Certification Services Division

Midsummer House, Riverside Way

Bedford Road, Northampton
NN1 5NX, United Kingdom

Tel: +44(0)1604-438-300
E-mail: pcn@bindt.org
Web: www.bindt.org/certification

PCN WI ISSUE 4 REV 2 DATED 1 st JANUARY 2018

IMPLEMENTATION DATE: 1 st MAY 2018

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF PERSONNEL FOR WELD

INSPECTION

CONTENTS

1. SCOPE .......................................................................................................................2
2. ELIGIBILITY FOR EXAMINATION......................................................................................2
3 EXAMINATION CONTENT ..............................................................................................3
4 EXAMINATION GRADING ..............................................................................................4
5 RETESTS ....................................................................................................................4
6 ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTIFICATION .....................................................................................4
7 VALIDITY OF CERTIFICATION..........................................................................................4
8 REVALIDATION UPON EXPIRY ........................................................................................4
9 CERTIFICATION AVAILABLE............................................................................................5
10 TRANSITION ...............................................................................................................5
ANNEX A. SYLLABUS & EXAMINATION CRITERIA..............................................................................6
ANNEX B. CORE COMPETENCIES .................................................................................................... 13
RECOMMENDED READING LIST...................................................................................................... 15
Summary of changes ................................................................................................................ 20

The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing is an accredited certification body offering personnel
and quality management systems assessment and certification against criteria set out in international
and European standards through the PCN Certification Scheme.
1. SCOPE
1.1. Thi s document prescribes the s pecific requirements a nd procedures by which personnel may be exa mi ned
a nd, i f s uccessful, certificated for Welding Inspection a t three levels coveri ng wel ds . (Level 1, Level 2 a nd
Level 3 s ee Certification Ava ila bl e). It i ncl udes requi rements for certi fi ca ti on, exa mi na ti on s yl l a bus ,
s peci men exa mi na ti on ques ti on s , a nd a bi bl i ogra phy.
1.2. Ea ch ca ndidate is respons i bl e for bri ngi ng a copy of a s ui ta bl e Code of Practice or Application Standard
rel evant to the a pplication. Authorised Traini ng Orga ni s a ti ons (ATO’s ) ma y be a bl e to a dvi s e on s uch
documenta ti on.
1.3. Thi s document update is intended to bring the Welding Inspector tra ining & exa mi na ti on proces s i n l i ne
wi th the bes t pra cti ce’s a dopted by PCN
1.4. Thi s document i ncorpora tes the requi rements of ISO 17637 “Non-Destructive testing of welds – Visual
testing of fusion-welded joints” a nd much of the Annex B of ISO 14731:2006 “Welding coordination –
Tasks and responsibilities” a nd s peci fi ca l l y wel di ng i ns pecti on i nto thi s qua l i fi ca ti on.
1.5. It i s i ntended, through publication of these documents, to provi de PCN ca ndidates and certi f i ca te hol ders
wi th a ll relevant information. However, i f further i nforma ti on or a dvi ce i s requi red on a ny certi fi ca ti on
ma tter, please contact the Certifi ca ti on Servi ces Di vi s i on of BINDT on tel ephone number +44 (01604)
438300, or ema i l ques ti ons to pcn@bi ndt.org.
1.6. Copi es of PCN documents are a vailable free of charge from BINDT Certification Services Division at
Mi ds ummer House, Riverside Wa y, Bedford Road, Northampton, NN1 5NX, Uni ted Ki ngdom. Organisations
requi ring a t all times to be in possession of the most up to date PCN documents may register with the "PCN
Upda te Scheme" which, for a s mall a nnual fee, guarantees that they a utomatically receive a ll new or revised
PCN documents.

2. ELIGIBILITY FOR EXAMINATION

2.1 Wel d Inspection Level 1 ca ndidates will have s uccessfully completed a BINDT recognised course of tra ining
for Level 1 Welding Inspection. (20 hours minimum duration)
2.2 Wel d Inspection l evel 2 ca ndidates will have successfully completed a BINDT recognised course of training*
for Wel ding Inspection. (50 hours minimum duration, **20% of this maybe accrued by s elf-study pri or to
the s tart of a course).
2.3 Wel d Inspection Level 3 ca ndidates will have s uccessfully completed a BINDT recognised course of tra ining*
for Wel d Inspection Level 3. (40 hours minimum duration)
* Candidates with at least 5 years documented experience without significant interruption in the discipline
for which certification is sought, who can provide evidence of completion of a course of training (coveri ng
the published PCN syllabus), need not have attended a BINDT recognised course of training. Such candidates
should apply to the BINDT Authorised Qualifying Body under the ‘mature candidate’ route. If a significant
interruption in continuity in carrying out welding inspection exists, the candidate will be required to
undertake further training determined by BINDT.
** The ATO shall supply training material to the candidate prior to attending the course, this shall be
considered ‘self-study’.
2.4 The PCN requirements for colour perception and acuity of vi sion, together with the qualifica ti ons of thos e
a dministering the vi s i on tes ts , a re ful l y defi ned i n PCN document PSL/44, whi ch i ncl udes a form for
recordi ng the results of vision tests. The requi rements a re re produced bel ow for ea s e of i nforma ti on .
2.5 Ca ndi dates for PCN exa minations will be required, on the da y of the exa mi na ti on, to provi de proof of a
s a ti s fa ctory vi s i on tes t conducted wi thi n the 12 months precedi ng the exa mi na ti on.
2.5.1 Nea r vi sion acuity s hall permit reading a minimum of Jaeger number 1 or Ti mes Roma n N 4.5
or equi valent letters (having a height of 1,6 mm) at not less than 30 cm wi th one or both eyes ,
ei ther corrected or uncorrected;
2.5.2 Col our vi sion s hall be s ufficient that the ca ndidate ca n distinguish a nd di fferenti a te contra s t
between the colours or shades of grey us ed in the NDT method concerned as specified by the
empl oyer.
NOTE: Subsequent to certification, the documented tests of visual acuity shall be carried out at least every
twelve months and verified by the employer

