Certification system according to EN ISO 20807
The system offers qualification and certification in ultrasonic thickness measurement. It is suitable for technical inspection personnel, incoming and final inspection staff, personnel responsible for determining the service life of storage facilities for various substances, and similar roles.
Certification conditions are defined according to scheme KCP04 / version 4, “Qualification and Certification of Personnel for Non-Destructive Testing according to ISO 20807” – ultrasonic thickness measurement.
To be eligible for certification, the applicant must successfully pass the qualification exam, meet the training requirements, have industrial experience in NDT, and fulfill physical fitness criteria.
Documents for download
1. Training
Minimum training requirements:
- Qualification according to EN ISO 16809 – 16 hours
The training hours include both practical and theoretical parts.
2. Industrial experience in NDT
Minimum experience requirements:
- Qualification according to EN ISO 16809 – 3 months
- Experience can be gained with an employer or with an external organization performing ultrasonic thickness testing of materials.
- Work experience in months is based on a nominal 40-hour work week or the statutory working week. If a person works more than 40 hours per week, experience may be recognized based on the total hours worked, provided that evidence of this experience is supplied.
3. Physical Fitness – Visual Acuity
- The ability to see at close range must allow the applicant to read at least Jäger test type No. 1 or Times Roman font size 4.5 (or an equivalent font size of 1.6 mm) at a distance of not less than 30 cm, with one or both eyes, either uncorrected or corrected.
- The applicant’s color vision must be sufficient to distinguish and differentiate contrast between colors and shades of gray used in the relevant NDT method, as specified by the employer — for example, by passing the Ishihara test.
- The applicant shall demonstrate satisfactory visual capabilities through an examination by an optometrist, an optometrist, or another medically recognized professional. The results of the examination must be documented in writing. Documented verification of visual capabilities shall be conducted at least once a year and confirmed by the employer.
4. Qualification Examination
The qualification examination consists of a general, specific, and a practical part.
In the general part of the qualification examination, the candidate must demonstrate sufficient theoretical knowledge.
- The time allowed to select the correct answer is 2 minutes per question.
- The minimum number of questions is 15.
In the specific part of the qualification examination, the candidate must demonstrate the ability to measure material thickness using ultrasonic testing according to EN ISO 16809.
- The time allowed to select the correct answer is 3 minutes per question.
- The minimum number of questions is 15.
The practical examination has adequate length, complexity, and scope to appropriately verify the candidate’s ability to apply visual inspection in real testing situations.
It consists of assessing the following candidate skills:
- Performing the required equipment settings
- Correct operation of the device
- Conducting tests on samples representing fusion welds
- Recording and analyzing measurement results in a report.
Each candidate must complete 2 practical test tasks. The maximum time allowed is 2 hours.
Evaluation of Examinations
To be eligible for certification, the candidate must achieve a minimum score of 70% in each part of the examination (general, specific, and practical). Additionally, a minimum score of 80% must be obtained for each tested sample.
Re-examination
- Candidates who fail the examination must wait at least 1 month before retaking it.
- Candidates whose examination results were invalidated due to cheating must wait at least 12 months before retaking the exam.
- A candidate may retake the failed part twice, provided that the retake occurs no earlier than one month after the previous exam and not later than 24 months from the original exam, unless satisfactorily completed additional training approved by the certification body.
- Candidates who fail the re-examination may reapply for examinations and undergo them according to the procedure valid for new applicants.
5. Validity of Certification
The maximum validity period of the certificate is 5 years. The validity period begins once all certification requirements are met (training, practical experience, successful examinations, and satisfactory visual acuity).
Certification Becomes Invalid:
- Based on a decision of the Certification Personnel Committee (COP RT), for example, following verification of unethical behavior incompatible with certification rules.
- If the individual becomes physically unable to perform their duties due to loss of visual capabilities, which are verified annually under the employer’s responsibility.
- In case of a significant interruption in the activity related to the method for which the person is certified.
6. Certification renewal
After the initial validity period, the certification body may renew the certification for an additional period of 5 years, provided that the individual meets the following requirements:
- Has submitted evidence of having passed the most recent annual visual acuity test.
- Has submitted evidence of continuous and satisfactory work activity without significant interruption in the certified method.
The renewal application must be submitted by the employer no earlier than 3 months before the expiration date indicated on the certificate and no later than the last day of the month in which the certification expires.
If the renewal application is delayed by more than one month, the applicant must undergo a new qualification examination. Training is recognized in this case.
If the renewal criteria are not met, the individual must follow the same procedure as a new applicant.
7. Recertification
At the end of every second certification period (every 10 years), COP RT or a body authorized by it may renew the certification for an additional period of up to five years, based on the following requirements:
- The candidate submits evidence of meeting the visual acuity requirements, verified within the previous 12 months.
- The candidate submits evidence of continuous and satisfactory work activity without significant interruption in the method and sector for which recertification is requested.
- A practical examination must be conducted to demonstrate continued competence in accordance with the scope of the certificate.
8. Administrative Documentation
To obtain the certificate, the applicant must submit the following documents to COP RT:
- Training certificate
- Agreement on information cooperation
- Visual acuity
- Application for certification
We are always ready to help you and answer your questions
