Guidelines for Implementation of Employer Based … Guidelines.doc · Web viewRecommended Guideline for the Training, qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel. American Society

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Employer Based Qualification and Certification of Personnel

Part 1 – General Guidelines

Contents.

1. Scope2. Normative References3. Definitions4. Introduction5. Second party and third party certification.6. Process7. Written practice8. Authority to Work9. Records10. Informative References11. Appendices

1 Scope

This document provides generic guidelines to the establishment of a 2nd party certification programme and how to produce and implement a written practice. It provides additional guidance beyond the scope of existing 2nd party certification standards and guidelines and added flexibility or choice to the employer.

2 Normative References

SNT-TC-1A : 2001Recommended Guideline for the Training, qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel. American Society of Non destructive Testing

BS EN 4179: 2000Qualification and approval of personnel for non destructive testing.

NAS-410: 2003Aerospace Industries Association of America National Aerospace Standard

Draft Issue 6 1 dated 04/10/05

3 Definitions

Access Mechanisms by which individuals requiring initial or refresher training may be approached and counselled in order to agree a programme of learning provision and by which this provision can be delivered.

Assessment Moderation Confirmation by a second examiner of the fair and unbiased assessment

provided by a first.

NDT Auditor A person who has received training in internal or external auditing against an employers Quality Management System and having appropriate knowledge of the employers written practice for the qualification and certification of NDT personnel.

Certification Written testimony of qualification and competence awarded to an individual by his/her employer.

Cross-Audit the audit of a department or geographic site by an NDT auditor who maybe employed by the same employer but who is employed in another department, or at a different geographic site independent of the first.

Examiner An individual holding level 3 certification in the appropriate NDT methods and who prepares and subsequently marks the formal examination of level 1 and level 2 personnel on behalf of the employer.

Experience A time period through which a trainee or provisional certificate holder will, subject to documented limitations which may include direct or indirect supervision, practice the NDT method prior to certification.

FlexibleLearningProvision The provision of learning resources in a manner that suits the learning style,

shift working patterns, commitments and barriers to learning of each individual NDT practitioner in the employ of the employer. This may include, but is not restricted to computer based learning, on-line self training and distance learning provision. This form or provision may be modular in nature with in-built assessment facilities and training time credit awarded to and documented for participants, as evidence of having completed pre-requisite training periods.

FormativeAssessment The continual assessment of learning achievement at each and every stage

of training provision which should be formally recorded and either verify progression, or initiate appropriate counselling in order to address concepts on which further learning may depend. The results of formative assessment do not, however, contribute to the final summative assessment based on the normal closed book theory and practical examinations.


InvigilatorAn individual who becomes a designated representative for the level 3 examiner during formal examinations. Such a person is required to have a good understanding of protocol and norms of behaviour expected of single or grouped participants during examinations and adherence to closed book restrictions. Formal NDT qualifications though desirable, are not mandatory and experienced trainers, teachers or examiners in other disciplines may be utilised.

Job CompetenceAssessor A team leader or supervisor who assesses an individual’s knowledge of

local safe working practices, processes, procedures and communication channels relevant to his/her duties prior to the issue of an authority to work within a designated area or team.

ProgressionDemonstrated and verifiable evidence of uptake of new knowledge or improved skill as confirmed by higher or improving grades achieved on formal assessments.

Provisional Certification

A certificate, which testifies by way of a suitable examination that an individual possesses basic knowledge and skills, which permit non-critical inspections or testing only, with consequent gaining of generic experience. This in turn may be a pre-requisite for training prior to the issue of full certification.

Qualification Levels A graduated system involving three or more levels that indicate a level of

competence verified by examination on completion of appropriate periods of training and experience marked by evidence of progression.

Re-certificationThe issue of a new certificate which has a period of validity that may be determined either by these guidelines or other normative/sector specific standards and normally requiring successful completion of an examination or practical test in the relevant method. This period may or may not be punctuated by certificate renewal at evenly spaced interval(s) representing some fraction of the total period of validity.

RenewalA documented process or procedure by which existing and current certification may be refreshed without reissue, incorporating a simplified assessment procedure to verify retained knowledge and skills.

RevocationWithdrawal of certification and subsequently authority to work as a result of change of employer or serious professional misconduct. In the former case, a grace period of three months is usually allowed for individuals to be re-employed and certificated by his/her new employer.


