CERTIFICATION SCHEME FOR WELDING AND INSPECTION PERSONNEL

DOCUMENT No. CSWIP-ISO-NDT-11/93-R

Requirements for the Certification of Personnel

Engaged in Non-Destructive Testing

3rd Edition September 2001

Issued under the authority of the Governing Board for Certification

All correspondence should be addressed to:
TWI Certification Ltd
Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB1 6AL, UK
Telephone: +44 (0) 1223 891162
Telefax: +44 (0) 1223 894219
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.twi.co.uk

CSWIP is administered by TWI Certification Ltd

The use of the UKAS Accreditation Mark indicates accreditation in respect of those activities covered by
Accreditation Certificate No 25
FOREWORD

The Certification Scheme for Welding and Inspection Personnel (CSWIP) is a comprehensive
scheme which provides for the examination and certification of individuals seeking to
demonstrate their knowledge and/or competence in their field of operation. The scope of
CSWIP includes Welding Inspectors, Welding Supervisors, Welding Instructors, and
Underwater Inspection personnel and NDT.

CSWIP is managed by the Certification Management Board, which acts as the Governing Board
for Certification, in keeping with the requirements of the industries served by the scheme. The
Certification Management Board, in turn, appoints specialist Management Committees to
oversee specific parts of the scheme. All CSWIP Boards and Committees comprise member
representatives of relevant industrial and other interests.

ACCESS TO CERTIFICATION

Access to certification schemes is not improperly restricted. The sole criteria for certification
are given in the document (and any subsequent amendments) and no other criteria will be
applied. Certification is not conditional on the candidate applying for other services or
membership from TWI Certification Ltd, its parent, or any other groups or associations.

1 GENERAL

This document prescribes procedures by which personnel may be examined and, if

successful, certificated for ultrasonic testing, magnetic testing, liquid penetrant
testing, visual and optical testing, radiographic testing and/or radiographic
interpretation and eddy current testing as applied to welded joints, castings and/or
wrought components.

The requirements for examination eligibility, examination format and the rules
governing certificate validity and renewal are, as a minimum in compliance with ISO
9712(1) and EN 473(2).

2 SCOPE

Certification comprises three parts:

a) General (theory and practical common to all applications of a particular

method of NDT)

b) Sector specific (theory and practical for the method related to a specific
application – in the present case this is welds made by conventional fusion
welding processes, casings and/or wrought components)

c) Job specific (practical related to the special needs of an individual employer) –

the examination is conducted by the employer.

General and sector specific examinations are conducted by, or under the control of, an
Examining Body authorised by TWI Certification Ltd. The present requirements are
intended to meet the majority of users’ needs for the practical non-destructive testing
1
of welds, castings and wrought products and to provide industry with an assured
minimum standard of proficiency. The majority of users of independent certification
find the general and sector specific examinations sufficient for their needs, and do not
require job specific examinations. The specialist user may add job specific
examinations related to his/her own particular needs.

The examination is designed to test the candidate’s grasp of the subject and his/her
understanding of the operations he/she performs. The examination procedure
involves written and practical examinations.

Level 1, 2 and 3 personnel are covered by these requirements.

2.1 NDT LEVEL 1 PERSONNEL

An individual certified to Level 1 is qualified to carry out NDT operations in

accordance with written instructions and under the supervision of Level 2 or 3
personnel. The individual shall be able to set up the equipment, carry out the
tests, record the results obtained, classify the results in accordance with written
criteria and report the results. He/She shall not be responsible for the choice of
the test method or technique to be used, nor for the assessment of test results.

2.2 NDT LEVEL 2 PERSONNEL

An individual certified to NDT Level 2 is qualified to perform and direct non-

destructive testing in accordance with established or recognised techniques.
The individual shall be competent to choose the test techniques to be used; to
set up and calibrate equipment; to interpret and evaluate results in accordance
with applicable codes, standards and specifications; to carry out all duties for
which a Level 1 individual is qualified and to check that they are properly
executed; produce practical testing instructions adapted to actual working
conditions, from NDT standards and specifications; and organise and report
the results of non-destructive tests. The individual shall also be familiar with
the scope and limitations of the method for which he/she is qualified, and be
able to exercise assigned responsibility for on-the-job training and guidance of
trainees and NDT Level 1 personnel.

