The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing

Approval of NDT
Training
Organisations

Contents

Part I

Approval and Accreditation

Page 2

Part II

Minimum Requirements

Page 9

Part III

Specimen Forms

Page 16

Audit checklist

Page 26

Appendix 1 - Equipment

Page 33

Appendix 2 Specimens

Page 39

Fee structure

NDT Approval Document issue 2

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The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing

Part I Approval and Accreditation

Contents

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

NDT Approval Document issue 2

Introduction
Approval and Accreditation
Procedure
Validity
Extensions
Renewal

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Foreword
The wording of this document has changed since its last issue (Acc Doc 08 rev B).
BINDT are subject to a yearly audit by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) as a result
BINDT have consistently had a non conformance raised against them regarding their use of the term
Accredited/Accreditation within the ATO scheme.
In the second quarter of 2013, a working group was setup by the BINDTs Council committee to
discuss this consistently raised issue. The majority agreed that BINDT could approve or authorise
organisations conducting NDT & Inspection, CM or Marine training and/or examinations, but does not
have the authority to Accredit organisations.
In conclusion the working group informed the relevant committees; Council, CMC,
Certification/Approval Panel (previously Accreditation Panel) and MQ&E that ATO will now stand for
APPROVED TRAINING ORGANISATION and that the training courses offered would be
ACCREDITED.
The Certification/Approval Panel agreed to provide existing ATOs with a 12 month transition period
from the date of this document issue, deadline being 31st November 2014, in order to align their
related documentation and publications with the wording of this issue of the Accreditation document,
now Approval Document.
Any enquiries should be forwarded to the ATO administrators
Newton Building, St. Georges Avenue
Northampton, NN2 6JB
United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0)1604-893-811.
Fax: +44(0)1604-893-868.
E-mail: [email protected]

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1. Introduction
1.1 In the interests of improving and maintaining the general standard of Non-Destructive Testing
(NDT) training in the United Kingdom, and where requested elsewhere, the British Institute of NonDestructive Testing has produced guidelines which define the minimum requirements for the
structured training of NDT practitioners (See part II), together with a scheme outlined herein under
which such training may be assessed and approved. It is the intention that the gaining of Approval by
a commercial trainer offering courses to external clients should be seen as a testimony to the quality
of its overall system.
All information and documentation accrued by the BINDT appointed person, the Certification/Approval
Panel and any auditor whilst conducting Approval or accreditation business shall be treated as
commercial in confidence and not disclosed to any other parties.
1.2 A system diagram which outlines the approval process is shown on page 6.
1.3 This document is intended to be used by organisations wishing to provide Industry with an assured
quality of training in NDT.
1.4 It has been developed out of a perceived need for a method by which approval can be given to
those offering excellence in training.
1.5 It is recommended that NDT Personnel Certification Schemes should make use of approved
training when stipulating their requirements for examination eligibility.

2. Approval and Accreditation

2.1 At the request of the Training Organisation, the Institute will, upon receipt of a correctly completed
application and the published current fee, appoint a suitably competent auditor(s) to visit the Training
Organisation for audit purposes.
2.2 Assessment will comprise three phases:
2.2.1

A review of the application and supporting material supplied.

2.2.2

Assessment of modules for training course accreditation.

2.2.3

Evaluation of the quality management system, quality procedures and facilities of the
establishment to be approved. (An audit checklist is included in this document).

2.3 The authority to grant approval and accreditation rests entirely with the BINDT
Certification/Approval Panel. The Panel shall not be obliged to give reasons for withholding approval
or accreditation though, wherever practicable, the maximum assistance will be given to Training
Organisations before re-assessment.
2.4 If the Panel considers that the Training Organisation and associated course modules comply with
the minimum requirements, approval by the Institute will follow.
2.5 An Approved Training Organisation (ATO) will be entitled to display the British Institute of NonDestructive Testing Approval Logo (as shown on the title page of this document) and will receive a
wall certificate to promote their business as a BINDT approved training organisation. A copy of the
logo can be obtained at request directly from BINDTs publishing department [email protected].

3. Procedure
3.1 The Training Organisation seeking approval will apply on the relevant form, which are included in
Part III, which is to be submitted together with specified supporting documentation. Copies of
application forms may be obtained separately from the Institute. Subject to satisfactory review of the
documentation supplied, an audit visit will be arranged where possible, within 6 months of receipt of
the application.

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3.2 A Remote Training Centre (RTC hereafter) associated with an approved training body (ATO) must
also apply for approval to RTC status on the relevant application form APP/1 attached. The RTC is
managed and controlled by the governing ATO
In order to comply with the specification of an RTC, the facility must be remote from the appointed
ATO. If six or more advertised training events are carried out at a remote training location in any
twelve month period the training coordinator shall notify BINDT and the remote training centre will
routinely be expected to apply to be an ATO under the criteria laid down in this document.
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
3.3.4

3.3.5

3.3.6

The RTC must operate in accordance with the quality manual and operational
procedures of the associated ATO;
The authorised trainers are employed by the ATO and travel to the centre to
undertake training- trainers will not be employed by the RTC;
All training material is returned to the ATO;
All RTCs are subject to premises/facility/equipment audit under the same restrictions
and requirements applied to ATOs and must prove to BINDT that their NDT training
business operates solely in accordance with the ATOs quality and operational
documents;
Any RTC operating beyond the scope (see clause 3.2) intended for NDT training
centres must apply for full approval by BINDT to become an approved training
organisation (ATO) and be subject to the full systems audit and associated costs;
All RTCs must undertake their own internal quality audit every 2 years from the date
of approval, and so specified in the quality manual of the governing ATO that
manages the RTC;

3.3 After the visit, the audit team, comprising suitably competent auditor, will make a report and
recommendation to the Certification/Approval Panel, who may then authorise approval.
3.4 Any new Training Organisation will be required to undergo a follow-up audit by BINDT
approximately 6 calendar months after the initial audit*.
3.5 In the event of approval of an ATO or RTC being withheld because of failure to comply with all or
part of the minimum requirements, the ATO shall be re-audited within 3 calendar months of the
original audit date in order to demonstrate conformance in areas previously found unsatisfactory.
Failure to do so will result in the need to re-apply as an initial applicant.
3.6 Approved Training Organisations will be subject to audits to ensure they continue to comply with
the minimum requirements of the Approval Document.
3.6.1 The Initial audit schedule is:
i.
Initial full assessment: within 12 months of receipt of acceptable application
ii.
Follow up: within 6 months of initial full assessment as determined by BINDT
iii.
Surveillance: within 12 and 24 months after most recent full assessment
iv.
Reassessment: within 36 months after initial full reassessment, this audit will include a
comprehensive assessment of the complete quality system, training materials and
facilities, leading to renewal of approval
3.6.2 After the initial audit cycle (clause 3.6.1) has been successfully completed, the normal audit
schedule is annually. This audit cycle can be changed to biennial audits on the recommendation of
the assessor and the approval of the Certification/Approval Panel for those organisations that had a
successful audit with little or minor in nature findings.
3.6.3 To ensure the ATOs continued compliance with its 2 or 3 yearly approval, BINDT shall attempt to
schedule the audits (not including the initial audit) approximately 3 months before recommendation to
the Certification/Approval Panel is due and/or the anniversary of approval expiry.
*Duration of follow-up audit and fees to be confirmed at the time of booking. This will be dependent on the number
and nature of any failures of compliance that were identified at the initial audit.

3.7 Surveillance visits will normally be carried out on an annual basis by the appointed assessor who
will examine the way in which training is conducted on site, including review of student records and
files, and the site itself. At the discretion of BINDT, random site visits may be carried out.
3.8 Reassessments carried out every 2 or 3 years will include a comprehensive audit of the complete
quality arrangements and training facilities.

