PCN NDT Radiographic Testing Level 2 Exam study plan
PCN NDT Radiographic Testing Level 2 Exam · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Principles of Radiography and Radiation Physics & Technique Selection, Exposure Geometry and Technique Sheets
Explain photoelectric absorption, Compton scatter and pair production, and predict how kV, material density and atomic number shift subject contrast.
Calculate attenuation through single and two-layer materials, half-value layers and inverse-square intensity changes for realistic exposure setups.
Compute geometric unsharpness and magnification from source size and distances, then state the one change that brings an out-of-limit value back into specification.
Choose single-wall single-image, single-wall double-image or double-wall double-image geometry for plate, small-bore pipe and nozzle cases, and justify each choice.
Your checkpoint
Calculation worksheet with eight solved problems (attenuation, HVL, inverse square, magnification, geometric unsharpness) plus a one-page geometry decision chart, self-scored at 90% or better against reference answers.
Technique Selection, Exposure Geometry and Technique Sheets & Image Quality, Sensitivity and Radiograph Interpretation
Build exposure technique sheets for 6 mm, 12 mm and 25 mm carbon steel plate, specifying kV or isotope, mA, time, source-to-film distance, film class, IQI and density range.
Adjust exposure time for source decay and target density, and state where reciprocity and very short or very long exposure limits apply.
Determine the required IQI designation and source-side versus film-side placement, then verify achieved sensitivity meets 2-2T or the governing standard.
Explain how kV, focal spot size and source-to-film distance trade off against exposure time and image quality, and defend the chosen setting in a procedure review.
Your checkpoint
Three complete technique sheets for 6 mm, 12 mm and 25 mm plate with every calculation shown, IQI selection justified, and a one-paragraph rationale for each exposure parameter.
Image Quality, Sensitivity and Radiograph Interpretation & Imaging Media, Detectors and Film Processing
Read a characteristic curve to relate exposure, density, gradient and latitude, and pick an exposure point that holds weld and parent metal inside the required density band.
Classify film systems against recognized film-class tables and match film class, screens and density range to thickness and required sensitivity.
Sequence manual processing steps and specify developer temperature, immersion time and replenishment controls that keep density repeatable.
Diagnose at least ten processing and handling artifacts by cause and prevention, and separate them from true discontinuities in described images.
Your checkpoint
Artifact-diagnosis table covering twelve symptoms with cause, prevention and corrective action, plus a 12-item self-test scored at 10/12 or better.
Imaging Media, Detectors and Film Processing & Radiographic Equipment, X-ray Units and Gamma Sources
Match film class, screens and density to a stated thickness and sensitivity, and flag combinations a standard forbids.
Explain lead foil, fluorescent and salt screen behaviour in terms of exposure time, resolution and scatter control.
Trace the X-ray generator and tube circuit from mains supply to focal spot, and list pre-use checks that catch output, filtration or cooling faults.
Compare X-ray and gamma characteristics such as spectrum, effective source size, output and portability for thin plate, thick section and field welds.
Your checkpoint
Equipment selection memo for three jobs (8 mm pipe weld, 25 mm plate, 60 mm heavy section) naming source or kV, film class, screens, source-to-film distance and safety rationale.
Radiographic Equipment, X-ray Units and Gamma Sources & Radiation Safety, Protection and Dose Control
State occupational, public, lens-of-eye and extremity dose limits, and the dose-rate and barrier basis for controlled and supervised areas.
Convert a measured dose rate into a stay time and barricade distance, then verify the job against an ALARA dose budget.
Describe sealed-source leak testing, source accounting, receipt checks, storage controls and the actions required after a failed wipe test.
Write the emergency response sequence for a disconnected drive cable or stuck source, including re-entry criteria and notification chain.
Your checkpoint
Radiation protection plan for one field job covering dose estimate, barricades, stay time, dosimetry and emergency steps, checked against a 15-point list with zero critical omissions.
Radiation Safety, Protection and Dose Control & Discontinuity Detection, Evaluation and Acceptance Standards
Operate and interpret survey meters and personal dosimeters, and explain energy response, calibration and the difference between dose and dose rate.
Identify lack of fusion, incomplete penetration, porosity, slag, cracks and tungsten inclusions from written descriptions using density, shape, location and orientation.
Separate film artifacts, geometry effects and scatter from true indications when the description is ambiguous.
Apply a code acceptance table to classify each indication as acceptable, repairable or rejectable, and record the clause used.
Your checkpoint
Twenty-case interpretation log giving indication type, location, probable cause, accept or reject decision and cited clause, scored at 16/20 or better.
Discontinuity Detection, Evaluation and Acceptance Standards & Procedures, Reporting, Traceability and Quality Management
Evaluate weld radiographs against recognized acceptance criteria, applying density, thickness and indication-size limits consistently.
Write a Level 2 radiographic procedure containing scope, references, personnel, equipment, technique, IQI, acceptance and records sections.
Assemble a report pack linking technique sheet, exposure record, density log, IQI reading, disposition and traceability of source, film and personnel.
Trace a job from request to archive, covering part identification, film markers, storage, retention period and revision control.
Your checkpoint
Mock job package containing one procedure, one technique sheet, five reports and a traceability log, self-audited against a 20-item checklist with all nonconformities corrected.
Procedures, Reporting, Traceability and Quality Management & Technique Selection, Exposure Geometry and Technique Sheets & Image Quality, Sensitivity and Radiograph Interpretation
Audit your own procedure and reports against required-content checklists and close every gap found.
Re-run timed mixed practice sets on technique selection, image quality and interpretation, and repair the three weakest topics.
Complete a full-length timed mock examination at or above the pass threshold, reviewing every missed item to root cause.
Compress formulas, dose limits and high-use code clauses into a single revision sheet you can recall without notes.
Your checkpoint
Full-length timed mock exam scored at 80% or better overall with no domain below 70%, plus a corrected error log and a one-page formula and limits sheet.
Milestones
Week 2: Produce a defensible 6-25 mm steel technique sheet unaided in under 30 minutes, with IQI and density verified against the governing table.
Week 4: Score 80% or better on a 25-question equipment and imaging-media set, and correctly identify every forbidden film, screen and density combination.
Week 6: Score 80% or better on a 30-question mixed set covering radiation safety and discontinuity evaluation, with no critical safety error.
Week 8: Timed mock exam at 80% or better overall and 70% or better in every domain, with all calculation-sheet errors closed out.