2.3 NDT LEVEL 3 PERSONNEL

An individual certified to NDT Level 3 shall be capable of assuming full

responsibility for a test facility and staff; establishing techniques and
procedures; interpreting codes, standards, specifications and procedures; and
designating the particular test methods, techniques and procedures to be used.
The individual shall have the competence to interpret and evaluate results in
accordance with existing codes, standards and specifications and have
sufficient practical background in applicable materials, fabrication and product
technology to select methods and establish techniques and to assist in
establishing acceptance criteria where none are otherwise available. The
individual shall also have general familiarity with other NDT methods and
have the ability to train Level 1 and Level 2 personnel.

2
3 ELIGIBILITY FOR EXAMINATION

Candidates shall have a combination of education, training and experience adequate to

ensure that they have the potential to understand the principles and procedures of the
applicable NDT method.

3.1 TRAINING

3.1.1. Levels 1 and 2

To be eligible for certification in any NDT method, the candidate shall

provide evidence of successful completion of a training programme
approved by TWI Certification Ltd in that method. As a guide the
minimum, training hours required are:

NDT Method Training Hours

Level 1 Level 2

Liquid penetrant testing (PT) 16 24

Magnetic testing (MT) 16 24
Radiographic interpretation (RI) - 60
Radiographic testing (RT) 40 80
Ultrasonic testing (UT) 40 80
Visual and Optical testing (VT) 16 24
Eddy current testing (ET)* 40 40

Notes:
1 On the job training can account for one third of the total training
hours.
2 Direct access to Level 2 implies the total hours for Level 1 and
Level 2.

Candidates must provide evidence of training. A certificate of

successful attendance and a copy of the training syllabus, both
authenticated by a senior responsible person in the candidate’s
employing organisation or by a major client, will normally suffice.

3.1.2 Level 3

Taking into account the scientific and technical potential of candidates

for level 3 certification, it is considered that preparation for
qualification can be done in different ways: by taking training courses,
attending conferences and seminars and studying books, periodicals
and other specialised printed matter. Candidates for Level 3
examinations shall be able to demonstrate that they have received
appropriate training of at least the duration required for a Level 2
candidate in the appropriate method.
*

*
The term ‘Eddy current testing’ can mean any one of a wide range of electromagnetic testing techniques.
3
3.2 EXPERIENCE

3.2.1 Levels 1 and 2

To be eligible for certification the candidate shall have the minimum

experience indicated below in the method in which he/she is seeking
certification:

NDT Method Months of Experience

Level 1 Level 2

Liquid penetrant testing 1 3

Magnetic testing 1 3
Radiographic interpretation - 4
Radiographic testing 3 9
Ultrasonic testing 3 9
Visual and Optical testing 1 3
Eddy current testing 3 9

Notes:

1 Work experience in months is based on a nominal 40h/week (175

h/month). When an individual is working more than 40h/week,
he/she may be credited with experience based on the total hours,
but he/she shall be required to produce evidence of this
experience.

2 If the individual is being qualified directly to Level 2, with no time

at Level 1, the experience shall consist of the sum of the hours
required for Level 1 and Level 2. Credit for work experience may
be gained simultaneously in two or more of the NDT methods with
the reduction in total required experience as follows:

a) two testing methods – reduction of total required time by

25%

b) three testing methods – reduction of total required time

by 33%

c) four testing methods – reduction of total required time by

50%

In such cases the division of time between the methods must be

approximately in the same ratio as the original experience required
for each method.

The candidate shall be required to show that, for each of the

testing methods for which he/she seeks certification, he/she has
acquired at least half of the experience requirement shown in the
4
 table above.

Candidates must provide evidence of experience by providing

relevant information authenticated by a senior responsible person
in the candidate’s employing organisation or by a major client.

3.2.2 Level 3

Level 3 responsibilities require knowledge beyond the technical scope

of any specific NDT method. This broad knowledge may be acquired
through a variety of combinations of education, training and
experience. The table below details minimum experience related to
formal education.

Experience
Degree (months)
Graduate of a four year accredited science or
engineering college or university programme 12
Access to Level 3 by Successful completion of at least two years
a certified Level 2 of engineering or science study at an
operator accredited college, university or technical 24
school
No degree 48
Graduate of at least three years accredited
science or engineering college or university 24
Direct access to
programme
Level 3 by a non-
Successful completion of at least two years
certified operator
of engineering or science study at an
with experience
accredited college, university or technical 48
equivalent to Level 2
school
No degree 72
Note: If the college or university degree is issued in non-destructive testing the
experience required for access to Level 3 may be reduced by 50%.