SuspensionA procedure for temporary withdrawal of certification as a result of minor physical impediments, illness or domestic problems which by their nature result in reduced activity in the NDT method for which the individual is certificated. If the period of suspension exceeds that period defined as a significant interruption then those actions documented in the employer’s written practice as necessary to restore competency in that case must be taken which may include retraining and possibly re-examination.

Team LeaderAn individual responsible for the achievement of specified objectives and output from a small team or cell concerned with a specific process, product or service.

TerminationPermanent cancellation of certification.

TrainerA qualified individual having level 2 or higher certification in the appropriate method, possessing verifiable experience and skill in the execution of the specific NDT methods and who can demonstrate capability in the passing on of those skills to others.

TraineeAn individual undertaking a programme of training and education commensurate with previous experience or knowledge with the aim of achieving certification at the level appropriate for the demands and responsibilities associated with his/her prospective duties as defined by the employer.

4 Introduction

These guidelines provide an insight to organisations implementing employer-based (2nd party) certification schemes for the qualification and certification of their NDT personnel. These personnel may be involved in non-destructive tests on material or components, either as part of a manufacturing process, or in the provision of an inspection service for internal or external customers having specific end uses.

The aim of this document is to assist present, or potential users of employer based qualification and certification in developing a written practice that defines all of it’s of the essential components. Further it accurately describes the employer’s particular practice, including details of the specific products, processes and the NDT methods applied by the employees.

The written practice generally forms a major part of the contractual agreement to deliver the NDT services to the customers requirements, often related to particular, sector specific standards, codes or specifications, which also demand varying levels of adherence to the qualification and certification process. That is, different standards or specifications may specify different requirements for the same NDT method at the same level. It is therefore essential that the detailed description within each section of the written practice be formed with the aim of satisfying the appropriate criteria required in the specification(s) that the practice claims to comply with.


It is recognised that for certain non standard tasks, or the introduction of new technology for which no experience exists within the organisation, that some of the tasks described herein may be better specified within a third party certification scheme working in accordance with standards that conform to the broad requirements of these guidelines.

5 Second party and third party certification

There are fundamental differences between employer based (2nd party) certification schemes and third party certification schemes that give each scheme certain advantages in particular contexts. The close involvement of the employer in the former case ensures that training provision is strictly relevant to the business in which the company is involved and the NDT equipment and resources and the materials, products or components utilised in this training are those that the individual will experience in his normal employment with that company. The employer is ultimately responsible for the services or product it supplies to it’s customers and this fact ensures that training provision and associated assessment mechanisms for employees are adequate to satisfy the requirements of the customer and fitness for purpose. The certificate of competence issued to an individual under employer based schemes remains the property of the employer and is withdrawn if an individual decides to change employment. If moving into another employer based scheme within a reasonable period of leaving the first (typically 3 months), there is usually recognition of an individual’s general training and experience background for which some credit may apply and that reduces the level of training and examination required to assure competency in the new employers NDT operations.

Third party certification schemes seek to remove the employer from the qualification and examination processes in the name of impartiality although the employer is still responsible for issuing the final authority to work. Training is carried out only at training and/or examination centres approved by the certifying body, itself, completely independent of the employer. These centres are regularly audited by the certifying body in order to verify compliance with the scheme rules and regulations, in respect of conduct of training and examinations with the aim of achieving fair and consistent assessment across all of its authorised centres. This is facilitated by technical experts engaged by the certifying body establish the training, examination and sector specific certification in accordance with international and national standards and the certificate issued then belongs to the individual and is portable across any number of employers within the industry sector . Efforts to harmonise the various international certification standards are aimed at further levelling the qualification and certification processes internationally and providing a recognised certificate of competence which transcends national boundaries, further increasing the portability of the certificate. It is essential that an employer provides any training on specific NDT equipment or specialised processes deemed necessary, with responsibility still residing with the employer.

It should be noted, that independent training organisations may be utilised by employers having inadequate resources and/or facilities to conduct NDT training themselves. It is important in such cases, however, that statements of exam successes and/or certificates of satisfactory completion of a training course issued by such organisations are neither confused with nor substitute the certificate and authority to work which must be issued by the employer who has sole responsibility for the competence of the NDT personnel that they employ.


6 Process

The process of qualification and initial certification in an employer-based scheme is shown in the following flowchart in Figure 1.