PCN WI issue 4 rev 2 2 of 20 1st Ja nuary 2018

3 EXAMINATION CONTENT
3.1 The pri nciples of mastering s pecimens s hall be i n line with PCN documents CP8 for tra i ning s peci mens a nd
CP9 (a ppendi x 13) for exa mi na ti on s peci mens .
3.2 Wel d Ins pecti on Level 1
3.2.1 The theoretical examination i s designed to a ssess candidate knowledge and understandi ng of
the s yl l a bus . The theoreti ca l exa mi na ti on compri s es one s ecti on:
3.2.1.1 30 mul tiple choice questions on basic welding theory, weld inspecti on a nd product
technol ogy. Ti me a l l owed 45 mi nutes .
3.2.2 The pra ctical examination, s ha l l not i ncl ude pl a s ti cs , i t i s des i gned to tes t the pra cti ca l
competence of the ca ndi da te a nd compri s es of:
3.2.2.1 As s es s ment of a Wel d – Fi t-up to a s peci fi ed WPS. Ti me a l l owed: 30 mi nutes
3.2.2.2 As s es s ment of a compl eted Fi l l et Wel d. Ti me a l l owed: 1 hour
3.2.2.3 As s es s ment of a compl eted Pl a te Wel d. Ti me a l l owed: 1 hour
3.2.2.4 Reporting the results i n a prescribed manner i n a ccorda nce wi th the i ns tructi ons
provi ded
Tota l Ti me a l l owed 2.5 hours .
3.3 Wel d Ins pecti on l evel 2
3.3.1 The na rrative examination is designed to assess the candidate’s knowledge and understanding
of the key s yl l a bus pa rts . The wri tten exa mi na ti on pa rt compri s es two s ecti ons :
3.3.1.1 30 questions on general welding theory, welding inspection a nd product technology.
Ti me a l l owed: 45 mi nutes .
3.3.1.2 4 na rra tive questions s elected by the ca ndidate from 6 provi ded, coveri ng s peci fi c
wel di ng technol ogy. Ti me a l l owed: 1.5 hours .
For di rect a cces s to Level 2 the ca ndi da te mus t compl ete the exa mi na ti on a t 3.2.2.2
3.3.2 The pra ctical examination, s ha l l not i ncl ude pl a s ti cs , i t i s des i gned to tes t the pra cti ca l
competence of the ca ndi da te a nd compri s es three pa rts :
3.3.2.1 As s essment of a joint preparation/joi nt fi t-up to a s peci fi ed Wel di ng Procedure
Speci fication. (**This would be exempt if the PCN Level 1 Weld Inspection certificate
was current). Ti me a l l owed: 30 mi nutes .
3.3.2.2 As s essment of a Plate AND Pi pe Weld to a provi ded Code of Practice or Appl i ca ti on
s ta ndard. (**Plate would be exempt if the PCN Level 1 Welding Inspection certificate
was current). Ti me a l l owed: Pl a te = 1 hour, Pi pe = 1.5 hours (2.5 hours tota l )
3.3.2.3 Report on 2 destructive specimens to a provided imperfection acceptance standa rd.
Thi s would be a macroscopic test a nd either a bend tes t or fra cture tes t of a fi l l et
wel ded s peci men. Ti me a l l owed: 30 mi nutes .
Ma xi mum tota l ti me a l l owed: 3.5 hours

3.4 Wel d Ins pecti on Level 3

3.4.1 Ca ndi dates not holding valid BINDT recognised Weld Inspector certification will be required to
s uccessfully complete the Wel d Ins pecti on Level 2 exa mi na ti on pri or to a ttempti ng the
exa mi na ti on for Wel d Ins pecti on Level 3.
3.4.2 The wri tten exa mi na ti on pa rt compri s es :
3.4.2.1 4 na rra tive questions s elected by the ca ndidate from 6 provi ded, coveri ng s peci fi c
wel di ng technol ogy. Ti me a l l owed: 1½ hours .
3.4.2.2 30 mul tiple-choice general theory questions at Level 2 standard demonstrating the basic
understanding of conventional a nd a dvanced NDT methods tha t a Level 3 Wel di ng
Ins pector ma y encounter. Ti me a l l owed: 1 hour.
3.4.3 The pra cti ca l exa mi na ti on, s ha l l not i ncl ude pl a s ti cs , the exa m compri s es four pa rts :
3.4.3.1 Scruti nise and comment on three inspection rela ted documents . Ti me a l l owed: 1
hour.

PCN WI issue 4 rev 2 3 of 20 1st Ja nuary 2018

 3.4.3.2 Ins pection of two s eparate weld failures associated with defects produci ng a report
on the proforma provi ded. Ti me a l l owed: 1 hour.
3.4.3.3 Understanding of weldi ng fa bri ca ti on dra wi ng s ymbol s . Ti me a l l owed: 1 hour.
3.4.3.4 Interpretation of six ra diographs of welds. The wel ds wi l l ha ve been produced by
MMA, MIG, TIG or a ny other s tandard welding technology. (Unless the candidate is a
hol der of a va lid PCN certi ficate covering ra diographic i nterpretation of welds ). Thi s
exa mination part will i nclude a requirement to comment on ra diographic density and
s ens i ti vi ty. Ti me a l l owed: 1½ hours .

4 EXAMINATION GRADING
To be s uccessful, ca ndidates are required to a chieve a minimum gra de of 70% in all releva nt examination parts.

5 RETESTS
The conditions for retest of failed examinations are given i n document entitled PCN Inspection a nd Testing (General).

6 ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTIFICATION

6.1 Level 1 ca ndidates will have s uccessfully completed a PCN exa minati on for Wel d Ins pecti on Level 1 a nd:
6.1.1. Ha ve a minimum of one month experience under s upervi s i on a ccepta bl e to BINDT i n the
s yl l a bus a rea s gi ven i n s ecti on 2.1
6.2 Level 2 ca ndidates will have s uccessfully completed a PCN exa mination for Welding Inspecti on Level 2,
a nd:
6.2.1 Ha ve a minimum of twelve months experience under qua l i fi ed s upervi s i on a ccepta bl e to
BINDT a s a Weld Inspecti on Level 2 (certi fi ca ted or uncerti fi ca ted) ca rryi ng out the work
a cti vi ti es l i s ted i n Annex B, or
6.2.2 Ha ve held certification, a cceptable to BINDT, covering non-destructive testing of wel ds for a t
l east 12 months a nd have a minimum of 6 months experience under qua l i fi ed s upervi s i on
a cceptable to BINDT as a certificated or uncertificated Weld Inspector Level 2 ca rryi ng out the
work a cti vi ti es l i s ted i n Annex B, or
6.2.3 Provi de verifiable evidence of havi ng been a welding i nstructor or welding foreman/supervisor
for a mi nimum of 12 months, or provide verifiable evidence of having been trained through a
s tructured tra ining programme such as a Welding Technician or Welding Cra ftspers on from a
forma l a pprentices hi p for a mi ni mum of 24 months a nd ha ve a mi ni mum of 12 months
experience under qualified supervision a cceptable to BINDT as a certificated or uncertifi ca ted
Wel di ng Ins pector Level 2 ca rryi ng out the work a cti vi ti es l i s ted i n Annex B.
6.3 Level 3 ca ndidates will have s uccessfully completed a PCN exa minati on for Wel d Ins pecti on Level 3 a nd:
6.3.1 Ha ve held BINDT recognised Weld Inspector Level 2 certi fi ca ti on for a t l ea s t two yea rs , or
6.3.2 Provi de verifiable evidence of havi ng typical job responsibilities of a Weld Ins pecti on Level 3
for a t l ea s t fi ve yea rs .

