ISO 9712:2005

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 9712
Third edition
2005-02-15
Corrected version
2005-03-15
Non-destructive testing — Qualification
and certification of personnel
Essais non destructifs — Qualification et certification du personnel

Reference number
©
ISO 2005
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe’s licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but
shall not be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In
downloading this file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe’s licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat
accepts no liability in this area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation
parameters were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In
the unlikely event that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.

©  ISO 2005
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or
ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail copyright@iso.org
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms. 5
5 Responsibilities. 5
6 Levels of qualification . 7
7 Eligibility . 9
8 Qualification examination — Content and grading . 11
9 Qualification examination — Conduct . 14
10 Certification . 15
11 Files . 17
12 Introduction of new NDT methods or sectors. 18
Annex A (informative) Sectors . 19
Annex B (normative) Specimen master report. 20
Annex C (normative) Level 1 and 2 specimens. 21
Annex D (informative) Weighting of Level 1 and 2 practical examinations. 22
Annex E (informative) Weighting of Level 3 NDT procedure examination . 23
Annex F (normative) Structured credit system for Level 3 recertification . 24
Bibliography . 25

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.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
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.
ISO 9712 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 135, Non-destructive testing, Subcommittee SC 7,
Personnel qualification.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 9712:1999), which has been technically
revised.
This corrected version of ISO 9712:2005 incorporates the following corrections.
 The wording of the Introduction has been slightly modified.
 The terms and definitions have been placed in alphabetical order.
 In 8.8.3, “(D, E or F)” has been replaced by “(D, E and F)”, so that it is clear this requirement applies to all
three parts of the examination to which it relates.
 The wording of the note to 9.2.1 and that of the requirement 9.2.2 has been altered to eliminate ambiguity.
 10.5.3.2 a) has been clarified; while the cross-reference to 10.5.2 given in the final paragraph of 12.3 has
been corrected to refer to 10.5.3.1 a).
 The cross-reference to another, non-existent, table made in the table in Annex F has been eliminated.
 Some minor typographical errors have been corrected.

iv © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

Introduction
Since the effectiveness of any application of non-destructive testing (NDT) depends upon the capabilities of
the persons who perform or are responsible for the test, a procedure was developed to provide a means for
evaluating and documenting the competence of personnel whose duties require the appropriate theoretical
and practical knowledge of the non-destructive tests that they perform, specify, supervise, monitor or evaluate.
An added incentive stems from the world-wide comparability of a wide range of industrial applications
requiring common non-destructive testing approaches.
When certification of NDT personnel is defined in product standards, regulations, codes or specifications, it is
important to certify the personnel in accordance with this International Standard. Where latitude is provided in
the criteria within this International Standard, the certification body has the final decision in determining specific
requirements.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 9712:2005(E)

Non-destructive testing — Qualification and certification of
personnel
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies the qualification and certification of personnel involved in non-destructive
testing (NDT). It is applicable to proficiency in one or more of the following methods:
 acoustic emission testing;
 eddy current testing;
 infrared thermographic testing;
 leak testing (hydraulic pressure tests excluded);
 magnetic particle testing;
 penetrant testing;
 radiographic testing;
 strain testing;
 ultrasonic testing;
 visual testing (direct unaided visual tests and visual tests carried out during the application of another
NDT method are excluded).
Certification to this International Standard provides an attestation of general competence of the NDT operator.
It does not represent an authorization to operate, since this remains the responsibility of the employer, and the
certified employee may require additional specialized knowledge of parameters such as equipment, NDT
procedures, materials and products of the employer. Where required by regulatory requirements and codes,
the authorization to operate will be given in writing by the employer in accordance with a quality procedure
that defines any employer-required job-specific training and examinations designed to verify the certificate
holder’s knowledge of relevant industry code(s), standard(s), NDT procedures, equipment, and acceptance
criteria for the tested products.
The system specified by this International Standard could also be applicable to other NDT methods, where
independent certification programs exist.
NOTE Wherever the gender-specific word “his” or “he” appears in this International Standard, the feminine form “her”
or “she” is equally applicable.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC 17024, Conformity assessment — General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
authorized qualifying body
body, independent of the employer, authorized by the certification body to prepare and administer qualification
examinations
3.2
basic examination
written examination, at Level 3, which demonstrates the candidate’s knowledge of the materials science and
process technology and types of discontinuities, the qualification and certification system according to this
International Standard, and the basic principles of NDT methods as required for Level 2
NOTE For an explanation of the three levels of qualification, see Clause 6.
3.3
candidate
individual seeking qualification and certification who gains experience under the supervision of suitably
qualified personnel
3.4
certificate
document issued by the certification body under the provisions of this International Standard, indicating that
the named person has demonstrated the competence(s) defined on the certificate
3.5
certification
procedure, used by the certification body to confirm that the qualification requirements for a method, level and
sector have been fulfilled, leading to the issuing of a certificate
NOTE The issuing of a certificate does not authorize the holder to operate; this authority can only be given by the
employer.
3.6
certification body
body that administers procedures for certification according to the requirements of this International Standard
3.7
employer
organization for which the candidate works on a regular basis
3.8
examination centre
centre approved by the certification body where qualification examinations will be carried out
3.9
examiner
person certified to Level 3 in the method and product or industrial sector for which he is authorized by the
certification body to conduct, supervise and grade the qualification examination
NOTE For an explanation of the three levels of qualification, see Clause 6.
3.10
general examination
written examination, at Level 1 or 2, concerned with the principles of an NDT method
NOTE For an explanation of the three levels of qualification, see Clause 6.
2 © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

