PCN NDT Ultrasonic Testing Level 2 Exam

PCN certification examinations for a method and level normally combine a general (theory) paper, a specific paper covering the applicable standards and technique, and a practical examination in which you inspect and report on test specimens. The exact structure, specimen set and marking for ultrasonic testing are set by the certification body, so check the current PCN scheme documentation before you book.

Level 2 assumes you can work unsupervised: selecting techniques, setting up equipment, calibrating, choosing probes and sizing and characterising indications, not just operating a set. The practical and specific papers are where most candidates lose marks, because they demand interpretation against acceptance criteria rather than recall of theory alone.

PCN examination arrangements allow resits, but the conditions, waiting period and any limits on the number of attempts are defined in the scheme documents and can change. Do not rely on second-hand information: request the current resit policy in writing from the certification body or your approved examination centre when you book.

Most candidates combine an approved training course with several weeks of supervised hands-on practice. Spend the largest share of your time on calibration against reference blocks, scanning for known reflectors, and writing reports to a real acceptance standard, because these skills carry the most marks and are the hardest to acquire from books alone.

Start with the physics of sound, wave modes, beam spread and attenuation, then move to equipment, probe selection and calibration. Only after that study defect detection, sizing and characterisation, and finally the acceptance criteria and reporting requirements of the standards relevant to your sector. This order makes the practical work far easier to absorb.

Typical failures are poor calibration discipline, missing indications because of inadequate scan coverage or overlap, mis-sizing or mischaracterising flaws, and incomplete or non-compliant reports. Candidates also lose marks by not reading the question's standard or acceptance level carefully, or by quoting figures they cannot justify from the applicable specification.

The examination centre controls the equipment, reference blocks and specimens used, and you will normally be asked to work to a specified procedure or standard rather than your employer's own written procedure. Confirm in advance what instructions and documents will be provided so you can practise with equivalent equipment and the same standard.

PCN certification is a UK-based personnel certification scheme administered by BINDT, and BINDT publishes information on European and worldwide recognition of PCN certificates. Recognition always depends on the receiving employer, client or regulator, so verify acceptance with them directly rather than assuming a certificate transfers automatically.

Only the certification body can confirm current fees, examination dates, venue arrangements and the applicable syllabus and scheme documents. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with BINDT or PCN, so treat any figure you see elsewhere as provisional until the certification body confirms it in writing.