CERTIFICATION OF VISUAL EXAMINATION PERSONNEL

8/20/2019 CERTIFICATION OF VISUAL EXAMINATION PERSONNEL

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Revision Log

Revision Number Affected Pages CRA Number Approval

1 1418 V. Potent

2 1522 E. Anderson

3 4 1625 E. Anderson

4 14 2938 G. Griffiths

5 All 3251 G. Griffiths

6 Var. 3767 L. Ludwig

7 Var. 4968 M. Walcoff

8 Var 5211 M. Walcoff

9 All 5319 M. Walcoff

10 All 5652 R. Claverie

11 All 5703 G. Griffiths

12 All 6658 M. Shakinovsky

13 All 7963 B. Ashby

14 3, 6, 12, & 19 8288 B. Ashby

15 All 9275 M. Alling

16 12 9615 M. Alling

17 3, 12, 18 9781 S. Larson

18 All 10296 S. Larson

19 3, 7, 9, 12, 13, 15, 24 10550

20 3,12,16,19 10795 A. Sentementes



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1. OBJECTIVE

This document details the procedure SCIENTECH NES, Inc. will follow to train, examine and

certify Visual Examination (VT) personnel for Preservice Inspection (PSI) and Inservice Inspection(ISI).

2. GENERAL

2.1 The SCIENTECH NES, Inc. Corporate Level III is responsible for administration of this

procedure.

2.2 This procedure provides direction for qualification and certification of Visual Examination

Personnel in accordance with the ASME Code, Section XI, 1989 and earlier editions. This procedure is based on the qualification and certification requirements of SNT-TC-1A, 1984,

ANSI N45.2.6 and Regulatory Guide 1.58, Rev. 1, 1980.

2.3 This procedure also meets the requirements of ASME, Section XI, 1992 Edition with 1992

Addenda and ANSI/ASNT CP-189-1991 for qualification and certification of VT personnel performing examinations to the requirements of ASME Section XI, IWE and IWL.

2.4 This procedure also meets the requirements of ASME Section XI 1995 Edition with 1996

Addenda and ANSI/ASNT CP-189-1991.

2.5 This procedure also meets the requirements of ASME Section XI 1998 Edition and

ANSI/ASNT CP-189-1995.

2.6 This procedure also meets the requirements of SNT-TC-1A 1996 edition,, winter 1998

addenda

2.7 The certification of visual examination personnel qualified in accordance with previous

revisions of this procedure shall remain valid until recertification is required. Recertificationshall be in accordance with the latest revision of this procedure.

2.8 USE OF AN OUTSIDE AGENCY

2.8.1 An outside agency may be used to provide Level III, NDE Instructor, qualification, or

testing services. An outside agency is defined as an organization that is recognizedand acknowledged throughout the NDE industry. ASNT, EPRI, and CWI are

examples of acceptable outside agencies. Other outside agencies may be used

provided they are on the SCIENTECH NES Approved Vendors List (AVL).

2.8.1.1 The outside agency shall maintain a written practice that specifies thedocumentation to be maintained in the qualification records.

2.8.1.2 The qualification records of the outside agency shall include:

• Qualification examinations

• Candidate's name

• Certification level

• Date of examination



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• Overall course grade

• Examination grade

2.9 CONFIDENTIALITY

2.9.1 Security of all test materials shall be controlled by the Corporate Level III.

2.9.2 The Corporate Level III may designate an individual to maintain the confidentiality of qualification materials.

2.9.3 Qualification materials shall be maintained in secure files. Access to these files shall

be limited to the Corporate Level III, Certification Administrator or individualdesignated by the Corporate Level III.

2.10 TRAINING COURSE MATERIAL

2.10.1 Training course material shall be available for review or audit by authorized

personnel.

2.10.2 Training course material need not be subject to confidentiality requirements.

3. DEFINITIONS

These definitions are intended to clarify the meanings of terms used in this procedure, as they apply

to this procedure, and only to this procedure. No broader application of these definitions is implied.

3.1 Certification - Written testimony that an individual has met the applicable requirements of

this standard.

3.2 Closed-Book Examination - An examination administered without access to referencematerial except that supplied with or in the examination.

3.3 Corporate Level III – The individual within the SCIENTECH NES organization responsible

for administration of this procedure. See Principle Level III.

3.4 Documented – The condition of being in written form.

3.5 Education – An institutionalized program, prescribed by appropriate authorities, that is

offered by schools, institutes, organizations, colleges, or universities established for the sole purpose of providing instruction in an orderly, planned, and systematic fashion.