3.3 VISION REQUIREMENTS

The candidate shall provide documented evidence of satisfactory vision in

accordance with the following requirements:

a) near vision shall permit reading a minimum of Jaeger number 1 or

equivalent type and size letters (e.g. Times Roman N4), at not less than
30 cm on a standard Jaeger test chart for near vision, in at least one eye,
corrected or uncorrected

b) colour vision shall be sufficient that the candidate can distinguish and
differentiate contrast between the colours used in the NDT methods
concerned.

The evidence must be in the form of a certificate issued by a medically

recognised person within the previous 12 months, covering all the above
points.

With all the above eligibility requirements the onus is on the candidate to
5
 Provide the necessary evidence prior to examination. An examination
appointment will not be confirmed until the evidence has been received.
Subsequent to certification, tests of visual acuity shall be carried out annually.

Personnel who satisfy most but not all of the other entry requirements and who
may have alternative attributes which they consider should be taken into
account may have their individual cases assessed by the appropriate CSWIP
Management Committee. Such applications should be directed to TWI
Certification Ltd in the first instance.

4 APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION AND FEES

When the eligibility for examination has been achieved, the next step is to take the
examination.

Candidates will be required to submit an application form and a CV. All the information
requested must be on these forms. No applications can be considered confirmed until
receipt of correctly completed documents. Application forms ask for specific details of
experience and training and must be signed to the effect that these details are correct.

In the event of a false statement being discovered on forms or on CVs any examination
undertaken will be declared null and void. A certificate is automatically invalidated if
there are any outstanding examination fees in respect of that certificate.

Examinations may be taken at any one of a number of Test Centres in the UK and
overseas. Lists are available on request

5 CERTIFICATION AVAILABLE

Examination can be of four types: initial examinations (new candidates),

supplementary examinations (certificate holders wishing to improve their existing
certificates), retests (repeat of failed parts of examinations) and five year renewal
examinations.

Details of the examination format and syllabus can be found in the relevant part of
Appendix 1.

5.1 CSWIP Ultrasonic Inspector Level 1

Candidates may apply for examination in one or more of the following

categories:

• Butt welds in plate and pipe

• Thickness Measurement

5.2 CSWIP Ultrasonic Inspector (Welds) Level 2

Practical welds samples are available in 11 different categories of weld joint

geometry subdivided into five groups.

6
Candidates may apply for examination in one or more of the following groups:

Group 3.1 Butt welds in plate (two samples selected from three
categories)
Group 3.2 Butt welds in pipe (three samples selected from three
categories)
Group 3.7 Constructional T Joints (two samples selected from two
categories)
Group 3.8 Nozzles and variable configuration welds (two samples
selected from two categories)
Group 3.9 Nodes (one sample from one category)

5.2.1 Group 3.1 Butt welds in plate (two samples to be attempted):

Category Thickness (mm) Type of weld

3.1.2 6-15 mm Deposited from one side of plate

3.1.3 Over 15 mm Deposited from both sides of

plate

3.1.4 Over 15 mm Deposited from one side of plate

Group 3.1 plate also covers for pipe welds of 500 mm outside diameter
and above.

To obtain a certificate for butt welds in plate, success must be achieved

in two categories. The selection of specific categories in this group
will be by the Examiner.

5.2.2 Group 3.2 Circumferential butt welds in pipe and tube

(three samples to be attempted):

This group is subdivided according to wall thickness and outside

diameter into the following categories:

Category O.D. (mm) Wall thickness (mm)

3.2.1 50-105 6-15

3.2.5 Over 105 6-15
3.2.7 Over 105 Over 15

All welds are deposited from outside the pipe without backing strips.
Certification on such welds covers welds deposited from both outside
and inside of the pipe.

Candidates for certification in pipe 3.2 will be required to complete

examinations on three categories of sample, 3.2.1, 3.2.5 and 3.2.7. To
obtain a certificate all three categories must be successfully examined.

7
 5.2.3 Group 3.7 constructional T joints (two samples to be attempted):

This group is subdivided into two categories: 3.3.2 full penetration T

joints and 3.4.2 partial penetration T joints.

