prEN 4179

Aerospace series - Qualification and approval of personnel for nondestructive testing

1.1   Purpose
This document establishes the minimum requirements for the qualification and certification of personnel performing nondestructive testing (NDT), nondestructive inspection (NDI), or nondestructive evaluation (NDE) in the aerospace manufacturing, service, maintenance and overhaul industries. For the purposes of this document, the term NDT will be used and will be considered equivalent to NDI and NDE.
In Europe, the term "approval" is used to denote a written statement by an employer that an individual has met specific requirements and has operating approval. The term "certification" as defined in 3.2 is used throughout this document as a substitute for the term "approval". Except when otherwise specified in the written practice, certification in accordance with this document includes operating approval.
1.2   Applicability
This document applies to personnel using NDT methods to test and/or accept materials, products, components, assemblies or sub-assemblies. This document also applies to personnel: directly responsible for the technical adequacy of the NDT methods used, who approve NDT procedures and/or work instructions, who audit NDT facilities, or who provide technical NDT support or training.
This document does not apply to individuals who only have administrative or supervisory authority over NDT personnel or to research personnel developing NDT technology for subsequent implementation and approval by a certified Level 3. Personnel performing specialized inspections using certain direct readout instruments as determined by a Level 3 certified in the method, do not require qualification or certification to this document.
1.2.1   Implementation
This document addresses the use of a National Aerospace NDT Board (NANDTB). NANDTBs are only used as specified per Annex C and it is not mandatory to have such a board for compliance with this document. Personnel certified to previous revisions of NAS 410 or EN 4179 need not recertify to the requirements of this document until their current certification expires.
1.3   Methods
1.3.1   Common methods
This document contains detailed requirements for the following common NDT methods:
Eddy Current Testing   (ET)
Liquid Penetrant Testing   (PT)
Magnetic Particle Testing   (MT)
Radiographic Testing   (RT)
Thermographic Testing   (IRT)
Ultrasonic Testing   (UT)
1.3.2   Other methods
When invoked by engineering, quality, cognizant engineering organization or prime contractor requirements, this document applies to other current and emerging NDT methods used to determine the acceptability or suitability for intended service of a material, part, component, sub-assembly or assembly. Such methods can include, but are not limited to, acoustic emission, neutron radiography, leak testing, holography, and shearography. The requirements for personnel training, experience, and examination for these other methods are established in accordance with 6.4 and are documented by the employer.

Luft- und Raumfahrt - Qualifizierung und Zulassung des Personals für zerstörungsfreie Prüfungen

Série aérospatiale - Qualification et agrément du personnel pour les essais non destructifs