3.11
industrial experience
experience, acceptable to the certification body, gained under qualified supervision, in the application of the
NDT method in the sector concerned, needed to acquire the skill and knowledge to fulfil the provisions of
qualification
3.12
invigilator
person authorized by the certification body to supervise examinations
3.13
job-specific training
instruction, provided by the employer (or his agent) to the certificate holder in those aspects of non-destructive
testing specific to the employer’s products, NDT equipment, NDT procedures, and applicable codes,
standards, specifications and procedures, leading to the award of operating authorizations
3.14
main-method examination
written examination, at Level 3, which demonstrates the candidate’s general and specific knowledge, and the
ability to write NDT procedures for the NDT method as applied in the industrial or product sector(s) for which
certification is sought
NOTE For an explanation of the three levels of qualification, see Clause 6.
3.15
multiple-choice examination question
wording of a question giving rise to four potential replies, only one of which is correct, the remaining three
being incorrect or incomplete
3.16
NDT instruction
written description of the precise steps to be followed in testing to an established standard, code, specification
or NDT procedure
3.17
NDT method
discipline applying a physical principle in non-destructive testing
EXAMPLE Ultrasonic testing.
3.18
NDT procedure
written description of all essential parameters and precautions to be applied when non-destructively testing
products in accordance with standard(s), code(s) or specification(s)
3.19
NDT technique
specific way of utilizing an NDT method
EXAMPLE Immersion ultrasonic testing.
3.20
NDT training
process of instruction in theory and practice in the NDT method in which certification is sought, which takes
the form of training courses to a syllabus approved by the certification body, but which does not include the
use of the specimens used in qualification examinations
3.21
operating authorization
written statement issued by the employer, based upon the scope of certification, authorizing the individual to
carry out defined tasks
NOTE Such authorization can be dependent on the provision of job-specific training.
3.22
practical examination
assessment of practical skills, in which the candidate demonstrates familiarity with, and the ability to perform,
the test
3.23
qualification
demonstration of physical attributes, knowledge, skill, training and experience required to properly perform
NDT tasks
3.24
qualification examination
examination, administered by the certification body or the authorized qualifying body, which assesses the
general, specific and practical knowledge and the skill of the candidate
3.25
qualified supervision
supervision of candidates gaining experience by NDT personnel certified to this International Standard or by
non-certified personnel who, in the opinion of the certification body, possess the knowledge, skill, training and
experience required to properly perform such supervision
3.26
sector
particular section of industry or technology where specialized NDT practices are used, requiring specific
product-related knowledge, skill, equipment or training
NOTE A sector can be interpreted to mean a product (welded products, castings) or an industry (aerospace,
in-service testing). See Annex A.
3.27
significant interruption
absence or change of activity which prevents the certified individual from practising the duties corresponding
to the level in the method and the sector(s) within the certified scope, for either a continuous period in excess
of one year or two or more periods for a total time exceeding two years
NOTE Legal holidays or periods of sickness or courses of less than thirty days are not taken into account when
calculating the interruption.
3.28
specific examination
written examination, at Level 1 or 2, concerned with testing techniques applied in a particular sector(s),
including knowledge of the product(s) tested, and of codes, standards, specifications, procedures and
acceptance criteria
NOTE For an explanation of the three levels of qualification, see Clause 6.
3.29
specification
document stating requirements
4 © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