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3.9 Training Course material shall be submitted electronically for accreditation by providing a
completed form APP/2 for each course, together with a complete set of course notes (with supporting
literature if necessary) and the relevant fee. The purpose of course accreditation is to ensure that the
specified objectives of the course are met and that the course satisfies the requirements of the
certification scheme document PCN GEN and its associated requirements or other specified
requirements with which it is aligned (if any).
3.10 Training Courses need not necessarily be aligned with a certification scheme but in all cases the
purpose and objectives of the course must be clearly stated. Courses accredited to be compliant with
PCN GEN specifications can be considered as pre-requisite to sit a PCN GEN qualification
examination, after the candidate has successfully passed the training.
3.11 Courses are in general accredited for Training Organisations that have gained Approval under
the Institutes Approval Scheme. Such courses are usually conducted on a commercial basis and are
readily available to the public. Where courses are run as in-house training on a non-commercial basis
or as client specific, the Certification/Approval Panel may be willing to accredit the course modules as
separate entities, without the need for full Approval.

3.12 Approval of Level 3 Training

The BINDT Certification/Approval Panel, routinely accredits training courses at Level 1 and Level 2.
Courses are approved as meeting specific requirements, (generally defined in terms of an examination
syllabus) and the object of the exercise is to ensure that all aspects of the syllabus are addressed
within the training course at a suitable level and depth.
Most courses that are accredited will be for training prior to PCN examinations but that need not
always be the case. For instance if an ATO has a requirement to train candidates to perform a range
of well defined tasks, then a training course could be designed, and subsequently accredited by
BINDT as meeting those requirements and would be listed under part 2 of the approval list.
The syllabus is well defined, therefore a training course can be designed to cover those areas of
learning. This works well for Level 1 and Level 2 training but it does not work at Level 3.
Level 3 courses need to be well versed in a very broad range of knowledge and the candidate should
be familiar with Product Technology, the other four main NDT methods, Procedure Writing and so on.
The way that we address this dilemma is to define three main requirements that training centres must
meet if they are to be recognised as providers of Level 3 training:
1. The tutors must be Level 3 Certificated.
2. The training school must have available the defined Essential Reading material.
3. There must be a system in place whereby candidates are assessed on arrival, (or
beforehand), in order to identify the gaps in their knowledge. The training course must then
be specifically designed to address those areas of weakness.
The course content must be designed as a bespoke product, suited to a particular individual. Any
training establishment that meets the three requirements set out above may request that BINDT
recognises that they are capable of offering Level 3 training courses and once proven at audit can be
listed under part 3 of the approval list but will not be included on their certificate of approval.

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4. Validity
4.1 Approval given under the scheme shall have validity of three years subject to the maintenance of
proper standards. This Certificate of Approval is valid subject to a satisfactory, yearly surveillance.
This certificate is the property of BINDT and can be withdrawn at any time. All ATOs will be added to
the approval list, this is proof of validity and verification of an ATO certificate.
4.2 The ATO shall ensure that BINDT is kept up to date with their latest Quality Management System
(QMS) and training procedures. The English version of the QMS shall be submitted to BINDT
electronically. When the ATOs QMS undergoes any updates/changes these must also be submitted
electronically to BINDT immediately.
4.3 A system to deal with complaints from students and/or employers of students will be operated by
the Institute and approval may be withdrawn at any time in the approved period if, upon investigation,
non-conformances are judged by the Certification/Approval Panel to warrant it.
4.4 A system to record any complaints received shall also be operated by the Training Organisation
and complaint records must be available for examination during the renewal audit/surveillance visit.
4.5 Should major changes occur in Approved Training Organisation policy, personnel, documentation,
facilities or operating procedure, which may affect the validity of approval, the British Institute of NonDestructive Testing must be informed immediately. Failure to do so may result in a refusal to renew
approval.
4.6 Due to business fluctuations there may be periods during which training courses are not run,
particularly at smaller Training Organisations. If no courses are held during a 12 month period then
the BINDT appointed person must be advised of the situation. Every effort will be made to ensure that
approved status is maintained, but checks may be necessary prior to the next course being conducted
to ensure that the training facility has in fact become fully operational.

5. Extensions
5.1 Approval of additional course modules, subsequent to the initial visit, will require a further audit
which will be staggered to the audit schedule. The additional modules are to be submitted to BINDT
electronically for review and accreditation. A copy of the curriculum and course notes, a list of
equipment, specimens, instructor qualifications and a correctly completed application for extension
(See Part III), together with the current published fee, should be forwarded to the BINDT. Extensions
approved as per section 2.
5.2 Where the Organisation undertakes approved training at locations remote from its base, the
Organisation shall notify the BINDT of these locations by completing relevant sections of form ACC-1.
The Training Organisation Coordinator shall be responsible for ensuring that the requirements of part
II are met in their entirety at all remote locations. If 6 or more advertised training events are carried out
at a remote training location in any twelve month period the training coordinator shall notify BINDT and
the remote training centre will routinely be expected to apply to be an ATO under the criteria laid down
in this document.

6. Renewal
Approval may be renewed, subject to a satisfactory surveillance visit, on an annual basis following the
receipt of a correctly completed application for renewal (form APP/4), together with the current
published fee.

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Approval of Training
Figure 1. System Diagram
Application
Form

BINDT
appointed agent

Appoint
Assessor

Gather
Information

Report to BINDT
appointed agent

Approval Panel
Yes

No

MQ&E committee
final approval

Follow-Up audit

Training
Organisation
informed of
approval

Submit report to
Approval Panel

Approval
Awarded

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The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing

Part II Minimum Requirements for the Structured Training

of Non-Destructive Testing Practitioners
Contents
1. Foreword

6. Training Staff
6.1 Certification
6.2 Qualifications
6.3 Experience
6.4 Updating

2. Scope
3. Quality Management System
4. Management
4.1 Responsibility
4.2 Resource Management
4.3 Service Realisation
4.4 Measurement, Analysis and Improvement.
4.5 Student Induction
4.6 Student Assessment
4.7 Counselling
4.8 Curriculum
4.9 Course Notes
5. Facilities
5.1 The Training Environment
5.2 Resources
5.3 Equipment
5.4 Specimens
5.5 Library

NDT Approval Document issue 2

7. Records
7.1 Students Records
7.2 Staff
7.3 NDT Equipment
7.4 Specimens
7.5 COSHH

Annex A Training Certificates and Data

Sheets

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Minimum Requirements for the Structured Training of

Non-Destructive Testing Practitioners
1. Foreword
This document is based upon CEN Technical Report 25108, which is implemented within the British
Institute of Non-Destructive Testing Approval Scheme for Training Organisations wishing to provide
industry with an assured quality of tuition in the main NDT methods.
2. Scope
This generic Operations Manual establishes the minimum requirements for the structured training of
NDT practitioners to ensure eligibility in PCN NDT personnel certification examinations.
3. Quality Management System
The Training Organisation shall implement and maintain a quality management system that complies
with ISO 9001:2008 (the ATO may justify excluding the ISO 9001 clause 7.3 requirements for design
and development as the training syllabus and methodology is externally imposed). BINDT shall be
provided with a controlled copy of the ATOs QMS which shall be kept up to date with any revisions
made following periodic review.
All staff within the applicant Training Organisation shall be made aware of their specific responsibilities
and method of working. These shall be published in a quality manual which includes an organisational
chart.

Responsibilities and methods of working shall be defined by job title, and staff shall be
allocated job titles in their terms of reference, which in turn refer them to the Quality Manual.
Procedures defined within the quality manual shall encompass all staff functions within the
Training Organisation and shall include arrangements for control of documentation and
calibration of test equipment, together with laboratory instructions to control specified
processes.
Training Organisation staff shall be conversant with relevant procedures defined in the manual
and shall sign a record indicate that they have read and understood the document.

