07 Oct What is ISO 9712?

EN ISO 9712 is a mandatory EU personal certification system for NDT operators. To get certified in some EU compulsory certifications like CE markings on equipment,

PED/TPED/CPD or EN15085 rail welding system certification, the NDT operators in factories must be ISO 9712 certified. 

ISO 9712 standard evaluates and documents the competence of operators and staff whose activities require knowledge of non-destructive tests. It was published in 1992 as an international standard that would be mutually recognized by participating nations. The last edition of ISO 9712:2012 was introduced in January 2013 replacing the former version of ISO 9712 9712:2005. 

EN ISO 9712 document is similar to SNT-TC-1A in that personnel qualifications are based on education, training, experience and qualification examinations.

How do you get ISO 9712 certified?

ISO 9712 is not an employer based certification like the SNT-TC-1A. This certification must be obtained from a recognized certification body. Certification bodies operating according to the EN ISO 9712 scheme must be accredited according to EN ISO/IEC 17024. ISO 9712 also uses level 1, level 2 and level 3 designations like all other NDT certifications.

Minimum requirements to attend the EN ISO 9712 exam

1.  Training: For all levels, the candidate must successfully complete a course of theoretical and practical training. Minimum duration of the training is specified by the standard
2. Should submit a proof of good eyesight
3. Must fulfil the required practical experience in NDT

ISO 9712 exam details

The certification exam for ISO 9712 consists of a written and practical exam.

The written exam covering general questions and specific parts consists mainly of multi-choice answer questions.

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

ISO 9712 certification validity

ISO 9712 certification is valid for 5 years. After 5 years the certification needs to be renewed by submitting a new application form. However, candidates need to again go through examination process to recertify ISO 9712  after 10 years.