3.30
specimen
sample used in practical examinations, possibly including radiographs and data sets, which is representative
of products typically tested in the applicable sector
NOTE It can include more than one area or volume to be tested.
3.31
specimen master report
model answer, indicating the optimum result for a practical examination given a defined set of conditions
(equipment type, settings, technique, specimen, etc.) against which the candidate’s test report will be graded
3.32
supervision
act of directing the application of NDT performed by other NDT personnel, which includes the control of
actions involved in the preparation of the test, performance of the test and reporting of the results
3.33
validate
act of demonstrating that a verified procedure will work in practice and fulfil its intended function, normally
achieved by actual witnessing, demonstration, field or laboratory tests or selected trials
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms
AT acoustic emission testing
ET eddy current testing
TT infrared thermographic testing
LT leak testing
MT magnetic particle testing
NDT non-destructive testing
PT penetrant testing
RT radiographic testing
ST strain testing
UT ultrasonic testing
VT visual testing
5 Responsibilities
5.1 General
The certification system, which shall be controlled and administered by a certification body (with the
assistance, where necessary, of authorized qualifying bodies), includes all procedures necessary to
demonstrate the qualification of an individual to carry out tasks in a specific NDT method and product or
industrial sector, leading to certification of competence.
5.2 Certification body
5.2.1 The certification body shall conform to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17024. It should have no direct
involvement in training of NDT personnel and be recognized by the NDT community or the ISO member body
of the country concerned.
5.2.2 The certification body shall be supported by a technical committee composed of representatives of
interested parties, for example: NDT societies, committees, users, suppliers and government departments as
appropriate. This committee shall be responsible for setting and maintaining the technical standards of
examination. Its members shall be qualified for the tasks by an appropriate combination of NDT certification
and/or experience.
5.2.3 The certification body
a) shall initiate, promote, maintain and administer the certification scheme according to this International
Standard,
b) shall approve properly staffed and equipped examination centres which it shall monitor,
c) may delegate, under its direct responsibility, the detailed administration of qualification to authorized
qualifying bodies to which the certification body will issue specifications for facilities, personnel,
equipment, examination materials, records, etc.,
d) shall conduct an initial audit, and subsequent periodic surveillance audits of the qualification bodies to
ensure their conformance to the specifications,
e) shall issue all certificates,
f) shall be responsible for ensuring the security of all examination materials (specimens, master reports,
question banks, examination papers, etc.),
g) shall ensure that specimens are not in use for training purposes, and
h) shall be responsible for the definition of sectors (see Annex A).
5.3 Authorized qualifying body
5.3.1 Where established, the authorized qualifying body shall
a) work under the control of the certification body,
b) ensure that it is impartial with respect to each candidate seeking qualification, bringing to the attention of
the certification body any actual or potential threat to its impartiality,
c) conform to the specification issued by the certification body [see 5.2.3 c)],
d) apply a documented quality management system approved by the certification body,
e) have the resources and expertise necessary to establish, monitor and control examination centres,
including examinations and the calibration and control of equipment,
f) prepare and supervise examinations under the responsibility of an examiner authorized by the
certification body, and
g) maintain appropriate records according to the requirements of the certification body.
5.3.2 If there are no authorized qualifying bodies, the certification body shall fulfil the requirements of the
qualifying body.
6 © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