The ATO quality management system will include a documented schedule for internal audit which will
cover the whole of the quality management system and training processes (including RTCs where
applicable) at least once in each calendar year.

4. Management
4.1 Responsibility
Senior Management shall be involved with, and show commitment to, the successful operation of the
Quality Management system.
The Training Organisation shall have a co-ordinator who is responsible for the overall management of
the Training Operations, and for setting up and maintaining a Documented Quality Management
System satisfying the criteria contained within ISO 9001 and this document.
4.2 Resource Management
Training Organisation management shall:
4.2.1

Determine the necessary competence for personnel performing work affecting the quality of
NDT training;

4.2.2

Provide training or take other actions to satisfy these needs;

4.2.3

Evaluate the competence of the Trainer (Particularly where the competence of the individual
has been achieved by additional appropriate education, training, skills and/or experience;

4.2.4

Ensure the adequacy of equipment and facilities needed by the business to carry out NDT
Training;

4.2.5

Ensure that the work environment meets Statutory, Regulatory, BINDT and Customer
requirements.

4.3 Service Realisation

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Training Organisation management shall plan service realisation from the point where the customer
asks for training through to delivery of training. In so doing, management shall identify key processes
and how these processes interact with one another.
4.4 Measurement, Analysis and Improvement
Training Organisation management shall:
4.4.1

Monitor and measure customer satisfaction.

4.4.2

Commission internal audits at not less than 12 month intervals.

4.4.3

Check processes associated with the delivery of training, ensuring that it is delivered in an
effective manner which meets the customer's requirements.

4.4.4

Ensure that Non-Conformances are controlled and dealt with appropriately.

The above points will provide data. This data shall be analysed in order to identify improvements to
management systems and processes.
Finally, Training Organisations management shall implement and monitor improvements.
This should form the basis of the annual management review meeting.
4.5 Student Induction
A system of student induction shall be in place such that, upon acceptance of an application for
enrolment, the Training Organisation will issue to the enrolled student, or his sponsor, clear and
unambiguous instructions in accordance with the following:
4.5.1

Course fees and method of payment which shall show all that is included in the fees. There
shall be no hidden extras and a schedule of course fees shall be made freely available upon
request.

4.5.2

Dates and times of attendance for the course, which shall include clear instructions concerning
the location of the Training Organisation.

4.5.3

Transport, accommodation and catering arrangements, where applicable.

4.5.4

The relevant safety requirements pertaining to the Training Organisation as a whole or the
particular course for which the student is enrolled.
NOTE. Where necessary students attending courses involving practical radiography are to be
registered as classified radiation workers prior to the commencement of training and are to
wear radiation monitoring devices at all times during the course.

4.5.5

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for students attending the training course, and
whether this is provided by the Training Organisation, or whether the student must provide his
own PPE.

4.5.6

NDT equipment provided by the Training Organisation for use by students during the training
course, and whether the student may optionally provide/use their own NDT equipment.

4.5.7

Textbooks essential to the training course, and whether these are provided by the Training
Organisation or the student.

4.5.8

The name and telephone number of a contact at the Training Organisation from whom
additional information may be obtained if required.

4.6 Student Assessment

In all cases a system of student assessment shall monitor the progress and learning of individual
students on a daily basis.
Where the training course is intended to provide the employer of NDT personnel with essential
information required for qualification and certification under, for example, SNT-TC-1A, students shall
undertake written and practical final examinations, and shall be issued with a uniquely numbered
certificate (traceable to the student records required in paragraph 7.1) of successful completion of
NDT training. See Annex A.
For training courses intended to qualify NDT personnel for examination eligibility in a third party
certification system in compliance with, for example, EN ISO 9712, training course final examinations
may be replaced by a programme of controlled, documented continual assessment. Satisfactory
completion of the course may be demonstrated either by comprehensive records of daily progress
assessments or success in an end of course examination.

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Whenever end of course examinations are employed, they shall not be set, invigilated or marked by
the instructor responsible for the course in which the student is enrolled, and steps shall be taken to
prevent collaboration or collusion during examinations. A documented system shall be in place to
ensure that specimens used during end of course examinations have not been accessible (or have
been used as practical assessment specimens) to the student during the course.
4.7 Counseling
A system of counseling shall be provided for the benefit of students who fail to reach the required
minimum standard during daily progress assessments or in the end of course assessment.
4.8 Curriculum
The Training Organisation shall publish and make freely available upon request the curriculum upon
which each course is based. If the course concerned is aligned with a recognised certification
examination, e.g. PCN, the curriculum shall reflect the published syllabus pertaining to that
examination.
The curriculum shall be reviewed annually (as a minimum) and revised, if necessary, in the light of
scientific, industrial and technological developments in the NDT method concerned, or where a
change occurs in the syllabus of the certification examination with which the course is aligned.
4.9 Course Notes
The Training Organisation shall maintain a master set of course notes and shall review these
periodically and revise if necessary in the light of changes to;
4.9.1 the curriculum;
4.9.2 PCN GEN and its associated requirements;
4.9.3 or where the change occurs in the examination syllabus associated with the qualification
examination with which the course is aligned (see point 4.9.2).
Revised course notes should bear a revision date, to ensure a consistency between courses in the
event of staff changes. The ATO shall have a documented process that shows this annual review is
conducted.
The Training Organisation shall provide each enrolled student with a comprehensive set of appropriate
course notes, these being hard copies of the master, the cost of which shall be included in the course
fees.
NOTE: Externally published and controlled classroom training handbooks may supplement but not be
a substitute for the Training Organisations own course notes.
5. Facilities
The facilities within the Training Organisation shall meet the minimum requirements defined in this
section.
5.1 The Training Environment
The premises used for training shall comply with the latest issue of all relevant legislation, e.g. in the
UK the Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH Regulations and where applicable, Ionising Radiation
Regulations.
Appropriate safety notices shall be displayed in a location accessible to all students. Relevant safety
data sheets shall be on hand at the point of use of potentially hazardous equipment or processes.
5.2 Resources
Classrooms and practical facilities shall be well lit and ventilated and there shall be adequate provision
of teaching aids such as blackboards/whiteboards or flip charts, overhead and/or slide projectors,
computer generated presentations and video equipment appropriate to the course.
5.3 Equipment
Sufficient NDT equipment, such as instruments, accessories and calibration blocks, shall be available
to cover the full range of NDT techniques within each of the NDT methods being taught (except where
the range of NDT techniques is limited by industry or product sector applications), and to occupy all of
the students on the course concerned (Appendix 1 refers).
Adequate Personal Protective Equipment such as protective eye glasses, gloves, coveralls, etc.,
should also be available to students.