Candidates concerned with constructional steelwork will be examined

on a full penetration T joint and a partial penetration T joint. Success
must be achieved in both samples and in 3.1 butt welds in plate to
obtain a certificate for this group. Candidates successful in Group 3.8
(see below) need not attempt 3.7.

5.2.4 Group 3.8 nozzles and variable configuration welds

(two samples to be attempted):

This group comprises two categories: 3.3.1 full penetration nozzles and
3.4.1 partial penetration nozzles, and covers welds in branches and
stubs as well as nozzles. Successful completion of this group provides
exemption from Group 3.7 constructional T joints.

Candidates seeking certification in this group will be examined on one

full penetration 3.3.1 and one partial penetration joint 3.4.1 of this type,
both of which will be of variable geometry. Success must be achieved
in both samples and in Group 3.1 and/or Group 3.2 to obtain a
certificate for this group.

5.2.5 Group 3.9 nodes (one sample to be attempted):

This group covers full penetration node joints. Success must be

achieved in one sample and in 3.1 and/or 3.2 to obtain a certificate for
this group.

Certificate holders successfully attempting additional groups

(supplementary examinations) will be issued with certificates valid in
accordance with this document.

5.3 CSWIP Ultrasonic Inspector Level 3

Only one category of certification is available.

5.4 CSWIP Magnetic Particle Inspector Level 1

Two categories of certification are available:

h General Engineering (welds, castings and wrought products)

h Welds

8
5.5 CSWIP Magnetic Particle Inspector Level 2

Two categories of certification are available:

• General Engineering (welds, castings and wrought products)

• Welds

5.6 CSWIP Magnetic Particle Inspector Level 3

Only one category of certification is available:

• General Engineering (welds, castings and wrought products)

5.7 CSWIP Liquid Penetrant Inspector Level 1

Two categories of certification are available:

• General Engineering (welds, castings and wrought products)

• Welds

5.8 CSWIP Liquid Penetrant Inspector Level 2

Two categories of certification are available:

h General Engineering (welds, castings and wrought products)

h Welds

5.9 CSWIP Liquid Penetrant Inspector Level 3

Only one category of certification is available:

h General Engineering (welds, castings and wrought products)

5.10 CSWIP Radiographic Interpreter

Certification is awarded in a number of combinations of metal groups:

Group A: Ferritic steels including clad steels: manual metal arc, MIG, TIG and
mechanised fusion welding, oxy-acetylene welding.

Group B: Austenitic steels and high nickel alloys (excluding Monel): manual
metal arc, MIG, TIG and mechanised fusion welding. Titanium alloys: inert
gas welding.

Group C: Aluminium and its alloys: MIG and TIG welding. Magnesium and
its alloys: TIG welding.

Group D: Copper and its alloys and Monel: manual metal-arc, MIG and TIG
welding.
9
 The possible combinations are:

Group A (one group)

Group C (one group)
Group A and B (or C and D) (two groups)
Group A, B and C (or D) (three groups)
Group A, B, C and D (four groups)

In each case six radiographs must be interpreted for the first Group (A or C)
plus three radiographs each of any additional groups.

5.11 CSWIP Radiographic Inspector (Welds) Level 1

Only one category of certification is available.

5.12 CSWIP Radiographic Inspector (Welds) Level 2

Only one category of certification is available:

5.13 CSWIP Radiographic Inspector Level 3

Only one category of certification is available.

5.14 CSWIP Visual and Optical Inspector Level 1

Two categories of certification are available:

h General Engineering (welds, castings and wrought products)

h Welds

5.15 CSWIP Visual and Optical Inspector Level 2

Two categories of certification are available:

h General Engineering (welds, castings and wrought products)

h Welds

5.16 CSWIP Visual and Optical Inspector Level 3

Only one category of certification is available:

h General Engineering (welds, castings and wrought products)

10
 5.17 CSWIP ACFM Inspector Level 1

Only two categories of certification are available:

h general engineering (covering welds, plates, castings, forgings and bars

made of ferritic steel or electromagnetically similar materials,
excluding rails)
h rails

Endorsements are available for the inspection of:

h aluminium
h stainless steels
h rails

5.18 CSWIP ACFM Inspector Level 2

Only two categories of certification are available:

h general engineering (covering welds, plates, castings, forgings and bars

made of ferritic steel or electromagnetically similar materials)
h rails

Endorsements are available for the inspection of:

h aluminium
h stainless steels
h rails

5.19 CSWIP ACFM Inspector Level 3

Only one category of certification is available:

h welds, plates, castings, forgings, bars and rails, made of any of the
materials mentioned in 5.17 and 5.18.

