certifying body or the authorized bodies and document the validity of the personal information provided including the declaration of education, training and experience required for the eligibility of the candidate, but shall not be directly involved in the certification procedure itself.

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EN 473:1993

6 © BSI 12-1998

The employer shall be responsible for:a) issuing the operating authorization;b) the verification of the visual acuity in accordance with subclause 6.3.

If the individual is self-employed, he shall assume all responsibilities described for the employer.

5.3 Levels of competence

An individual certified in accordance with this standard shall be classified in one of three levels depending upon his respective qualification.

5.3.1 Level 1

An individual certified to level 1 is qualified to carry out NDT operations according to written instructions and under the supervision of level 2 or level 3 personnel. He shall be able:

a) to set up the equipment;b) to perform the tests;c) to record and classify the results in terms of written criteria;d) to report on the results.

He shall not be responsible for the choice of test method or technique to be used nor for the assessment or characterization of test results.

5.3.2 Level 2

An individual certified to level 2 is qualified to perform and direct non destructive testing according to established or recognized procedures. He shall be competent:

a) to choose the technique for the test method to be used;b) to define the limitations of application of the testing method for which the level 2 individual is qualified;c) to understand NDT standards and specifications and translate them into practical testing instructions adapted to the actual working conditions;d) to set up and calibrate equipment;e) to perform and to supervise the tests;f) to interpret and evaluate results according to applicable standards, codes or specifications;g) to prepare written test instructions;h) to carry out and to supervise all level 1 duties;i) to train or to guide personnel below level 2;j) to organize and report the results of non destructive tests.

5.3.3 Level 3

An individual certified to level 3 is qualified to direct any NDT operation for which he is certified. Among the various tasks allocated to him, an individual certified to level 3 shall be competent for:

a) assuming full responsibility for a test facility and staff;b) establishing and validating techniques and procedures;c) interpreting standards, codes, specifications and procedures;d) designating the particular test methods, techniques and procedures to be used.

He shall have:a) the competence to evaluate and interpret results in terms of existing standards, codes and specifications;b) a sufficient practical background in applicable materials, fabrication and product technology to select methods and establish techniques and to assist in establishing acceptance criteria where none are otherwise available;c) a general familiarity with other NDT methods;d) the ability to guide personnel below 3.

He may, if required, manage and supervise qualification examinations, provided he is authorized by the independent certifying body for this task.A level 3 shall not be the only examiner for any candidate he has personally trained for that particular examination.

6 Eligibility for examinationTo be eligible for examination, the candidate shall fulfil the minimum requirements of training and industrial NDT experience which are defined in this clause.

6.1 Training

6.1.1 Level 1 and level 2

The candidate shall provide proof that he has satisfactorily completed a course of training in the method and level for which the certification is sought, and which is in accordance with the requirements of the independent certifying body.As guidance for such requirements, the recommendations issued by the International Committee on Non Destructive Testing ICN WH 16-22 may be used (see informative Annex A).The minimum training periods shall be as defined in Table 2.

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EN 473:1993

© BSI 12-1998 7

Table 2 — Minimum training requirement

6.1.2 Level 3

Taking into account the scientific and technical potential of candidates for level 3 certification, it is considered that preparation for qualification could be done in different ways: by taking training courses, attending conferences or seminars such as those organized by industrial or independent associations, studying books, periodicals, and other specialized printed materials.As guidance for such requirements, the recommendation issued by the International Committee on Non Destructive Testing ICN WH 16-22 may be used (see informative Annex A).

6.2 Industrial NDT experience

6.2.1 Level 1 and level 2

The minimum requirements for duration of experience shall be as defined in Table 3.

Table 3 — Minimum experience requirements

6.2.2 Level 3

Level 3 responsibilities require knowledge beyond the technical scope of any specific NDT method. This broad knowledge may be acquired through a variety of combinations of education, training and experience. Table 4 details minimum experience related to formal education. All candidates for level 3 certification in any NDT method shall have successfully completed (≥ 70/100) the practical examination for level 2 in that method except the drafting of practical instructions for level 1 (see subclause 7.1.3).

