New to NDT, PCN or SNT?
It’s helpful to have a structured approach to entering the NDT field, especially if you are looking to start a new career in this area. To help, here’s a breakdown of the courses we tend to see newbies start with to get their foot on the NDT ladder:
Click here to book – UT Thickness
Click here to book – UT Weldments
This progression offers a solid foundation in various NDT techniques, allowing individuals to build their expertise and expand their career opportunities within the field. Additionally, scheduling a 1-to-1 meeting or phone call with experienced staff members can provide personalized guidance and further clarification on specific career paths or industry requirements.
New requirements (coming soon):
IMPORTANT: In accordance with the new PCN24 changes, those who are looking to sit their first NDT PCN course will be required to complete an online Product Technology course through BINDT directly. Information will become available to the public soon via BINDT, visit BINDT News more the most recent changes: PCN News
The PCN scheme, managed by BINDT, is a personal, internationally recognised certification for NDT professionals. It follows BS EN ISO 9712 and other ISO standards.
PCN covers methods like:
UT (Weldments), VT, MT, PT, ET, RT, RI, and UT Thickness/Lamination (ISO 20807).
✅ Issued directly by BINDT
✅ Certificate belongs to the individual
✅ Globally recognised
✅ Verifiable via the PCN Verification Page
Note: PCN certification is not issued by Array Training Ltd, but by BINDT.
Developed by ASNT, the SNT scheme provides a framework for companies to create their own in-house NDT certification, based on a Written Practice (CWP).
Common in industries using ASME and ASTM standards.
✅ Certification is company-owned
✅ Based on internal company procedures
✅ Not transferable between employers
✅ Re-exam required when moving companies
If your company doesn’t have a Written Practice (CWP) and you’re planning to put employees through SNT or PCN training/examinations, our NDT Consultancy team can help.
Contact us at level3services@arraytraining.com or call 01224 890806 (Option 3).
| Feature | PCN (BINDT) | SNT (ASNT-based) |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Personal (BINDT) | Company-based |
| Recognition | International | Internal (mainly US) |
| Transferable? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Certificate Issued | By BINDT | By Employer |
| Standards Followed | ISO (9712, 20807) | ASME, ASTM, CWP |
View & Book PCN / SNT Courses here:
Not necessarily. While experience in your chosen NDT method is required to become certified, you can gain this experience either before or after completing the course.
Many participants choose to take the course first to understand the basics of the NDT and for a structured approach to NDT testing/inspection practice —this is completely optional and up to you.
ATL RECOMMENDATION:
Although NDT courses allow direct entry to Level 2, we recommend that participants have some prior knowledge of the NDT method/sector, either through work experience, online research or by studying the NDT course notes.
Course notes cover all elements required for NDT examination. To purchase and arrange collection of course notes, please contact 01224 890806 – Option 1.
Book Direct Entry Initial NDT Courses here:
You will need to gain on-the-job experience, either through paid employment or voluntary work.
Experience requirements range from 4 to 12 months, depending on the method.
For the PCN scheme, You can find the full details in the official BINDT PSL30 Experience Log.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are booking in for/have completed the direct entry Level 2 course, you must combine Level 1 and Level 2 experience requirements.
ATL RECOMMENDATION:
If you’re just starting out in the NDT industry, it’s a good idea to contact local NDT companies. They may be able to offer opportunities to gain experience after your course (again, this is optional, but highly recommended).
Once you’ve passed your PCN course examination, you’ll have up to 2 years to gather the required experience (in the NDT method sought) and submit your documentation using the PSL57C Application. Charges will apply.
What you need to do:
If you have questions or need support with your PSL57C application, contact BINDT directly:
Phone: +44 (0) 1604 438 300
Email: pcn@bindt.org
Yes, according to BINDT PSL49, if you hold a valid CSWIP qualification and wish to transition or recertify to PCN, you must take an initial PCN examination in the same NDT method and sector. However, you may be eligible for exemptions from the theory element of the exam, provided that you meet the conditions outlined in PSL49.
To proceed, you will need to complete PSL49 (below) and provide valid proof of your CSWIP certification, email both documents to BINDT directly – pcn.applications@bindt.org
For full details and requirements, it’s best to review PSL49 directly:
PSL49 – BINDT
Once you receive approval from BINDT, send the approval email and CSWIP certificate to commerical@arraytraining.com to book in for the initial PCN examination.
Book your initial exam and refresher training (if desired), here:
If you need to sit an initial examination due to an *expired NDT certificate, failing all retest attempts, or transferring from CSWIP to PCN (within the 5-year expiry window), Array Training recommends at least 1 day to multiple days of refresher training, depending on your knowledge of the NDT method. Self-study is also advised, and you can purchase NDT course notes from Array Training before your exam. Online resources such as mock papers and practical videos can also help with revision.
Book your initial exam and refresher training (if desired), here:
Yes you can!