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5.4 Specimens
Training specimens shall be available in sufficient quantity and complexity to cover the full range of
applications encompassed by the course curriculum (Appendix 2 refers). Specimens should also be
available containing real defects representative of those found in industry. Separate specimens shall
be used for training and examinations and there shall be provision for secure storage of examination
specimens.
5.5 Library
The Training Organisation shall maintain an up to date library of NDT Standards relevant to the
method being taught. Students shall be made aware of the existence of these Standards and
educated in their use.
Relevant certification scheme documents shall be made available for the use of students.
6. Training Staff
The Training Organisations management structure shall include a Course Coordinator (however
named) with overall responsibility for the technical operation of the training facilities and for ensuring
that the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing requirements are met.
The training facility shall have sufficient instructors to ensure that as a minimum, one tutor is present
throughout each course in line with the specific approved documentation requirements.
The ATO shall permit only those personnel named in the BINDT approved quality management
system and on the ATO authorisation as tutors to supervise the conduct of training. Trainers shall hold
relevant PCN certification (or certification recognised by BINDT), otherwise, the ATO shall
demonstrate to the satisfaction of BINDT that the tutor has received appropriate training. The ATO
shall notify BINDT of any changes or addition to tutors (supervising the conduct of training) listed on
their authorisation.
6.1 Certification
A key member of staff who has involvement in the day to day running of the training organisation shall
have overall responsibility for each training discipline and is required to hold equal to or higher level,
recognised, certification to which the course is aligned.
Trainers should be appropriately qualified for the NDT method and sector that the course covers.
Trainers shall hold qualification(s) acceptable to BINDT at a minimum of level 2. Where the course
provides training for level 3 candidates, the tutor should hold accepted qualification(s) at level 3.
6.2 Qualifications
Training Organisations shall employ a minimum of one staff member formally trained in instructional
techniques. This employee should then disseminate this training to all training staff.
6.3 Experience
Training Instructors shall have knowledge of materials science and product technology, and have
documented experience of current industrial applications of the NDT methods that they are authorised
to teach.
6.4 Updating
Training Organisations staff shall be kept up to date with current industrial procedures and practices,
and the Organisation shall document how this is achieved.
7. Records (general)
There shall be a system for maintaining and reviewing the current state of all records held within the
Training Organisation. Such records are to be kept in a secure location and treated with confidentiality.
7.1 Student records
Records shall be raised and maintained for each enrolled student for a period of not less than ten
years and shall include, as a minimum;
7.1.1

Date(s) of enrolment and completion of training;

7.1.2

Course on which enrolled;

7.1.3

Instructors and auditors involved;

7.1.4

Records of daily progress assessments; this should include a log of specimens tested during
the course with the instructors comments.

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7.1.5

Final examination result(s) attained (where appropriate), including a copy of the completed
examination paper(s);

7.1.6

Details of specimens (including identification numbers) and equipment used by the student in
any final examination;

7.1.7

A certificate of successful training course completion, including a data sheet necessary for
employers implementing a second party qualification system such as SNT-TC-1A (details of
the content of certificates and data sheets is provided at Annex A, page 13 to this manual).

7.2 Staff
Records shall be raised, updated and maintained for not less than ten years concerning staff:
7.2.1

Experience;

7.2.2

Qualifications;

7.2.3

Certification;

7.2.4

Formal training and updating.

7.3 NDT Equipment

The Training Organisation shall maintain a fully documented system for the maintenance and
calibration of NDT Equipment.
NOTE: Calibration of equipment used solely for training purposes is not required by this scheme to be
traceable to a National Standard, except where personal safety is affected, i.e., in the case of
equipment generating, emitting or monitoring ionizing radiations.
7.4 Specimens
The Training Organisation shall maintain a fully documented system for the unique identification of
each training and examination specimen. This shall include a master record of the position and extent
of all defects relevant to the NDT technique for which it is to be used.
7.5 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Disposal of chemicals used in the operation of training courses shall be carried out in accordance with
applicable national regulations (see clause 5.1). A disposal register shall be maintained.

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Annex A Training Certificates and Data Sheets

This annex provides guidance on the data to be provided by the Training Organisation
Data relating to qualification examinations

Data relating to training provided

Training Organisation name and address

Training Organisation name and address

Training Organisation status with respect to

BINDT approval

Training Organisation status with respect to BINDT

approval

Candidates full name

Trainees full name

Employers name and address

Employers name and address

NDT method

NDT method

NDT Level

NDT Level

Specific NDT technique(s) used in practical

examination(s)

Duration of training in hours

Training syllabus covered by course (e.g. reference
to PCN syllabus, or to employers written practice)

Applicable standard(s), e.g. BS EN 4179 : 2009

Unique number of datasheet
Date of issue of datasheet

Date of issue of datasheet

Date of completion of examination

Date of completion of training course

Reference to specifications(s) covered by

specific examination

Reference to specifications covered in specific

elements of training

Examination part(s) set

Individual grades obtained (General, Specific &
Practical)
Overall grade awarded (and weighting applied,
if appropriate), including Pass or Fail

Assessment results

Statement of limitations (where appropriate)

Name of examiner

Name and signature of tutor

Signature of examiner
Document control of sheet/report/certificate

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The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing

Part III Specimen Forms

Contents

1. Form APP/1 Application for British Institute of NDT Approval

2. Form APP/2 NDT Training Course Questionnaire
3. Form APP/3 Application for Extension of Scope of British Institute of NDT Approval
4. Form APP/4 Application for Annual Renewal of British Institute of NDT Approval

Copies of all forms contained within this Annex are available separately by contacting
BINDT.

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Form APP/1
Application for British Institute of NDT Approval
Page 1 of 3

This is an application for Approval by the Institute of the Training Organisation named below, the
Quality System of which has been reviewed against, and is believed to comply with, the Institutes
published Minimum Requirements for the Structured Training of Non-Destructive Testing Practitioners.
This application must be accompanied by at least one completed course questionnaire (Form
APP/2).
It is requested that, upon acceptance of this application, the Institute arranges an appointment to audit
this Training Organisation against its published Minimum Requirements for the Structured Training of
NDT Practitioners.
The current applicant fee, as specified in this document, is enclosed herewith (Cheques should be
made payable to the British Institute of NDT).
APPLICANT ORGANISATION:
LEGAL NAME:
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
CONTACT NAME:
E-MAIL:
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE EMAIL:

PROPOSED TRAINING CENTRE:

BUSINESS ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
CONTACT NAME:

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TITLE(S) OF NDT COURSE(S) TO BE ACCREDITED (NB COURSE QUESTIONNAIRES ARE

REQUIRED FOR EACH COURSE TO BE ACCREDITED):

DECLARATION* The Training Organisation quality systems and the above courses are believed to
comply with the Institutes requirements for approval.
COORDINATORS
NAME
SIGNATURE
DATE OF
APPLICATION
*I undertake, on behalf of the applicant organisation, to comply with the requirements set out in
document NDT APPROVAL DOCUMENT and its Appendices, and understand that, when completed,
this form, together with any subsequently issued authorisation or certificate of approval, will form the
contract between the applicant organisation and BINDT. I enclose the current ATO application fee and
the documentation required in support of this application (see notes below).
All information provided will be treated as commercial in confidence and only divulged to the members
of the MQ&E Committee, the Certification/Approval Panel, CMC or its nominees.

Documents to be submitted with this application:

Controlled copy of Training Organisation Quality Manual and operation procedures

A completed course questionnaire (Form APP/2) for each course to be accredited
Training Organisation Course curricula
Students course notes for each course to be accredited
Typical end of course student assessment and feedback forms and reports
Copies of each instructors CV and copies of their relevant certification
Current fee for application and accreditation of course notes

REMOTE TRAINING CENTRES

The training organization (ATO) must identify any remote training centres (RTC) associated with their
business, and so identified in their quality manual, together with all RTC staff, their qualifications,
duties and responsibilities. The RTC must comply with all articles specified in this Approval Document
for RTCs.
RTC COMPANY NAME(S):
RTC COMPANY ADDRESSE(S):
RTC CONTACT DETAIL(S):
RTC STAFF AND THEIR
QUALIFICATIONS:
RTC STAFF DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES:

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DECLARATION OF THE ATO*

MANAGER OF
ATO
SIGNATURE
DATE
MANAGER OF
RTC
SIGNATURE
DATE
* I declare that the listed RTCs above are truly remote from the central ATO body, such that they
cannot feasibly operate as a viable business as an ATO in their own right, and are required to operate
as a remote training centre under the control of the assigned ATO.
Please return this form with the current application fee to [email protected]

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Form APP/2
NDT Training Course Questionnaire
Page 1 of 3

One questionnaire to be completed in full for each course to be accredited under the British Institute of
Non-Destructive Testings NDT Training Approval Scheme and attached to the application for
Approval (Form APP/1).