The process of certification renewal and recertification in an employer-based scheme is shown in the flowchart in Figure 2.


Examination6.4Figure 1


Preparation

6.1

Qualification and Initial Certification Process Flowchart

Training Resources6.11, 6.12

Schedule and Programme

Induction6.2

Theoretical Instruction

6.3.1

Supervised

Experience

6.3.3Para 6

Practical Instructio

n6.3.2

Formative Assessment satisfactory?

6.3.3

Certificate7.0

B

Start

Y

N

Y

NProvisional Certificate

6.3.3Para 7

6.3.3Para 5

Achieve passing grades in formal Examinations

N

Y

Qualification requirementsmet in full

Figure 2


Certification Renewal and Recertification Process Flowchart

B

Certification is due for

Review?

Option for renewal is permitted?

Structured Credit Points

Theory and Practical Test

Continued satisfactory performance

Update original certification and set certification review date.

Update original certification and set recertification date.

Collate Evidence of CPD

Log Book documentation and evidence of regular application in the method

Passing Grades?

Points requirement achieved?

N

Y

Y

Y

N

N

N

Y

6.5.2.2 Para 2

6.5.1

6.5.2.1

6.5.3 Para 3

6.5.2.26.5.2.3

6.5.2.2 Para 3

6.5.2.1 Para 1

Follow rules for initial certification

6.1 Preparation

6.1.1 Facilities

It is recognised that the normal place of work within a manufacturing site with production pressure to meet commercial obligations and customer expectations may not be conducive to learning, training and/or instruction. Initial training in theoretical aspects especially, therefore requires controlled learning environments for complex or automated NDT systems that are not easily simulated in classroom environments. It may be necessary to provide the trainee with some exposure to these systems and the normal inspection environments encountered in those industries in order to produce fully knowledgeable and competent personnel for the employer.

6.1.2 Resources

The provision of adequate learning resources such as training manuals, textbooks, media, equipment, calibration blocks and defective specimens of type specific to the the employers products or those encountered routinely in the course of normal duties, in addition to audio-visual teaching aids, are essential to the learning process.

The criteria for the provision of training resources and facilities for organisations implementing NDT Personnel training already exists and will not be duplicated here. The guideline documents issued by CEN and referenced in section 10 is considered satisfactory for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of these guidelines.

6.2 Induction

In the case of employer based training schemes in which all training candidates are in the employ of the organisation providing their NDT training, it is assumed that normal induction procedures including an introduction to safety procedures and practice will be provided at the start of employment.

In the case of new NDT responsibilities exposing the trainees to new dangers or environment then further specific induction to these areas or equipment may be necessary. Any potential hazards resulting from use of particular NDT equipment should be brought to the attention of trainees during theoretical training and prior to hands on operation of the systems concerned.

6.3 Qualification

The process of qualification is three tiered. The first step is usually the provision of periods of classroom training during which the underlying physical principles of the NDT method under study are introduced. This theoretical instruction may be reinforced with practical demonstrations that further consolidate those theoretical concepts. Practical hands on periods are then provided in order to familiarise individuals with the equipment, techniques, products and procedures that must be mastered as a prerequisite to certification.


6.3.1 Theoretical Instruction

The criteria traditionally presented as the prime consideration involve classroom training, the period of which depended on the particular NDT method under study and the level of certification sought. In most standards or guidelines currently available, however, there is little or no specific guidance on presentation methods or teaching styles with only passing mention of teaching aids, equipment, resources and allowance for differentiation in training provision for individuals of varying capability or prior learning.

There are strategies that take advantage of modern communication systems and developments in computer based training which now better facilitate distance and open learning. This permits flexible learning and allows some degree of differentiation in the training to enable individuals the opportunity to learn at a time and pace which suits their individual needs and abilities and also compatible with their life style and work patterns forming an integral part of the overall curriculum in the employer based environment. Trainees or students can be very effectively prepared for classroom training lessons by introducing the concepts and principles using distance learning prior to attendance at courses or presentations. This releases more time for practical demonstration, hands on exercises and group interaction with subsequent reinforcement of the concepts previously learned in private.

It is estimated that distance learning provision could account for between 25% and 50% of the total traditional training time providing that the results of ongoing assessment indicates that this method has been effective in communicating the theoretical concepts and principles.