5.4 Examination centre
5.4.1 The examination centre shall
a) work under the control of the certification body or authorized qualifying body,
b) apply a documented quality management system approved by the certification body,
c) have the resources needed to administer examinations, including the calibration and control of equipment,
d) prepare and conduct examinations under the responsibility of an examiner authorized by the certification
body,
e) have adequate qualified staff, premises and equipment to ensure satisfactory qualification examinations
for the levels, methods and sectors concerned,
f) use only those documents and examination questionnaires established or approved by the certification
body,
g) use only specimens prepared or approved by the certification body for the practical examinations
conducted at that centre (when more than one examination centre exists, each shall have specimens of
comparable test difficulty containing similar discontinuities), and
h) maintain appropriate records according to the requirements of the certification body.
5.4.2 An examination centre may be situated at an employer’s premises. However, in this case, the
certification body shall require additional controls to preserve impartiality and examinations shall be conducted
only in the presence of, and under the control of, an authorized representative of the certification body.
5.5 Employer
5.5.1 The employer shall confirm the validity of the personal information provided by the candidate to the
certification body or the authorized qualifying body. This information shall include the declaration of education,
training and experience needed to determine the eligibility of the candidate. If the candidate is unemployed or
self-employed, the declaration of education, training and experience shall be attested to by one or more
independent parties.
5.5.2 Neither the employer nor his staff shall be directly involved in the qualification examination.
5.5.3 In respect of certified personnel under their control, the employer shall
a) be fully responsible for all that concerns the authorization to operate, including any job-specific training,
b) be responsible for the results of NDT operations,
c) ensure that the annual visual acuity requirements of 7.2.1 a) are met, and
d) verify continuity in the application of the NDT method without significant interruption.
5.5.4 A self-employed individual shall assume all responsibilities ascribed to the employer.
6 Levels of qualification
6.1 General
An individual certified in accordance with this International Standard shall be classified in one or more of the
following three levels.
6.2 Level 1
6.2.1 An individual certified to Level 1 shall have demonstrated competence to carry out NDT according to
NDT instructions and under the supervision of Level 2 or Level 3 personnel. Within the scope of the
competence defined on the certificate, Level 1 personnel may be authorized by the employer to perform the
following in accordance with NDT instructions:
a) set up NDT equipment;
b) perform the tests;
c) record and classify the results of the tests;
d) report the results.
6.2.2 Level 1 certified personnel shall not be responsible for the choice of test method or technique to be
used, nor for the assessment of test results.
6.3 Level 2
6.3.1 An individual certified to Level 2 shall have demonstrated competence to perform non-destructive
testing according to established procedures. Within the scope of the competence defined on the certificate,
Level 2 personnel may be authorized by the employer to
a) select the NDT technique for the test method to be used,
b) define the limitations of application of the testing method,
c) translate NDT codes, standards, specifications and procedures into NDT instructions adapted to the
actual working conditions,
d) set up and verify equipment settings,
e) perform and supervise tests,
f) interpret and evaluate results according to applicable codes, standards, specifications or procedures,
g) prepare NDT instructions,
h) carry out and supervise all tasks at or below Level 2,
i) provide guidance for personnel at or below Level 2, and
j) report the results of non-destructive tests.
6.4 Level 3
6.4.1 An individual certified to Level 3 shall have demonstrated competence to perform and direct
non-destructive testing operations for which he is certified. Within the scope of the competence defined on the
certificate, an individual certified to Level 3 may be authorized by the employer to
a) assume full responsibility for a test facility or examination centre and staff,
b) establish, review for editorial and technical correctness and validate NDT instructions and procedures,
c) interpret codes, standards, specifications and procedures,
d) designate the particular test methods, procedures and NDT instructions to be used,
e) carry out and supervise all tasks at all levels, and
f) provide guidance for personnel at all levels.
8 © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