Method Level 1(hours)

Level 2(hours)

ET 40 40

PT 16 24

MT 16 24

RT 40 80

UT 40 80

LT (a) A — Basic knowledge

8 16

B — Pressure method

14 28

C — Tracer gas method

18 36

NOTE 1 Training hours include both practical and theory courses.NOTE 2 Direct access to level 2 requires the total of hours shown for level 1 and level 2.NOTE 3 In case of national regulations concerning the duration of a week of work, the 40 hours are equivalent to the legal duration of a week of work.a The candidate shall pass part A together with either part B or part C or parts B and C.

NDT Method Experience (months)

Level 1 Level 2

ET 3 9

PT 1 3

MT 1 3

RT 3 9

UT 3 9

Total experience 3 9

LT Partial experience for pressure method only

2 6

Partial experience for tracer gas method only

2 6

NOTE 1 Work experience in months is based on a nominal 40 hours/week or the legal week of work. When an individual is working in excess of 40 hours per week, he may be credited with experience based on the total hours, but he shall be required to produce evidence of this experience.NOTE 2 For level 2 certification, the intent of this European Standard is that work experience consists of time as a level 1. If the individual is being qualified directly to level 2, with no time at level 1, the experience shall consist of the sum of the times required for level 1 and level 2.NOTE 3 Credit for work experience may be gained simultaneously in two or more of the NDT methods covered by this European Standard, with the reduction of total required experience as follows:

a) two testing methods — reduction of total required time by 25 %;b) three testing methods — reduction of total required time by 33 %;

c) four or more testing methods — reduction of total time by 50 %.

In all cases the candidate shall be required to show that, for each of the testing methods for which he seeks certification, he has at least half of the time required in Table 3.

NOTE 4 Up to 50 % of the practical experience time may be achieved by the same duration of an appropriate practical course. The course shall be concentrated on practical solutions of frequently occuring testing problems, and the programme shall be approved by the independent certifying body or the authorized body.

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EN 473:1993

8 © BSI 12-1998

6.3 Visual acuity

The candidate shall provide evidence of satisfactory vision as determined by an oculist, optometrist or other medically recognized person in accordance with the following requirements:

a) near vision shall permit reading a minimum of Jaeger number 1 at not less than 30 cm, or equivalent, in at least one eye, corrected or uncorrected;b) colour vision shall be sufficient that the candidate can distinguish and differentiate contrast between the colours used in the NDT method concerned as specified by the employer.

The verification of the visual acuity shall be done annually.

7 Qualification examinationThe qualification examination shall consist of a general, specific and practical examination and normally cover a given NDT method as it is applied in one or more specific industrial sectors.

7.1 Content of the examination levels 1 and 2

The general and specific examinations shall be written.The practical examination shall be of sufficient duration, complexity and scope adequately to verify the candidate’s ability to apply the NDT method to real test situations.

7.1.1 General examination

This general examination shall include only validated questions selected in an unpredictable way from the collection of general questions approved by the independent certifying body at the time of the examination. The required number of questions shall be as defined in Table 5.

Table 4 — Minimum experience requirementsDegree Experience

(months)

Access to level 3 by a certified level 2 operator

Graduate of at least three years accredited science or engineering college or university programme

12

Successful completion of technical school or at least two years of engineering or science study at an accredited college, or university

24

No degree 48

Direct access to level 3. The candidate shall have successfully completed the practical examination for level 2 in that method

Graduate of at least three years accredited science or engineering college or university programme

24

Successful completion of technical school or at least two years of engineering or science study at an accredited college or university

48

No degree 72NOTE 1 If the college or university degree is issued in non destructive testing, the experience required for access to level 3 may be reduced by 50 %.NOTE 2 Work experience for level 3 certification shall consist of time as a certified level 2 operator. For direct access without a level 2 certificate, the candidate shall have worked on a level comparable to that of a level 2 in the period stated.NOTE 3 Credit for work experience may be gained simultaneously in two or more of the NDT methods covered by this European Standard, with the reduction of total required experience as follows:

a) two testing methods — reduction of total required time by 25 %;b) three testing methods — reduction of total required time by 33 %;c) four or more testing methods — reduction of total time by 50 %.