The quality of the training provision often outweighs the periods allocated to training and it is clear that simply extending periods of poor quality training is rarely effective in achieving the anticipated learning outcomes. A greater emphasis should be placed on assessing the extent of learning achieved progressively through all stages of training.Analysis of these measurements of progression should determine the level and duration of further instruction.

Training of a high standard or quality can be achieved using structured lesson plans addressing a specific part of the syllabus and detailing the learning objectives which should be communicated to the trainee(s) at the start of the lesson, as should the intention to test this new knowledge at the end of each lesson.

Continuous assessment, undertaken either individually or within small buzz groups taking advantage of group dynamics and peer discussion can assist the instructor in judging individual progression and the need for counselling or further study prior to moving to the next topic.


6.3.2 Practical Instruction

Time must be allocated to the mastery of psychomotor skills on manual NDT processes where an individual manipulates, probes, sensors or equipment and there is a requirement for developing dexterity or skill in maintaining critical alignment or positioning of such components. Familiarity with the controls, adjustment and calibration of test equipment and the application of particular techniques and procedures that will be encountered in the work place form an essential element of the qualification process.

6.3.3 Assessment

The ongoing formative assessments mentioned in the previous section are an extremely important part of an effective training methodology that is frequently inadequate or overlooked entirely in favour of the final summative assessment, manifest as the traditional three-part examination process. This latter process is undoubtedly the most researched and developed aspect of NDT training and has set a high standard of achievement historically at each of the normal qualification levels. The criterion-based assessment either solely multi choice form, or this combined with narrative type answers has been effective in screening those individuals who for any reason (not always their own shortcomings) have failed to achieve all of the necessary competences.

There is no intention for these guidelines to dilute these assessment mechanisms and allow for a lower standard of assessment. There is little value in reducing the number of questions nor the difficulty level to admit individuals into the pool of certificated operators authorised to conduct NDT tests since customer requirements and standards in general rarely reduce. They are in fact continually increasing with time and with increasing expectations for material strength, properties, soundness and structural integrity this is rightly so.

It is the intention of these guidelines, however, to encourage proper assessment of the prior knowledge or learning of candidates for certification and the award of credit for such endeavours where appropriate. This may be take the form of reduced training provision providing that the normal formative assessment tests indicate that the subject matter of each training module is already known and understood. Any shortcomings would normally become obvious during the formal examinations stage but every attempt should be made to identify knowledge gaps during the training provision rather than “catching out” unwary or ill prepared candidates using examinations. Methods and severity of assessment should be clearly described in the employers written practice and assure the achievement of all of the desired competencies at each respective qualification level in order to justify the individual training periods and programme afforded to each trainee. It is also the intention of these guidelines to advise on the breadth of subject matter covered in the training of NDT personnel to those methods, techniques, equipment and materials with which the employer’s business is specifically concerned and which will therefore be practiced as part of normal duties. The detail of any such limited scope shall be included on individual certifications. This is an option which can only be permitted with some reservation in third party certification schemes and where it is unclear exactly what inspections may be necessary and on which specific products.


It is to this end that these guidelines propose the use of “provisional certificates” for issue to personnel having completed certain essential training modules and having achieved satisfactory grades in formal assessments (examinations) covering such modules prior to completion of the full syllabus, but with proven abilities in certain limited tasks. These may be routine low level inspections executed at intermediate stages of manufacture or where inspection takes place as an internal requirement in order to feedback into the manufacturing process with the aim of continual improvement, rather than final, critical inspections stipulated by the customer as part of the contract of supply.

This then affords the trainee an opportunity to gain experience within a work team with reference to fully qualified team members when appropriate as in the cases of detection of defective material and the need to sentence the affected material or components. The duration of the “provisional certificate” should be determined by outcome of job competence standard assessment as performed by a designated job competence standard assessor.

The “provisional” certification is replaced with full official certification once all training modules are completed and the full examination process has been completed with achievement of passing grades

6.4 Examination

6.4.1 Theory Examinations

The minimum number of theoretical questions in each of the two theory examinations and the content and format of practical examination should be detailed in the employer’s written practice. General guidance on the number of questions is detailed in appendix 11.1 of these guidelines.

