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
- Codes and standards
- Preparation of a written instruction
- 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 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 Visual Testing technique for the test method to be used
- Define the limitations of application of the testing method
- Translate Visual Testing codes, standards, specifications and procedures into Visual Testing instructions adapted to the actual working conditions
- Set up and verify Visual Testing equipment settings
- Perform and supervise Ultrasonic tests
- Interpret and evaluate results according to applicable standards, codes, specifications or procedures
- Prepare written Visual 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 Visual 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 Visual Testing (VT) Level 2 certification, the minimum industrial experience required is:
| Route | Experience |
| PCN Level 1 holders | 45 days |
| Direct access to PCN Level 2 (Combined Level 1 and 2 experience requirements) |
60 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.
(excl. VAT)
Training course: £762
Examination: £379
PCN levy: £95
PCN PED Admin Charge: £50
Total: £1,286
Note: Prices are correct at time of issue but may be subject to change, with the exception of confirmed bookings.