7 VALIDITY OF CERTIFICATION
7.1 The period of va lidity of the certification i s described in PCN document I&T (GEN): General Requirements for
the Certi fication of Personnel for Engineering Inspection and Testing.

8 REVALIDATION UPON EXPIRY

8.1 Sta tus
Certi fi cates have a status of either issue 01 or i ssue 02. Certi ficates bearing 01 a re issued following
s uccess in a n i nitial, supplementary or recertification examination. Certi ficates bearing 02 a re issued
fol l owing renewal a fter a review of s atisfactory evidence of continuity i n the work for which they are
i s sued.
8.2 Renewal
For i nformation on renewal, s ee PCN document I&T (GEN): General Requirements for the Certification
of Pers onnel for Engineering Inspection a nd Testing.

PCN WI issue 4 rev 2 4 of 20 1st Ja nuary 2018

 8.3 Recerti fication
Al l i ssue 02 certificates a re revalidated through success in a recertification examination comprising:
8.3.1 Wel d Inspector Level 1 - Al l the practical elements given in section 4.1.2.1.
8.3.2 Wel d Inspector Levels 2 - A mul tiple choice a nswer wri tten paper covering those elements of
the s yl labus relevant to scope of the certificate and a practical visual inspection a nd reporting
on one weld.
8.3.3 Wel d Inspector Level 3 - A mul tiple choice answer written paper covering those elements of
the s yl labus relevant to scope of the certificate and a practical visual inspection a nd reporting
on one weld.
Wel d Inspection Level 3 certi ficate holders will, in a ddition to the above, be required to
i nterpret and report on a total of six ra diographs relevant to the s cope of the certification
unl ess the candidate is a holder of a va lid PCN certi ficate covering ra diographic i nterpretation
of wel ds.

9 CERTIFICATION AVAILABLE
9.1 The following certification i s available:
9.1.1 Wel d Inspection Level 1
9.1.2 Wel d Inspection Level 2
9.1.3 Wel d Inspection Level 3

10 TRANSITION
10.1 Hol ders of current va lid weld i nspection certification issued by other certification bodies (recognised by
BINDT) s eeking to gain PCN certi fication for Weld Inspection a t an equivalent level will be required to be
s uccessful i n the PCN recertification examination.
10.2 Hol ders of current va lid weld i nspection certification issued by other certification bodies (recognised by
BINDT) s eeking to gain PCN certi fication for Weld Inspection a t a higher l evel will be required to be
s uccessful i n the PCN i nitial examination for the l evel of certification sought.

PCN WI issue 4 rev 2 5 of 20 1st Ja nuary 2018

Certification Services Division
Midsummer House, Riverside Way
Bedford Road, Northampton
NN1 5NX, United Kingdom

Tel: +44(0)1604-438-300
Fax: +44(0)1604-438-301
E-mail: pcn@bindt.org

ANNEX A. SYLLABUS & EXAMINATION CRITERIA

It is intended that the Level 1 welding inspector practitioner will hold a basic knowledge of all aspects of welding
inspection indicated below, the level 2 welding inspector will have an in -depth understanding. The level 3
welding inspector is required to demonstrate full knowledge & understanding of the requirements and processes
involved with this certification, and also have the knowledge, experience and ability to be able to organize and
manage an inspection team.
For ease of understanding the following table has been created.
For Reference and in the context of Weld Inspection:
B = Basic Knowledge.
 Inspector shall have a basic knowledge of the subject.
 Inspector shall be able to perform the basic task required.
 Inspector shall be able to report results in an agreed/approved manner.

I = Intermediate knowledge. (As for “B” plus)

 Inspector shall have intermediate knowledge of the subject.
 Inspector shall be able to perform all of the listed tasks for weld inspection and related activities as
detailed within table A1.
 Inspector shall be able to report and interpret results of the test/method undertaken (Pass/fail)

F = Further knowledge. (As For “I” plus).

 Inspector shall have a better understanding of the subject.
 Inspector shall be able to co-ordinate and assume responsibility for weld inspection and
related activities as detailed within table A1.
 Inspector shall be able to report and interpret results & give informed opinion on the results.

TABLE A1.
1 Principals of Welding Inspection. Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.
1.1 Introduction.
 Es s enti a l duti es of wel di ng i ns pecti on. B I F
 Duti es of a Level 1 Wel di ng Ins pector. B I F
 Duti es of a Level 2 Wel di ng Ins pector. I F
 Duti es of a Level 3 Wel di ng Ins pector. F
 Supervi s i on. I F
 Codes , Sta nda rds & workma ns hi p. (Both na ti ona l a nd B I
i nterna ti ona l . (EN, ISO, AWS, ASME, etc). F
 Ma teri a l types properti es & wel da bi l i ty. B I F
 Ba s i c knowl edge of Qua l i ty As s ura nce &Qua l i ty Control . B I I
 Knowl edge of NDT methods . B I F
 Unders ta ndi ng of res i dua l s tres s a nd di s torti on. I F
 Hea lth & Sa fety related to weldi ng a nd wel di ng envi ronments . B I
1.2. Duties prior to welding.
 Checki ng of Ma teri a l s . Si ze, type a nd condi ti on . B I F
 Sepa ration of materi a l s duri ng wel di ng a nd mi ni mi zi ng cros s B F F
conta mi na ti on. (E.g. Ca rbon Steel / Sta i nl es s s teel s ).
The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing is an accredited certification body offering personnel and
quality management systems assessment and certification against criteria set out in international and
European standards through the PCN Certification Scheme.
  Checki ng wel di ng proces s es for conformi ty. B I F
 Checki ng wel di ng cons uma bl es for conformi ty. B I F
 Checki ng welding consumable for correct s tora ge a nd ha ndl i ng. B I F
 Cons uma bl e des i gna ti on a nd cl a s s i fi ca ti on.
 Checki ng Correct WPS i s a ppl i ca bl e. B I F
 Checki ng of edge prepa ra ti on type, method a nd joi nt s et up B I F
 Checki ng of joint a l i gnment i s i n us e a nd correct proces s a nd B I F
method i s us ed for ta cki ng etc. i f requi red. B I F
 Appl ication a nd control of pre-heat, mea s urement a nd method
us ed. B I F
 Control of i nter-pa s s tempera ture
 Qua l i fi ca ti on of wel ders . B I F
 Va l i da ti on a nd veri fi ca ti on of equi pment a nd tool s us ed. B I F
(Vol t/Amp meter, tempera ture ga uge etc.). I F
1.3. Duties during welding.
 Checki ng correct proces s i n us e per wel d run a s per WPS. B I F
(e.g.TIG/GTAW – root & s ubsequent passes , MMA/SMAW – fi l l &
ca ppi ng pa s s es ).
 Checki ng heat input during welding. (VoltsxAmps/Travel Speed x k B I F
fa ctor).
 Checki ng correct techni que i n us e duri ng wel di ng, (Wea ve, or B I I
Stri ngerbea d).
 Checki ng correct direction of welding and position. (E.g. Leftwa rd, B I I
ri ghtwa rd a nd verti ca l up – down.).
 Checki ng correct wel d run s equence i s us ed duri ng wel di ng. B I I
 Checki ng of i nter-pa s s tempera ture. B I I
 Checki ng of method of i nter-pa s s cl ea ni ng. B I I
1.4. Duties after welding.
 Ens ure tha t the wel dfa ce i s compl eted to s peci fi ca ti on. B I I
 Ens ure a ny remedial work is ca rri ed out whi l e the wel d i s s ti l l B I I
a dequa te i n tempera ture a s per the WPS i f a ppl i ca bl e
 Check the wel d i s a dequa tel y pos t cl ea ned. B I I
 Vi s ua l a s s es s ment of compl eted wel d. B I F
 Ens ure the weld is covered i f requi red by the a ppropri a te WPS B I F
wi th hea t i ns ul a ted bl a nkets to reta rd cool i ng ra te.
 Check post weld heat treatment is ca rried out a s per the WPS or B I F
procedure where s peci fi ed.
1.5. Visual testing of finished weld.
 Fa ctors a ffecti ng the vi s ua l i ns pecti on, l i ghti ng l evel s etc. B I F
 Ma teri a l under i ns pecti on a n d i ts properti es . B I F
 Prepa ra ti on of a rea for tes t. B I F
 Di mens i ona l check of wel d. B I F
 Vi s ual check of wel d fa ce & root a ga i ns t a ccepta nce cri teri a . B I F
 Infl uence of geometry on wel d i mperfecti on detecta bi l i ty. B I F
 Surfa ce condi ti ons . B I F
1.6 Reporting of Weld.
 Reporti ng on a nd compl eti on of report of compl eted wel ds . B I F
 Mi ni mum Informa ti on requi ri ng recordi ng i s s ta ted i n EN ISO B I F
17637 Secti on 5 “Tes t records ”
 Rel ea s i ng wel d for NDT. I F
 Accepta nce/Rejecti on of Wel d I F
1.7 Monitoring of any weld repairs required.
 Correct WPS i s us ed. B I F
 Correct cons uma bl es a re us ed a s per WPS. B I F
 Correct proces s us ed a s per WPS B I F
 Correct pre-hea t us ed a s per WPS. B I F
 Correct depth of repair excavation a nd l ength a re ma de a s per B I F
NDT res ul ts .
 Correct NDT a pplied to repair area as per WPS – work i nstructions B I F
– Qua l i ty pl a n.
 Qua l i fi ca ti on of Wel der for Repa i r Wel di ng. B I F