1.1   Objet
Le présent document établit les exigences minimales pour la qualification et la certification de personnel réalisant des essais non destructif (END), des contrôles non destructifs (CND) ou des évaluations non destructives (ÉND) dans la fabrication, les services, la maintenance et la réparation de l’industrie aérospatiale. Pour les besoins du présent document, le terme END sera utilisé et il sera considéré comme l’équivalent de CND et ÉND.
En Europe, le terme « agrément » est utilisé pour désigner une attestation écrite par un employeur déclarant qu’une personne a satisfait à des exigences spécifiques et qu’elle est titulaire de l’agrément d’exploitation. Le terme « certification » tel que défini en 3.2 est utilisé tout au long du présent document en remplacement du terme « agrément ». Sauf spécification contraire dans la procédure écrite, la certification conformément au présent document inclut l’agrément d’exploitation.
1.2   Applicabilité
Le présent document s'applique au personnel utilisateur de méthodes END pour les essais et/ou la réception de matériaux, produits, composants, ensembles ou sous-ensembles. Il s'applique également au personnel directement responsable de l'adéquation technique des méthodes END utilisées, de l'approbation des procédures et/ou des instructions de travail END, des audits d'installations END, ou de la fourniture d'assistance/formation aux techniques END.
Ce document ne s'applique ni aux personnes qui n’ont qu’une autorité administrative ou de surveillance du personnel END, ni au personnel de recherche chargé de développer une technologie END pour mise en œuvre et approbation ultérieure par un responsable de niveau 3 certifié. La qualification ou certification selon le présent document n'est pas obligatoire pour le personnel réalisant des contrôles spécialisés à l’aide d’instruments de mesure à lecture directe comme défini par un responsable de niveau 3 certifié dans la méthode.
1.2.1   Mise en œuvre
Le présent document traite de l'usage d'un comité national aérospatial END (NANDTB, National Aerospace NDT Board). Les comités NANDTB ne sont utilisés que comme spécifié à l’Annexe C ; ils ne sont pas obligatoires pour que la conformité au présent document soit respectée. Une nouvelle certification aux exigences du présent document n'est pas nécessaire pour le personnel certifié selon les révisions antérieures des normes NAS 410 ou EN 4179, sauf à expiration de leur certification en cours.
1.3   Méthodes
1.3.1   Méthodes usuelles
Le présent document contient des exigences détaillées pour les méthodes END usuelles suivantes :
Contrôle par courants de Foucault   (CF)
Examen par ressuage   (ER)
Contrôle par magnétoscopie   (CM)
Contrôle radiographique   (CR)
Contrôle thermographique   (TIR)
Contrôle par ultrasons   (CU)
1.3.2   Autres méthodes
Lorsque les exigences d'ingénierie, de qualité, d'un organisme d'ingénierie compétent ou d'un donneur d’ordre l'invoquent, le présent document s'applique à d'autres méthodes END actuelles ou émergentes utilisées dans le but de déterminer l'acceptabilité ou l'adéquation au service prévu d'un matériau, d'une pièce, d'un composant, sous-ensemble ou ensemble. Ces méthodes peuvent inclure, sans toutefois y être limitées, l'émission acoustique, la radiographie neutronique, les essais d'étanchéité, l'holographie et la cisaillographie. Les exigences en matière de formation, d'expérience et d’examen du personnel pour ces autres méthodes sont établies conformément à 6.4 et sont documentées par l'employeur.

Aeronavtika - Usposobljenost in odobritev osebja za neporušitveno preskušanje

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• ICS: 03.100.30 - Management of human resources
• ICS: 19.100 - Non-destructive testing
• ICS: 49.020 - Aircraft and space vehicles in general
• Technical Committee: ASD-STAN - Aerospace
• Drafting Committee: ASD-STAN/D 4/WG 15 - Non Destructive Testings
• Current Stage: 6055 - CEN Ratification completed (DOR) - Publishing
• Due Date: 11-Jul-2021
• Completion Date: 11-Jul-2021
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN 4179:2021 - Aerospace series - Qualification and approval of personnel for nondestructive testing

RELATIONS

• Revised: EN 4179:2017 - Aerospace series - Qualification and approval of personnel for non-destructive testing
• Effective Date: 03-Oct-2018

Standards Content (sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 4179:2021
01-maj-2021
Aeronavtika - Usposobljenost in odobritev osebja za neporušitveno preskušanje

Aerospace series - Qualification and approval of personnel for nondestructive testing

Luft- und Raumfahrt - Qualifizierung und Zulassung des Personals für zerstörungsfreie

Prüfungen
Série aérospatiale - Qualification et agrément du personnel pour les essais non
destructifs
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 4179
ICS:
03.100.30 Vodenje ljudi Management of human
resources
19.100 Neporušitveno preskušanje Non-destructive testing
49.020 Letala in vesoljska vozila na Aircraft and space vehicles in
splošno general
oSIST prEN 4179:2021 en,fr,de

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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oSIST prEN 4179:2021
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oSIST prEN 4179:2021
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 4179
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
March 2021
ICS 49.020; 03.100.30; 19.100 Will supersede EN 4179:2017
English Version
Aerospace series - Qualification and approval of personnel
for nondestructive testing

Série aérospatiale - Qualification et agrément du Luft- und Raumfahrt - Qualifizierung und Zulassung

personnel pour les essais non destructifs des Personals für zerstörungsfreie Prüfungen

This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee ASD-

STAN.