If you hold a valid UT Thickness (ISO 20807) PCN Level 2 Qualification and are looking to upgrade your PCN certificate to UT Weldments (Plate & Pipe configuration) as long as you are still within validity, you can book in for the UT Weldments (Plate & Pipe) PCN L2 Upgrade Course – duration of 13 days (which includes the training + examination) – book here:
UT Weldments (Upgrade) – PCN L2 Training Course
Please note you will require 12 months UT Weldments (Plate & Pipe) experience through PSL30 before gaining UT Weldments (Plate & Pipe) PCN L2 certification from BINDT.
12 (months) / 1,920 (Hours) experience.
Due to expire?
If you hold valid NDT qualifications, it’s important to check your expiry dates to ensure you carry out your NDT recertification examination in plenty of time before the expiry date.
Not sure what renewal path to go down? See below:
BINDT/PCN issues certificates at issue 01 or issue 02.
If your PCN certification is on Issue 1 your renewal options are:
If your PCN certification is on Issue 2 your renewal options are:
Book your PCN Recertification here:
If you need to renew your NDT qualification or sit an annual NDT trade test (competency assessment) but don’t use the NDT method regularly (e.g., daily, weekly, or monthly), Array Training recommends booking at least ½ to 1 day of refresher training before your examination/assessment. This allows you to practice and boost confidence before attempting the real deal!
UT / ET Bookings – Equipment Notice: If you’re unfamiliar with the equipment typically used during UT or ET bookings, we recommend booking refresher training.
Array Training uses (subject to availability):
UT: Sonatest Waves or D20/50
ET: Phasec 3 or Weld Check
If you would prefer to use your own equipment, call 01224 890806 (Opt 1) and email a valid calibration certificate to bookings@arraytraining.com.
What’s Included in Refresher Training/What to expect:
Refresher training provides students with the opportunity to review key elements that may appear in their examination/assessment. This may include mock theory assessments/revision, mock written instructions assessments, and/or practical sample exercises.
On the first day of training, students will be asked by the NDT Trainer to identify which areas they would like to focus on, based on the examination/assessment elements. With guidance from our Trainers, students may choose to concentrate on theory papers, technical instruction, or hands-on practice. A brief performance summary will be provided prior to the examination/assessment.
Please note: Refresher training is not delivered on a one-to-one basis. NDT Trainers will set up the training resources and be available for support/questions alongside their other duties.
If you need a more structural training session, speak to the booking team to enquiry about booking in during a running NDT course where you can sit in on lectures/practical demonstrations.
Book annual Technical Trade Tests (Competency Assessments) – here:
ECITB Technical Trade Tests (Competency Assessments)
Book PCN Recertification Examinations – here:
Book SNT Recertification Examinations – here:
If you hold valid NDT qualifications, it’s important to check your expiry dates to ensure you carry out your NDT renewal in plenty of time before the expiry date.
For SNT Qualifications, it is recommended the renewal is carried out before the expiry date. Full details on the SNT renewal process can be found within your employers CWP document.
Book your SNT Recertification here:
When will I receive my results notice?
As per BINDT requirements, AQB exam centres (Array Training) have up to 28 days at the latest to mark and issue the PCN results notice to candidates & sponsors (via email). It is possible you may receive the results sooner but this cannot be guaranteed and we are unable to advise updates regarding PCN results during the marking period.
If it has been more than 28 days and you have not yet received your PCN Result Notice, please contact the examination department straight away: examinations@arraytraining.com
Hang tight!
Once you’ve received the PCN Results Notice from Array Training and you have successfully passed the examination, BINDT will take up to 28 working days to generate/submit the updated PCN e-certification to your BINDT account. Candidates should receive an email from BINDT on completion**. Candidates should also be able to find their updated PCN qualification on the PCN verification page near the 28 working day mark:
BINDT Contract Information: pcn@bindt.org / +44 (0) 1604 438 300
**Check your inbox or junk mail for any emails from BINDT.
IMPORTANT: Check your latest PCN certificate to ensure your name, address, NDT method/sectors are correct. If you find something to be incorrect, please contact BINDT directly using the contact details above.
Array Training’s examination team will mark and issue SNT examination results notices (via email) to the employer within 2-3 weeks on the examination date. It is possible you may receive the results sooner but this cannot be guaranteed and we are unable to advise updates regarding SNT results during the marking period.
If it has been more than 3 weeks and your employer has not yet received your SNT Result Notice, please contact the examination department straight away: examinations@arraytraining.com
Important Information for Employers Regarding NDT Certification
In accordance with the Employer’s Company Written Practice (CWP), once a candidate has successfully passed the SNT examination conducted by Array Training, the employer is responsible for issuing a Certificate of Qualification. This certificate confirms that the candidate has met all the necessary requirements for the applicable NDT method in line with SNT-TC-1A.
Please note:
The SNT examination certification or results notice provided by Array Training does not constitute the candidate’s official qualification. It serves solely as a pass/fail notification.
The Certificate of Qualification, issued by the employer, is the formal recognition of the candidate’s NDT qualification for work carried out on behalf of the employer.
