Special note
To enrol on a PCN Level 3 Main Method course, candidates must already hold a PCN Level 3 Basic certificate. Those who do not currently hold this qualification must successfully complete the PCN Level 3 Basic examination before registering for any Level 3 Main Method.
Candidates should also hold PCN Level 2 certification in the relevant method/sector and have gained the appropriate practical experience prior to attempting a Level 3 sector examination (i.e. Welds, Castings or Wrought Product). Training duration varies depending on individual experience. Minimum requirements are detailed in the latest edition of PCN24/GEN.
These courses prepare candidates for the PCN Level 3 Practitioner examination, covering both general and method-specific theory.
UT may be applied to any solid material (with mass or density) such as metals, plastics, glass and concrete. The most commonly applied area is the examination of steel and other metals or alloys in all stages of production, from raw castings, finished forged products and perhaps the most documented, the inspection of weldments.
Using mainly portable equipment and without associated safety considerations i.e. radiation/vapours, it may be employed in hazardous environments, on-site and even in under water environments.
This course has been devised in line with the applicable BINDT syllabus to provide detail of all key subject areas in line with ISO 9712. The course therefore provides a solid foundation of knowledge within ultrasonics to provide you the best chance of success in future PCN ultrasonic testing examinations as well as employer based SNT-TC-1A examinations.
Our online training programme allows students to work and track their progress through the course at their own convenience. This provides the opportunity to spend more time on and revisit specific areas of the course that are not fully understood.
The assessments provide an opportunity to test your knowledge. Students are able to attempt these as many times as they see fit but a 70% pass rate is required to progress.
You also have automatic access to our Product Technology General Theory course.
In-class training equivalent – 4 days
Ultrasonic Testing Level 3 is ideal for those who already have a good understanding of the techniques of ultrasonic inspection and would like instruction to improve their knowledge and increase their experience in preparation for a Level 3 examination.
Course notes are able to be downloaded to be viewed on a separate device or printed for future use.
Each assessment will be marked as complete once a 70% pass rate has been achieved, but don’t worry, you can attempt these as many times as you like, even if you get higher than 70%.
The final assessment takes questions from all previous assessments to fully review your learning and refresh your knowledge.
The course is split into modules to break down the learning in to manageable parts.
General Theory
- Unit 1 – Ultrasonic Testing Introduction
- Unit 2 – Propagation of Sound
- Unit 3 – Sound Generation
- Unit 4 – Equipment
- Unit 5 – 0” Probe Scanning
- Unit 6 – Angle Probe Scanning
- Unit 7 – Testing Techniques
- Unit 8 – Ultrasonic Thickness Surveying
- Unit 9 – Ultrasonic Wrought Plate Material
Specific Theory’s
- Ultrasonic Weld Testing
- Ultrasonic Testing of Forgings
- Ultrasonic Testing of Castings
Note: Each specific method is considered a separate training course and examination. Therefore, would need to be booked separately.
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.
Level 3 candidates must have the required experience prior to attempting any main method examination. The minimum requirements are outlined in full in the PCN24/GEN document.
For Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Level 3 certification, the minimum industrial experience required is:
| Route | Experience |
| Higher education (degree in non-destructive testing) with Level 2 | 270 days |
| PCN Level 2 holders | 450 days |
| Direct access, with higher education (degree in non-destructive testing) | 540 days |
(Excl. VAT)
Training only: £1,206
Exam: From £169
Access to the training course is up to 60 days (can be extended on request)
Note: Prices are correct at time of issue but may be subject to change, with the exception of confirmed bookings.
