ISO/FDIS 18436-8

DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 18436-8
ISO/TC 108/SC 5
Condition monitoring and
Secretariat: SA
diagnostics of machines —
Voting begins on:
Requirements for training and
2025-03-17
certification of personnel —
Voting terminates on:
2025-06-09
Part 8:
Ultrasound
ICS: 17.160; 03.100.30
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 18436-8:2025(en)
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 18436-8:2025(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 18436-8
ISO/TC 108/SC 5
Condition monitoring and
Secretariat: SA
diagnostics of machines —
Voting begins on:
Requirements for training and
certification of personnel —
Voting terminates on:
Part 8:
Ultrasound
ICS: 17.160; 03.100.30
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2025
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat. BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 18436-8:2025(en)
ii
ISO/DIS 18436-8:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Classification of personnel — Ultrasound . 1
4.1 General .1
4.2 Category I .2
4.3 Category II .2
4.4 Category III .3
5 Eligibility . 3
5.1 General .3
5.2 Education .3
5.3 Training .4
5.3.1 Introduction .4
5.3.2 Additional training on machine knowledge .4
5.4 Experience .4
5.5 Recognition of prior learning .5
6 Examination . 5
6.1 Examination content .5
6.2 Conduct of examinations .5
Annex A (normative) Training course requirements for ultrasound condition monitoring and
diagnostics of machines . 6
Bibliography .13

iii
ISO/DIS 18436-8:2025(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, www.iso.org/directives.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any patent
rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of
patent declarations received, www.iso.org/patents.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World
Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL:
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 108, Mechanical vibration, shock and condition
monitoring, Subcommittee SC 5, Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machine systems.
This second edition of ISO 18436-8 cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 18436-8:2013), of which it is
a revision. This edition adds extra information to the syllabus in section A.2, and revises the Bibliography.
Minor editorial changes are also made.
Annex A is a normative part of this Standard.
A list of all parts in the ISO 18436 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
ISO/DIS 18436-8:2025(en)
Introduction
The use of ultrasound technology in condition monitoring is one of the key activities in predictive or
condition-based maintenance programmes for most industries. Other non-intrusive technologies including
acoustic emission, infrared thermography, vibration analysis, lubricant analysis, wear debris analysis,
and motor current analysis are also used as condition monitoring techniques. Those in the manufacturing
industry who have diligently and consistently applied these technologies have experienced a return on
investment far exceeding their expectations. However, the effectiveness of these programmes depends on
the capabilities of individuals who perform the measurements and analyse the data. This part of ISO 18436
defines the requirements for personnel to become qualified to apply the non-intrusive condition monitoring
and diagnostics technology of ultrasound.
Ultrasound expands the concepts of condition monitoring to non-rotating applications such as:
— Compressed air leaks
— Vacuum leaks
— Steam leaks
— Steam traps
— Valves
— Low-, Medium- and High-Voltage electrical systems
— Tightness testing of plant, shipping and structures
Ultrasound also plays an important part in developing an on-condition lubrication programme for bearings.
A programme, administered by assessment certification body, has been developed to train and assess
the competence of personnel whose duties require the appropriate theoretical, practical and application
knowledge of this condition monitoring technique.
This part of ISO 18436 defines the requirements for personnel to become certified to apply the non-intrusive
condition monitoring and diagnostics technology of ultrasound.

v
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 18436-8:2025(en)
Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machines —
Requirements for training and certification of personnel —
Part 8:
Ultrasound
1 Scope
This part of ISO 18436 specifies the general requirements for training and certification of personnel who
perform machinery condition monitoring and diagnostics using ultrasound.
A certificate or declaration of conformity meeting the requirements of this part of ISO 18436 provides
recognition of the qualifications, experience and competence of individuals to perform ultrasound
measurements and analysis for machinery condition monitoring using ultrasound equipment.
This part of ISO 18436 specifies a three-category certification programme that is based on the technical
areas described in this document.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 13372, Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machines — Vocabulary
ISO/IEC 17000, Conformity assessment — Vocabulary and general principles
ISO 18436-1, Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machine systems — Requirements for certification of
personnel — Part 1: Sector specific requirements for certification bodies and the certification process
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 13372, ISO/IEC 17000 and
ISO 18436-1 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Classification of personnel — Ultrasound
4.1 General
Individuals certified as conforming to the requirements of this part of ISO 18436 shall be classified in one
of three categories, depending upon their qualifications and experience. They shall have demonstrated
the necessary knowledge and skills in ultrasound condition monitoring for their certification category as
indicated in clauses 4.2 to 4.4.