If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations

which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other

language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC

Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,

Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,

Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and

United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are

aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without

notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels

© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 4179:2021 E

worldwide for CEN national Members.
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Contents Page

European foreword ...................................................................................................................................................... 5

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 6

1 Scope .................................................................................................................................................................... 7

1.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................... 7

1.2 Applicability ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

1.2.1 Implementation ............................................................................................................................................... 7

1.3 Methods .............................................................................................................................................................. 7

1.3.1 Common methods ........................................................................................................................................... 7

1.3.2 Other methods ................................................................................................................................................. 7

2 Normative references .................................................................................................................................... 8

3 Terms and definitions ................................................................................................................................... 8

4 General requirements ................................................................................................................................. 13

4.1 Written practice ............................................................................................................................................ 13

4.1.1 Qualification and certification ................................................................................................................. 13

4.1.2 Additional requirements............................................................................................................................ 13

4.1.3 NDT techniques ............................................................................................................................................. 13

4.1.4 Training outlines ........................................................................................................................................... 13

4.1.5 Examination practices ................................................................................................................................. 13

4.1.6 Administration ............................................................................................................................................... 13

4.1.7 Records ............................................................................................................................................................. 14

4.2 Methods ............................................................................................................................................................ 14

4.3 Responsibility ................................................................................................................................................ 14

4.3.1 General.............................................................................................................................................................. 14

4.3.2 Responsible Level 3 ...................................................................................................................................... 14

4.3.3 Outside agency ............................................................................................................................................... 14

5 Qualification and certification levels ..................................................................................................... 15

5.1 Levels of qualification and certification ............................................................................................... 15

5.1.1 General.............................................................................................................................................................. 15

5.1.2 Trainee .............................................................................................................................................................. 15

5.1.3 Level 1-Limited .............................................................................................................................................. 15

5.1.4 Level 1 ............................................................................................................................................................... 15

5.1.5 Level 2 ............................................................................................................................................................... 16

5.1.6 Level 3 ............................................................................................................................................................... 16

5.1.7 Auditor .............................................................................................................................................................. 17

6 Training and experience ............................................................................................................................ 17

6.1 Training ............................................................................................................................................................ 17

6.1.1 General.............................................................................................................................................................. 17

6.1.2 Training outlines ........................................................................................................................................... 18

6.1.3 Previous training .......................................................................................................................................... 18

6.1.4 Equivalent training....................................................................................................................................... 19

6.1.5 Health and safety training ......................................................................................................................... 19

6.2 Training and examination personnel .................................................................................................... 19

6.2.1 Responsible Level 3 ...................................................................................................................................... 19

6.2.2 Examiners ........................................................................................................................................................ 19

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6.2.3 Instructors ....................................................................................................................................................... 19

6.2.4 Outside agencies ........................................................................................................................................... 19

6.3 Experience ....................................................................................................................................................... 19

6.3.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 19

6.3.2 Previous experience .................................................................................................................................... 20

6.3.3 Equivalent experience ................................................................................................................................ 20

6.4 Emerging NDT methods .............................................................................................................................. 21

6.4.1 Minimum hours ............................................................................................................................................. 21

6.4.2 Levels 1 and 2 ................................................................................................................................................. 21

6.4.3 Level 3 ............................................................................................................................................................... 21

7 Examinations .................................................................................................................................................. 22

7.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................................ 22

7.1.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 22

7.1.2 Vision examination ...................................................................................................................................... 22

7.1.3 General examination ................................................................................................................................... 22

7.1.4 Specific examination ................................................................................................................................... 23

7.1.5 Practical examination ................................................................................................................................. 23

7.2 Administration of examinations ............................................................................................................. 24

7.2.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 24

7.2.2 Administration by an outside agency .................................................................................................... 24

7.2.3 Scoring .............................................................................................................................................................. 24

7.2.4 Re-examination ............................................................................................................................................. 24

8 Certification .................................................................................................................................................... 25

8.1 General ............................................................................................................................................................. 25

8.2 Records ............................................................................................................................................................. 25

8.2.1 Minimum requirements ............................................................................................................................. 25

8.2.2 Record availability ....................................................................................................................................... 25

8.3 Loss of certification ...................................................................................................................................... 26

8.3.1 Expiration ........................................................................................................................................................ 26

8.3.2 Suspension ...................................................................................................................................................... 26

8.3.3 Revocation ....................................................................................................................................................... 26

8.4 Reinstatement of certification ................................................................................................................. 26