PCN WI issue 4 rev 2 7 of 20 1st Ja nuary 2018

2 Welding Equipment. Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.
2.1 Construction and mode of operation of welding equipment.
 MMA/SMAW (111) B I F
 TIG/GTAW (141). B I F
 MIG/GMAW (131). B I F
 MAG/GMAW (135). B I F
 FCAW (136) B I F
 SAW (12). B I F
 PAW (15). B B B
2.2 Block Diagram of Welding Processes.
 Control a nd function of equi pment i ncl udi ng i nverter s ys tems . I F
 Ma nual /s emi -a utoma ti c/mecha ni zed/a utoma ted proces s es I F
 Si gni fi ca nce of droopi ng cha ra cteri s ti c.(Cons ta nt Current) I F
 Si gni fi ca nce of fl a t cha ra cteri s ti c (Cons ta nt Vol ta ge) I F
2.3 Welding Current and type of polarity.
 AC s i ne a nd s qua re wa ve types B I I
 DC El ectrode Pos i ti ve.(DCEP) B I I
 DC El ectrode Nega ti ve.(DCEN) B I I
 Pul s ed a rc proces s es I I
2.4 Calibration & Validation of equipment.
 Us e of mea s uri ng equi pment for wel d i ns pecti on. I I I
 Wel ding Gauges, rules, Go / No-go ga uges , Fi l l et Ga uges , Boro- B I I
s copes , ma gni fi ers etc.
 Equi pment Ca l i bra ti on. B I F
 Vol t/Amp meter ca l i bra ti on. B I F
 Di gi ta l Thermometers / pyrometers etc. B I F
 Hea t i ndi ca ti ng tempera ture cra yons etc. B I F
 Il l umi na ti on. B I F
2.5. Health and safety of equipment.
 Ha za rds of worki ng wi th wel di ng equi pment. B I F
 Ha za rds of di fferent wel di ng proces s es . B I F

3 Welding imperfections. Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.

3.1 Imperfection Acceptance Levels.
 Cl a s s i fi ca ti on of i mperfecti ons . B I F
 Accepta nce to “Code” or “Sta nda rd”. I F
3.2. Planar imperfections.
 La ck of s i de wa l l fus i on. B I F
 La ck of i nter-run fus i on B I F
 La ck of root penetra ti on B I F
 La ck of root fus i on B I F
 Cra cks B I F
 Tea rs B I F
3.3 Gas Inclusions.
 Ga s pore B I F
 El onga ted ga s ca vi ti es (Worm hol es ) B I F
 Poros i ty B I F
3.4 Solid Inclusions.
 Copper. B I F
 Tungs ten. B I F
 Sl a g. B I F
 Si l i ca . B I F
3.5 Workmanship imperfections.
 Incompl ete fi l l ed grove. B I F
 Arc Stri kes /Stra y a rcs . B I F
 Root conca vi ty (Suck Ba ck). B I F
 Burn Through B I F
 Overl a p B I F
 Spa tter B I F

PCN WI issue 4 rev 2 8 of 20 1st Ja nuary 2018

  Poor Profi l e. B I F
 Undercut. B I F
3.6. In-Service Imperfections
 Fa ti gue I F
 Stres s Corros i on Cra cki ng I F
 Bri ttl e fra cture. I F
3.7 Cracks.
 Sol i di fi ca ti on cra cks . B I F
 Cra cki ng mecha ni s ms . I F
 HAZ Cra cks (hydrogen i nduced) I F
 Chevron cra cks . I F

4 Weld Joint Design Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.

4.1 Weld Joint Terminology.
 Bevel a ngl e. B I I
 Incl uded Angl e B I I
 Root Fa ce. B I I
 Root Ga p. B I I
4.2. Type of Joint.
 Butt Wel d B I I
 Fi l l et Wel d. B I I
 Cruci form B I I
 Edge, l a p a nd corner joi nts B I I
 Spot, s ea m, projecti on a nd s l ot wel ds B I I
 Compounded wel ded joi nts B I I
4.3 Weld Zone Terms.
 Hea t a ffected Zone (HAZ). B I I
 Wel d root. B I I
 Wel d fa ce (Ca p). B I I
 Fus i on bounda ry, fus i on fa ces a nd s i dewa l l B I I
 Leg Length (z) B I I
 Throa t thi cknes s (a a nd s deta i l s ) B I I
4.4 Welding Position.
 Sl ope. B I I
 Rota ti on. B I I
 Pos i ti on. PA, PB, PC, PDetc B I I
4.5 Weld Symbols.
 Wel d s ymbol s on dra wi ngs . B I F
 EN ISO 2553, AWS I F

5. Welder Testing. Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.

5.1 Witness welder qualification testing.
 Moni tor a wel der tes t. B I F
 Record/report a l l va ri a bl es a nd pa ra meters . B I F
 Vi s ua l a ccepta nce or rejecti on of wel der tes t. B I F
 Si gn off Wel der a s a pproved/qua l i fi ed a s p er s ta nda rd / I F
s peci fi ca ti on / code.

