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
PCN 24/GEN Requirements for Level 2:
- Training: 40 hours of approved training (in addition to Level 1).
- Work Experience: 3 months of supervised experience, which may be completed before the exam or within 12 months after passing.
Certification:
Candidates who successfully complete the training, pass the examination, and fulfil the required supervised work experience within 12 months will be awarded PCN Level 2 certification.
Important Notes:
- A valid eye test (near vision and colour perception) is mandatory before examination.
Examinations for Penetrant Testing (PT) are conducted in line with the PCN personal certification scheme to Level 2.
PCN Level 2 – Penetrant Testing examination consists of:
- General Theory Paper
- Principles of penetrant testing
- Capillary action, wettability, and discontinuities
- Types of penetrants & emulsifiers
- Sensitivity levels & lighting requirements
- Developer types and effectiveness
- Equipment checks & calibration
- Evaluation against acceptance standards
- Safety in PT
- Specific Theory Paper
- Application of PT to various products (welds, castings, forgings, machined surfaces, etc.)
- Interpretation of standards, codes, and specifications
- Control checks and documentation requirements
- Practical Examination
- Select appropriate PT technique for given test objects
- Perform checks & calibrations
- Apply PT and conduct inspections independently
- Detect, interpret, and evaluate discontinuities against standards
- Produce complete, traceable test reports
- SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR
- SAFETY BOOTS (Practical)
- OVERALLS (Practical)
- One valid ID with photograph (for examination)
All other equipment and training materials are provided by EmergePro Academy.