GENERAL
GENERAL
Applicant Organisation:
Title of course to be accredited:
With which certification
examination(s), if any, is the
course aligned:
(if none, state objectives)
Overall duration of the course in
working days:
Amount of formal instruction in
hours:
Amount of practical and tutorial
in hours:
What, if any, are the course
entry requirements, i.e.
qualifications and experience:
How long has the course been
available in its present form:
If it is a new course, what
experience do you have in
running similar course:
Does the course involve a
mandatory examination or
assessment YES/NO:
Is a certificate or written evidence of progress issued to:
a) the student? YES/NO
b) the employer? YES/NO

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Please give details of course literature issued to the student:

a) Before the course:
b) During the course:
Name of responsible course
instructor:
Is he/she engaged full time
during the course: YES/NO
Instructors professional
qualifications and/or valid
certification:
(submit copies of CVs and
Certification with this
application or list PCN
number)
Instructors relevant industrial
experience:
Details of any training in
instructional procedures (with
dates):
Details of other relevant staff
involved in this course:
Name of instructor:
Is he/she engaged full time
during the course YES/NO:
Relevant industrial experience
and qualifications:
Details of formal training in
lecturing (with dates):
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
General description of premises
(both ATO and all RTC
premises)
a) For lectures:
b) For practical
Capacity (students):
Details of equipment for this
course:
Policy on equipment calibration:

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Details of available calibration

blocks for this course:
Details of practical specimens
representative of the range
necessary to cover the
requirements of the certification
scheme (where applicable) with
which the course is aligned:
Is this course ever conducted
outside the premises to be
audited? YES/NO:
(if yes, give details)

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Form APP/3
Application for Extension of Scope for British Institute of NDT Approval

Page 1 of 1

This form is to be used by British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing Approved Training Organisations
when applying to have further NDT course modules accredited by the Institute. An audit visit may or
may not be required in order to approve additional courses.
N.B. A completed course questionnaire (Form APP/2) for each course to be accredited must
accompany this application.
APPLICANT ORGANISATION:
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
ORGANISATION COORDINATOR NAME:
E-MAIL:
TITLE(S) OF ADDITIONAL COURSES SUBMITTED FOR ACCREDITATION:

DECLARATION OF THE ATO*

CO-ORDINATOR
NAME
CO-ORDINATOR
SIGNATURE
DATE
* I/we certify that no changes in Training Organisation management, staff, documentation, facilities or
equipment have occurred since the approval audit visit, which may reduce the quality of training, offered.
This application must be accompanied by:

Controlled copy of Training Organisation Quality Manual and operation procedures

A completed course questionnaire (Form APP/2) for each course to be accredited

Training Organisation Course curricula

Students course notes for each course to be accredited

Typical end of course student assessment and feedback forms and reports

Copies of each instructors CV and copies of their relevant certification

Current fee for application and accreditation of course notes

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Form APP/4
Application for Annual Renewal of British Institute of NDT Approval
Page 1 of 2

This form is to be used by British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing Approved Training Organisations
when applying for annual renewal of Approval by the Institute.
Approval will expire on the anniversary of the date that it was awarded and the application for renewal
must reach the Secretariat of the Institute before expiry for renewal to take place. It is advised that
application for renewal be submitted at least 3 months before expiry to allow document processing.
Failure to renew before this anniversary may result in any subsequent application being considered as
an initial application.
An audit will be required prior to renewal. Continued approval will be conditional on a satisfactory
surveillance visit being conducted annually by a BINDT appointed agent.
APPLICANT ORGANISATION:
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE:
ORGANISATION COORDINATOR NAME:
E-MAIL:
TITLE(S) OF ADDITIONAL COURSES SUBMITTED FOR ACCREDITATION:

Have any changes occurred in

Training Organisation
management, staff, premises,
and documentation or
accredited courses since
Approval was awarded or
renewed? YES/NO:
(If yes, please give details)
Please list courses currently
accredited by the Institute,
giving reference numbers where
applicable:
Approximately how many
individuals have been trained
during the last 12 months:

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DECLARATION OF THE ATO*

CO-ORDINATOR NAME
CO-ORDINATOR SIGNATURE
DATE

This application must be accompanied by:

Controlled copy of Training Organisation Quality Manual and operation procedures

A completed course questionnaire (Form APP/2) for each course to be accredited

Training Organisation Course curricula

Students course notes for each course to be accredited

Typical end of course student assessment and feedback forms and reports

Copies of each instructors CV and copies of their relevant certification

Current fee for application and accreditation of course notes

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The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing

BINDT NDT Approval Document Audit Checklist

Minimum Requirements for the Structured Training of
Non-Destructive Testing Practitioners

1. Foreword
This document is based upon CEN Technical Report 25108, which is implemented within the British
Institute of Non-Destructive Testing Approval Scheme for Training Organisations wishing to provide
industry with an assured quality of tuition in the main NDT methods.
2. Scope
This checklist replicates BINDTs Minimum Requirements for the Structured Training of NDT
Practitioners, and provides auditors of Training Establishments with a mechanism for recording
observations during audits. It also provides a useful checklist for Training Establishments preparing for
audit by BINDT, as well as for internal auditing purposes.
3. Process
On Initial audit and every 3rd year re-assessment audit the ATO will be assessed against the full
checklist (sections 3 - 7 inclusive). On every surveillance audit a reduced checklist will be used.
Requirement

Evaluation/remarks

3. Quality Management System

3.1 The Training Organisation shall adopt and implement
a suitable quality management system. This shall be
based upon ISO 9001:2008, as the training syllabus and
methodology is externally imposed. The management
system shall be controlled and periodically reviewed
according to the stipulations in the quality manual.
3.2 All staff within the applicant Training Organisation
shall be made aware of their specific responsibilities and
method of working. These shall be published in a quality
manual which includes an organisational chart.
3.3 Responsibilities and methods of working shall be
defined by job title, and staff shall be allocated job titles
in their terms of reference, which in turn refer them to the
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Quality Manual.
3.4 Procedures defined within the quality manual shall
encompass all staff functions within the Training
Organisation and shall include arrangements for control
of documentation and calibration of test equipment,
together with laboratory instructions to control specified
processes.
3.5 Training Organisation staff shall be conversant with
relevant procedures defined in the manual and shall sign
a record indicate that they have read and understood the
document.
4. Management
4.1 Responsibility
4.1.1 Senior Management shall be involved with, and
show commitment to, the successful operation of the
Quality Management system.
4.1.2 The Training Organisation shall have a Coordinator
who is responsible for the overall management of the
Training Operations, and for setting up and maintaining a
Documented Quality Management System satisfying the
criteria contained within ISO 9001:2008 and this
document.
4.2 Resource Management
Training Organisation management shall:
4.2.1 Determine the necessary competence for
personnel performing work affecting the quality of NDT
training;
4.2.2 Provide training or take other actions to satisfy
these needs;
4.2.3 Evaluate the competence of the trainer (Particularly
where the competence of the individual has been
achieved by additional appropriate education, training,
skills and/or experience;
4.2.4 Ensure the adequacy of equipment and facilities
needed by the business to carry out NDT Training;
4.2.5 Ensure that the work environment meets statutory,
Regulatory, BINDT and customer requirements.
4.3 Service Realisation
Training Organisation management shall plan service
realisation from the point where the customer asks for
training through to delivery of training. In so doing,
management shall identify key processes and how these
processes interact with one another.
4.4 Measurement, Analysis and Improvement
Training Organisation management shall:
4.4.1 Monitor and measure customer satisfaction.
4.4.2 Commission internal audits at not less than 12
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month intervals.
4.4.3 Check processes associated with the delivery of
training, ensuring that it is delivered in an effective
manner which meets the customer's requirements.
4.4.4 Ensure that Non-Conformances are controlled and
dealt with appropriately.
4.4.5 The above points will provide data. This data shall
be analysed in order to identify improvements to
management systems and processes.
4.4.6 Training Organisations management shall
implement and monitor improvements. This should form
the basis of the annual management review meeting.
4.5 Student Induction
A system of student induction shall be in place such that,
upon acceptance of an application for enrolment, the
Training Organisation will issue to the enrolled student,
or his sponsor, clear and unambiguous instructions in
accordance with the following:
4.5.1 Course fees and method of payment which shall
show all that is included in the fees. There shall be no
hidden extras and a schedule of course fees shall be
made freely available upon request.
4.5.2 Dates and times of attendance for the course,
which shall include clear instructions concerning the
location of the Training Organisation.
4.5.3 Transport, accommodation and catering
arrangements, where applicable.
4.5.4 The relevant safety requirements pertaining to the
Training Organisation as a whole or the particular course
for which the student is enrolled.
NOTE. Where necessary students attending courses involving practical radiography are to be
registered as classified radiation workers prior to the commencement of training and are to wear
radiation monitoring devices at all times during the course.
4.5.5 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for
students attending the training course, and whether this
is provided by the Training Organisation, or whether the
student must provide his own PPE.
4.5.6 NDT equipment provided by the Training
Organisation for use by students during the training
course, and whether the student may optionally
provide/use their own NDT equipment.
4.5.7 Textbooks essential to the training course, and
whether these are provided by the Training Organisation
or the student.
4.5.8 The name and telephone number of a contact at
the Training Organisation from whom additional
information may be obtained if required.
4.6 Student Assessment
4.6.1 In all cases a system of student assessment shall
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monitor the progress and learning of individual students