6. Welding Procedure Qualification. Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.

Witness of welding procedure qualification test.
 Wi tnes s of a l l ma teri a l /cons uma bl e certi fi ca ti on I F
 Moni tor & record a l l pa ra meters . (WPQR.) B I F
 Ens ure a ll required NDT is carri ed out as per Specification / Code / I F
Sta nda rd a ppl i ca bl e.
 Wi tness all mechanical testing ca rried out on WPQR a nd report all I F
fi ndi ngs a s a ppl i ca bl e
 Si gni ng off WPQR a s a “true record”. F

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7. Mechanical Testing. Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.
7.1 Definitions.
 Bri ttl e. B I F
 Ducti l e. B I F
 El a s ti ci ty. B I F
 Toughnes s . B I F
 Ha rdnes s . B I F
7.2. Typical test carried out on welds.
(Us ua l l y a s pa rt of wel d procedure qua l i fi ca ti on).
 Tens i l e. B I F
 Bend. B I F
 Fra cture. B I F
 Impa ct. (Cha rpy, IZOD). B I F
 Ha rdnes s . (Vi ckers , Bri nel l ). B I F
 Ma cro/mi cros copi c. B I F
 CTOD. I F
 Fa ti gue. I F
7.3 Stress – Strain.
 Stres s -s tra i n rel a ti ons hi p di a gra m I F
7.4 Ultimate Tensile Strength.
 Ca l cul a ti on I F
7.5. Elongation.
 Ca l cul a ti on. I F

8. Materials. Properties and Weld-ability. Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.

8.1 Typical “Steel” composition. Elements & Properties.
 Ca rbon. B I I
 Ma nga nes e B I I
 Si l i con B I I
 Al umi num B I I
 Mol ybdenum. B I I
 Chromi um. B I I
 Va na di um B I I
 Ni ckel . B I I
 Copper B I I
 Sul phur B I I
 Phos phorus B I I
8.2 Grain Structures.
 Aus teni te B B
 Ferri te B B
 Pea rl i te B B
 Ba i ni te B B
 Ma rtens i te. B B
8.3 Heat Affected Zone
 Hea t Input Formul a ( EN 1011) vers us a rc en ergy B I F
8.4 Hydrogen.
 Effects of Hydrogen i n Steel B I F
 Hydrogen Sca l es B I F
8.5 Carbon Equivalent
 IIW Formul a I F
 Need for Pre -Hea t B I F
8.6 Heat Treatments.
 Pos t wel d s tres s rel i evi ng B I F
 Pos t wel d hea ti ng techni ques B I F
 Annea l i ng. I F
 Norma l i zi ng. I F
 Ha rdeni ng/quenchi ng. I F
 Temperi ng.

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  Thermo-mecha ni ca l trea tments I F
 Hydrogen Rel ea s e. I F
I F
8.7 Various Metals, Steel types . (+Gui de to wel da bi l i ty)
 Low ca rbon s teel B I F
 Fi ne gra i ned s teel s B I F
 Medi um ca rbon s teel . I F
 Hi gh ca rbon s tee l . I F
 Low tempera ture s teel . (Cryogeni c). I F
 Hi gh tempera ture s teel . (Creep Res i s ta nt). B I F
 Mi cro-a l l oyed s teel . I F
 Aus teni ti c s ta i nl es s s teel . I F
 Ferri ti c s ta i nl es s s teel B I F
 Ma rtens i ti c s ta i nl es s s teel . I F
 Dupl ex a nd s uper dupl ex s ta i nl es s s teel . I F
 Ni ckel – Ni ckel Al l oys . I F
 Copper I F
 Li ght metal alloys incl udi ng a l umi ni um a nd a s s oci a ted a l l oys I F
I F
8.8 Residual stress & distortion.
 Stres s & di s torti on ca us ed by wel di ng. I F
 Effects of res i dua l s tres s a nd di s torti on & di s torti on control . I F

9. Welding Consumables. Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.

9.1 Applicable Codes & Standards.
 Interna ti ona l (EN – ISO). B I F
 Na ti ona l (AWS/DIN etc.). B I F
9.2 Consumable by Process. SMAW.
 Type of Fl ux Coveri ng. B I F
 Ba s i c. B I F
 Ruti l e. B I F
 Cel l ul os i c. B I F
 Key cons ti tuents I F
9.3. Classification of consumables
 EN ISO 2560 e.g. E 46 3 1Ni B 5 4 H5 B I F

 AWS. D5.1. e.g. E7018 B I F

9.4 Storage & Handling.
 The correct s torage and handling of consumables, as s p eci fi ed i n B I F
the ma nufa cturers recommenda ti ons .

10. Thermal Cutting Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.

10.1. Flame cutting processes and their effects
 Fl a me cutti ng – ma nua l a nd mecha ni s ed B I F
 Ga s types us ed B I F
 Speci a l a ppl i ca ti ons I F
10.2 Electric Arc Cutting Processes
 Pl a s ma Arc Cutti ng B I F
 Oxy Arc Gougi ng B I F
 Arc-Ai r. B I F
10.3 Non thermal cutting methods and effects
 Shea ri ng B I I
 Ma chi ni ng B I I
 Sha pi ng B I I
 Wa ter jet B I I

11. NDT. Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.

11.1 Understanding of main NDT methods.
(Tes ti ng of Wel ds ).
 Penetra nt Tes ti ng (PT) B I I

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  Ma gneti c Pa rti cl e Tes ti ng (MT) B I I
 Ul tra s oni c Tes ti ng (UT) B I I
 Automa ti c ul tra s oni c tes ti ng (AUT). I I
 Ra di ogra phi c tes ti ng. (RT) B I I
 Ra di ogra phi c Interpreta ti on (RI) I I
 Eddy Current Tes ti ng.(ET) I I
 Pha s ed Arra y
B B I
 Ti me of fl i ght di ffra cti on
B B I