6.4.1.1 General Theory

Questions should address the fundamental physical principles of the NDT method common to all applications. The inherent limitations of the test method should be detailed in respect of the principle of operation, the important prerequisite physical characteristics of the material under inspection, influence of increasing distance between energy sources and sensors where appropriate, loss in energy with distance travelled through materials in addition to the influence of boundaries and interfaces. Important inspection parameters, the scope for adjustment of the test equipment should be described along with the consequences of making such adjustments or selections in respect of test integrity, subsequent indications or display and their interpretation.

6.4.1.2 Specific Theory

The examination component addresses the particular equipment, techniques, products, procedures and standards which will be encountered during execution of NDT related duties at the behest of the employer in order to satisfy the employers requirements,customer expectation, accepted norms within a particular industry sector, or legislation.


The particular application of methods or techniques as required by the employer in meeting a specific market need and disregarding wider application, as covered in the general theory examination component, demands reference to internal works instructions or procedures, external standards, specifications and acceptance criteria in order to assure full understanding and knowledge of the normal, day- to-day business requirements.

6.4.2 Practical Examination

It is essential that a candidate for certification must demonstrate the ability to practically apply the skills and knowledge developed during the qualification process, irrespective of the type of system (manual or automated) that will be utilised. The former type, though far less demanding of manual skills than portable or manual test equipment, invariably require quite detailed knowledge of menus and inspection parameters in all but the most simple applications. In the latter case, individuals must demonstrate the ability to set up and perform routine calibration checks on test equipment, apply any necessary media and interpret indications or displays, regardless of any physical impediment.

A minimum of two examination specimens, typical of the product types and affected by typical discontinuities, faults or defects originating from material, manufacturing or in service sources should be submitted to the candidate in order to verify that all expected learning outcomes and competencies have been achieved. The results of such inspections should be compared with the results achieved previously by independent qualified inspectors during specimen mastering or with detailed drawings/ sketches of flaw locations and extent.

6.5 Certification

The certificate represents a concise written testimony of an individual having successfully completed all of the components of the qualification process that were detailed in the previous section of these guidelines. The validity of a certificate testifying to competence in an NDT method does not continue indefinitely following initial issue, but has a predetermined life span, punctuated by periods of refreshment before expiry. There are various options available to certificate holders who wishes to maintain the currency of their certification and these are detailed in the following sub sections. In the case of employer based certification it is the employer who is responsible for the certification of their own employees and who shall issue certificates to each individual detailing the following: -

Corporate Heading or LogoDate of issueName of individual NDT method and qualification level achieved.Reference to company written practiceScope of Certification including any limitations or provisional statusCompliance with normative standards or guidelines where appropriate. Reference to records of training and assessmentReference to education backgroundReference to experience historyPeriod of validity Name and signature of the certificated individual.Name and signature of the examiner.


6.5.1 Initial Certification

Once all of the qualification processes shown in Figure 1 and detailed in sections 6.3 and 6.4 are successfully completed then the final step involves the production of a formal certificate as detailed above. On issue of this certificate to an individual for the first time, consideration has to be given to the anticipated period of validity over which the certificate remains up to date, relevant and suitable, given changes in technology, standards and legislation. Ideally, the opportunity to practice these new found skills occurs often enough to allow the certificated individual to gather further knowledge based on personal experience and in this case, the initial learning becomes reinforced. In this case the certification period may be set to up to ten years with renewal after five years. There is, however, a real danger of quite rapid loss of newly acquired skills if there are long periods of inactivity.There may be a need to periodically re-train individuals in-house at short intervals, a number of times at equally spaced stages, prior to expiry of certification. Alternatively the employer may decide to shorten the total period of validity to just a few years and recertificate ( section 6.5.3 ) on expiry.

6.5.2 Certification Renewal

It is recommended that the level of retention of the essential detail relating to the particular NDT method, equipment and techniques covered in the initial qualification be assessed periodically. The period between assessments should be determined by the responsible level three in each method based on surveillance. Once the most appropriate period for renewal has been decided and documented in the written practice,consideration should be given to the extent and severity of assessment as appropriate for the qualification level and aimed to assure continued customer satisfaction with the products inspected

These guidelines suggest three main options for renewal.(see definitions)

6.5.2.1 Option 1 : Short Theory and Practical Test

Shortened version of specific and practical components of examination conducted at some fraction of the total period of validity of the initial certification with commensurate content and duration.

This has the advantage of allowing testing of general weak areas as exposed by difficulties encountered in the period since initial certification, perhaps as a result of customer concerns and allowing focus on those specific problems with the aim of preventing needless reoccurrence.