If you are an employer seeking guidance on CWP or SNT scheme requirements to ensure your NDT personnel are certified in accordance with SNT-TC-1A, please contact our booking team at:
If your company does not own a CWP or NDT inspection procedures, please contact our Level 3 Team –
📧 level3services@arraytraining.com
If you have been unsuccessfully in your recent NDT examination, you will have two retest attempts, which must be completed before the “latest retest date” stated on your results notice. The notice will also specify the area requiring retesting.
Book a PCN retest examination here: Click Here
Book an SNT retest examination here: Click Here
First Time visiting Array Training?
Finding us is easier than spotting rain in Aberdeen – but just in case, here’s all you need:
📍 Address:
Array Training Limited
Rigmar House
Hareness Circle
Altens Industrial Estate
Aberdeen, Scotland
AB12 3LY
📍 Google Maps:
Click here to open in Google Maps
📍 What3words: hired.grant.singer
🚌 By Bus:
Plan your route with First Bus Aberdeen
🚕 By Taxi:
Rainbow City Taxis – Call 01224 878787
💡 Top Tip:
If you’ve got a booking with Array Training, make sure you arrive early – better to be sipping coffee in the student kitchen than rushing through the door!
Explore a wide range of nearby accommodation options around the ATL Centre here: Accommodation List
Please note: Array Training Limited is not liable for any accommodation arrangements made in connection with ATL bookings. If you need to change or cancel your booking with Array Training Limited, any associated accommodation changes are your responsibility.
ID – Required for sign-in and exams. No ID = No entry.
PPE – For MT / VT / PT / ENG bookings only: bring coveralls and safety boots. Safety glasses are provided.
TLD Badge – For RT practical/exams only: bring your company-issued TLD if classified. We also supply one.
Valid PCN card or e-certificate
OR
1x passport-style photo (if no PCN number or expired card)
➤ Email to: examinations@arraytraining.com
1x passport-style photo
➤ Email to: examinations@arraytraining.com
Students/Candidates may supply their own UT/ET equipment if preferable. You must advise the ATL booking team by a minimum of 7 working days before your booking date and send through a copy of the valid calibration certification for the equipment in order to be able to use this during training/examinations through Array Training Limited.
Permanent circuits and portable appliances above 50 Volts have been tested in accordance with the Electricity at Work Act. Do not abuse electrical apparatus.
ATL UT Set User Guides/Videos:
Sonatest Wave – User Manual / Videos
Sonatest – D50/D70 – User Manual
ATL ET Set User Guides/Videos:
ETherNDE – WeldCheck 3 – User Manual
Sub Surface Flaw Detection Demonstration – Video
Surface Flaw Detection Demonstration Video
Medication
Students/Candidates who are under medication MUST contact the ATL team prior to attending the centre to ensure safety restrictions and requirements are met prior to using any equipment.
All medical or safely details will be strictly confidential.
Counselling / Support Requirements
Student counselling will be provided by ATL Trainers during initial/supplementary training, if required. The ATL Trainer will discuss counselling requirements with the student in a confidential/private setting.
Examination candidates suffering from Dyslexia or whose first language is not that in which the examination is presented, must give notice and provide evidence (from a medically recognised body) via email to Array Training by a minimum of 7 working days before the examination date. Once received, this evidence is to be reviewed/authorised before extra time can be granted or bilingual dictionaries are permitted.
Course / Reference Material
If you have been enrolled onto one of our NDT initial training courses with Array Training and would like study material prior to attending the course – no problem!
Once your booking has been confirmed, you may request a collection of course notes associated with your booking by phoning 01224 890806 (Opt. 1) to arrange a collection date/time.
For PCN bookings, if your PCN examination includes a Written Instruction element, please refer to our Mock Written Instruction section on this page to downloads a copy for your perusal.
THEORY / WRITTEN:
Study NDT course notes – to purchase phone 01224 890806 – Option 1
Book Refresher Training
Collect mock papers from the centre (must be returned for marking/feedback ideally during a refresher training session).
Check out our online reference material section on our website: Useful Information – Array Training
PCN Bookings Only: If your PCN recertification (renewal) includes Written Instruction, please refer to the Example Written Instruction below:
(add WI links)
SNT Bookings Only: If your SNT recertification (renewal) includes a Specific Paper, we recommend referring to your companies NDT procedures/industry standards.
PRACTICAL:
If your PCN/SNT examination includes Practical Samples, you may benefit from booking in Refresher Training prior to your examination, more information on refresher training can be found here: Is Refresher Training for me?
For UT/ET bookings, get familiar with your examination equipment click here: UT/ET Equipment Information
Online Reading Material:
Overview of NDT Methods: Nondestructive Evaluation Techniques
NDT Glossary / Terms: Nondestructive Evaluation Glossary
Video Material: YouTube – great source of study material!
Other Material (Purchase):
ASNT Questions & Answer: ASNT: Search Results for ‘ASNT Questions & Answers Book’