In all cases the candidate shall be required to show that, for each of the testing methods for which he seeks certification, he has at least half of the time required in Table 4.

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EN 473:1993

© BSI 12-1998 9

Table 5 — Minimum required number of general questions

7.1.2 Specific examination

The specific examination shall include only validated questions selected in an unpredictable way from the collection of specific questions approved by the independent certifying body at the time of the examination.The required number of questions shall be as defined in Table 6.

Table 6 — Minimum required number of specific questions

7.1.3 Practical examination

The practical examination shall consist of verifying the candidate’s ability:

a) to make the required settings;b) to operate the test equipment properly;c) to perform testing of prescribed components relating to the industrial sector concerned;d) to record and to analyse the resultant information to the degree required according to written instructions for level 1 or specifications for level 2.

For level 2, the candidate shall demonstrate ability to prepare written instructions for level 1.The specimens used for the practical test shall be selected from a collection of representative specimens agreed by the independent certifying body or by its authorized body.

NOTE If the practical part covers two or more industrial sectors, the number of specimens to be examined shall be increased proportionally to examine the candidate’s competence in each of the industrial sectors concerned.

7.2 Content of the examination level 3

Each examination shall consist of the following written parts:

a) basic examination. This examination shall demonstrate:

1) technical knowledge in materials science and technology related to the activity of the candidate;2) knowledge of the qualification and certification system defined in this European standard;3) general knowledge of at least four methods as required for level 2 and chosen by the candidate from the methods given in Table 1.These four methods shall comprise the principal method for which the certification will be sought and three others which must include at least one volumetric method (UT or RT).The basic examination shall be passed first and remains valid providing that the main method examination is passed before 5 years after the basic examination.

b) main method examination for which the certification is sought. This examination shall consist of:

1) a general examination covering the level 3 knowledge relating to the test method applied;2) a specific examination relating to the application of the NDT method in the industrial sector concerned, including the applicable codes, standards and specifications;3) a practical examination concerning the drafting of one or more NDT procedures in the relevant sector.

7.2.1 Basic examination

The validated examination questions are selected in an unpredictable way from the collection of basic examination questions approved by the independent certifying body at the time of the examination.The required number of questions shall be as defined in Table 7.

Method Level 1 Level 2

ET 40 40

PT 30 30

MT 30 30

RT 40 40

UT 40 40

LT 30 30

Method Level 1 Level 2

ET 20 20

PT 20 15

MT 20 15

RT 20 20

UT 20 20

LT Pressure method 20 20

Tracer gas method 20 20NOTE If the specific examination covers two or more industrial sectors, the number of questions shall be increased by 5 for each sector up to a maximum of 30, except for leak testing.

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Table 7 — Minimum required number of basic questions

All the questions shall be multiple choice questions. The total duration of this examination is about 3 hours.

7.2.2 Main method examination

The validated examination questions are selected in an unpredictable way from the collection of the main method questions approved by the independent certifying body at the time of the examination.The number of questions shall be as defined in Table 8.Table 8 — Minimum required number of main

method questions

The questions shall be multiple choice questions for part C1 and for at least half of part C2. The remaining questions of part C2 may be questions with written answers.The duration of the examination is about 3 hours for part C1 and C2 together, and about 4 hours for each procedure of part C3.

7.3 Conduct of examinations

The examinations at levels 1 and 2 shall be conducted in examination centres approved and monitored by the independent certifying body either directly or through the authorized body.The examination at level 3 shall be conducted by the independent certifying body either directly or through the authorized body.

At the examination, the candidate shall have in his possession a valid proof of identification and an official notification of the examination, which shall be shown to the examiner or invigilator on request.Any candidate who does not abide by the examination rules during the course of the examination or who perpetrates or is an accessory to fraudulent conduct will be excluded from further participation in the examination. The candidate shall then wait at least one year before being presented for re-examination.

