NDT ISO 9712 Certification Program

NDT ISO 9712 Certification Program

Overview of the PNIC 9712 Certification Program

The PNIC 9712 certification program is a system for assessing the competence and certifying non-destructive testing (NDT) personnel in industry, managed and operated by the Non-Destructive Testing & Inspection Certification Center (PNIC) under PHATECO. Below is a summary of the program's main contents.

1. Applicable Standards

The program meets and complies with the requirements of international and Vietnamese standards such as:

  • ISO 9712, ANSI/ASNT CP-9712, TCVN 5868.
  • Meets or exceeds the ASNT SNT-TC-1A practice recommendations.
  • Operates according to ISO/IEC 17024 standards for personnel certification organizations.

2. Certification Levels

The program is divided into 3 competency levels:

  • Level 1: Capable of performing NDT under written guidance and supervision by Level 2 or Level 3 personnel.
  • Level 2: Capable of performing NDT according to procedures, selecting techniques, interpreting and evaluating results according to standards, as well as creating NDT guidelines for Level 1.
  • Level 3: Capable of directing NDT activities, establishing and approving procedures, evaluating results according to standards, and providing guidance to personnel at all levels.

3. Certification Requirements

Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements before being granted certification:

  • Training: Must complete training at PNIC-approved organizations (ATO), including both theory and practice according to the prescribed curriculum.
  • Experience: Must achieve a minimum of the required industrial experience in the relevant method and field under appropriate supervision.
  • Vision: Must meet the requirements for near vision (annual test) and color/grayscale discrimination ability (tested every 5 years).
  • Professional Ethics: Commitment to complying with the PNIC Code of Ethics.

4. Examination System

The examination consists of the following main sections:

  • General Theory: Knowledge of the principles of NDT methods.
  • Specialized Theory: Knowledge of testing techniques, standards, and acceptance criteria in the specific field.
  • Practical: Manipulating defective test specimens and preparing reports.
  • Writing procedures/instructions: (For Levels 2 and 3).

Passing Score: Candidates must achieve a minimum of 70% in each section.

5. Scope and Validity

  • NDT Methods: Includes UT (Ultrasound), RT (Radiographic Imaging), MT (Magnetic Dext), PT (Permeation), ET (Eddy Current), VT (Visualization), and advanced techniques such as PAUT and TOFD.
  • Sectors: Applicable to product fields (welding, casting, forgings, pipes, etc.) and industrial fields (manufacturing, maintenance, etc.).
  • Certificate Validity: The certificate is valid for 5 years.
  • Renewal and Re-certification: After 5 years, the certificate holder must renew the certificate.
  • Every 10 years, re-certification is required through a practical exam or credit system (for Level 3).

6. Employer's Responsibilities

  • The PNIC 9712 certificate confirms the individual's general competence but does not replace the employer's authorization to practice.
  • Employers are responsible for authorizing staff based on the scope of the certification and may require additional training on equipment or procedures specific to the unit.