Preparation for the Level 3 examination

Interest in the Level 3 examination continues at a high level. This paper briefly
describes the differences between the main schemes BS EN ISO 9712 and ASNT,
and concentrates on the preparation for taking the examination.

Certification programmes

There are two basic types of certification scheme:

o Central certification
o Employer-based certification
The following should help, but if you have any further comments or questions do not
hesitate to contact the author.
Central Certification
PCN (BS EN ISO 9712) is a Central Certification Programme which operates a three-
level system with certificates presented to the operator and valid for five years. In
the UK, BINDT is accredited by UKAS to EN 17024 as a Certification Body and so
meets the requirements of BS EN ISO 9712. ASNT currently provides a central
certification programme at Level 3 and also has one for Level 2 technicians aligning
with their modified version of ISO 9712 (CP 106).
Employer-based certification
ASNT publishes a Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A for the Employer to establish a
Company Written Procedure (Practice) as to how the Company trains, examines and
certifies its NDT personnel. The current issue is 2011, although it is not unusual for
a Company to quote the `96 or `92 version. Employer-based certification is only
valid through the requirements of the Written Procedure and provides certification
Levels 1, 2 and 3 to the specific products and Procedure of the Employer. Please
note that Company Level 3 to a Written Procedure based on SNT-TC-1A is not to be
confused with ASNT NDT Level 3 described under Central Certification.

Certification for Level 3

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The American Society for NDT (ASNT) Level 3 programme was set up in 1976, it
quickly evolved into an internationally recognised demonstration of excellence in the
NDT world. Today it continues to attract candidates at examination locations around
the world and in the UK these are available annually through the North Atlantic
Section of ASNT. To date, there are almost 7,000 certificate holders with nearly
20,000 NDT test methods.

The British Institute of NDT (BINDT) offers central certification of NDT Level 3
through its Personnel Certification for NDT (PCN) Scheme which is developed under
the International Standard for NDT Operator Qualification BS EN ISO 9712. This
programme has been in place since the early 1980s and is now a well-recognised UK
programme of quality of Level 3 achievement.

PCN Level 3 examinations are available on demand at any Authorised Qualifying

Body (AQB) approved to provide the Level 3 exam.

The Level 3 examination

ASNT examinations are fairly straightforward to explain:

o You must pass the Basic ASNT Examination and

o You must pass a Method Examination

PCN requires that:

o You must pass the Basic PCN Examination and

o You must pass a Method Examination, plus .

For PCN you must hold the relevant Level 2 Certification at the time of the
examination or pass the Level 2 practical within the Method exam.

Eligibility

Generally speaking, for either system the best eligibility is 4 years plus of experience
working at the Level 2 in the appropriate method. Alternative eligibility parameters
come into play depending on your educational achievements but we recommend
that your starting point is good practical NDT experience over a number of years
within various methods.

Preparation

Whilst there is no mandatory requirement for training prior to siting ASNT NDT Level
3 exams, there is a training requirement for PCN Level 3 exams as described in PCN
Gen which follows BS EN ISO 9712.

The training requirements for PCN Level 3 vary from method to method but in
general require attendance at an approved Level 3 trainer and this is a requirement
of PCN before sitting the Level 3 exam.

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The ideal situation is for the candidate to purchase the appropriate Level 3 training
resource material as soon as possible for self-study, and then attend for Level 3
training prior to the exam to consolidate the learning process.

The recommendations here are based on our experience over 30 years of assistance
with companies and individuals preparing for ASNT or PCN Level 3 examinations.
1. Basic examination preparation

Both systems follow the same pattern all questions are multiple choice and all
cover:

o Questions on the certification system (for example SNT-TC-1A/CP 189 or PCN

Gen).
o Product technology.
o Other NDT methods at Level 2.

Variation:

i) PCN questions on its General document are open book, ASNT questions are
not.

ii) PCN only asks questions on four methods at Level 2 including the method
being examined (and if you hold a PCN Level 2 you are exempt these
questions). ASNT, however, asks questions on 10 NDT methods at Level 2
and no exemptions are allowed.

Generally speaking the Basic examination is quite passable. The preparation is clear,
the examination structure is clear, the questions are fair and there is a selection of
first class texts available for revision purposes.