7.3.1 Examination levels 1 and 2

The written and practical examinations shall be conducted, supervised and graded by at least one examiner. The examiner may be assisted by one or more invigilators placed under his responsibility.The examiner shall mark the written tests completed by the candidate; he shall judge and mark the results of the practical tests according to a procedure which includes at least ten check points. This procedure shall be developed or approved by the independent certifying body.A candidate for a practical examination may use his own apparatus. Any item of apparatus brought by a candidate that is unreliable or rendered unserviceable during the examination shall be replaced by the candidate himself.

7.3.2 Examination level 3

The basic examination and the main method examination shall be supervised by at least one examiner whereas the preparation and the grading of the examination shall be carried out by at least two examiners.The examiners may be assisted by one or more invigilators placed under their responsibilities.

7.4 Grading

7.4.1 Examination levels 1 and 2

The general examination shall be graded separately from the specific examination so that the candidate may be examined later for certification in another branch of industry without having to take the general examination again; thus the certified operator changing from one industrial sector to another keeps the benefit of the general examination valid for all industrial sectors.The composite grade N shall be calculated in accordance with the following formula:

N = 0,25 ng + 0,25 ns + 0,50 np

Part Examination Number

— Materials technology and science

A — Defence

— Qualifications and certification procedure

10

B

General knowledge level 2 15

for each test method (total 60)

Part Examination Number

C1 General 30

C2 Specific 20

C3 Practical Drafting of one or more NDT procedures (see 3.13)

25

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where

To be certified a candidate shall obtain a grade of at least 70/100 in each part of the examination and a composite grade N of at least 80/100.

7.4.2 Examination level 3

The grading of the basic and main method examinations shall be made separately. The certified operator changing from one industrial sector to another keeps the benefit of the basic examination and of the main method general examination.

7.4.2.1 Basic examination

The composite grade NB of the basic examination shall be calculated in accordance with the following formula:

NB = 0,5 na + 0,5 nb

where

To successfully complete this examination the candidate shall obtain a grade of at least 70/100 in each part and a composite grade NB of at least 80/100.

7.4.2.2 Main method examination

The composite grade NE of the main method examination shall be calculated in accordance with the following formula:

where

To successfully complete this examination the candidate shall obtain a grade of at least 70/100 in each part and a composite grade NE of at least 80/100. To be certified the candidate shall successfully complete both the basic and main method examinations.

7.5 Re-examination

A candidate who fails on his examination shall wait at least 30 days before reapplying. A candidate whose examination results have not been accepted for reason of fraud shall wait one year before reapplying.A candidate who fails to obtain the pass grade for the whole examination may take one, and only one, retest in a maximum of two parts provided that the grade of each part was at least 70/100 and that retesting takes place within 12 months of the failed examination.A candidate who fails his examination with a grade of one part lower than 70/100 and the final grade equal or greater than 80/100 may take one, and only one, retest of the failed part provided that retesting takes place within 12 months from the failed examination.A candidate who fails re-examination shall apply for and take the examination according to the procedure for new candidates.

8 Certification8.1 Administration

Based on the results of the qualification examinations, the independent certifying body, directly or through its authorized bodies when delegated for levels 1 and 2, shall announce the certification and issue certificates and/or corresponding wallet cards.

8.2 Certificates and/or wallet cards

Certificates and/or corresponding wallet cards shall bear at least:

a) the full name of the certified individual;b) the date of certification;c) the date upon which certification expires;d) the level of certification;e) reference to the independent certifying body or to the authorized body when delegated for level 1 and 2;f) the NDT method(s);g) the industrial sector(s) concerned;h) a unique identification number;i) the signature of the certified individual;j) a photograph of the certified individual in case of the wallet card;k) the cold seal of the independent certifying body, cancelling the photograph to avoid falsification in case of the wallet card;l) the signature of the independent certifying body or the authorized body when delegated to levels 1 and 2, in case of the certificate.

ng = grade for the general examination,

ns = grade for the specific examination,

np = grade for the practical examination.

na = grade for part A (see Table 7),

nb = grade for part B (see Table 7).

nc1 = grade for the part C1 (see Table 8),

nc2 = grade for the part C2 (see Table 8),

nc3 = grade for the part C3 (see Table 8).