NOTE: 5.17, 5.18 and 5.19 fall into the general category of Eddy Current Testing.

6 EXAMINATION CONTENT

The qualification examinations include a general and a specific examination for each
level of competence. Each examination consists of a written part and a practical part.

The general and specific written examinations are mainly comprised of multiple-
choice answer questions. The time allowed for examinations comprised of multiple-
choice questions is 1.5 minutes per question. The time allowed for narrative answer
questions varies but is specified on the examination paper presented to the candidate.

The practical part is of sufficient duration, complexity and scope to verify adequately
11
the candidate’s ability to apply the NDT method to real test situations.

6.1 Level 1 and 2 General Examination

In the general examination the candidate shall demonstrate proficiency in

performing the relevant NDT method. In the written part the candidate is
required to give answers to the fixed number multiple-choice questions shown
below.

Number of Questions

NDT Method Level 1 Level 2

Liquid penetrant testing 30 30

Magnetic particle testing 30 30

Radiographic testing 40 40

Radiographic interpretation NA 30

Ultrasonic testing 40 40

Visual and Optical testing 30 30

Eddy Current testing 40 40

The practical test in the general examination is to verify the candidates ability
make required settings and operate the test equipment properly in order to
obtain satisfactory results and correctly interpret these results. The candidate is
required therefore to demonstrate this ability, with comments, using the means
available for each test method.

For the radiographic test method, there shall be an additional examination on

radiation safety (see Appendix 1 part 5).

6.2 Level 1 and 2 Specific Examination

In the specific examination the candidate shall demonstrate his ability to use
the relevant test method in the industrial sector concerned.

During the specific examination the candidate is required to give answers to a

fixed number of questions, the minimum number being defined in the table
below, including multiple-choice questions, calculations, written procedures
and questions on codes, standards and specifications.

12
 Number of Questions

NDT Method Level 1 Level 2

Liquid penetrant testing 20 15

Magnetic particle testing 20 15

Radiographic testing 20 20

Radiographic interpretation NA 20

Ultrasonic testing 20 20

Visual and Optical testing 20 20

Eddy Current testing 20 20

The practical test in the specific examination is to verify the candidates ability
to perform testing of prescribed components relating to the industrial sector
concerned, to record and analyse the resultant information to the degree
required, according to specific testing instructions or specifications and to the
NDT level being sought.

Level 2 candidates are also required to demonstrate the ability to prepare

written instructions for Level 1 personnel.

6.3 Level 3

The qualification examination for Level 3 consists only of a written

examination covering a specified test method.

The examination covers:

a) Basic knowledge relating to the test method applied to different

materials, processes and discontinuities; questions of a Level 2
standard relating to other NDT methods (MT, PT, RT, UT, ET (Eddy
current inspection), VT, AE (Acoustic Emission), TIR (Thermal Infra-
Red inspection); requirements for the certification of NDT personnel
as outlined in ISO 9712 (1), EN 473(2) and SNT-TC-1A(3).

b) Specific knowledge relating to the application of the NDT method in

which the candidate is being examined including applicable codes,
standards and specifications, plus knowledge of the product being
tested.

If the candidate is not qualified to Level 2 at the time of application, then

he/she shall also successfully complete the practical examination in the
relevant NDT method.

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 6.3.1 General Examination

The general examination includes only multiple choice questions and

consists of two sections. The number of questions and the areas
covered are as shown below. The two sections are to be graded
separately.

Section A

a) 30 questions on materials, processes and discontinuities

b) 60 questions on other NDT methods

c) 30 questions on standards and documentation relating to the

certification of NDT operators (this section will be open book)

Candidates successful in Section A of the General examination will not

be required to re-sit this section when attempting additional Level 3
examinations in other methods.

Section B

50 questions on the main test method

6.3.2 Specific Examination

The two sections of the specific examination are:

a) 40 multiple-choice questions covering the application of the

NDT method in the industrial sector concerned.

b) The drafting of an NDT procedure for a component selected by

the examiner.