8.5 Recertification ............................................................................................................................................... 26

8.5.1 Level 1 and Level 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 26

8.5.2 Level 3 ............................................................................................................................................................... 26

8.5.3 Hands-on practical examination ............................................................................................................. 26

8.6 Annual proficiency review ........................................................................................................................ 27

Annex A (normative) Credit system for recertification of Level 3 NDT personnel ............................ 28

A.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................. 28

A.2 Requirements ................................................................................................................................................. 28

A.3 Definitions ....................................................................................................................................................... 28

Annex B (informative) Qualification and certification of Level 1-Limited ........................................... 31

B.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................. 31

B.2 Requirements ................................................................................................................................................. 31

Annex C (normative) National aerospace nondestructive testing boards (NANDTB) ...................... 34

C.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................. 34

C.2 Requirements ................................................................................................................................................. 34

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C.3 Examinations .................................................................................................................................................. 36

C.4 Record retention ........................................................................................................................................... 36

Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................................. 37

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oSIST prEN 4179:2021
prEN 4179:2021 (E)
European foreword

This document (prEN 4179:2021) has been prepared by the Aerospace and Defence Industries

Association of Europe — Standardization (ASD-STAN).

After enquiries and votes carried out in accordance with the rules of this Association, this document has

received the approval of the National Associations and the Official Services of the member countries of

ASD-STAN, prior to its presentation to CEN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 4179:2017.
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oSIST prEN 4179:2021
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Introduction

In the event of a conflict between the text of this document and the references cited herein, the

requirements of this document take precedence. Nothing in this document supersedes applicable laws

and regulations unless a specific exemption has been obtained.
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1 Scope
1.1 Purpose

This document establishes the minimum requirements for the qualification and certification of

personnel performing nondestructive testing (NDT), nondestructive inspection (NDI), or

nondestructive evaluation (NDE) in the aerospace manufacturing, service, maintenance and overhaul

industries. For the purposes of this document, the term NDT will be used and will be considered

equivalent to NDI and NDE.

In Europe, the term “approval” is used to denote a written statement by an employer that an individual

has met specific requirements and has operating approval. The term “certification” as defined in 3.2 is

used throughout this document as a substitute for the term “approval”. Except when otherwise

specified in the written practice, certification in accordance with this document includes operating

approval.
1.2 Applicability

This document applies to personnel using NDT methods to test and/or accept materials, products,

components, assemblies or sub-assemblies. This document also applies to personnel: directly

responsible for the technical adequacy of the NDT methods used, who approve NDT procedures and/or

work instructions, who audit NDT facilities, or who provide technical NDT support or training.

This document does not apply to individuals who only have administrative or supervisory authority

over NDT personnel or to research personnel developing NDT technology for subsequent

implementation and approval by a certified Level 3. Personnel performing specialized inspections using

certain direct readout instruments as determined by a Level 3 certified in the method, do not require

qualification or certification to this document.
1.2.1 Implementation

This document addresses the use of a National Aerospace NDT Board (NANDTB). NANDTBs are only

used as specified per Annex C and it is not mandatory to have such a board for compliance with this

document. Personnel certified to previous revisions of NAS 410 or EN 4179 need not recertify to the

requirements of this document until their current certification expires.
1.3 Methods
1.3.1 Common methods

This document contains detailed requirements for the following common NDT methods:

Eddy Current Testing (ET)
Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT)
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
Radiographic Testing (RT)
Thermographic Testing (IRT)
Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
1.3.2 Other methods

When invoked by engineering, quality, cognizant engineering organization or prime contractor

requirements, this document applies to other current and emerging NDT methods used to determine

the acceptability or suitability for intended service of a material, part, component, sub-assembly or

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prEN 4179:2021 (E)

assembly. Such methods can include, but are not limited to, acoustic emission, neutron radiography,

leak testing, holography, and shearography. The requirements for personnel training, experience, and

examination for these other methods are established in accordance with 6.4 and are documented by the

employer.
2 Normative references

The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content

constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For

undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

ISO 18490, Non-destructive testing — Evaluation of vision acuity of NDT personnel

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:

• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
basic examination

examination utilized to verify a Level 3 candidate’s knowledge of NDT methods used by the employer at

a Level 2 proficiency
3.2
certification

written statement by an employer that an individual has met the applicable requirements of this

document
3.3
closed book examination
examination administered without access to any reference materials
3.4
cognizant engineering organization

engineering or NDT organization of the prime contractor, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), or

end user authorized to make NDT-related decisions and give NDT-related approvals
3.5
committee meetings
panel meetings

meetings, conferences, symposia, seminars, trade association meetings, panels, etc. organized or

sponsored by a regional, national or international NDT organization or technical society

Note 1 to entry: Foreign or international meetings qualify if the sponsor(s) are national or international.