6.4.2 Level 3 personnel shall have demonstrated
a) competence to evaluate and interpret results in terms of existing codes, standards, specifications and
procedures,
b) sufficient practical knowledge of applicable materials, fabrication and process technology to select NDT
methods, establish NDT techniques, and assist in establishing acceptance criteria where none are
otherwise available, and
c) a general familiarity with other NDT methods.
7 Eligibility
7.1 General
The candidate shall fulfil the minimum requirements of vision and training prior to the qualification examination
and shall fulfil the minimum requirements for industrial experience prior to certification.
7.2 Vision requirements — All levels
7.2.1 The candidate shall provide documented evidence of satisfactory vision in accordance with the
following requirements:
a) near-vision acuity shall permit reading, a minimum of Times Roman N4.5 or equivalent letters (Times
New Roman of 4,5 points vertical height where 1 point = 1/72 in or 0,352 8 mm) at not less than 30 cm
with one or both eyes, either corrected or uncorrected;
b) colour vision shall be sufficient that the candidate can distinguish contrast between the colours used in
the NDT method concerned as specified by the employer.
7.2.2 Subsequent to certification, the tests of visual acuity shall be carried out annually and be verified by
the employer or the responsible agency (see 5.5.3 c).
7.3 Training
7.3.1 The candidate for Level 1 and Level 2 certification shall provide documentary evidence, in a form
acceptable to the certification body, that training in the method and level for which the certification is sought
has been satisfactorily completed, in accordance with the certification body’s requirements.
7.3.2 Taking into account the scientific and technical potential of candidates for Level 3 certification,
preparation for qualification may be done in different ways: by attending training courses, conferences or
seminars, studying books, periodicals, and other specialized printed or electronic materials. Regardless of the
manner of preparation, the Level 3 candidate shall submit documentary evidence of appropriate training in a
form acceptable to the certification body.
7.3.3 The minimum duration of training undertaken by the candidate for certification shall be in accordance
with Table 1 for the applicable NDT method. See [1] and [2] in the Bibliography for guidance on
training-course content.
Table 1 — Minimum training requirements
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
NDT method
Total, h Total, h
h
(inclusive of Level 1) (inclusive of Level 2)
AT 40 104 150
ET 40 104 150
TT 40 120 160
A Basic knowledge 8 24 36
LT B Pressure method 14 45 66
C Tracer gas method 18 54 78
MT 16 40 60
PT 16 40 60
RT 40 120 160
ST 16 40 60
UT 40 120 160
VT 16 40 64
Training hours are based upon candidates possessing basic mathematical skills and prior knowledge of materials and
processes. If this is not the case, additional training may be required by the certification body.
Training hours include both practical and theory courses.
Training duration may be reduced by up to 50 % when the certification sought is limited in application of the method.
A reduction of up to 50 % in the total required number of training hours may be accepted by the certification body for
candidates who have graduated from technical college or university, or have completed at least two years of engineering
or science study at college or university.

7.4 Industrial experience
7.4.1 Industrial experience may be acquired either prior to or following success in the qualification
examination. Documentary evidence of experience shall be confirmed by the employer and submitted to the
certification body or authorized qualifying body. In the event that the experience is sought following successful
examination, the results of the examination shall remain valid for up to five years.
7.4.2 The duration of experience for each NDT method shall be in accordance with Table 2. However, a
reduction in the period of experience may be permitted by the certification body, at its own discretion, taking
into account the following.
a) The quality of experience gained can be variable, and skills may be assimilated more quickly in an
environment where the experience is concentrated and has a high degree of relevance to the certification
sought.
b) When gaining experience simultaneously in two or more surface NDT methods, i.e. MT, PT and VT, the
experience gained in the application of one NDT method may be complimentary to the experience gained
in one or more other surface NDT methods.
c) Experience in one sector of an NDT method for which certification is already held may be complimentary
to the experience in a different sector of the same NDT method.
d) The level and quality of education possessed by the candidate should also be considered. This is
particularly the case for the Level 3 candidate but it can also be applicable for other levels. Graduation
from technical college or university, or completion of at least two years of engineering or science study at
college or university, may provide justification for a reduction in experience.
10 © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

Table 2 — Industrial experience
a, b, c
Experience in months (cumulative totals)