7 GRADING

7.1 Level 1 and 2

To be certified the candidate shall obtain a grade of at least 70% in each of the
four sections of the examination and a composite grade of at least 80%.

The composite grade is obtained by firstly multiplying each of the four test
marks by the weighting factors shown and then adding together the marks
obtained.

14
 Weighting Factor
Practical
General Specific (General and
Written Written Specific)

Level

1 0.25 0.25 0.5

2 0.25 0.25 0.5

7.2 Level 3

Section A of the general examination shall be graded separately so that the

candidate may be examined later for certification in another NDT method.

To be certified the candidate shall obtain a grade of at least 70% in each

section of the examination and a composite grade of at least 80%.

The composite grade is obtained by firstly multiplying each of the test marks
by the weighting factors shown and then adding together the marks obtained.

General a) 0.25
Section A b) 0.5
c) 0.25
General
Section B 0.333

Specific (multiple choice) 0.333

Specific (procedure) 0.333

8 CERTIFICATION

8.1 Results Notices

All candidates will be sent a results notice. This notice will also be sent to the
organisation paying the examination fee, if not paid by the candidate.

The examination is evaluated by multiplying the mark achieved by the

weighting factor for each component and then adding the components together
to get an overall mark. There are four possible results:

a) achieving at least 70% in each part and at least 80% overall – pass.

b) achieving less than 70% in each part and less than 80% overall – the
candidate must take the full initial examination

c) achieving at least 80% overall but less than 70% in one or more parts –
the candidate may retest the part(s) which were less than 70%
15
 d) achieving less than 80% overall but more than 70% in all parts – the
candidate may retest a maximum of two parts.

8.2 Successful candidates

Two copies of a certificate of proficiency will be issued to the sponsoring

organisation or person. Duplicate certificates to replace those lost or destroyed
will be issued only after extensive enquiries.

8.3 Unsuccessful candidates

Candidates who fail to obtain a certificate may attempt one retest on those parts
of the examination in which success was not achieved. The retest must be
completed within one year of the initial test; otherwise candidates will have to
repeat the complete examination.

8.4 Period of validity

The certificate is valid for five years from the date of completion of the initial test
and may be renewed for a further five years on application, provided evidence is
produced in accordance with Clause 8.5.1. Certificates are only valid provided:

a) they are within date.

b) they are on standard cream CSWIP paper bearing the CSWIP logo in
black on gold signed by an officer of CSWIP and embossed with the
CSWIP stamp.
c) they have been signed by the individual to whom the certificate is
awarded.
d) they are accompanied by a valid official CSWIP identity card.

PHOTOCOPIES ARE UNAUTHORISED BY CSWIP and should only be

used for internal administrative purposes.

8.5 Five year renewal procedure

Individuals whose certificates expire at the end of the maximum five year
period may renew their certificates for a further five years if they are able to
supply evidence of reasonably continuous work activity in the relevant method
during the period of validity of the certificate.

At the end of a further five years, (ie 10 years from Initial certification) a
renewal examination will be required consisting of the specific practical part
of the initial examination.

A candidate unsuccessful in any section of the examination will be allowed

one further attempt in the section or sections failed. If the candidate is
unsuccessful in this second examination no certificate will be awarded and, to
obtain a certificate, the procedure for a new candidate will have to be
followed.
16
 8.5.1 General requirements

In all cases, the individual applying for renewal must meet the
following criteria:

a) provide evidence at least every second year of satisfactory vision

examination (see Clause 3.3)

b) provide evidence of continued satisfactory work activity without

significant interruption

A significant interruption means an absence or a change of activity

which prevents the certified individual from practising the duties
corresponding to his/her level in the method and the industrial sector(s)
for which he/she is certified, for one or several periods for a total time
exceeding one year.

If the certificate contains endorsement(s), work experience covering

the material group(s) concerned will be required.

It is recommended that renewal examinations (see below) are carried

out between six and one month prior to the five year expiry of the
original certificate as failure to do so may affect the continuity of their
certification. Candidates failing to take the renewal examination before
the expiry date of their certificate will be treated as initial candidates.

It is not possible to combine five year renewal examinations with

supplementary examinations for additional groups not included in the
original certificate.

Any previous certificate is invalidated upon issue of the result of the

five year renewal examination.

The pass mark for all renewal examinations is 80%.

