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.
- Definitions
- Vision
- Lighting
- Environmental factors, direct and indirect methods of visual assessment
- Visual inspection equipment
- Surface conditions
- Inspection and testing criteria
- The reporting of results
- Application of a written instruction
- Codes and standards
- Product technology (welds, castings, wrought), in-service and secondary process defects
Validated by BINDT and recognised by PCN
An individual certified to Visual Testing Level 1 has demonstrated competence to carry out Visual Testing according to written instructions and under the supervision of Level 2 or Level 3 personnel. Within the scope of the competence defined on the certificate, Level 1 personnel may be authorised by the employer to perform the following in accordance with Visual Testing instructions:
- Set up Visual Testing equipment
- Perform Visual Inspection tests
- Record and classify results of the tests according to written criteria
- Report the results of Visual tests
Visual Testing Level 1 certified personnel shall neither be responsible for the choice of test method or technique to be used, nor for the interpretation of the test results.
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 Visual Testing (VT) Level 1 certification, the minimum industrial experience required is 15 hours.
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.
(excl. VAT)
Training course: £762
Examination: £379
PCN levy: £95
PED Admin Fee: £50
Total: £1,286
Note: Prices are correct at time of issue but may be subject to change, with the exception of confirmed bookings.