NEnc1 nc2 nc3+ +

3--------------------------------------=

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NOTE By issuing the certificate and/or the corresponding wallet card, the independent certifying body or the authorized body attests to the qualification of the individual but does not give any authority to operate. There may be a special space on both the certificate and the wallet card for the signature of the employer authorizing the holder of the certificate to operate and take responsibility for test results. This authorization also serves as testimony of activity of the certified individual.

8.3 Validity

The period of validity of the certification is of five years from the date of certification indicated on the certificate and/or wallet cards.Certification shall be invalid:

a) if the individual changes from one industrial sector to another which is not covered by the certificate he shall successfully complete a supplementary examination for the new industrial sector;b) at the option of the independent certifying body after reviewing evidence of unethical behaviour;c) if the individual becomes physically incapable of performing his duties based upon the visual examination taken annually under the responsibility of his employer;d) if a significant interruption takes place in the method for which the individual is certified.

NOTE A significant interruption means an absence or a change of activity which prevents the certified individual from practising the duties corresponding to his level in the method and the industrial sector(s) for which he is certified, for one or more periods for a total time exceeding one year. In calculating the interruption, account shall not be taken of legal holidays, or of periods of sickness or courses of less than one month.

9 RenewalAfter completion of the first period of validity, and every ten years after that, certification may be renewed by the independent certifying body, directly or through an authorized body, for a new period of five years provided the individual meets the following requirements:

a) he provides evidence of passing the last annual visual examination;b) he provides evidence of continued satisfactory work activity without significant interruption in the method for which he is certified.

An example is given in the informative annex B.NOTE A significant interruption means an absence or a change of activity which prevents the certified individual from practising the duties corresponding to his level in the method and the industrial sector(s) for which he is certified, for one or more periods for a total time exceeding one year. In calculating the interruption, account shall not be taken of legal holidays, or of periods of sickness or courses of less than one month.

If the criteria for renewal are not met, the individual shall follow the same rules as for a new candidate.

10 RecertificationUpon completion of each second period of validity (every ten years) certification shall be renewed by the independent certifying body directly or through an authorized body for a new period of 5 years on the basis of the following requirements:

a) for levels 1 and 2: the individual shall meet the two criteria for renewal (see clause 9) and successfully complete a practical examination organized according to a simplified procedure. If the individual fails to achieve a grade of at least 80/100, he shall apply for a new certification;b) for level 3: the individual shall meet the two criteria for renewal (see clause 9) and, depending on the choice of the independent certifying body, either successfully complete a written examination which includes 20 questions on the application of the test method in the industrial sector concerned and 5 questions on this European Standard, or meet the requirements of a structured credit system, (given in the normative annex C).

For recertification by examination at the same time in more than one method, the total number of questions may be reduced as indicated in Table 9.

Table 9

If the individual fails to achieve a grade of at least 80/100 or does not meet the requirements of the credit system, he shall apply for a new certification.

Application of the methoda

Qualification and

certification system

2 methods 30 5

3 methods 40 5

4 methods and more

50 5

a The questions shall be evenly spread between the different methods concerned.

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11 FilesThe independent certifying body or its authorized bodies shall keep:

a) an updated list of all certified individuals classified according to level, test method and industrial sector;b) an individual file for each certified individual and for each individual whose certification has lapsed containing:

1) Application forms;2) Examination documents, including questionnaires, answers, description of specimens, records, results of test, written procedures, and grade sheets;3) Renewal documents, including evidence of physical condition and continuous activity.

NOTE Individual files shall be kept under suitable conditions of safety and confidentiality for a period at least equal to the total of the initial period of validity plus the renewal period, after the certification has lapsed.

12 Transition periodDuring the transition period necessary for the implementation of the qualification and certification system defined by this European Standard, the following rules are admitted:

a) the independent certifying body may appoint duly qualified personnel as examiner during a period not exceeding five years;b) NDT personnel certified by a body independent of the employer and before issue of this European Standard shall remain certified until the expiry date of the existing certificate and never more than five years;The items specified in clauses 8.3, 9 and 10 (credit system excluded) of this European Standard shall become valid with the date of endorsement of this standard;c) NDT personnel certified by the employer and before issue of this standard shall be recertified, in accordance with the requirements of the clause 10 (credit system excluded) of this European Standard, at the expiry date of the existing certificate and never more than five years if the employer’s system is generally recognized by the independent certifying body on the basis of an audit.