Well practiced techniques or known areas of strength may not need deep scrutiny but may still warrant one or two straightforward questions which could reinforce existing knowledge by going to a finer detail than was achievable with less experienced individuals undertaking initial certification.

The parameters which are commonly stipulated in the standards or procedures that are applied by the employer should be tested to ensure that the requirements of such documents are known, understood and applied.


6.5.2.2 Option 2: Continued satisfactory performance

The company or employer of certificated NDT personnel is ultimately responsible for the supply of products or services to their customers and it is often the case that such employers adopt a proactive approach in meeting this responsibility. This may involve monitoring of key performance indicators and also close supervision of the in-house NDT activities which form a part of the business.

In those organisations where there is close contact between management and NDT processes or personnel, it is normal for documented reporting of results of NDT inspections to be collated and analysed at regular discussions or meetings.

This allows the employer an insight into day to day NDT activity and the possibility of identifying those individuals in need of more support and assistance than others. The use of a personal log book is advised for the purpose of documenting NDT inspections, training and development and any other activities related to maintaining knowledge and experience in the method for which certificated or NDT in general. This log book should be verified, signed, and dated by a line manager or senior NDT manager or supervisor.

In order to preclude the possibility of indefinite renewal of certification by this method these guidelines recommend that this method be used once only in each period of certification. On expiry of certification, re-certification with the associated examination components should be the only mechanism for extending the initial qualification for another period of validity. This new period of certification may once again incorporate one renewal by CSP at mid term if this remains the employer’s preferred method of renewal.

6.5.2.3 Option 3: Structured Credit Points

In order to satisfy the requirements for renewal of level three certification in accordance with these guidelines it is necessary to provide objective evidence of involvment in NDT activities both inside and outside of normal daya to day duties. Crdit is awarded for regular involvement in level three activities as part of normal employment but this must be supplemented to a reasonable degree with attendance at seminars, conferences and committees etc.

Details of the manner in which structured credit points can be amassed are shown in the table in section 11.2 of these guidelines.

6.5.3 Re-certification

This process is different from renewal in two main respects:-

i) A completely new certificate is issued with a stated period of validity or review.

ii) The process is more rigorous in that it normally requires a full examination or some major part thereof. In particular, it is normal at levels 1 and 2 to also demonstrate practical application of the method.

Re-certification is therefore a major milestone in the certification process, usually arriving several years after the programme of initial training and


warranting a “fresh look” at the certificated individual in terms of the exposure to and experience of NDT inspections, the opportunity to keep abreast of change and the extent of personal development. In the case of certain critical industry sectors, re-certification is mandated, often at quite short intervals and often requiring full re-examination as the only qualification route.

7 Written Practice

A written practice should describe the training organisation management and be part of a quality management system. The specific NDT methods covered should be listed together with the basic levels of qualification which underpin the various NDT activities, as directed by the employer, with the aim of satisfying the needs of the customer, clients, or industrial sector serviced by the employers’ business.

The specific responsibilities of each qualification level should be clearly described, not only in general terms, but describing specific equipment, techniques and applications encountered at the place of employment. These basic qualification levels may provide all or part of the prerequisite knowledge or skills required to underpin more specialist positions, which together with the basic levels make up the total NDT community. These include instructors, trainers, auditors, team leaders, supervisors and managers.

Detail of the curriculum provided for NDT trainees should include a syllabus covering each level in each method, a listing of resources and equipment available that support the learning outcomes at each of these levels.

A typical syllabus for the various NDT methods by qualification level are detailed in ISO 9712 which is referenced in section 10 of these guidelines and which applied either in their entirety or in relevant part shall be regarded a meeting the requirements of these guidelines.

Methods and severity of Assessment should be clearly described and assure the achievement of all of the desired competencies at each respective qualification level in order to justify the individual training periods and programme afforded to each trainee. The minimum number of theoretical questions in each of the two theory examinations and the content and format of practical examination is proposed in section 11.1 of these guidelines. { it will be}

Certification should be clearly identified as the responsibility of the employer and distinction made between certification and “authority to work” where appropriate, especially where the latter requires supplementary competencies, which may not be specifically NDT related.