ISO/DIS 18436-8:2025(en)
Personnel certified to category II are required to have all the knowledge and skills expected of personnel
certified to category I, while personnel certified as category III are required to have all the knowledge and
skills expected of personnel certified to category II.
In clauses 4.2 to 4.4, an outline is given of the typical job tasks, competencies and skills required in each
category. Detailed recommended topics and sub-topics are shown in Annex A, Tables A.1 and A.2
4.2 Category I
Individuals certified to category I are qualified to perform ultrasound measurements according to
established and recognized procedures. Personnel certified to category I shall be able to:
a) apply a specified ultrasound measurement technique. However, persons classified to category I shall not
be regarded as competent to choose the test method or technique used;
b) set up and operate the ultrasound equipment for safe data collection;
c) verify the integrity of collected data and prevent or control poor data and error sources;
d) perform basic fault detection, severity assessment and diagnosis in accordance with established
instructions;
e) record and categorize the results in terms of written criteria;
f) maintain a database of results and trends;
g) verify the sensitivity of ultrasound instruments and systems;
h) evaluate and report test results in accordance with instructions highlighting areas of concern and;
i) recognize and prevent or control factors that result in the acquisition of poor quality data.
4.3 Category II
Individuals certified to category II are qualified to perform and/or direct ultrasound analysis according
to established and recognized procedures, and are aware of the limitations of the ultrasound method.
Personnel certified to category II shall be able to:
a) select the appropriate ultrasound measurement technique and understand its limitations;
b) specify the appropriate hardware and software to be used;
c) set up and verify equipment settings;
d) apply ultrasound theory and techniques where no procedures exist;
e) measure and perform diagnosis of ultrasound signals inclusive of amplitude, frequency and time domain
analysis;
f) classify and evaluate the test results (including acceptance tests) in accordance with applicable codes,
standards, specifications and procedures;
g) prepare reports on equipment condition fault diagnoses, recommend appropriate corrective actions,
and comment on effectiveness of repairs;
h) provide guidance and instruction to category I personnel and;
i) be aware of the use of alternative or supplementary condition monitoring (CM) technologies.

