Update – PCN now accepted under the EU Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
Posted on: May 14th, 2021Categorised: NDT ICorr News, NDT
Tagged: ndt news, pcn
An implication of Brexit was that when the UK left the EU on 1st January 2021, holding a PCN qualification no longer enabled NDT operators to carry out non-destructive tests on permanent joints for pressure equipment in categories III and IV in accordance with section 3.1.3 of schedule 2 under the European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED).
BINDT has now agreed a certification process with a Lloyds Register company, Dublin-based WQ-iC, which is an EU27 Recognised Third-Party Organisation for the certification of NDT personnel.
For existing, valid certificates to be EU PED validated, the holder has until the end of June 2021 to complete a form on the WQ-iC website here, free of charge.
Failure to do so by 30th June 2021 will invalidate the PED approval.
For Initial, Recertification, Renewal and Supplementary certificates from May 1st 2021, to enable acceptance of applicable PCN certificates for PED compliance, BINDT are introducing a £45.00 +VAT PCN PED administration in the welding and pre- and in-service inspection sectors. This will be in addition to the existing £78 PCN administration fee, giving a total of £123 +VAT (£147.60). There will be no additional PED charge fee for retests.
The applicable sectors and methods are:
| Sectors | Methods |
| 2 Pre- and in-service 6 Welds | 20 Eddy Current 21 Magnetic Particle Testing 22 Liquid Penetrant Testing 23 Visual Testing 24 Ultrasonic Testing 25 Radiography 27 TOFD 28 Phased Array 29 Computer Radiographic Testing 34 Radiographic Interpreter 35 Computer Radiographic Interpreter 24 Ultrasonic Testing 25 Radiography 27 TOFD 28 Phased Array 29 Computer Radiographic Testing 34 Radiographic Interpreter 35 Computer Radiographic Interpreter |
For further information view the BINDT press release on 08/04/2021 here and view page 2 of the announcement here.
FAQ
Q. Which certifications will have the new charge?
A. The following:
| Sectors | Methods |
| 2 Pre- and in-service 6 Welds | 20 Eddy Current 21 Magnetic Particle Testing 22 Liquid Penetrant Testing 23 Visual Testing 24 Ultrasonic Testing 25 Radiography 27 TOFD 28 Phased Array 29 Computer Radiographic Testing 34 Radiographic Interpreter 35 Computer Radiographic Interpreter |
Q. Which certifications will not have the new charge?
A. Weld Inspection, BRS, RPS and the following:
| Sectors | Methods |
| 1 Aerospace 3 Railway maintenance 4 Castings 5 Forgings and Wrought Products 7 Tubes and Pipes | 20 Eddy Current 21 Magnetic Particle Testing 22 Liquid Penetrant Testing 23 Visual Testing 24 Ultrasonic Testing 25 Radiography 27 TOFD 28 Phased Array 29 Computer Radiographic Testing 34 Radiographic Interpreter 35 Computer Radiographic Interpreter |
Q. Is the new PED charge in addition to the PCN Administration fee?
A. Yes, where applicable, giving a total charge of £123 + VAT (£147.60).
Q. Will the new PED charge have VAT added?
A. Yes, where applicable, giving a total of £54.00.
Q. Do I need to pay the charge if I do not inspect pressure vessels?
A. Yes, BINDT is applying this charge to all candidates/PCN certificate holders for the applicable methods to cover its cost of compliance with the WQ-iC agreement and issuing PED certification.
Q. Do I need to pay the charge if I take a retest of an examination?
A. No, you only pay the charge for an initial examination or recertification examination.
Q. If I pay the PED charge at one exam centre and take a retest at a different centre, will I need to pay the charge again?
A. No, we will check that you have already paid the charge.
Q. If I fail my exam, can I have the PED Charge refunded?
A. No, the PED charge must be paid by everyone who takes an exam for an applicable method.
Q. If I pass my PCN exam but I am not eligible for certification, can I have the charge refunded?
A. No, the PED charge must be paid by everyone who takes an exam for an applicable method.
Q. Is part of the PED charge going to the exam centre or training school?
A. No, the PED charge is to cover BINDT’s cost of compliance with the WQ-iC agreement and issuing PED certification.
Q. How does the PED Charge benefit me?
A. It enables BINDT to comply with the WQ-iC agreement and issue PED certification. PED Certification enables PCN Certificate holders to carry out non-destructive tests on permanent joints for pressure equipment in categories III and IV in accordance with section 3.1.3 of schedule 2 under the European PED.
