BRIPC/ISO 9712 SCHEME


Introduction to BRIPC/ISO9712 Scheme
This scheme describes a system for the qualification and certification of personnel who perform industrial non-destructive testing in accordance with EN ISO9712:2012

The certification coverts proficiency in the following NDT methods:
a)  eddy current testing
b)  magnetic testing
c)  penetrant testing
d)  radiographic testing
e)  ultrasonic testing
f)   visual testing (direct unaided visual and visual tests carried out during the application of another NDT method are excluded).

NOTE: BRIPC/ISO9712 Scheme also recognizes Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) as new techniques of ultrasonic testing.

The sectors in the BRIPC/ISO9712 Scheme are as follows:
a)   castings(c) (ferrous and nonferrous materials);
b)   forgings(f) (all types of forgings: ferrous and non-ferrous materials);
c)   welds(w) (all types of welds, including soldering, for ferrous and non-ferrous materials);
d)   wrought products(wp) except forgings (e.g. plates, bar, rods);


Levels of BRIPC Certification

Level 1
An individual certified to Level 1 has demonstrated competence to carry out NDT according to written instructions and under the supervision of Level 2 or Level 3 personnel. Within the scope of the competence defined on the certificate, Level 1 personnel may be authorised by the employer to perform the following in accordance with NDT instructions:
a) set up NDT equipment;
b) perform the tests;
c) record and classify the results of the tests according to written criteria;
d) report the results.
Level 1 certified personnel shall neither be responsible for the choice of test method or technique to be used, nor for the interpretation of test results.

Level 2
An individual certified to Level 2 has demonstrated competence to perform NDT according to NDT procedures or NDT instructions. Within the scope of the competence defined on the certificate, Level 2 personnel may be authorized by the employer to:
a) Select the NDT technique for the test method to be used;
b) Define the limitations of application of the testing method;
c) Translate NDT codes, standards, specifications and procedures into NDT instructions adapted to the actual working conditions;
d) Set up and verify equipment settings;
e) Perform and supervise tests;
f) Interpret and evaluate results according to applicable standards, codes, specifications or procedures;
g) Carry out and supervise all tasks at or below level 2;
h) Provide guidance  and mentoring for personnel at or below level 2, and;
i) Report the results of non-destructive tests.


Level 3
An individual certified to Level 3 has demonstrated competence to perform and direct NDT operations for which he is certified. Level 3 personnel have demonstrated:
a) the competence to evaluate and interpret results in terms of existing standards, codes, and specifications;
b) sufficient practical knowledge of applicable materials, fabrication, process, and product technology to select NDT methods, establish NDT techniques, and assist in establishing acceptance criteria where none are otherwise available;
c) a general familiarity with other NDT methods.

Within the scope of the competence defined on the certificate, Level 3 personnel may be authorized to:
a) establish, review for editorial and technical correctness, and validate NDT instructions and procedures;
b) interpret codes, standards, specifications and procedures;
c) designate the particular test methods, procedures and NDT instructions to be used;
d) carry out and supervise all tasks at all levels;
e)  provide guidance and mentoring for NDT personnel at all levels.

Training

To be eligible for examination the candidate shall provide documentary evidence of successful completion of a validated course of training at a BRIPC approved ATO which covers the relevant part of the published syllabus (ISO/TR 25107), that the candidate has satisfactorily completed training in the method and level for which the certification is sought.

The minimum duration of training undertaken by the candidate for certification shall be as defined in Table  (below) for the applicable NDT method,

NDT Method

Level 1 days

Level 2 days

Level 3 days

AT

5

8

5

ET

5

6

6

LT

5

9

6

MT

3

2

4

PT

3

2

3

RT

5

10

5

ST

2

3

2

TT

5

6

5

UT

8

10

5

VT

3

2

3

PAUT

5

5

N/A

TOFD

5

5

N/A

NOTE: For RT, training hours do not include radiation safety training.

One day duration is at least seven hours,which can be achieved on a single day or by accumulating hours.


The possible reductions in training duration are as described in the scheme, provided that, when several reductions are applicable, the total reduction does not exceed 50% of the training duration. 

Industrial NDT Experience

The candidate shall fulfil the minimum requirements for industrial experience prior to certification. The minimum Industrial NDT Experience for certification shall be as defined in Table below:
   

NDT Method

Experience in days

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3


with Level 1

direct access

higher education,with Level 2

with Level 2

direct access with higher education

AT,ET, LT,RT,TT,UT

45

135

180
270
450540

MT, PT,ST, VT

15

45

60
280
240360

One day duration is at least seven hours, which can be achieved on a single day or by accumulating hours.The maximum allowable hours in any one day is 12 hours.Experience in days is achieved by dividing the total accumulated hours by 7.