on a daily basis.
4.6.2 Where the training course is intended to provide
the employer of NDT personnel with essential
information required for qualification and certification
under, for example, SNT-TC-1A, students shall
undertake written and practical final examinations, and
shall be issued with a uniquely numbered certificate
(traceable to the student records required in paragraph
7.1) of successful completion of NDT training.
4.6.3 For training courses intended to qualify NDT
personnel for examination eligibility in a third party
certification system in compliance with, for example, ISO
9712, training course final examinations may be replaced
by a programme of controlled, documented continual
assessment. Satisfactory completion of the course may
be demonstrated either by comprehensive records of
daily progress assessments or success in an end of
course examination.
4.6.4 Whenever end of course examinations are
employed, they shall not be set, invigilated or marked by
the instructor responsible for the course in which the
student is enrolled, and steps shall be taken to prevent
collaboration or collusion during examinations. A
documented system shall be in place to ensure that
specimens used during end of course examinations have
not been accessible (or have been used as practical
assessment specimens) to the student during the
course.
4.7 Counselling
A system of counselling shall be provided for the benefit
of students who fail to reach the required minimum
standard during daily progress assessments or in the
end of course assessment.
4.8 Curriculum
4.8.1 The Training Organisation shall publish and make
freely available upon request the curriculum upon which
each course is based. If the course concerned is aligned
with a recognised certification examination, e.g. PCN,
the curriculum shall reflect the published syllabus
pertaining to that examination.
4.8.2 The curriculum shall be reviewed annually (as a
minimum) and revised, if necessary, in the light of
scientific, industrial and technological developments in
the NDT method concerned, or where a change occurs
in the syllabus of the certification examination with which
the course is aligned.
4.9 Course Notes
4.9.1 The Training Organisation shall maintain a master
set of course notes, reviewed annually and revised if
necessary in the light of changes to the curriculum and
bearing a revision date, to ensure a consistency between
courses in the event of staff changes.

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4.9.2 The Training Organisation shall provide each

enrolled student with a comprehensive set of appropriate
course notes, these being hard copies of the master, the
cost of which shall be included in the course fees.
NOTE: Externally published and controlled classroom training handbooks may supplement but not be
a substitute for the Training Organisations own course notes.
5. Facilities
5.1 The Training Environment
5.1.1 The premises used for training shall comply with
the latest issue of all relevant legislation, e.g. in the UK
the Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH Regulations
and where applicable, Ionising Radiation Regulations.
5.1.2 Appropriate safety notices shall be displayed in a
location accessible to all students. Relevant safety data
sheets shall be on hand at the point of use of potentially
hazardous equipment or processes.
5.2 Resources
Classrooms and practical facilities shall be well lit and
ventilated and there shall be adequate provision of
teaching aids such as blackboards/whiteboards or flip
charts, overhead and/or slide projectors, computer
generated presentations and video equipment
appropriate to the course.
5.3 Equipment
5.3.1 Sufficient NDT equipment, such as instruments,
accessories and calibration blocks, shall be available to
cover the full range of NDT techniques within each of the
NDT methods being taught (except where the range of
NDT techniques is limited by industry or product sector
applications), and to occupy all of the students on the
course concerned (Appendix 1 refers).
5.3.2 Adequate Personal Protective Equipment such as
protective eye glasses, gloves, coveralls, etc., should
also be available to students.
5.4 Specimens
Training specimens shall be available in sufficient
quantity and complexity to cover the full range of
applications encompassed by the course curriculum
(Appendix 2 refers). Specimens should also be available
containing real defects representative of those found in
industry. Separate specimens shall be used for training
and examinations and there shall be provision for secure
storage of examination specimens.
5.5 Library
5.5.1 The Training Organisation shall maintain an up to
date library of NDT Standards relevant to the method
being taught. Students shall be made aware of the
existence of these Standards and educated in their use.
5.5.2 Relevant certification scheme documents shall be
made available for the use of students.
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6. Training Staff
The Training Organisations management structure shall
include a Course Coordinator (however named) with
overall responsibility for the technical operation of the
training facilities and for ensuring that the British Institute
of Non-Destructive Testing requirements are met.
The training facility shall have sufficient instructors to
ensure that as a minimum, one tutor is present
throughout each per course in line with the specific
approved documentation requirements.
6.1 Certification
A key member of staff who has involvement in the day to
day running of the training organisation shall have overall
responsibility for each training discipline and is required
to hold equal or higher level certification than that to
which the course is aligned.
6.2 Qualifications
Training Organisation s shall employ a minimum of one
staff member formally trained in instructional techniques.
This employee should then disseminate this training to
all training staff.
6.3 Experience
Training Instructors shall have knowledge of materials
science and product technology, and have documented
experience of current industrial applications of the NDT
methods that they are authorised to teach.
6.4 Updating
Training Organisations staff shall be kept up to date with
current industrial procedures and practices, and the
Organisation shall document how this is achieved.
7. Records (general)
There shall be a system for maintaining and reviewing
the current state of all records held within the Training
Organisation. Such records are to be kept in a secure
location and treated with confidentiality.
7.1 Student records
Records shall be raised and maintained for each enrolled
student for a period of not less than ten years and shall
include, as a minimum;
7.1.1 Date(s) of enrolment and completion of training;
7.1.2 Course on which enrolled;
7.1.3 Instructors and auditors involved;
7.1.4 Records of daily progress assessments; This
should include a log of specimens tested during the
course with the instructors comments.
7.1.5 Final examination result(s) attained (where
appropriate), including a copy of the completed
examination paper(s);

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7.1.6 Details of specimens (including identification

numbers) and equipment used by the student in any final
examination;
7.1.7 A certificate of successful training course
completion, including a data sheet necessary for
employers implementing a second party qualification
system such as SNT-TC-1A (details of the content of
certificates and data sheets is provided at Annex A, page
13 to this manual).
7.2 Staff
Records shall be raised, updated and maintained for not
less than ten years concerning staff:
7.2.1 Experience;
7.2.2 Qualifications;
7.2.3 Certification;
7.2.4 Formal training and updating.
7.3 NDT Equipment
The Training Organisation shall maintain a fully
documented system for the maintenance and calibration
of NDT Equipment.
NOTE: Calibration of equipment used solely for training purposes is not required by this scheme to be
traceable to a National Standard, except where personal safety is affected, i.e., in the case of
equipment generating, emitting or monitoring ionizing radiations.
7.4 Specimens
The Training Organisation shall maintain a fully
documented system for the unique identification of each
training and examination specimen. This shall include a
master record of the position and extent of all defects
relevant to the NDT technique for which it is to be used.
7.5 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Disposal of chemicals used in the operation of training
courses shall be carried out in accordance with
applicable national regulations (see clause 5.1). A
disposal register shall be maintained.