NDT Method
d, e d, e, f g
Level 1  Level 2  Level 3
(inclusive of Level 1) (inclusive of Level 2)
AT, ET, TT, LT, RT, UT 3 12 30
MT, PT, ST, VT 1 4 16
a
Industrial experience in months is based on a nominal 40 h week or the legal week of work. When an individual is working in
excess of 40 h/week, he may be credited with experience based on the total hours, but he shall be required to produce evidence of this
experience.
b
Credit for industrial experience may be gained simultaneously in two or more of the NDT methods covered by this International
Standard, with the reduction of total required experience as follows:
 two testing methods, reduction of total required time by 25 %;
 three testing methods, reduction of total required time by 33 %;
 four or more testing methods, reduction of total time by 50 %.
In all cases, the candidate shall be required to show that, for each of the testing methods for which he seeks certification, he has at least
half of the time required in Table 1.
c
In all cases the candidate shall be required to show that, for each of the NDT method/sector combinations for which he seeks
certification, he has at least half of the experience required, and this shall never be less than one month in duration.
d
Experience duration may be reduced by up to 50 % (but shall not be less than one month) when the certification sought is limited in
application e.g. UT thickness measurement.
e
Up to 50 % of the practical experience time may be achieved by an appropriate practical course, the duration of which may be
weighted by a maximum factor of seven (7). The course shall be concentrated on practical solutions of frequently occurring testing
problems, will involve a significant element of testing known defective specimens, and the course shall be approved by the certification
body.
f
For Level 2 certification, the intent of this International Standard is that industrial experience is work performed as a Level 1.
g
For Level 3 certification, the intent of this International Standard is that industrial experience is work performed as a Level 2. If the
individual is being qualified directly to Level 3, with no time at Level 2, no reduction in the period of experience specified above shall be
allowed.
8 Qualification examination — Content and grading
8.1 General
The qualification examination shall cover a given NDT method as applied in one industrial sector, or one or
more product sectors. The certification body shall define and publish the maximum amount of time allowed for
the candidate to complete each examination, which shall be based upon the number and difficulty of the
questions. As a guide, the average time allowed should be no longer than three minutes per multiple-choice
question. The average time allowed for questions requiring essay or narrative answers shall be determine by
the certification body.
8.2 Examination content — Levels 1 and 2 general examination
8.2.1 The general examination shall include only questions selected in an unpredictable way from the
certification body’s or authorized qualifying body’s current collection of general examination questions. The
candidate shall be required, as a minimum, to give answers to a number of multiple-choice questions in
accordance with Table 3.
8.2.2 Where not otherwise addressed by national regulations, there shall be an additional examination on
radiation safety for the radiographic test method.
8.2.3 Examinations on the radiographic test method shall include either X- or gamma-radiation, or both,
depending upon the procedure of the certification body.
Table 3 — Required minimum number of questions — Levels 1 and 2 general examination
NDT method Number of questions
AT, ET, TT, RT, UT 40
LT, MT, PT, ST, VT 30
8.3 Examination content — Levels 1 and 2 specific examination
8.3.1 The specific examination shall include only questions selected in an unpredictable way from the
certification body’s or authorized qualifying body’s current collection of specific examination questions related
to the sector(s) concerned. The specific examination may include questions involving calculations, and
questions on codes, standards, specifications and procedures. The candidate shall be required, as a minimum,
to give answers to 20 multiple-choice questions, but additional essay or narrative answer questions may also
be included.
8.3.2 If the specific examination covers two or more sectors, the minimum number of questions shall be at
least 30, evenly spread between the sectors concerned.
8.4 Examination content — Levels 1 and 2 practical examination
8.4.1 The practical examination shall involve applying the NDT method to prescribed specimens,
recording — and, for Level 2 candidates, interpreting — the resulting information to the degree required, and
reporting the results in the required format.
8.4.2 The certification body shall ensure that each specimen is uniquely identified and has a master report
which includes all of the equipment settings used to detect specified discontinuities contained within the
specimen. See Annex B for the requirements for specimen master reports.
8.4.3 The certification body shall ensure that each master report is compiled by at least two independent
tests and that it is validated by an examiner.
8.4.4 The certification body shall ensure that specimens are sector-specific, simulating field geometries and
containing discontinuities representative of those likely to occur during manufacturing or in service (inherent,
processing and in-service discontinuities). Discontinuities may be natural, artificial or implanted. For RT, the
specimens need not contain discontinuities, since these will be exhibited in the radiographs for Level 2
interpretation. Similarly, for AT, TT and ST the specimen(s) need not contain discontinuities, since these will
be exhibited in the data sets for Level 2 interpretation. See Annex C for further information on specimens.
8.4.5 The certification body shall ensure that the number of areas or volumes to be tested is adequate to
the level, NDT method and sector concerned, and that those areas or volumes contain reportable
discontinuities. See Annex C for the number of areas or volumes to be tested in the Level 1 and Level 2
practical examinations.
8.4.6 The Level 1 candidate shall follow the NDT instruction(s) provided by the examiner.
8.4.7 The Level 2 candidate shall select the applicable NDT technique and determine the operating
conditions related to a given code, standard, specification or procedure.
8.4.8 The time allowed for the examination depends on the number of specimens and of their complexity.
The maximum time that should be allowed for each area or volume tested is
a) 2 h for Level 1, and
b) 3 h for Level 2.
8.4.9 Level 2 candidates shall draft at least one NDT Instruction suitable for Level 1 personnel. The
recommended maximum time allowed for this part of the examination is 2 h.
12 © ISO 2005 – All rights reserved

