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
As per PCN 24/GEN:
- Training: 80 hours of approved TOFD Level 2 training (in addition to Level 1).
- Work Experience: Minimum 12 months supervised TOFD experience (before the exam or within 24 months after passing).
Certification: Issued upon successful completion of training, passing exams, and achieving supervised work experience within 24 months.
Important Note: Candidates must hold a valid near vision and colour perception eye test prior to examination.
Examinations for TOFD Level 2 follow the PCN certification scheme.
The Level 2 examination consists of:
- General Theory Paper
- Ultrasonic principles and TOFD diffraction theory
- Probe configuration and beam spread
- Calibration procedures and equipment checks
- Image analysis and defect sizing
- Standards, specifications, and acceptance criteria
- Safety in TOFD
- Specific Theory Paper
- Application of TOFD to welds, plates, and complex geometries
- Selection of probes, wedges, and scan plans
- Control checks, reporting, and documentation
- Evaluation of indications against codes
- Practical Examination
- Set up and calibrate TOFD equipment independently
- Perform inspections on test samples
- Detect, size, and evaluate discontinuities
- Compare results against acceptance standards
- Prepare complete reports and written instructions for Level 1 operators
- Scientific Calculator
- Safety Boots (Practical)
- Overalls (Practical)
- ID proof with photograph
All required TOFD equipment, standards, and training specimens will be supplied by the academy.
