UT-PA Rules of Implementation and Application Guide

Phased Array Testing Rules of Implementation for Initial Launch Transition Period

The purpose of this document is to set forth the rules of implementation for the introduction of the new NRCan NDTCB CGSB Ultrasonic Testing Phased Array (UT-PA) technique following CAN/CGSB-48.9712:2022 guidelines for  UT-PA candidates.
As per CAN/CGSB-48.9712-2022 (ISO 9712:2021) paragraph 13 - Transition period (up to 5 years): 

Launch transition period rules for UT-PA candidates:

The aim of this rule is to permit the initiation of the system for the new phased array testing UT-PA NDT technique, which is not yet covered within the CGSB scheme. The NDTCB may temporarily allow duly qualified candidates, for a period not exceeding five years from the date of implementation of this new technique, to apply directly for the CGSB UT-PA level 2 certification. 
Duly qualified personnel means that such personnel: 

1. have the knowledge of the principles of NDT and the specific knowledge in relation to the sector; 
2. have industrial experience of the application of the NDT method; 
3. have a minimum of CGSB certification of UT level 2 or higher or hold UT-PA certification from another ISO 9712 scheme.

In addition to above qualification requirements for UT-PA candidates, the following requirements may apply to candidates under different situations:

Phase 1: NRCan CGSB UT-PA certification of candidates currently holding UT-PA certification from other ISO 9712 certification scheme

1. For candidates currently holding CGSB UT level 2 EMC certification and UT-PA weld sector certification from other ISO 9712 schemes (i.e. PCN, CSWIP, etc.)

   NRCan NDTCB will implement a CGSB UT-PA weld sector certification within the transition period to allow for certified UT-PA level 2 personnel from an international ISO 9712 scheme certification body to gain this limited weld sector certification until they fulfill the requirements for the full NRCan NDTCB CGSB UT-PA level 2 EMC certification. These candidates will be required to submit a copy of their valid international ISO 9712 scheme (minimum UT-PA level 2) certification and valid vision report (if required) for verification by NRCan NDTCB. Once approved, candidates will receive a CGSB UT-PA level 2 Weld sector certification, which will have the same renewal and recertification due dates as the international ISO 9712 scheme UT-PA certification.

   Upon recertification, these candidates will be required to complete the NRCan NDTCB UT-PA level 2 recertification examination to transition and fully meet the requirements of CGSB UT-PA level 2 EMC sector certification.

   Note: This transitional weld certification will not be available for any initial candidates without valid UT-PA certification on an ISO 9712 scheme.

2. For candidates currently holding CGSB UT level 2 EMC certification and UT-PA multi-sector certification from other ISO 9712 schemes (i.e. PCN, CSWIP, etc.)

   Candidates with valid CGSB UT level 2 EMC certification and multi-sector international ISO 9712 scheme UT-PA certification may be able to transition fully to the CGSB UT-PA level 2 EMC certification.

   These candidates will be required to submit a copy of their valid international ISO 9712 scheme (minimum UT-PA level 2) certification and valid vision report (if required) for verification by NRCan NDTCB. Once approved, candidates will receive a CGSB UT-PA level 2 EMC sector certification which will have the same renewal and recertification due dates as the international ISO scheme UT-PA certification.

   Candidates opting to fulfill the requirements and gain CGSB UT-PA level 2 EMC sector certification prior to the international scheme certification recertification expiry date may complete the NRCan NDTCB UT-PA level 2 EMC recertification examination.

Phase 2: NRCan CGSB UT-PA certification of initial candidates without any UT-PA certification
For candidates NOT holding any UT-PA certification from other ISO 9712 schemes (i.e. PCN, CSWIP, etc.)

All other candidates not covered by this transition must apply through the initial application process.
The NDTCB may temporarily allow, for a period not exceeding five years from the date of implementation of this new technique, duly qualified personnel can opt to satisfy the training requisites by providing documented training (from non-RTOs) acceptable to the NDTCB and challenge the end-of-course RTO examination. This challenge examination can only be attempted once and, if the candidate is unsuccessful, the full RTO training course must be successfully completed.

Qualifying work experience requirements

As per CAN/CGSB 48.9712:2022 section 7.3.3.3, a certified Level 1, 2 or 3 individual changing sectors, adding another sector or technique for the same NDT method shall be required to gain additional experience of at least 25 % of the experience required in Table 3; and this shall never be less than 15 days in duration.  

The qualifying work experience shall be 25% of the total hours required for UT2 certification or 45 days, equal to a minimum of 315 phased array specific hours. 

Experience attestations will be acceptable from a referee having a minimum of CGSB certification of UT level 2 or higher or holding UT-PA certification from another ISO 9712 scheme 

UT-PA APPLICATION GUIDE

The NRCan NDTCB requires details of any valid UT-PA certification currently held in order to assess the eligibility of candidates be transitioned to the new NRCan CGSB UT-PA certification. 

Phase 1: NRCan CGSB UT-PA qualification currently holding valid CGSB UT2 and UT-PA certification from other ISO 9712 schemes  
Apply for CGSB UT-PA certification with NRCan NDTCB by submitting the following:  

1. The NRCan NDTCB Administrative Services Request Form;
2. A copy of the active ISO 9712 UT-PA certification – indicating the certification website to verify list of certified UT-PA personnel
3. A valid Vision Test Report form for NDT;
4. An Additional Administrative Services fee, paid through the secured Electronic Payment System.

Go to the Quick downloads: forms and guides page to download the forms.

Once approved, CGSB UT-PA certification expiry dates will correspond to the original  ISO 9712 certification dates. 

Depending on the UT-PA certification currently held, there may be an option to be transitioned to a sector specific UT-PA Weld sector or full UT-PA EMC sector CGSB certification.  If transitioned to the weld sector, the full EMC sector can be gained by a successful UT-PA EMC recertification examination.

Note: Early recertification is possible for full transition to CGSB EMC sector. 

Phase 2: NRCan CGSB UT-PA qualification of initial candidates 

1. Candidates who are currently CGSB UT level 2 certified WITHOUT  ISO 9712 UT-PA certification, may apply for CGSB UT-PA level 2 certification with NRCan NDTCB following the full NRCan NDTCB UT-PA level 2 certification initial application process. For details, see Apply for NDT Certification page.
2. For candidates who are currently UT level 2 certified under an international (third party based) certification  with ISO 9712 UT-PA certification, the CGSB UT level 2 certification must first be gained through Rule 14 of the Rules of Implementation: Accommodation process for candidates currently certified via another third-party or independent international scheme, prior to gaining the CGSB UT-PA Level 2 certification. For details, seeRules of Implementation for CAN/CGSB-48.9712 page.

Find out more

• Quick downloads: forms and guides
• Initial NDT examinations
• Qualifying work experience requirements
• Authorized examination centres for NDT certification
• Recognized training organizations for NDT training and prerequisites