3.6 Employer – SCIENTECH NES, Inc.

3.7 Evaluation – A determination of the significance of a relevant indication. (See also

interpretation.)

3.8 Examination – A formal, controlled, documented interrogation conducted in accordance witha procedure.

3.9 Experience – Actual performance or observation conducted during work time resulting in the

acquisition of skill and knowledge. Classroom or laboratory training time or both shall not

be considered as experience.



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3.10 General examination – A written examination addressing the basic principles of the

applicable NDT method.

3.11 Indication – A response or evidence of a response occurring during a nondestructiveexamination.

3.12 Interpretation

3.12.1 Interpretation (of NDE test data). The determination of whether indications are

relevant, or nonrelevant. (See also evaluation.)

3.12.2 Interpretation (general). To clarify the meaning of.

3.13 Method – One of the disciplines of NDE; for example, ultrasonic testing, within which

various test techniques may exist.

3.14 NDE Instructor – An individual qualified and designated in accordance with this standard to

train or educate NDE personnel.3.15 Outside Agency – An outside organization engaged to perform any of the requirements of

this procedure. SCIENTECH NES is responsible for evaluating the organization to assurethe services are in accordance with this written practice and so documented.

3.16 Practical examination – An examination used to demonstrate an individual’s ability in

conducting the NDE methods that will be performed for the employer. For practical

examinations, questions and answers need not necessarily be written, but observations andresults must be documented.

3.17 Principle Level III – Unless otherwise designated, the SCIENTECH NES Corporate Level III

shall be the Principle Level III. The Principal Level III shall have the ultimate authority and

responsibility for administration of this procedure.3.18 Procedure – A detailed, written instruction for conducting a nondestructive test or certifying

personnel. Procedures shall be approved by an NDE Level III.

3.19 Qualification – The skills, training, knowledge, and experience required for personnel to

properly perform to a specified NDE Level.

3.20 Specific examination – A written examination to determine an individual’s understanding of

procedures, codes, standards, specification, and equipment or instrumentation for an NDE

method used by the employer.

3.21 Test technique – A category within an NDE method; for example, immersion ultrasonictesting.

3.22 Training – An organized and documented program of activities designed to impart the

knowledge and skills required to be qualified to this standard.



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4. LEVELS AND CATEGORIES

Each level of qualification and visual testing category requires certification that the individual is

capable of performing the duties and responsibilities of that level and those categories beingimplemented. Each certification clearly identifies level, categories, and restrictions. Level III

individuals are certified in all visual examination categories.

4.1 Five levels of qualification are defined in terms of the skills and knowledge required in a

given method or methods to perform specified NDE activities. These are:

4.1.1 Level III – A Level III shall have the skills and knowledge to establish techniques; tointerpret codes, standards, and specifications; designate the particular technique to be

used; and to verify the adequacy of procedures. The Level III shall be capable of

conducting or directing the training and examining of NDE personnel as applicable by para. 5.7.

4.1.2 Level II – A Level II shall have the skills and knowledge to set up and calibrateequipment, to conduct tests, and to interpret, evaluate, and document results in

accordance with procedures approved by the Level III. The Level II shall bethoroughly familiar with the scope and limitations of the NDE method and should be

capable to directing the work of trainees and Level I personnel. The Level II shall be

able to organize and report nondestructive examination results.

4.1.3 Level I – A Level I shall have the skills and knowledge to properly perform specificcalibrations, specific tests, and with prior written approval of the NDE Level III,

perform specific interpretations and evaluations for acceptance or rejection anddocument the results, in accordance with specific approved procedures. The Level I

shall be able to follow approved nondestructive testing procedures and shall receive

the necessary guidance or supervision from a certified Level II or Level III individual.

4.1.4 Trainee – A person who is not yet certified to any level shall be considered a trainee.Trainees shall work with a certified person, under the direction of a Level II or Level

III and shall not independently conduct any tests or write a report of test results.

4.1.5 NDE Instructor – An NDE instructor shall be responsible for developing course

outlines and presenting classroom and laboratory programs of instruction inaccordance with written course outlines. The NDE Instructor shall be thoroughly

familiar with the NDE method being taught, and shall be able to effectively present

the theoretical, technical, and practical aspects of the method.