8.5 Examination grading — Levels 1 and 2 qualification examinations
8.5.1 An examiner shall be responsible for the grading of the examinations. The general, specific and
practical examinations shall be graded separately.
8.5.2 In order to be successful in the written examination, the candidate shall obtain a minimum grade of
70 % in each of the examinations parts.
8.5.3 In order to be successful in the practical examination, the candidate shall achieve a minimum of 70 %
for each specimen tested. See Annex D for guidance on the percentile weighting of the practical examination.
8.6 Examination content — Level 3
The grading of the basic and main-method examinations shall be done separately. In order, to be eligible for
certification, a candidate shall have passed both the basic and main-method examinations.
8.7 Examination content — Level 3 basic examination
8.7.1 The basic examination shall include only questions selected in an unpredictable way from the
certification body’s or the authorized qualifying body’s current collection of basic examination questions. The
candidate shall be required, as a minimum, to give answers to a number of multiple-choice questions in
accordance with Table 4.
Table 4 — Minimum required number of basic examination questions
Number of
Part Subject
questions
A Technical knowledge in materials science, process technology, and types of discontinuities. 25
Knowledge of the certification body’s qualification and certification system based on this
B 10
International Standard. This may be an open book examination.
General knowledge of at least four methods as required for Level 2 and chosen by the 15
C candidate from methods within the Scope of this International Standard. These four methods for each test
shall include at least one volumetric method (UT or RT). method (total 60)

8.7.2 The basic examination should be passed first and remains valid, providing that the first main-method
examination is passed within five years after passing the basic examination.
8.7.3 In order to be successful in this examination, the candidate shall achieve a minimum of 70 % in each
of the three Parts (A, B and C).
8.8 Examination content — Level 3 main-method examination
8.8.1 The main-method examination shall include only questions selected in an unpredictable way from the
certification body’s or authorized qualifying body’s current collection of main-method examination questions.
The candidate shall be required, as a minimum, to give answers to the number of multiple-choice questions
shown in Table 5.
8.8.2 All candidates for the Level 3 main-method examination shall have successfully completed the
practical examination for Level 2, graded in accordance with 8.5.3, in the appropriate sector and method,
including the drafting of practical instructions for Level 1 (see 8.4.9).
8.8.3 In order to pass the main-method examination, a candidate shall obtain a minimum grade of 70 % in
each part (D, E and F).
Table 5 — Minimum required number of main-method examination questions
Number of
Part Subject
questions
D Level 3 knowledge relating to the test method. 30
Application of the NDT method in the sector concerned, including the applicable codes,
E standards, specifications and procedures. This may be an open book examination in 20
relation to codes, standards, specifications and procedures.
Drafting of one or more NDT procedures in the relevant sector. The applicable codes,
standards, specifications and procedures shall be available to the candidate. See
Annex E for guidance on the percentile weighting of the NDT procedure examination.
F —
For a candidate who has already drafted an NDT procedure in a Level 3 examination,
the certification body may replace the drafting of a procedure with the critical analysis of
an existing NDT procedure covering the relevant method and sector.

9 Qualification examination — Conduct
9.1 General
9.1.1 All examinations shall be conducted in examination centres established, approved and monitored by
the certification body, either directly or through an authorized qualifying body.
9.1.2 Before commencement of the examination, the candidate shall present to the examiner or invigilator
valid proof of identification.
9.1.3 Any candidate who, during the course of the examination, does not abide by the examination rules or
who perpetrates, o
...