12. Quality Control / Quality Assurance. Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.

12.1 Quality Assurance.
 Ai ms of Qua l i ty As s ura nce. I F
 Benefi ts of a dopti ng a Qua l i ty As s ura nce Sys tem. I F
 Wha t i s Defi ni ti on of Qua l i ty As s ura nce B I F
12.2 Scope of Quality Assurance.
 Ins pecti on vers us Qua l i ty Control . I F
 Ins pecti on vers us Qua l i ty As s ura nce I F
 Qua l i ty As s ura nce vers us Qua l i ty Control . I F
 Qua l i ty Sta nda rds . I F
12.3 Normative Documentation.
 Sta nda rd. B I F
 Code of Pra cti ce B I F
 Speci fi ca ti on. B I F
 NDT Procedure. B F
 NDT Ins tructi on. B F
 Ins pecti on a nd Tes t Pl a n. B I F

13. Safety. Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.

13.1. As well a s havi ng a genera l unders ta ndi ng of s a fety i n the workpl a ce B I F
i ns pectors a re required to have specific knowledge related to the risks a nd
ha za rds a s s oci a ted wi th wel di ng a nd wel di ng pl a nt.
13.2. Protecti on a ga i ns t hea t & l i ght
 Protecti on from burns . B I F
 La s er wel di ng a nd cutti ng. I F
 Arc ra di a ti on. I F
13.3. Protecti on a ga i ns t el ectri ca l s hock.
 El ectri ca l ri s ks & ma gneti c fi el ds . B I F
 Effects of vol ts a nd a mpera ge I I
13.4. Protecti on a ga i ns t fumes & ga s es .
 Meta l Fume Fever. B I F
 Ca dmi um Expos ure. B I F
 Oxy-Fuel Sa fety. B I F
 Confi ned Spa ce. B I F
 Venti l a ti on. B I F
13.5. Ergonomi cs i n the wel di ng envi ronment. B F
13.6. Tungs ten El ectrodes . B I F

PCN WI issue 4 rev 2 12 of 20 1st Ja nuary 2018

Certification Services Division
Midsummer House, Riverside Way
Bedford Road, Northampton
NN1 5NX, United Kingdom

Tel: +44(0)1604-438-300
Fax: +44(0)1604-438-301
E-mail: pcn@bindt.org

ANNEX B. CORE COMPETENCIES.

INTRODUCTION
Since the inception over 40 years ago, welding inspection is a fundamental part of the manufacture of fabricated
products to ensure consistent performance and reliability.
The purpose of this document is to communicate to employers, candidates, PCN Authorised Training
Organisations and PCN Authorised Qualification Bodies the core competencies required for PCN welding
inspection personnel to ensure candidates and employers are fully aware of the requirements for each level.
This document, along with its counterparts has been generated by an industry PCN Welding Inspector Working
Group made up of personnel who work in the field of Welding Inspection, Q uality Assurance and Quality Control.
The Level 1 Welding Inspector
The level 1 welding inspector is aimed at personnel coming into welding inspection for the first time with a
limited scope of work and being supervised by a Level 2 or Level 3 welding insp ector. It is the intention of this
certification that the Level 1 will assess and visually accept or reject welded joints. The Level 1 inspector would
however have limited exposure to before and during welding activities and will report their findings to the level 2
or Level 3 for sentencing. A significant part of this level concentrates on aspects of visual testing of welds in
accordance to BS EN ISO 17637 requirements.
The Level 2 Welding Inspector
The Level 2 welding inspector has an increased scope of duties and competencies compared to a Level 1 welding
inspector but until recently, the syllabus and examination scope has stayed unchanged for many years. The
revised syllabus contained within this and other related documents now reflects an improved scope of work with
a greater emphasis on pre weld inspection of joints and their correct fit up against the welding procedure
specification. The examination has also been changed to reflect what is regarded as more important aspects of
welding inspection and the visual testing of welded joints.
The Level 3 Welding Inspector
The Level 3 Welding Inspector shall be able to perform, and more importantly, manage, supervise and when
required, coach, Level 1 and Level 2 welding inspectors as part of a continuous impro vement philosophy. This is
as well as overseeing the correct application of NDT by competent inspection personnel involved in the project.
The level 3 inspector shall also prepare inspection procedures and test plans, review and interpret welding
procedures as required, whilst working closely with the welding engineer or welding coordinator. The level 3
welding inspector shall also be involved with the conduct of audits of vendors and/or organizations providing
services or materials to the project and shall ensure that the work performed, and the records kept are in
accordance with both the contract documentation and in accordance with the applicable standards or codes of
practice.

PCN WI issue 4 rev 2 13 of 20 1st Ja nuary 2018

Table B1 below sets out the core competences of the 3 levels of welding inspection personnel.

TABLE B1.
1. Basic Knowledge Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.
1.1 Preparation of reports B I F
1.2 Understand & be able to communicate both orally & in writing using the B I F
correct technical terms.
1.3 Basic use of weld inspection equipment B I I
1.4 Basic Welding equipment & Set Up. B I I
1.5 Knowledge of Welding Related Standards & Specifications B I I
1.6 Welding Procedure
 Es s enti a l Fea tures of a WPS. B I F
 Overs ee a Wel der Tes t Under Supervi s i on. B I F
 Overs ee a Wel der Tes t. I F
 Overs ee a WPS (WPQR) under Supervi s i on, a nd wi tnes s I F
mecha ni ca l tes ti ng
 Overs ee a WPS (WPQR) a nd wi tnes s mecha ni ca l tes ti ng. I F
1.7 Design of reporting Matrix and formats.*** F
1.8 Understand fundamentals of the main welding & cutting processes used B I F
and recognize the main inspection points.
1.9 Weld Imperfections.
 An understanding of common welding imperfections & thei r key B I F
i ns pecti on poi nts .
 Cl a ssification of i mperfection a nd knowl edge of thei r effect on B I F
the weld, including the basic unders ta ndi ng of the ca us es a nd
a voi da nces .
1.10 Heat Treatment.
 Understand the difference between material heat treatment and B I F
wel di ng hea t trea tments
 Understand the need for pre-heat as requi red by the WPS & be B I F
a bl e to moni tor correctl y (under s upervi s i on for Level 1).
 Understand the need for Post Weld Heat treatment and be a bl e B I F
to moni tor correctl y under s upervi s i on
 Accept/reject hea t trea tment reports . I F
1.11 Understand the application and interpretation of weld symbols on B I F
drawings.
1.12 Interpret engineering & welding drawings B I F
1.13 Understand the fundamentals of the common NDT methods. B B F
1.14 Understand common steel types and their inspection points. B I F
1.15 Understand the fundamentals of weld ability concepts. B I F
1.16 Arc Welding Safety.
 Appreciate common ri sk associated with welding & cutting i n a n B I F
engi neeri ng envi ronment.