4.2 VISUAL EXAMINATION CATEGORIES

4.2.1 VT-1 Examination

4.2.1.1 VT-1 examinations are conducted to detect discontinuities andimperfections on the surfaces of components, including such conditions as

cracks, wear, corrosion, or erosion.

4.2.1.2 VT-1C visual examinations are conducted to determine concrete

deterioration and distress for suspect areas detected by VT-3C, and



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conditions (e.g., cracks, wear, or corrosion) of tendon anchorage and wires

or strands.


VT-2 examinations are conducted to detect evidence of leakage from pressure

retaining components, with or without leakage collection systems, as required duringthe conduct of system pressure tests.


4.2.3.1 VT-3 examinations are conducted to determined the general mechanical andstructural condition of components and their supports by verifying

parameters such as clearances, settings, and physical displacements; and to

detect discontinuities and imperfections, such as loss of integrity at bolted or welded connections, loose or missing parts, debris, corrosion, wear, or

erosion. VT-3 includes examinations for conditions that could affect

operability or functional adequacy of snubbers and constant load and springtype supports..

4.2.3.2 VT-3C visual examinations are conducted to determine the general

structural condition of concrete surfaces of containments by identifyingareas of concrete deterioration and distress.

5. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

5.1 TRAINING

Candidates for certification as Level I, Level II, or Level III shall complete sufficientorganized training to become familiar with the principles of the method/category and the

practices of the applicable examination technique. This training shall be conducted in

accordance with a course outline approved by a Level III. The course shall include all of thetopics contained in Supplement 1, plus any additional topics deemed necessary by the Level

III. The sequence, content, amount of time spent, and depth of coverage for each topic shall

be approved by the NDE Level III. Training programs shall include sufficient examinations

to demonstrate that the necessary information has been comprehended. Training provided byaccredited or industry accepted training organizations such as the U.S. military, EPRI, or

Hellier Associates are acceptable.

5.1.1 Credit – To receive credit for initial training hours, the individual shall pass a final

examination covering the topics contained in that program.

5.1.2

Level I and Level II – The minimum number of hours of classroom training requiredfor Level I and Level II candidates is described in Table 2.

5.1.3 Level III – Training requirements for Level III will be satisfied if the individual holds

a current ASNT NDT Level III certificate in the VT method, or meets the

requirements of Table 2.

5.1.4 Training shall be conducted by an NDE Instructor with the exception of portions of the training that may be conducted by individuals designated by the NDE Instructor.



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Annual training, site specific training or other specialized training may be presented

by individuals with specialized expertise in the subject training.

5.2 EXPERIENCE

Candidates for certification shall have acquired the practical experience to assure they arecapable of performing the duties of the level in which certification is being sought.

5.2.1 Level I and Level II – The minimum number of hours of experience required for

candidates is described in Table 2.

5.2.2 Level III – Experience requirements for Level III will be satisfied if the individual

holds a current ASNT NDT Level III certificate in the applicable method, or meetsthe requirements of one of the following:

a. Graduate of a 4-year accredited engineering or science college or university

with a degree in engineering or science, plus 1 year experience in NDE in an

assignment comparable to that of a Level II in the examination method.

b. Completion with a passing grade of at least the equivalent of 2 full years of engineering or science study at a university, college, or technical school, plus

2 years experience in an assignment comparable to that of a Level II in the

examination method.

c. Four years experience in an assignment comparable to that of a Level II in theexamination method.

5.3 INITIAL CERTIFICATION FOR VISUAL EXAMINATION

5.3.1 Experience in each discipline is required for unlimited certification. The term

'experience' refers to visual examination defined in para. 4.2, or related experience inthe applicable method such as the following:

(1) for VT-1, experience as a weld examiner, AWS CWI or AWS CAWI;

(2) for VT-1, experience in performing surface examinations;

(3) for VT-2, experience in pressure tests;

(4) for VT-2, plant walkdown experience, such as that gained by licensed andnonlicensed operators, local leak rate personnel, system engineers, quality

control personnel, and nondestructive examination personnel;

(5) for VT-3, installation, maintenance, or examination of pumps, valves, or

supports;

(6) for VT-1 and VT-3, experience in installation, maintenance, or examination of RPV internals, or other remote visual examination;

(7) for Level III, documented visual training or examination programs; or

experience as defined in (1) through (7) above.

5.3.2 Experience shall be documented by specific tasks and disciplines, e.g., 10 hr VT-3visual examination of supports.



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5.3.3 No more than 50% of the required experience for VT-1 visual examination shall be in

surface examination.