Published by: ISO International Organization for Standardization http://www.iso.ch/

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3.6
committee projects

specific identifiable official activities of regional or national technical societies, committees or work

groups

EXAMPLE round robins or individual studies, preparation of guidelines, appendices, specifications,

recommended practices, procedures, codes or standards, etc.

Note 1 to entry: Documentation may include memos or reports, drafts of committee output documents, or official

written comments submitted by the candidate on such documents.
3.7
direct observation

observer's viewing of the NDT process in a manner that permits uninterrupted, visual and verbal two-

way contact with the trainee
3.8
direct readout instrument

instruments that physically display measurements in dimensional or electrical units (e.g. inches,

millimetres or % IACS) either as digital readout or an analog display, such as a scale/pointer

configuration, and do not require special skills or knowledge to set up the instrument and do not

involve adjusting signal displays such as gates, delays, gain, or phase to obtain measurements

EXAMPLE Common direct readout instruments include basic ultrasonic thickness gauges without an

oscilloscope display, and eddy current coating thickness gauges.
3.9
documented
condition of being recorded in written or electronic form
3.10
employer

organization employing or contracting the services of one or more individuals who perform NDT

Note 1 to entry: Self-employed individuals are included in this definition
3.11
evaluation

review following interpretation of the indications noted during an NDT inspection to determine

whether the indications meet specified acceptance criteria or to determine the significance of the

indication
3.12
examination

formal, controlled, documented testing conducted in accordance with a documented written practice to

verify a candidate’s visual capability, skill or knowledge of an NDT method
3.13
examiner

Level 3 certified to this document and designated by the Responsible Level 3 to administer all or part of

the qualification process in the NDT method(s) in which the Examiner is certified

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3.14
experience

actual performance of an NDT method conducted in the work environment resulting in the acquisition

of knowledge and skill

Note 1 to entry: This does not include formal classroom training but may include laboratory and on-the-job

training as defined by the employer’s written practice.
3.15
formal education
engineering or science studies at a technical school, college, or university
3.16
formal training

organized and documented program of learning activities designed to impart the knowledge and skills

necessary to be qualified to this document

Note 1 to entry: Formal training may be a mix of classroom, practical and programmed self-instruction as

approved by the Responsible Level 3 or Examiner.
3.17
general examination
written examination addressing the basic principles and theory of an NDT method
3.18
indication

response or evidence of a condition resulting from an NDT inspection that requires interpretation

3.19
instructor

individual designated or approved by the Responsible Level 3 or Examiner to provide training for NDT

personnel
3.20
interpretation
determination of whether indications are relevant or non-relevant
3.21
method

1 (one) of the disciplines of nondestructive testing (e.g. ultrasonic, radiography, etc.) within which

different techniques may exist
3.22
National Aerospace NDT Board
NANDTB

independent aerospace organization representing a nation's aerospace industry that is chartered by the

participating prime contractors and recognized by the nation’s regulatory agencies to provide or

support NDT qualification and/or examination services in accordance with Annex C of this document

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3.23
non-film radiography
radiographic imaging that does not use a film-based recording medium

Note 1 to entry: Non-Film radiography includes, but may not be limited to, Computed Radiography, Digital

Radiography, Radioscopy, and Computed Tomography.
3.24
on-the-job training

training in the work environment to gain experience in learning instrument set-up, equipment

operation, applying the process, and recognition, interpretation and evaluation of indications under

appropriate technical guidance
3.25
open book examination

examination administered with access to specific reference material that is provided with or referenced

in the examination
3.26
operating approval
written statement issued by the employer, based upon the scope of ce
...