Auditor signature:
Date:

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The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing

Appendix 1 Minimum equipment holdings for

BINDT Approved Training Organisations (ATO)
CONTENTS
Minimum Requirements for the Structured Training of Non-Destructive Testing Practitioners ........... 10
Minimum Requirements for the Structured Training of Non-Destructive Testing Practitioners ........... 26
Auditor signature: .................................................................................................................................. 32
Date: ...................................................................................................................................................... 32
1. Ultrasonic Testing .............................................................................................................................. 33
2. Radiography ...................................................................................................................................... 34
3. Eddy Current Testing......................................................................................................................... 35
4. Magnetic Particle Testing (multi-sector) ............................................................................................ 35
5. Liquid Penetrant Testing (multi-sector) ............................................................................................. 36
6. Visual Testing .................................................................................................................................... 36
7. Alternating Current Field Measurement ............................................................................................ 37
8. Rail Testing ........................................................................................................................................ 37
9. Railway Axles and Wheelsets .......................................................................................................... 37
10.Weld Inspection ................................................................................................................................ 38
SCOPE
This document prescribes the minimum equipment holdings essential for the operation of a training
organisation preparing candidates for third party certification.
GENERAL
The ATO shall hold sufficient relevant test equipment, probes, reference blocks, calibration blocks,
etc., to provide for a stated number of students on any one training course.
Details of designated training equipment must be submitted to BINDT upon request.
The ATO shall, as far as practicable, maintain all such equipment in a serviceable condition and
provide for its maintenance and overhaul as necessary.
Existing ATOs are to record any changes in equipment holdings to BINDT. If a significant reduction in
equipment holdings is planned, this may result in a change in the scope of approval and must be
notified beforehand.
1. Ultrasonic Testing
1.1

At least one analogue ultrasonic flaw detector and a full range of probes appropriate to the
techniques to be trained, including any special purpose probes where required.

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1.2

Calibration blocks and reference blocks appropriate to the techniques to be trained.

Time of Flight Diffraction

1.3

TOFD data collection instrument, including specific connecting cables for data to be displayed
on a computer.

1.4

Computer with compatible software to interact where necessary with the TOFD instrument and
read the TOFD data.

1.5

TOFD scanner to include probe jig and line encoder.

1.6

A pair of 5 MHz transducers with matching wedges producing centre beam refracted angles of
45, 60 and 70.

1.7

BS 2704 type A2 or BS EN 12223 calibration block no. 1.

1.8

Connecting cables for all parts of the equipment.

1.9

Water-based couplant.

Where necessary the equipment may be loaned/hired by the equipment manufacturer or employer of
students for use during training.

Phased Array
1.10

Sufficient UT Phased Array (PA) data collection instruments, enabling data to be displayed on
a computer, for the maximum number of students that the ATO will register for any one course

1.11

Computer(s) with compatible software to interact where necessary with the PA instrument(s)
and read the acquired PA data.

1.12

PA scanner(s) to include probe jigs and line encoders

1.13

BS 2704 type A2 or BS EN 12223 calibration block no. 1

1.14

Connecting cables for all parts of the equipment

1.15

Water based couplant

1.16

Transducer sets for each PA instrument:

32 element 5 MHz

~0.6 mm pitch

32 element ~2.5 MHz

64 element 5 MHz
1.17

~0.6 mm pitch

Appropriate wedges and adaptors

2. Radiography
2.1

At least one X-ray tube with a KV range appropriate to the materials to be tested.

2.2

For gamma radiography (where appropriate) an Iridium 192 source, with suitable container
and projection mechanism.

2.3

An X-ray beam centering device.

2.4

A range of Image Quality Indicators (IQI).

2.5

Lead letters and numbers.

2.6

Blocking off compounds and liquids where appropriate.

2.7

Copper and lead filters where appropriate.

2.8

Densitometer.

2.9

Film viewers, including at least one high intensity viewer.

2.10

Radiation monitor.

2.11

Stepped blocks for making exposure curves.

2.12

Caliper or other device for measuring material thickness

2.13

Separate darkrooms for film processing and film preparation/viewing.

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2.14

Viewing aids, such as magnifiers.

2.15

A manual or automatic processing unit incorporating thermostatically controlled developing

tank, stop bath, rinsing, fixing and washing tanks.

2.16

Thermostatically controlled drying cabinet.

2.17

Viewer with wet film attachment.

2.18

Channel and clip type film hangers in the common sizes.

2.19

Lead and calcium tungstate screens in the common sizes.

2.20

Flexible and rigid type cassettes.

2.21

Darkroom timer.

2.22

Safelights.

2.23

Trimmer to accommodate largest size of films.

3. Eddy Current Testing

Wrought Products and Welds
3.1

At least one standard single frequency impedance plane instrument and one analogue meter
display instrument.

3.2

Where training incorporates bolt hole testing, one dynamic rotating probe assembly and
compatible instrument.

3.3

Where training is offered for multi frequency boiler tube inspection, one dual frequency
impedance plane instrument suitable for testing of the examination samples held.

3.4

Absolute and differentially wound standard and shielded pencil and spade probes, suitable for
testing ferritic and austenitic steels and aluminium alloys.

3.5

A selection of encircling, internal, bolthole and comparative coil types.

3.6

Calibration blocks, appropriate to all probe and material types.

3.7

Where examination of specific components, ie. Automated/semi-automated testing of steel

tubes/condenser tubes, coils/probes and test equipment together with reference test pieces
containing relevant holes/notches.

Tube Testing
3.8

One impedance plane, dual frequency two-channel flaw detector with the ability to mix
channels manually. The flaw detector to carry a valid annual certificate of calibration.

3.9

One two-channel chart recorder having a minimum chart width of 50 mm, with a speed of
between 25-50 mm/sec and a nominal 500 Hz frequency response.

3.10

Calibration tubes type A, B and D from draft inspection ESI 98-15 and produced in test sample
material. Tubes to be 25 mm external diameter and 18 g thickness.

3.11

Eddy current probes of the air cored bobbin type. A minimum of one of each of:
3.11.1 Diameter 20 mm minimum 24 kHz nominal frequency and differential mode.
3.11.2 Diameter appropriate to be a sliding fit through a plastic inlet insert and having a
flexible (brush type) centring device. 24 kHz nominal and absolute.

3.12

Appropriate cabling.

4. Magnetic Particle Testing (multi-sector)

4.1

A 1,500 Amp bench or freestanding transformer with AC or DC output (and half wave rectified
AC) with a current flow adapter and prods, magnetic flux flow adapter and an ink reservoir with
feed.

4.2

AC/DC Electromagnetic Yokes with articulated legs and pole pieces.

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4.3

Permanent magnets with pole piece adapters suitable for all applications.

4.4

Various rigid and flexible coils, threading bars etc.

4.5

Inspection area or Booth equipped with black out facilities for visible and UV(A) viewing of
samples.

4.6

Independent or combined photometer & radiometer for measuring the intensity of visible and
black light.

4.7

Demagnetising equipment.

4.8

Flux measuring and comparison gauges to BS recommendations.