8.5.2 Ultrasonic Inspectors (Welds) Levels 1 and 2

Inspectors whose certificates expire at the end of the second five year
period of validity (ie 10 years from Initial certification) will be required
to undertake a renewal examination comprising specific practical tests
only. A written examination is not required.

The practical welds tests will consist of one joint category from each of
the following groups appropriate to the certificate already held.

3.1 Butt welds in plate

3.2 Circumferential butt welds in pipe
3.7 Constructional T joints
3.8 Nozzles and variable configuration welds
3.9 Nodes
17
 For example, a candidate possessing a certificate for a plate only will
attempt one plate, a candidate holding plate and pipe groups will
attempt one plate and one pipe and a candidate possessing plate, pipe,
nozzles and nodes will attempt one plate, one pipe, one nozzle and one
node.

The selection of the specific categories for renewal examinations will be

made by the examiner.

If the candidate is successful in all parts of the renewal procedure, a

new certificate will be issued covering all groups included in the
original certificate. The validity of this certificate will be as described
in Clause 8.4.

If the candidate is unsuccessful in all the practical examinations, no

certificate will be awarded and, to obtain a certificate, the procedure for
a new candidate will have to be followed. Candidates who fail
specimens in Groups 3.1 and/or 3.2 will not be awarded a certificate and
will subsequently be treated as initial candidates. Candidates who pass
specimen in Groups 3.1 and/or 3.2 but who fail specimens in Groups
3.7, 3.8 or 3.9 will be awarded the appropriate 3.1 and/or 3.2 certificate
and will subsequently need to attempt supplementary examinations to
regain the other groups.

8.5.3 Other Methods - Levels 1 and 2

Inspectors whose certificates expire at the end of the second five year
period (ie 10 years after Initial certification) will be required to
undertake a renewal examination comprising specific practical tests
only. There will be no written examination. The specific practical tests
will be as for the initial examination

If the certificate includes an endorsement, the renewal examination may

include the activity covered by the endorsement(s).

8.5.4 Level 3

Inspectors whose certificates expire at the end of the second five year
period (ie 10 years after Initial certification will be required to undertake
a renewal examination comprising:

20 multiple choice questions on standards and documentation relating to

the certification of NDT operators (this section will be open book).

30 multiple-choice questions covering the application of the NDT

method

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 8.6 Complaints and Appeals

An aggrieved party in a dispute which considers itself to have reasonable grounds

for questioning the competency of a CSWIP qualified person may petition the
Governing Board for non-renewal of the certificate. Such a petition must be
accompanied by all relevant facts, and if in the opinion of the Board an adequate
case has been presented, a full investigation of the circumstances under dispute
will be initiated. If the petition is substantiated to the satisfaction of the Board, the
certificate will not be renewed without further test.

Appeals against failure to certify or against non-renewal of the certificate may be

made by the inspector or the employer upon application in writing to the
Governing Board.

8.7 Supplementary examinations

Certificated candidates who apply to be examined in additional groups of weld

samples or sectors will be required to pass an additional specific theory
examination in addition to the specific practical examination covering the extra
group(s) of weld categories or sector.

Supplementary examinations may not be attempted during the last month prior
to the five year expiry of an existing certificate.

Any new certificate issued as a result of such examination will incorporate the
previous certificate and will be valid for five years from the date of completion
of the first attempt at the supplementary examination.

9 RECORDS

TWI Certification Ltd maintains records of successful and unsuccessful candidates.

These records are accessible to the Governing Board or its nominees at all reasonable
times.

10 REFERENCES

1 ISO9712, 1999 (2nd Edition) ‘Non-destructive testing – Qualification and

certification of personnel.’
2 EN 473, 1993 Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel
– General Principles
3. Recommended Practice Guideline to Personnel Qualification and
SNT-TC-1A, 1996 Certification in NDT

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ADDRESSES

For further general information contact:

TWI Certification Ltd

Granta Park
Great Abington
Cambridge CB1 6AL, UK

Phone: +44 (0) 1223 891162

Fax: +44 (0) 1223 894219
E:mail: [email protected]

For specific information on examinations and tests and arranging for them to be carried out,
contact the approved Examining Body:

TWI Training and Examinations

Granta Park
Great Abington
Cambridge CB1 6AL, UK

Phone: +44 (0) 1223 891162

Fax: +44 (0) 1223 891630
E:mail: [email protected]

Copyright© 2001, TWI Certification Ltd

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