ISO/DIS 18436-8:2025(en)
4.4 Category III
Personnel certified to category III are qualified to perform and/or direct all types of ultrasound
measurements and analysis and shall be able to:
a) apply ultrasound theory and techniques, including measurement and interpretation of survey results
such as amplitude, frequency and time domain processing;
b) understand and perform data analysis, including being aware of its limitations;
c) determine the ultrasound data acquisition systems and component assemblies required;
d) use ultrasound for troubleshooting and fault diagnosis;
e) interpret and evaluate standards, codes, specifications, and procedures;
f) develop and establish ultrasound programmes, procedures and instructions including determining
requirements for periodic or continuous monitoring, and frequency of testing;
g) determine severity assessment acceptance criteria for new, in-service and faulty equipment;
h) carry out diagnosis and prognosis of ultrasound signal analysis using amplitude, frequency and
time domain;
i) recommend the use of alternative or supplementary condition monitoring (CM) technologies and;
j) provide guidance and instruction to category I and II personnel.
NOTE It is the employer's responsibility to ensure that category III personnel have the necessary competency in
the required management skills, for example creating budgets, preparing cost justifications, and managing personnel
development.
5 Eligibility
5.1 General
Candidates shall have a combination of education, training and experience to ensure that they understand
the principles and procedures applicable to ultrasound measurement and analysis.
It is advised that all candidates using instrumentation with headphones should be given hearing
examinations to ensure natural or corrected hearing acuity exists in at least one ear. A record of the results
should be retained and presented to the assessment body upon request. The individual should be capable
of hearing a standard pure tone audiometry with results of an average of 25 dB hearing level or lower. This
examination should be administered upon initial certification and upon recertification. The examinations
shall be administered by a licensed professional and a record of the test made available to the assessment
body upon request.
5.2 Education
It is not necessary that candidates seeking certification provide evidence of formal education to establish
eligibility. Candidates should be able to manipulate simple algebraic equations, use a basic scientific
calculator (including trigonometric and logarithmic functions) and be familiar with the operation of personal
computers. Successful completion of 2 or more years of an engineering skills or technology programme at an
accredited college, university, or technical school is highly recommended for candidates seeking certification
to category III.
ISO/DIS 18436-8:2025(en)
5.3 Training
5.3.1 Introduction
To be eligible to apply for certification based on this part of ISO 18436, the candidate shall provide evidence
of successful completion of training based on the requirements of Table A.2. The training syllabus in
Table A.2 includes the requirement for practical knowledge and practical skills training, within the relevant
topics. The minimum duration of cumulative training is shown in Table 1. Training should be in the form of
lectures, demonstrations, practical exercises, or formal training courses.
Qualification requirements shall be in accordance with this part of ISO 18436. Training time devoted to each
topic shall be in accordance with the requirements of Table 1 and Annex A Tables A.1 and A.2.
Table 1 — Minimum duration of cumulative training
Durations in hours
Category I Category II Category III
32 64 96
Training may be modularized into two or more subject areas covering general scientific principles and
application-specific knowledge in order to allow mutual recognition between non-destructive testing (NDT)
and condition monitoring assessment bodies. It is recognized that subject contents may overlap, in which
case the minimum training durations in Table 1 may be reduced by up to 10 %.
5.3.2 Additional training on machine knowledge
In addition to the training hours shown in Table 1 and detailed in Annex A, it is recommended that
candidates attend machinery and component training, or equivalent on-the-job training of at least one half
the duration of the "Applications to machine systems" subject area as specified in Table A.1. Such training
may be inclusive of any college or university education, or provided as additional courses or on-the-job
training by an employer to specific requirements. If undertaken, the additional training should cover the
design, manufacturing, installation, operation, and maintenance principles of machines and components,
the failure modes and mechanisms associated with each principle, and the typical vibratory behaviours
associated with each mechanism. Such training may be validated by verifiable records.
5.4 Experience
To be eligible to apply for certification based on this part of ISO 18436, the candidate shall provide evidence
to the assessment or certification body, of experience in the field of ultrasound condition monitoring in
accordance with Table 2.
Experience in the method shall include time performing the CM method, report writing, test preparation
and coordination. Category II and III candidates may claim hours spent in supervision and management of
CM personnel, preparation of training material and training of personnel.
Table 2 — Minimum cumulative experience requirements
Durations in months
Category I Category II Category III
6 12 36
Candidates shall keep verifiable documentary evidence of experience. Candidates for categories I and II shall
have this evidence validated by a person certified at category II or higher, or in the absence of such persons,
by the candidate's technical supervisor.
Candidates for category III shall have this evidence validated by a category III person, or in the absence of a
category III person, by the candidate’s technical supervisor or by peer-review authorised by the assessment
or certification body.
ISO/DIS 18436-8:2025(en)
Designation of a person as category I is not a prerequisite for certification as category II. However,
certification of a person as category III requires previous certification at the lower category. At each higher
classification category, the breadth and depth of experience is expected to be greater than at the previous
lower category
5.5 Recognition of prior learning
Prior learning in signal analysis and diagnostic methods on machines shall be taken into account by the
assessment body.
For candidates certified to vibration analyst category II or higher in accordance with ISO 18436-2, or
certified to acoustic emission category II or higher in accordance with ISO 18436-6, the required cumulative
experience shall be 1/3 of that stated in Table 2.
For candidates certified to vibration analyst category I in accordance with ISO 18436-2, or certified to
acoustic emission category I in accordance with ISO 18436-6, the required cumulative experience shall be
1/2 of that stated in Table 2.
6 Examination
6.1 Examination content
For each category, candidates shall be required to answer a minimum fixed number of multiple choice
questions in a specified duration as indicated in Table 3. Category III examinations may include fault
diagnosis, prognosis and solution recommendation content. Category III examinations may include narrative
questions.
The examination papers for category I shall consist of a part A, general ultrasound, and a part B, practical
application. The part B examination shall cover methods to ensure good data quality and the recognition,
prevention, and control of error sources. This examination may include physical data acquisition tasks in
addition to interpretation of d
...