5.4 ALTERNATIVE QUALIFICATIONS OF VT-2 VISUAL EXAMINATIONPERSONNEL

5.4.1 In lieu of the requirements of para. 5.3, VT-2 visual examination personnel may be

qualified by satisfying the following requirements:

5.4.1.1 At least 40 hr plant walkdown experience, such as that gained by licensed

and nonlicensed operators, local leak rate personnel, system engineers,quality control personnel, and nondestructive examination personnel.

5.4.1.2 At least 4 hr of training in the Section XI requirements and plant-specific

procedures for VT-2 visual examination

5.4.1.3 The vision test requirements of the base document.

5.5 ALTERNATIVE QUALIFICATIONS OF VT-3 VISUAL EXAMINATION PERSONNEL

5.5.1 In lieu of the requirements of para. 5.3, VT-3 visual examination personnel may bequalified by satisfying the following requirements:

5.5.1.1 At least 40 hours plant experience, such as that gained by plant personnel

involved in installation, maintenance, or examination of pumps, valves, and

supports, quality control personnel, and nondestructive examination personnel.

5.5.1.2 At least 8 hr of training in the Section XI requirements and plant-specific

procedures for VT-3 visual examination.

5.5.1.3 The vision test requirements of the base document.

5.6 PREVIOUS TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

5.6.1 Level I, Level II and Level III – A candidate’s previous training and experience may

be accepted by the employer if verified and documented in writing by the previous

employer(s) or, for training, by the previous training agency(ies). Any claimed training andexperience which cannot be verified and documented shall be considered invalid.

5.6.2 Level III – SCIENTECH NES shall verify and document the current validity of a

candidate’s ASNT Level III certificate.

5.7 NDE INSTRUCTOR

A candidate being considered for qualification as an NDE Instructor shall satisfy the Level

III Basic and Method Examination requirements of this procedure and shall also meet one of the following requirements:

(a) the candidate shall maintain a current teacher or vocational instructor certificate

issued by a state, municipal, provincial, or federal authority; or

(b) the candidate shall complete a minimum of 40 hr instruction in training and teachingtechniques.



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5.8 LIMITED CERTIFICATION

Limited certification in a method is permitted for personnel who are restricted to performing

examinations of limited scope, i.e., limited operations or limited categories/techniques withinthe method. Topics that are not relevant to the limited certification may be deleted from the

training outline and may be accompanied by a corresponding reduction in training hours,

examination content, and number of examination questions. Only questions related to the

limited training are required. In addition, the required experience may be reduced by acorresponding amount.

6. EXAMINATIONS

6.1 VISION ACUITY EXAMINATION

6.1.1 The following tests shall be administered annually to NDE personnel:

6.1.1.1 Personnel shall demonstrate natural or corrected near-distance acuity of

20/25 or greater Snellen fraction, with at least one eye, by reading words or identifying characters on a near-distance test chart, such as a Jaeger chart,

that meets the requirements of para. 6.1.2. Equivalent measures of near-

distance acuity may be used. In addition, personnel performing VT-2 or VT-3 visual examinations shall demonstrate natural or corrected far-distance

acuity of 20/30 or greater Snellen fraction or equivalent with at least one

eye.

6.1.1.2 Personnel shall demonstrate the capability to distinguish the colorsapplicable to the NDE methods for which certified and to differentiate

contrast between these colors.

6.1.1.3 The vision acuity examination is given prior to certification and annuallythereafter. If a candidate is certified in other NDE methods, the previously

required vision acuity examination is acceptable, provided it is dated within

one year of the visual certification and that it meets the requirements of this paragraph. The personnel qualified to administer vision acuity examinations

are:

1. Ophthalmologist

2. Optometrist

3. Qualified medical professional

4. An individual instructed in the administration of a vision acuityexamination.

5. A Level III examiner

6. NES QA Manager

6.1.2 Near-Distance Test Chart Qualification

A measurement of one of the near-distance test chart characters shall be made once

before initial use, with an optical comparator (10X or greater) or other suitable



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instrument, to verify that the height of a representative lower case character, without

an ascender or descender (e.g., a, c, e, o), for the selected type size, meets the

requirement of Table 6.1.2. This measurement shall be documented and traceable to

the test chart.

TABLE 6.1.2

NEAR-DISTANCE ACUITY TEST DISTANCE

AND CHARACTER HEIGHTS

Test

Distance

(in.)

Maximum Lower Case

Character Height

(in.)