2. Inspection and testing. Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.

2.1 Perform visual testing of welds. B I F
2.2 Review Weld Inspection Reports. (Accept/Reject). I F
2.3 Devise Weld Inspection Procedures
 Before Wel di ng. I F
 Duri ng Wel di ng. I F
 Pos t Wel di ng. I F
2.4 Verify NDT is in line with Contract requirements. F
2.5 Review NDT Inspection Reports. (Accept/Reject). I

3. Quality Assurance Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.

3.1 Understand Quality Control Documentation Requirements.
 Ens ure a ll records are kept for the works / s ervi ces provi ded a s F
per the contra ct / s peci fi ca ti on requi rements .
 Ens ure a ll documents are signed and approved for inserti on i nto F
the fi nal documentation a nd that the personnel carryi ng out the

PCN WI issue 4 rev 2 14 of 20 1st Ja nuary 2018

 i ns pecti on a re ful l y qua l i fi ed for the work/s ervi ce.
3.2 Review Quality & Inspection and Test Plans.
 Work out a n i ns pecti on s chedul e ba s ed on a n ITP. F
 Ens ure a l l pers onnel a re qua l i fi ed for the ta s k they a re to F
perform.
 Ens ure a ll NDT procedures a re s i gned off by the rel eva nt NDT F
l evel 3 or a s s peci fi ed i n the contra ct requi rements .
3.3 Welder Qualification Test Records.
 Ens ure that the Welder qua l i fi ca ti on tes t record i s kept up to I F
da te a t a l l ti mes .
 Ens ure that s ufficiently qualified welders are a vailable to cover all F
the WPS on the contra ct
3.4 Welding Procedure Specification.
 Be a bl e to unders ta nd the contents of a WPS B I F
 Ens ure the WPS i s valid & s a ti s fi es the ra nge of qua l i fi ca ti on B I F
 Confi rm that all WPS ha ve been a pproved a nd s i gned by the F
rel eva nt Wel di ng Engi neer.
 Ens ure tha t the WPS l og i s kept up -to-da te a t a l l ti mes . F
 Ens ure that s ufficient WPS’s are available for the ma teri a l s a nd F
pos itions i n which they a re to be performed a re ava i l a bl e a t a l l
ti mes .
3.5 Perform routine assessment and audits.
 Audi t of Vendors . I F
 Audi t of s ervi ce s uppl i ers . I F
 Audi t of Contra ct Ma teri a l s . I F
 Audi t of Wel di ng Cons uma bl e & s tora ge fa ci l i ti es . I F
 Audi t of ma teri a l documenta ti on. F
 Audi t of Cons uma bl e documenta ti on. I F
 Is s ue a nd cl os e out NCR’s where requi red. I F
3.6 Design Reporting Formats and matrix documentation as required by the F
contract.***

4. Contract Documentation Level 1. Level 2. Level 3.

4.1 Review Contract Documentation.
 Confi rm a l l s ta nda rds a va i l a bl e. I F
 Confi rm all material in a greement wi th contra ct s peci fi ca ti on I F
 Confi rm a l l cons uma bl es a re i n compl i a nce wi th WPS. I F
4.2 Final Documentation.
 Confi rm all Inspecti on poi nts ha ve been covered a nd reports F
s i gned off a s Accept.
 Confi rm tha t no NCR’s a re s ti l l outs ta ndi ng. F
 Confi rm all contract documentation; reports etc. are in l i ne wi th F
the contra ct requi rements a nd s i gn off the fi na l pa cka ge.
***NOTE: A Senior Level 3 Inspector should have a good understanding of computerised “Office” based
programs, and can often be called upon to design reporting templates and formats for use in the “Field” by
inspection personnel. The use of word, excel, power point etc. type programs are often utilized for this process.

RECOMMENDED READING LIST.

The candidate (or employer) will be supplied with an Application Standard or Specification for use in the PCN
welding inspector training &examinations for level 2 and 3 only. This is used in some of the examination modules
as appropriate.
A clean, unmarked and up to date copy of the Specification is required for the examination. This specification has
been developed by PCN for use i n the training and examinations only.

TRAINING COURSE NOTES.

BINDT requires candidates to have attended a recognised course of training. Training Establishments are
required to provide trainees with an up-to-date set of training course notes. These are considered essential
reading.

PCN WI issue 4 rev 2 15 of 20 1st Ja nuary 2018

Codes of Practice, Application Standards and Specifications
NGAS T/SP/P2 Specification for pipeline construction
BS 4515-1: Specification for process of welding of steel pipelines on land and offshore. Carbon and carbon
manganese steel pipelines
BS 4515-2: Specification for welding of steel pipelines on land and offshore. Duplex stainless steel pipelines
API STD 1104 Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities
PD 5500 Specification for unfired fusion welded pressure vessels
National Structural Steelwork Specification (NSSS)
BS EN 1090-1: Execution of steel structures and aluminium structures. Requirements for conformity assessment
of structural components
BS EN 1090-2: Execution of steel structures and aluminium structures. Technical requirements for steel
structures
BS EN 1090-3: Execution of steel structures and aluminium structures. Technical requirements for aluminium
structures
BS EN 1011-1: Welding. Recommendations for welding of metallic materials. General guidance for arc welding.
BS EN 1011-2: Welding. Recommendations for welding of metallic materials. Arc welding of ferritic steels
BS EN 1011-3: Welding. Recommendations for welding of metallic materials. Arc welding of stainless steels (in
conjunction with BS EN ISO 5817: Welding. Fusion-welded joints in steel, nickel, titanium and their alloys (beam
welding excluded). Quality levels for imperfections)
BS EN 1011-4: Welding. Recommendations for welding of metallic materials. Arc welding of aluminium and
aluminium alloys
BS EN 1011-5: Welding. Recommendations for welding of metallic materials. Welding of clad steel
BS EN 1011-6: Welding. Recommendations for welding of metallic materials. Laser beam welding
BS EN 1011-7: Welding. Recommendations for welding of metallic materi als. Electron beam welding
BS EN 1011-8: Welding. Recommendations for welding of metallic materials. Welding of cast irons
BS 4677: Specification for arc welding of austenitic stainless steel pipe work for carrying fluids
BS 2633: Specification for class 1 arc welding of ferritic steel pipe work for carrying fluids
BS 2971: Specification for class II arc welding of carbon steel pipe work for carrying fluids
ASME VIII: Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code VIII
ASME B31.3: Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Pipi ng
AWS. D1.1 Structural steel welding code
AWS. Z49.1. Safety in Welding, Cutting & Allied Processes
OTHER STANDARDS
General
BS 499-1: Welding terms and symbols. Glossary for welding, brazing and thermal cutting.
BS 499-1: Supplement: 1992: Welding terms and symbols. Supplement. Definitions for electric welding
equipment
BS EN ISO 4063: Nomenclature of processes and reference numbers
BS EN ISO 2553: Welded, brazed and soldered joints -symbolic representation on drawings. Welded joints.
Qualification of welders and procedures
BS EN ISO 9606-1: Qualification testing of welders. Fusion welding. Steels.

