Prerequisites:
Important Update for First-Time PCN Candidates
Effective 1st November 2025, PCN has introduced a mandatory prerequisite for all first-time aspirants. Before you can register for any PCN course at an approved institute, you must complete an online Product Technology Training course.
Key Details:
• Who it applies to: All students (at any level) attending their first BINDT ATO-approved training course.
• Level 3 Exception: This also applies to Level 3 bespoke training unless the applicant already holds a valid ISO 9712 certificate.
• Frequency: This training only needs to be completed once.
• Scope: Because this mandatory course exceeds standard "basic prior knowledge" requirements, it must be finished in advance of your first class.
Note on Certificate Validity: To be exempt from the Level 3 requirement, your ISO 9712 certificate must be recognized by BINDT and listed in ICNDT OP19 – MRA Schedule 2 and/or the European Federation for Non-Destructive Testing (EFNDT) MRA Schedule 2.
If you have already completed this course, please reply with a copy of your certificate. If you have not yet completed it, please follow the instructions below:
Key Points to Note:
• Training Access: https://wcet-online-training.bindt.org/ (Step-by-step registration guidance is attached).
• A fee of £88.5 + VAT (charged by BINDT) is payable online and is valid for 365 days.
• Duration: The 24-hour course can be completed online at your convenience.
• Upon payment, you will gain access to course materials consisting of three modules: -
Module 1: Industrial Materials –
Module 2: Manufacturing Processes –
Module 3: Introduction to NDT (Total course duration: approximately 24 hours)
• A minimum passing score of 80% is required.
• Each candidate will have three attempts to achieve the passing score.
• Certification: Upon passing, you will receive a Course Completion Certificate, which is mandatory for your registration.
• We encourage all new aspirants to complete this training at the earliest to avoid any delay in the registration process.
• Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Royal Tech team for assistance.
• Once we receive your Product Technology Certificate, we will proceed with your enrolment for any Level 1/ 2 course
Training & Experience Requirements (PCN 24/GEN):
- Training: 21 hours of approved training prior to the exam.
- Work Experience: 1 month of supervised experience, which may be completed before the exam or within 12 months after passing.
Certification:
Once candidates have successfully completed the training, passed the examination, and fulfilled the supervised work experience within 12 months, PCN Level 1 certification will be issued.
Important Notes:
- Candidates must pass an eye test (near vision and colour perception) to be eligible for examination.
Examinations for Penetrant Testing (PT) are conducted in line with the PCN personal certification scheme to Level 1.
PCN Level 1 – Penetrant Testing examination consists of:
- General Theory Paper
- Principles of PT
- Types and properties of penetrants
- Application and removal techniques
- Developers and inspection methods
- Lighting requirements (visible/UV)
- Discontinuity detection
- Equipment checks & calibration
- Safety in PT
- Specific Paper
Application of the method and use of codes, specifications and procedures, applicable to the course/Method, including the relevant control checks.
- Practical Examination
- Carry out PT under supervision following written instructions from a Level 2 or Level 3
- Apply penetrant, clean, apply developer, and perform inspection
- Record and report test results properly
- Not responsible for technique selection or final acceptance decisions
- SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR
- SAFETY BOOTS (Practical)
- OVERALLS (Practical)
- One valid ID with photograph (for examination)
All other equipment and training course materials are provided by EmergePro Academy.
