Level III Program Management, Personnel Qualification, and Certification
Program structure
A Level III owns the written practice: qualification, certification, training, and examination of personnel. Know the difference between qualification (demonstrated ability), certification (written attestation by the employer), and the certification scheme (central versus employer-based). Most penetrant standards use employer certification under a written practice.
Elements of a written practice
Responsibilities of levels, training curricula and hours, experience requirements, examination content (general, specific, practical), vision requirements (near vision and color perception), recertification intervals, and records retention. Questions test the near-vision requirement (typically Jaeger 1 or equivalent at a specified distance) and annual color-contrast checks.
Traps
- Confusing Level I, II, and III duties; Level III does not necessarily perform all inspections but owns the method and program.
- Assuming certification is portable between employers; employer certification is tied to that employer's written practice.
- Missing that vision examinations are periodic, not one-time.
- Overlooking the requirement to maintain and audit records.
Worked example
A technician certified by Employer A moves to Employer B. Employer B must certify the technician under its own written practice, though prior records may support the new certification. The rule: certification follows the employer, and the written practice defines what evidence is required.
Program management duties
Procedures, technique sheets, audits, equipment calibration, material control, and interface with the customer's quality system all sit with the Level III.