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Annex A (informative) BibliographyICN WH 16-2 2International Committee on Non Destructive Testing.The complete recommendations on international harmonisation of training, qualification and certification of NDT personnel (November 1985).Copies can be ordered from:SKNDO Foundation for the Qualification of Non Destructive Testing Personnel, Postbox 190, 2700 AD Zoetermeer, the Netherlands.

Annex B (informative) Example illustrating the dates for renewal and recertificationIf the date of certification is April 1992, the dates of renewal and recertification will be as follows:

Annex C (normative) Structured credit system for level 3 recertificationIn this system, the level 3 candidate gains credit for participation, during the five years prior to recertification, in the various NDT activities shown in the Table C.1.Limits are placed on the maximum number of points which can be gained in each year, and in any activity over the five years, to ensure an even spread of activities.Due to the differing number of level 3s in the various CEN member nations, the individual independent certifying bodies are authorized to modify the number of maximum points (per year and per five year period) for the single activities. In this case, the individual independent certifying body shall choose a fixed maximum number of points within the range given in the following table. The independent certifying body shall be responsible for ensuring that evidence for the activities is documented.

Table C.1

Dates of renewal : April 1997 – April 2007 – April 2017;

Dates of recertification : April 2002 – April 2012 – April 2022

No Activity Points accorded for each activity

Max. points per year

Max. points per 5 years period prior

to recertificationMin Max Min Max Min Max

1 Attendance at non destructive testing (NDT) conferences

1 1 3 3 8 (a)

2.1 Attendance at international and national standards committees

1 1 3 3 8 (a)

2.2 Convenorship of standards committees 1 1 3 3 8 (a, b)3.1 Attendance at sessions of other NDT

committees1 1 3 3 8 (a)

3.2 Convenorship of sessions of other NDT committees

1 1 3 3 8 (a, b)

4.1 Attendance at sessions of NDT related working groups

1 2 5 6 15 (a)

4.2 Convenorship of NDT related working groups 1 2 5 6 15 (a, b)5.1 NDT related technical/scientific contributions

or publications3 6 3 6 9 18 (c)

5.2 NDT related research work published 3 6 3 6 9 18 (c)6.1 NDT training courses (per 2 hours) 1 2 6 10 30 (d)6.2 NDT examiner (per examination) 1 3 2 6 10 30 (d)Required number of points in total — — 10 30NOTE (a) Maximum points for attendance at items 1 to 4 = 20.NOTE (b) Points to be given for both convenorship and attendance.NOTE (c) If there is more than one author, the lead author shall define points for the other authors.NOTE (d) Awarded only for extra mural activities, not for the main activity.

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National annex NA (informative) Committees responsibleThe United Kingdom participation in the preparation of this European Standard was entrusted by the General Mechanical Engineering Standards Policy Committee (GME/-) to Technical Committee GME/23, upon which the following bodies were represented:

Aluminium FederationAssociated Offices Technical CommitteeAssociation of Consulting EngineersBNF Metals Technology CentreBritish AirwaysBritish Chemical Engineering Contractors’ AssociationBritish Gas plcBritish Institute of Non-destructive TestingBritish Photographic AssociationBritish Steel IndustryDepartment of Trade and Industry (NAMAS Executive)Electricity AssociationHealth and Safety ExecutiveInstitute of PhysicsInstitute of Quality AssuranceLight Metal Founders’ AssociationLloyds Register of ShippingMinistry of DefencePower Generation Contractors Association (BEAMA Ltd.)Royal Society of ChemistrySociety of British Aerospace Companies LimitedSociety of Motor Manufacturers and Traders LimitedSteel Casting Research and Trade AssociationWelding Institute

The following body was also represented in the drafting of the standard, through subcommittees and panels:

Central Certification Board

National annex NB (informative)

Cross references

Publication referred to Corresponding British Standard

EN 45013:1989 BS 7513:1989 General criteria for certification bodies operating certification of personnel

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