Rules of Implementation for CAN/CGSB-48.9712

NRCan implementation of CGSB standard CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2014 / (ISO 9712:2012, IDT):
Non-destructive testing – Qualification and certification of NDT Personnel

EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION DATE: MARCH 31, 2015

RULES OF IMPLEMENTATION

Initial Version: 01 (2014-12-10)

Updated Version: 04 (2019-01-03)

NRCan National Non-Destructive Testing Certification Body (NDTCB)

Setting the Latitude, Interpretation and Implementation of the CAN/CGSB standard

CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2014 / (ISO 9712:2012, IDT) states in the Introduction, “Where latitude is provided in the criteria within this International Standard, the certification body has the final decision in determining specific requirements.” This document provides clarification to the ‘latitude’ and interpretations that would be applied by the NRCan NDTCB in the Canadian implementation of the CAN/CGSB standard. These Rules were developed and prepared by the NDTCB following the recommendations provided by the national Scheme Committee of the NDTCB.

The list of rules for NRCan implementation of a Canadian adoption of CAN/CGSB-48.9712:2014 is presented below. Additional certification and administrative requirements will be implemented with interpretation and processes as outlined in the NRCan website and forms.

Training

1. NRCan NDTCB’s Recognition of Training Organizations, Training Courses, and Trainers
   
   In order to satisfy the requirements of 7.2.1 and 7.2.2, the NRCan NDTCB manages a procedure for the recognition of training organizations, their training courses and trainers. Training organizations need to be well-qualified to best prepare competent candidates for certification and NRCan NDTCB examination. While companies may provide specialized training for their employees, the basic CGSB Standard training requirements must be properly managed for the training organizations. The NRCan NDTCB’s process of recognition will provide a level-playing field for the provision of quality training through standardized procedures and processes. Such recognition must encompass the Quality Triad: the organization, the course and the trainer. The responsible trainer must be certified under the Canadian Standard in the method that he is teaching in accordance with the provisions 6.2. g) and h) and 6.3 e) and f) of CAN/CGSB-48.9712.
   
2. The NRCan NDTCB will publish on the web a list of all Recognized Training Organizations (RTOs) and courses.
   
   Please note: The NRCan NDTCB has implemented and transitioned to Recognized Training Organizations (RTOs) for the provision of NDT training, effective October 05, 2018. Satisfactory proof of training completed at previously listed Accepted Training Organizations (ATOs) prior to October 05, 2018 will be considered valid for a period of 10 years from the date of training completion.
    
3. ‘Satisfactory Completion’ of Training
   
   The NRCan NDTCB will require that training certificates issued to candidates by the Recognized Training Organization to state:
   • The Recognized Training Organization name and address;
   • The Recognized Training Organization status with respect to NDTCB (i.e. Recognized Training Organization for methods [Insert Methods] per the NRCan NDTCB);
   • The student/candidate’s full name;
   • The method, level, and sector for the training course;
   • The date of completion and duration (in hours) of the training course, with theoretical and practical hours individually noted;
   • That the candidate completed the required training hours (including minimum practical training hours);
   • That the candidate obtained a passing grade (≥70%) on the course examination;
   • That the training complies with the requirements of the NRCan National NDT Certification Body per: CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2014 / (ISO 9712:2012, IDT);
   • Attestation of the completed training with the name, date and signature of:
     • The recognized trainer;
     • The responsible representative of the training organization.
4. Prerequisites: Math Skills; Materials & Processes Knowledge; and for RT-only, Radiation Safety
   1. Math Skills Pre-Screening – to be administered by RTO (attestation not required for certification application)
      Recognized Training Organizations will be responsible to properly pre-screen or administer a math-skill examination for their students in all NDT Methods. The NRCan NDTCB will assist the RTOs by providing a template math examination that can be used by the RTO. The NRCan NDTCB will request the RTOs to individually provide and document their pre-screening criteria to comply with this element. This pre-requisite is for training only.
       
   2. Materials-Processes Knowledge (M&P) Course Pre-Requisite – to be administered by RTO (attestation required for certification application)
      Recognized Training Organizations will be responsible for preparing and delivering a 32-hour course in materials and processes. Applicants must pass (≥70%) the materials and processes examination before being allowed to attend training courses in the NDT methods. The grade obtained on the materials and processes examination will be provided by the RTO to the NRCan NDTCB as part of the candidate’s application for certification.  
       
   3. For a) & b): currently or previously certified personnel are considered to already possess the Math and M&P pre-requisites
       
   4. For RT-only: Radiation Safety Training - pre-requisite to training
      (attestation required for certification application)
      The candidate shall complete radiation safety training (minimum 8 hours) provided by a Recognized Training Organization. The training provided shall be in accordance with an NDTCB recognized radiation safety curriculum. An end-of-course examination is not required.
5. No Reductions in Training for Higher Level of Education

Experience

6. Detailed Assessment of Levels of Industrial Experience
   
   To achieve a more comprehensive assessment of experience, candidates will report experience using a template NRCan NDTCB experience form that demands information for each levels of certification.
   
   

   Trainee Experience: A check-sheet listing basic equipment used and types of inspections performed and all NDT method experience prior to certification as a Level 1 or equivalent if the candidate is applying direct for Level 2 or Level 3.

