Important information
Candidates undertaking a PCN examination must fulfil all requirements specified in PCN24/GEN.
For ASNT, EN4179, or NAS410 examinations, candidates must follow the requirements detailed in their organisation’s written practice. This course is not designed as preparation for BGAS-CSWIP examinations.
- Basic concepts
- Ultrasound
- Principals of ultrasonic testing
- Flaw detector (operation and use)
- Defect location and sizing techniques
- Use of calibration and reference blocks
- Plotting systems
- Examination of samples, welds,castings and wrought products
- Report writing and discussion of relevant standards and specifications (BS, EN etc)
Validated by BINDT and recognised by PCN.
- Scientific calculator
- Overalls/Lab coat
- Safety boots are mandatory in practical areas
- PCN Candidates: PCN wallet card or other form of photographic identification
An individual certified to Ultrasonic Testing Level 2 has demonstrated competence to perform NDT according to NDT procedures. Within the scope of the competence defined on the certificate, Level 2 personnel may be authorised by the employer to:
- Select the Ultrasonic Testing technique for the test method to be used
- Define the limitations of application of the testing method
- Translate Ultrasonic Testing codes, standards, specifications and procedures into Ultrasonic Testing instructions adapted to the actual working conditions
- Set up and verify Ultrasonic Testing equipment settings
- Perform and supervise Ultrasonic tests
- Interpret and evaluate results according to applicable standards, codes, specifications or procedures
- Prepare written Ultrasonic Testing instructions
- Carry out and supervise all tasks at or below Level 2
- Provide guidance for personnel at or below Level 2
- Report the results of Ultrasonic tests.
Certification under the PCN scheme is awarded once a candidate has completed the required training, gained the necessary industry experience, and passed the relevant examinations. The minimum requirements are outlined in full in the PCN24/GEN document.
Candidates who are new to the PCN scheme and do not yet hold valid PCN certification or equivalent ISO 9712 certification will need to complete the BINDT online Product Technology course as part of the certification process. This should be completed prior to attending your course at Argyll Ruane, and a certificate of completion will be required. Visit the BINDT website for further information.
Candidates who already hold, or have previously held, valid PCN certification or equivalent ISO 9712 certification are exempt from this requirement.
Experience requirements
For Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Level 2 certification, the minimum industrial experience required is:
| Route | Experience |
| PCN Level 1 holders | 135 days |
| Direct access to PCN Level 2 (Combined Level 1 and 2 experience requirements) |
180 days |
If a candidate has not yet acquired the required experience at the time of the examination, they may accumulate the remaining experience afterwards. Examination results remain valid for up to two years to allow completion of this experience.
To assist candidates in meeting the practical experience requirement, our structured experience programme (SEP) offers a pathway to gain up to 50% of the required experience.
Welds
Training course: £2,277 (15 days)
Examination: £551 (2.5 days)
PCN Levy: £95
PCN PED Admin Charge: £50
Total: £2,973
Castings
Training course: £2,278 (15 days)
Examination: £489 (2 days)
PCN Levy: £95
Total: £2,862
Wrought Products/Forgings
Training course: £2,278 (15 days)
Examination: £489 (2 days)
PCN Levy: £95
Total: £2,862
Note: Prices are correct at time of issue but may be subject to change, with the exception of confirmed bookings.