PCN WI issue 4 rev 2 16 of 20 1st Ja nuary 2018

BS EN ISO 9606-2: Qualification test of welders. Fusion welding. Aluminium and aluminium alloys
BS EN ISO 9606-3: Approval testing of welders. Fusion welding. Copper and copper alloys
BS EN ISO 9606-4: Approval testing of welders. Fusion welding. Nickel and nickel alloys
BS EN ISO 9606-5: Approval testing of welders. Fusion welding. Titanium and titanium alloys, zirconium and
zirconium alloys
BS EN ISO 15614-1: Specification and approval of welding procedures for metallic materials – Steels and nickel
alloys
BS EN ISO 15614-2: Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials. Welding
procedure test. Arc welding of aluminium and its alloys
BS EN ISO 15614-3: Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials. Welding
procedure test. Fusion welding of non-alloyed and low-alloyed cast irons
BS EN ISO 15614-4: Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials. Welding
procedure test. Finishing welding of aluminium castings
BS EN ISO 15614-5: Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials. Welding
procedure test. Arc welding of titanium, zirconium and their alloys
BS EN ISO 15614-6: Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials. Welding
procedure test. Arc and gas welding of copper and its alloys
BS EN ISO 15614-7: Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials. Welding
procedure test. Overlay welding
BS EN ISO 15614-8: Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials. Welding
procedure test. Welding of tubes to tube-plate joints
BS EN ISO 15614-10: Specification and qualifica tion of welding procedures for metallic materials. Welding
procedure test. Hyperbaric dry welding
BS EN ISO 15614-11: Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials. Welding
procedure test. Electron and laser beam welding
BS EN ISO 15614-12: Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials. Welding
procedure test. Spot, seam and projection welding
BS EN ISO 15614-13: Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials. Weldin g
procedure test. Upset (resistance butt) and flash welding
BS EN ISO 15614-14: Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials. Welding
procedure test. Laser-arc hybrid welding of steels, nickel and nickel alloys
ASME IX: Welding and brazing qualifications.
Materials and weldability
BS EN 10025-1: Hot rolled products of structural steels. General technical delivery conditions
BS EN 10025-2: Hot rolled products of structural steels. Technical delivery conditions for non -alloy structural
steels
BS EN 10025-3: Hot rolled products of structural steels. Technical delivery conditions for normalized/normalized
rolled weldable fine grain structural steels
BS EN 10025-4: Hot rolled products of structural steels. Technical delivery conditions for thermomechanical
rolled weldable fine grain structural steels
BS EN 10025-5:2004, Hot rolled products of structural steels. Technical delivery conditions for structural steels
with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance
BS EN 10025-6:2004 + A1:2009, Hot rolled products of structural steels. Technical delivery conditions for flat
products of high yield strength structural steels in the quenched and tempered condition
BS EN 1011 parts 1-8: Welding – Recommendations for welding of metallic material s
Welding consumables

PCN WI issue 4 rev 2 17 of 20 1st Ja nuary 2018

BS EN ISO 2560: A Welding Consumables. Covered electrodes for manual metal arc welding of non-alloy and fine
grain steels.
AWS A 5.1: Specification for covered carbon steel welding electrodes.
BS EN ISO 14341: Wire electrodes and deposits for gas shielded metal arc welding of non alloy and fine grain
steels. Classification
BS EN ISO 14175: Welding consumables. Gases and gas mixtures for fusion welding and allied processes
Quality assurance, quality control and inspection
ISO 14731:2006 “Welding coordination – Tasks and responsibilities”
BS EN ISO 17637: Non-destructive testing of welds. Visual testing of fusion-welded joints.
BS EN ISO 3452-1: Non-destructive testing. Penetrant testing. General principles
ISO 3834-2:2005, Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials -- Part 2: Comprehensive quality
requirements
ISO 3834-3:2005, Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials -- Part 3: Standard quality
requirements
ISO 3834-4:2005, Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials -- Part 4: Elementary quality
requirements
ISO 3834-5:2015, Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials
BS EN ISO 17638: Non-Destructive testing of welds. Magnetic Particle testing
BS EN ISO 17636-1: Non-Destructive testing of welds. Radiographic testing. X- and gamma-ray techniques with
film
BS EN ISO 19232-1: Non-Destructive testing. Image quality of radiographs. Determination of the image quality
value using wire-type image quality indicators
BS EN ISO 19232-2: Non-destructive testing. Image quality of radiographs. Determination of the image quality
value using step/hole-type image quality indicators
BS EN ISO 17639: Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials. Macroscopic and microscopic examination of
welds
BS EN ISO 5173+A1: Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials. Bend tests
BS EN ISO 5817: Arc Welded Joints in Steel, guidance on quality levels for i mperfections.
BS EN ISO 9000: 2000 Quality Management Systems - Fundamentals and Vocabulary
BS EN ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems:- Requirements
ISO 3834: Quality requirements for welding. (all parts)
BS EN ISO 9712: NDT and Certification/Qualification of NDT personnel
BS EN 10204: Metallic Products – Types of Inspection Documents.
ISO 19011: Guidelines for Quality and/or environmental management systems auditing
This is not an exhaustive list and local/national standards in many parts of the world wil l cover similar topics.
OTHER READING SOURCES
 A Quick Guide to Welding and Weld Inspection. By Steven E Hughes ISBN 13: 9780791859506 Publisher:
ASME www.asme.org
 Product Technology Classroom Training Handbook. BINDT/PCN Publication. Contact: The British
Institute of NDT
 PCN Classroom Training Handbook on the Visual Non-Destructive Testing of Metallic Materials in
General Engineering use. BINDT/PCN Publication. Contact: The British Institute of NDT
 Welders Handbook; A Complete Guide to MIG, TIG, Manual Meta l Arc and Oxyacetylene Welding.
Richard Finch, HP Books, ISBN 1557882649

PCN WI issue 4 rev 2 18 of 20 1st Ja nuary 2018

  Practical Welding. S W Gibbon, Macmillan Educational Ltd, ISBN 0333609573
 The Science and Practice of Welding Vol. 1, Welding Science and Technology. A C Davies, Cambridge
University Press, ISBN 052143565X
 The Science and Practice of Welding Vol. 2, The Practice of Welding. A C Davies, Cambridge University
Press, ISBN 0521435668

PCN WI issue 4 rev 2 19 of 20 1st Ja nuary 2018

Summary of changes

Issue Issue date Summary of changes

4 rev 2 01.01.2018 Implementation date extended

from 1 st April 2018 to 1 st May
2018

Changes to exam content

requirements for Levels 1-3

Amendment to eligibility for

certification and direct access to
level 2

New clause added for principles of

mastering specimens

PCN WI issue 4 rev 2 20 of 20 1st Ja nuary 2018