Mechanisms for administering the certification requirements of the employers NDT community including criteria and procedures for issuing , renewing, suspending, revoking and re-certificating individual personnel either reactively or periodically, should exist and be documented in the employers written practice.


The following sections form a written practice :-

IntroductionOrganisation structure diagramReferencesMethods utilised within the organisationQualification levels, responsibilities and criteriaExamination criteriaCertification procedures and responsibilitiesRenewal and recertification criteriaCertification withdrawal and recovery Rules

General guidance in these aspects of NDT personnel qualification and certification as proposed by this guideline document are proposed in section 6.

Some typical examples of written practices are in the appendices.

8 Authority to Work

Satisfactory completion of training and experience periods with subsequent success in all four components of the examination process may or may not imply authority to work. There may be supplementary training required in order to convey detailed knowledge of the work environment, general safety issues, specific administrative tasks such as registering attendance at work, emergency procedures or disaster plan. Only when all supplementary training is completed can full authority to work be granted.

9 Records

The extent and quality of recording of the NDT qualification and certification processes should be sufficient to form an effective audit trail in addition to providing comprehensive detail of the learning experience provided for and assessment tools applied to each certificated individual. These records may be in electronic form utilising database and spreadsheet data structures with resolution down to individual level, but shall also comprise of hard copy (signed) checklists and exercises which demonstrate individual participation, progression and ultimate competence.

Specific detail for each certificated individual should include: -

Dates, duration and general description of training provision. (Register)Detailed lesson Plans, aims and objectives.List of training resources, technical references.Summary of results of formative assessmentEvidence of participation.Completed examination papersAssessment of prior knowledge and educational background.Employment and experience history.Record of surveillance and/or continual assessment.


10 Informative References

BS EN 10256: 2000 Non Destructive Testing on Tubes – Qualification and competence of level 1 and level 2 non-destructive testing personnel

ISO 20807: 2004 NDT – Qualification of Personnel for Limited Applications of NDT

ISO 11484: 1994 Steel Tubes for Pressure Vessel Purposes – Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel

ANSI / ASNT CP-189: 2001 ASNT Standard for Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing PersonnelAmerican Society of Nondestructive Testing

ISO/IEC 17024 : 2003 Conformity Assesment - general requirements for bodies operating certification of personnel

ISO /FDIS 9712 : 2004 Non-destructive testing – Qualification and Certification of personnel

IAEA TECDOC 628/Rev 1 : 2002 Training Guidelines in Non-destructive Testing Techniques

PrCEN ISO/TR 25108 Non Destructive Testing – Guidelines for NDT Personnel Training Organisations


11 Appendices

11.1 Minimum Examination Questions Level 1 and 2

Method General Specific Remarks

UT 40 30 Including 5 questions on product technology in the specific part.

ET 40 30 Including 5 questions on product technology in the specific part.

RT 40 30 Including 5 questions on product technology in the specific part.

MT 30 20 Including 5 questions on product technology in the specific part.

PT 30 20 Including 5 questions on product technology in the specific part.


11.2 Level Three Structured Credit Points

Activity Points Awarded Max PointsPermitted 1 years

Max PointsPermitted 5 years

Supervision of NDT operations 1 Point per month of assigned responsibility

12 36

Training of NDT Personnel 1 point per 40 hours of training provision

10 30

Procedure Writing 1 point per procedure 10 30Examinations Development 1 point per examination 12 36Development of NDT Equipment 5 points for each

documented performance improvement

10 30

Participation in multi-disciplined project teams, steering groups or improvement teams involved in NDT systems development.

1 point per meeting attended 10 30

Liason with customers 1 point per consultation or visit or liason.

10 30

Audit of NDT systems 5 points per completed and signed off audit

10 30

Collaborations with other NDT establishments or suppliers

5 points for each successful joint development

10 30

Membership of Institute Committees

1 point per full day of attendance

12 36

Attendance at Institute Branch Meetings

1 point per attendance 6 18

Attending regional Seminars and exhibitions

1 point per attendance 6 18

Attendance at national / international conferences

2 points for each full day of attendance

10 30

11.3 Typical Written Practice examples

11.3.1 Typical Written Practice to meet SNT-TC-1A guidelines

11.3.2 Typical Written Practice to meet EN 4179 and NAS 410 requirements.


Documents

Guidelines for Implementation of Employer Based … Guidelines.doc · Web viewRecommended Guideline for the Training, qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel. American Society