Vision Requirements - all levels

All Candidates for BRIPC/ISO9712 examinations will be required, on the day of the examination, to provide proof (refer to BRIPC document F/30 ) of a satisfactory vision test conducted within the 12 months preceding the examination. The requirements of vision are as follows:

    a)  Near vision acuity shall permit reading a minimum of Jaeger number 1 or Times Roman N 4.5 or equivalent letters (having a height of 1,6 mm) at not less than 30 cm with one or both eyes, either corrected or uncorrected;

    b)  Colour vision shall be sufficient that the candidate can distinguish and differentiate contrast between the colours or shades of gray used in the NDT method concerned as specified by the employer.

NOTE: Subsequent to certification, the documented tests of visual acuity shall be carried out at least every twelve months and verified by the employer.

Qualification Examination

Applications shall only be completed by the candidate using the latest version of the application from AEC or available direct from www.bripc.org.

BRIPC Authorized exam centre will provide all necessary NDT equipment although candidates may bring and use their own equipment by prior arrangement with the AEC. Any item of apparatus brought by a candidate that is unreliable or rendered unserviceable during the examination shall be replaced by the candidate. Guidance on suitable equipment is available directly from the BRIPC Authorized exam centre.

The detailed requirements of Qualification Examination for Levels 1,2&3, please refer to BRIPC/ISO9712 Scheme paragraph 8.0.

An examiner shall not be permitted to examine any candidate that he has trained for the examination, or who is employed in the same facility as the candidate.

Note: only BRIPC authorizes examiners and examination invigilators within the BRIPC Scheme, and all examination personnel are required to declare any interest in a candidate that presents for examination. In case of doubt regarding maintenance of impartiality, AEC shall consult with BRIPC Certification Services before conducting examinations.
 

Certification

Successful candidates will be issued a BRIPC certificate of conformance, which indicates that all conditions for certification, as detailed in the present specification document, are met. Issue of certification normally takes place within 14 days of BRIPC receiving the formal notification of success in the examination from the AEC. However, where a candidate for certification has achieved a pass in all relevant examination parts, but has not yet satisfied the pre-requisite experience and vision requirements, the issue of certification may be deferred for up to 2 years from the date of success in the BRIPC examination.

Once the BRIPC Certification Records Office is in possession of evidence that all pre-requisites (training, experience, satisfactory vision and success in the relevant BRIPC examination) have been satisfied, a BRIPC certificate stating the level and category awarded will be published.
Code of Ethics for BRIPC/ ISO9712 certificate Holders

Certified Individuals and individuals in the process of certification must recognize that personal integrity and professional competence are the fundamental principles on which their testing activities are founded. Accordingly, it is a condition of certification that certificate holders shall undertake to: 
1. comply with this code of conduct; 
2. undertake only those non-destructive testing assignments for which they are competent by virtue of their training, qualification and experience; 
3. report any inaccuracy in the scope of certification awarded; 
4. only sign documents for work of which they have personal professional knowledge and/or direct supervisory control; 
5. engage, or advise the engagement of, such specialists as are required to enable assignments to be properly completed; 
6. conduct themselves in a responsible manner and utilize fair and equitable business practices in dealing with colleagues, clients and associates; 
7. be aware, at all times, of and uphold the provisions/ requirements of codes, regulations and standards under which they are working; 
8. report immediately to their supervisor/employer any perceived violation(s) of codes, regulations or standards. In the event that their supervisor/employer provides no satisfactory explanation or takes no corrective action, the certified individual shall report the situation direct to the Certification Body; 
9. perform their professional duties with proper regard for the physical environment and the safety, health and well-being of the public; 
10. protect to the fullest extent possible, consistent with the well being of the public and the provisions of this code of conduct, any information given to them in confidence by an employer, colleague or member of the public; 
11. avoid conflicts of interest with the employer or client, but when unavoidable, 
12. forthwith disclose the circumstances to the employer or client; 
13. strive to maintain their proficiency by updating their technical knowledge as required to properly practice NDT in the certified methods and levels; 
14. indicate to the employer or client any adverse consequences which may result from an overruling of their technical judgment by a non-technical authority; 
15. not falsify nor permit misrepresentation of their own or their associate’s academic or professional qualifications, training, experience or work responsibilities; 
16. refrain from making unjustified statements or from performing unethical acts which would discredit the Certification scheme; 
17. report immediately to the Certification Body a significant interruption; 
18. report immediately to the Certification Body any perceived violation(s) of this code of conduct; 
19 report immediately to the Certification Body any attempt to pressurize or force an individual certified under the Scheme to violate this code of conduct; 
20. inform their employer in the event that their certificate is suspended, canceled or withdrawn by the Certification Body. 

Failure to comply with the above code of conduct will be dealt with under arrangements for handling complaints and appeals.