   Level 1 Experience: A detailed listing of equipment used, reporting of experience by dated inspections performed and all NDT method experience as a certified Level 1 or equivalent if candidate is applying direct to Level 3. A candidate for Level 2 certification must report their experience time both as a trainee and as a Level 1.

   Level 2 Experience: A comprehensive listing of equipment used, detailed reporting of experience by dated inspections performed and all NDT method experience as a certified Level 2 or equivalent if candidate is applying direct for Level 3. A candidate for Level 3 must report his experience time as a trainee, as a Level 1 and as a Level 2.

7. Validated Attestations of Experience
    
   1. Employer: On the updated application form, each level of reported experience (trainee, Level 1 and Level 2) will be attested to in writing by the candidate’s Employer.
   2. Supervisor: On the updated application form, each level of reported experience (trainee, Level 1 and Level 2) will be attested to in writing by the employee’s Supervisor.
   3. Sponsor: A Sponsor (CGSB certified Level 2 or 3) must co-sign the attestation of the various levels of experience.

   25% Verification: As a general process guideline, the NRCan NDTCB will verify the claimed experience of 25% of applicants.

   Questionable experience: If the experience claimed is questionable, the NRCan NDTCB will perform a detailed assessment and investigation, and may also further verify the experience.

8. Minimum Period of Experience Prior to Examination

   The NRCan NDTCB to define meaningful % experience prior to practical & written examinations

   For Written Examinations:

   1. Level 1: 0%
   2. Level 2: 0%
   3. Level 3: 25%

   For Practical Examinations:

   1. Level 1: 25%
   2. Level 2: 25%
   3. Level 3: 25%

9. No Reduction in Experience for ‘Quality’ of Experience
10. Limits on the ‘Experience’ from “Accelerated Experience Credit Programme” via practical workshops
    
    

    5 days maximum for each method, equivalent to 25 days of experience.

11. No reduction in experience for ‘Quality’ of Education for Levels 1 and 2
     
12. No Reduction/Increase for Experience in another Sector of the Same Method

    In the case of endorsements to existing-method certifications, additional training and experience requirements would need to be established by the certification body.

13. Reductions may be considered for Simultaneous Experience in Different Methods for:
    
    
    1. MT2, PT2, VT2;
    2. PT3, MT3, UT3, ET3 & RT3.

    No Reduction for Simultaneous Experience in Different Methods for

    1. Level 1’s - All methods
    2. Level 2’s - Volumetric Methods 

    Reference in standard (7.3.3.2):

    “Credit for work experience may be gained simultaneously in two or more of the NDT methods covered by this International Standard, with the reduction of total required experience as follows:
    — two testing methods: reduction of total required time by 25 %;
    — three testing methods: reduction of total required time by 33 %;
    — four or more testing methods: reduction of total required time by 50 %.” 

14. Accommodation process for candidates certified via another international scheme
    
    
    1. Training: Candidates certified via another international scheme, claiming previous training, will be directed to a Recognized Training Organization of their choice, where they must pass the training organization's tests for:
       1. Materials & processes, and
       2. NDT method(s)

       The NRCan NDTCB will accept as proof of adequate prior training, a certificate issued by the Recognized Training Organization stating that the candidate had passed these examinations (i, ii).

       Note: The candidate does not have to take the training courses - just the tests. The candidate is allowed one attempt at the examinations. In the event that the candidate cannot pass the examinations, the candidate must take the necessary training course(s) appropriate to pass each of the examinations.

       The NRCan NDTCB will evaluate both national and foreign candidates on the same requirements. All must produce a certificate from an NRCan NDTCB Recognized Training Organization stating the candidate has passed the training organizations test for materials and processes and all tests pertaining the NDT methods/levels in which he/she seeks certification.

    2. Experience: A candidate, claiming previous experience in another scheme, will be required to meet the same requirements as national candidates. In cases where the experience is questionable and/or difficult to verify (previous supervisors reside in a foreign country, NRCan-certified sponsor not available), NRCan will further assess the submitted claims of experience on a case-by-case basis.
    3. Certification: NRCan will assess the submitted claims of certification of a foreign candidate. The candidate’s certifications may be acceptable proof of prior training and experience and the NRCan NDTCB may allow the candidate to proceed to full or partial examination. On the other hand, the foreign candidate may be required to demonstrate training and experience as per item 14. a) and b).
       
       

       Foreign certificated candidates are still required to fully complete the NRCan NDTCB method specific written and practical examinations as currently required for CGSB/NRCan certification, as well as the training and prerequisites as detailed in this para 14.

15. NRCan NDTCB to Apply Transition Rules from Old Standard to New Standard
    
    
    1. As soon as the CGSB Committee approves an updated CGSB standard for adoption as the new Canadian Standard, the NRCan NDTCB will implement the new rules into an updated scheme and certification process. Ref Paragraph 14 in the standard.
    2. The NRCan NDTCB will apply the old (and these transitional rules) for training and experience up to three years from date of original application for multiple methods - subject to c) below.
    3. A candidate for certification will be considered "in process of certification" only if he has already submitted an application for certification and has attempted at least one examination in the method(s) and level(s) in which he sought certification.
    4. Implementation of recertification for transition between the CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2006 standard and the CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2014 standard: mandatory recertification will be required for compliance to the standard – certificate holders requiring recertification will be notified and provided with a time period of 5 years to complete their recertification process.