So, in preparation, much of which can be done by reading in your own time, you
should get hold of the following:

i) For ASNT Basic only:

a) SNT-TC-1A (relevant edition) currently 2011.
b) CP 189 ASNT (relevant edition) currently 2011
c) Interpreting SNT-TC-1A.

ii) For PCN Basic only:

a) PCN General Document (relevant edition)

iii) For both:

a) Materials & Processes for NDT.
b) NDT Evaluation and Quality Control.

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 c) NDT Overview NDT Handbook 3rd Edition Volume 10.
d) Question and Answer Books all methods.
e) Level 2 Study Guides all methods.
f) Classroom Training Books.
g) Programmed Instruction Books.
h) BINDT Handbook Basic Metallurgy
i) PCN Handbook Product Technology

In preparation, review the texts and prepare a timetable. A week at a training

centre now would help to put a realistic revision programme in place and, through
structured assessments, help give you a review of your own level and how much
work needs to be done in order to achieve the relevant standard.

The ASNT Basic examination covers up to 10 methods at Level 2. This can be a

problem area for those candidates whose experience at Level 2 is limited to only one
or two methods. In this event it is highly recommended that the candidate reviews
the other methods theoretically and practically by attending an NDT training course
specifically designed for the Level 3 to obtain a Level 2 understanding in those areas
of deficiency.

2. Method exam preparation

ASNT covers all the following at Level 3:

Ultrasonic Testing* Leak Testing

Radiographic Testing* Magnetic Flux Leakage Testing
Liquid Penetrant Testing* Visual Testing*
Magnetic Testing* Neutron Radiography Testing
ElectromagneticTesting* Thermography/Infrared Testing

*PCN currently covers only those methods identified with an asterisk.

However, these may be further subdivided into products (castings/forgings/welds)

and/or sectors (general/in-service) aerospace/rail) to name a few. It is thus vital
that you consider carefully your specific requirement prior to applying.

Further, PCN requires a Specific test and a Practical test (the writing of a procedure)
which are not required by the ASNT Level 3 programme.

In preparing for the Method exam for ASNT and the PCN General Theory, once again
there is a selection of texts which are really the starting point for training for the
exams:

i) Level 3 Study Guide for each method

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ii) Question & Answer Book for each method
iii) NDT Handbook 3rd Edition for each method

plus other Method-specific texts.

We also recommend taking in a training course at an approved training school,

which utilises a Level 3 for the training programme. Usually a week on each Method
is enough to keep the trainee on the tracks, or at least help him over a few hurdles
and ensure that this learning programme in on target. For PCN an approved training
programme is a requirement.

Many training programmes are supplemented by quizzes and/or assessments either

on paper or computer-based and these further highlight both the trainees strong
points and his weaknesses within the syllabus.

One thing is clear, preparation for Level 3 needs commitment from the candidate to
work and put in the effort to achieve the success. With this commitment the
battle is half won.

From experience and feedback our impression is as follows:

Magnetic is not too difficult. Radiography and Ultrasonic Examinations include many
calculations and candidates also experience time pressures to complete the 135
multi-choice questions within the four hour examination duration; Visual
examinations relate heavily to the NDT Handbook and Eddy Current examinations
tend to be completed easily within the four hour period. Liquid Penetrant
examinations tend to be more difficult than candidates expect.

For PCN there is further work required on understanding and learning the relevant
specifications for the Specific Theory, which can really only come from putting in the
work. For the Practical, it is necessary to write a Procedure and this can only be
achieved by experience and can be obtained by actually writing Procedures and
submitting them to a Level 3 for review and comment.

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Conclusion

Preparation for either ASNT or PCN Level 3 is vital in that an investment of

around 3,000 is likely.
A well-experienced Level 2 who wishes to set a new goal and challenge
himself will make the perfect candidate.
The candidate should prepare a personal programme, which will include an
approved review of the necessary tests, selection of a trainer and allocation of
time necessary to complete the programme.
Attainment of Level 3 is a demonstration of ability and knowledge in NDT to
the world at the highest level.

If you are interested in receiving a proposal for Level 3 preparation, you are invited
to send your CV and NDT Certificates to Nicola Dodsley for a proposal.

nicola@lavender-ndt.com
01226 765769
www.lavender-ndt.com

Written by S J Lavender MBE F.Inst NDT (stephen@lavender-ndt.com)

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