4.9

Sutherland Flask or Crowe Receiver for measuring solid content of magnetic ink.

4.10

Powder dispensers

4.11

Supplies of detection media including non-fluorescent, fluorescent and dry powder.

4.12

Artificially or naturally cracked blocks/specimens for performance checking.

5. Liquid Penetrant Testing (multi-sector)

5.1

An effective component cleaning/degreasing facility for thorough cleaning of specimens.

5.2

A penetrant line comprising:

5.3

Water washable penetrant tank

5.4

Post emulsifiable penetrant tank

5.5

Emulsifier tank

5.6

Water rinsing station with spray nozzle

5.7

Drying station

5.8

Dust storm cabinet

Aerosol liquid penetrant inspection kits comprising:

5.9

Penetrant remover/degreaser

5.10

fluorescent penetrant

5.11

colour contrast dye penetrant

5.12

Developer

5.13

Inspection area or Booth equipped with black out facilities for visible and UV(A) viewing of
samples.

5.14

Independent or combined photometer & radiometer for measuring the intensity of visible and
black light.

5.15

Artificial flaws (TAM panel) or other means of process control of penetrant line.

6. Visual Testing
6.1

Surface table (of suitable size for largest measurement).

6.2

V blocks.

6.3

Block mounted pointers/sensors.

6.4

In addition the following shall be provided in adequate quantities (dependent on the number of
trainees)

6.5

Squares, rules, protractors.

6.6

Micrometers.

6.7

Verniers.

6.8

External calipers.

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6.9

Dial reading bore gauge.

6.10

Hand magnifiers (X2, X5)

6.11

Lupes with metric scales no greater than X7.

6.12

Mirrors various sizes up to 50 mm diameter with fixed and articulating heads.

6.13

Light sources penlights, flashlights, bespoke sources to power intrascope and fibrescope.

6.14

Indirect viewer either fibrescope or endoscope with forward and side viewing lenses.

6.15

Photometer.

6.16

Weld gauges, weld profiles, surface comparator.

7. Alternating Current Field Measurement

7.1

At least one calibrated ACFM Crack Microgauge.

7.2

QFM Version 2.0 Real Time Data Acquisition and Analysis Software Program.

7.3

Laptop Computer, Colour Display, Windows 95 and TSC software installed.

7.4

A full range of ACFM probes appropriate to the tests to be conducted, including any special
purpose probes where required.

7.5

Weld Check Block.

8. Rail Testing
8.1

Portable ultrasonic flaw detector suitable for manual use and in conjunction with an 070 test
rig.

8.2

Calibration blocks: CB91M, CB87M, Test Rail Section master block (STD2).

8.3

Rail test rig incorporating a combined laterally adjustable 070 probe array and automatic
couplant.

8.4

Tandem probe rig (for testing alumino-thermic welds) incorporating 2 matched 2.5 MHz 45
single crystal probes.

8.5

A range of Railtrack approved single crystal probes:

8.6

8.5.1

2.5 MHz 0 (40/058640)

8.5.2

2.5 MHz 40 (40/058641)

8.5.3

2.5 MHz 70 (40/058643)

8.5.4

2.5 MHz 45 (40/058642)

8.5.5

2 matched 2.5 MHz 45 (40/058642)

8.5.6

4 MHz 70 miniature (82/998192)

A range of Railtrack approved double crystal probes:

8.6.1

5 MHz 0 (40/058644)

8.7

Ancillary equipment: steel rules, couplant, wire brushes, scrapers etc.

8.8

Hand held permanent and electromagnetic yokes.

9. Railway Axles and Wheelsets

9.1

Approved mains or portable ultrasonic flaw detector (BR2000, BR77 or acceptable commercial
alternative)

9.2

CB88M and CB88I calibration blocks

9.3

Reference block APT B1 (Drg No. GB/8312)

9.4

A range of compatible 2.5 Mhz rail vehicle axle testing probes:

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9.4.1

double crystal: 0, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 37 (hollow ground), 52 (hollow
ground)

9.4.2

double crystal horizontal ellipse: 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5

9.4.3

single crystal: 37 and 52, (hollow ground).

10. Weld Inspection

The following shall be provided in adequate quantities (dependent on the number of trainees or
candidates)
10.1
Rules.
10.2

Hand magnifiers (X2, X5)

10.3

Lupes with metric scales no greater than X7.

10.4

Mirrors various sizes up to 50 mm diameter with fixed and articulating heads.

10.5

Light sources penlights, flashlights.

10.6

Weld gauges, weld profiles, surface comparator.

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The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing

Appendix 2 Specimen Requirements

(The defect types shown in italics would be desirable additions to the basic requirements)
1. Weldments
Courses leading to certification examinations in NDT of welds shall include, as a minimum, samples
exhibiting the following discontinuities in varying degrees of severity:
1.1 Excessive root penetration
1.2 Incomplete root penetration
1.3 Heat affected zone crack
1.4 Sidewall slag inclusion
1.5 Lack of sidewall fusion
1.6 Central crack in weld
1.7 Transverse crack in weld
1.8 Porosity (localised and uniform)
1.9 Lack of root fusion
1.10 Solidification cracking
1.11 Lamellar tearing
1.12 Worm holes
1.13 Tungsten/Copper inclusions

2. Castings
Courses leading to certification examinations in casting inspection are required to have, as a
minimum, samples showing the following features in varying degrees of severity:
2.1 Gas porosity
2.2 Dross inclusion/porosity
2.3 Core blows
2.4 Misruns
2.5 Cold shuts
2.6 Shrink porosity
2.7 Hot tears
2.8 Core shifts
2.9 Segregation
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2.10 Inclusions
2.11 Cracking
2.12 Sponginess
2.13 Air Locks
2.14 Shrinkage cavities
2.15 Diffraction mottling

3. Wrought Products
Courses leading to certification examinations in inspecting wrought products are required to have, as a
minimum, samples showing the following features in varying degrees of severity:
3.1 Rolled products:
3.1.1 Rolling laps
3.1.2 Broken or burst corners
3.1.3 Inclusions
3.1.4 Piping
3.2 Forgings:
3.2.1 Forging burst
3.2.2 Forging laps
3.2.3 Forging flash
3.2.4 Hydrogen cracking
3.2.5 Voids
3.3 Incorrect heat treatment:
3.3.1 Reheating cracks
3.3.2 Cooling cracks
3.4 Machining defects:
3.4.1 Grinding cracks
3.4.2 Surface tearing
4. Aerospace
The aerospace industry utilizes all of the aforementioned product technologies and in addition, some
others of a more specialised nature such as advanced composite structures, powdered metal
components and super plastic formed metals.
NDT trainees from the aerospace industry, who are to be candidates for certification examinations,
would be expected to have a general familiarity with the manufacturing defects outlined in paragraphs
1 to 3 above, though not to the same depth as specific product sector candidates.
In addition to those defects, Training Organisations should have a range of defects in components and
structures upon which students will be trained and which should include the following:
4.1 Corrosion
4.2 Stress corrosion cracking
4.3 Fatigue cracking
4.4 Disbonds in bonded joints
4.5 Delaminations in laminated structures
4.6 Entrapped water freezing damage and other defects in honeycomb structure.

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The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing

NDT APPROVED TRAINING ORGANISATION FEE STRUCTURE 2015

a.

Application fee

210.00 + VAT

b.

Audit Fee charged in day units covering

preparation, reporting and closure of findings
(closure of findings will be invoiced separately after
audit, Prep, reporting & day onsite will be invoice
prior to audit)

c.

Course note accreditation fee (per method)

640.00 per day + VAT

320.00 + VAT

*Travel costs will be payable in addition to these rates and charged at cost.

NOTE Approval is awarded upon approval by the Certification/Approval Panel.

Enquiries should be addressed to the above address.

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