1213

14

1516

0.0220.024

0.025

0.0270.029

NOTE:The test distance (eye to chart) and corresponding character heights provide a visual

angle of 6.25 minutes, which is equivalent to a Snellen fraction of 20/25.

6.2 LEVEL III EXAMINATIONS

The qualifications of Level III NDE personnel shall be evaluated using written examinations

and a Demonstration Examination. The written examinations shall cover the Basic, Method,Specific, and Practical areas of knowledge as defined below. A Demonstration Examination

is required and shall be in accordance with Level II Practical Examination rules. Level IIIcandidates shall have high school or equivalent education.

6.2.1 The Basic Examination shall consist of at least 50 questions (required only once if certification is sought in more than one method):

(1) Twenty to 30 percent of the questions shall cover ANSI/ASNT CP-189.

(2) Thirty to 50 percent of the questions shall be similar to the Level II questions

published by ASNT for the NDE methods referenced in ANSI/ASNT CP-189.

(3) Twenty to 30 percent of the questions shall cover applicable materials, products, and fabrication technology.

6.2.2 The Method Examination shall consist of at least 65 questions:

(1) Twenty to 40 percent of the questions shall cover fundamentals and principles

of the method and shall be similar to published ASNT Level III questions.

(2) Thirty to 50 percent of the questions shall cover applications andestablishment of procedures and techniques and shall be similar to published

ASNT Level III questions.



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(3) Twenty to 30 percent of the questions shall cover the capability to interpret

codes, standards, and specifications for the method.

6.2.3 The Specific Examination shall contain at least 30 questions covering equipment,techniques, procedures, and administration of the SCIENTECH NES’ written

practice. The Specific Examination shall also cover the NDE requirements of this

Division, including acceptance standards and referenced codes and standards.

6.2.4 Practical Examination – The candidate shall prepare an NDE procedure appropriate tothe employer’s needs; however, if documented experience demonstrates that the

candidate has previously prepared acceptable NDE procedures in the NDE method

using the specifications, codes, and standards that are applicable to that employer, a

written practical examination (for example, preparation of a procedure) is notrequired. If experience is substituted for the written practical examination, the

employer shall document the pertinent practical experience of the Level III candidate.

6.2.5 An ASNT Level III certificate with current endorsements obtainedd by examinationfor the applicable method satisfies the Basic or Method Examination requirements.

6.2.6 When an outside agency administers the examination and only a pass or fail grade is

issued, the Employer shall assign a grade of 80% for a pass grade.

6.2.7 Level III personnel shall be recertified using the written Method, Specific, and

Practical Examinations and Demonstration Examination. Alternatively, Level III personnel may be recertified using only the written Method and Specific

Examinations, provided the following conditions are met:

(1) The Level III candidate was previously certified or recertified using all thewritten examinations and Demonstration Examination.

(2) The Level III candidate is not being recertified due to interrupted service as

defined in 7.5.

(3) The Level III candidate is not being certified by a new Employer.

6.2.8 Administration of Level III Examinations – The employer’s representative whoadministers the Level III examinations shall possess a current Level III certificate in

the method for which the examination is administered and shall be knowledgeable

and familiar with the standards, specifications, and products used or made by the

employer

6.3 LEVEL I AND LEVEL II EXAMINATIONS

6.3.1 General – The general examination shall be approved by a Level III. Administration

of the examination shall be in accordance with paragraph 6.4 of this standard and

shall be closed-book. Reference material, such as charts, formulas, tables, and graphsmay be provided by the Level III. Questions shall be developed which represent a

cross section of the body of knowledge applicable to each method and NDE level.

The minimum number of questions required for each method and level is listed in



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Table 1. Questions used in general examinations for Level I and Level II personnel

shall be similar in type and difficulty to those published by ASNT or EPRI.

6.3.2 Specific – The specific examination shall be approved by a Level III. Administrationshall be in accordance with paragraph 6.4 of this standard. The Level III shall

determine whether appropriate procedures, specifications, standards, or code sections

will be provided. The examination shall address various examples of equipment,

procedures, and test techniques that the candidate may use in the performance of assigned duties. The minimum number of questions required for each method and

level is listed in Table 1.

6.3.3 Practical – A practical examination shall be approved by a Level III. Administration

shall be in accordance with Paragraph 6.4 of this standard. The practical examinationshall consist of the following:

6.3.3.1 Level I – The candidate shall demonstrate proficiency using the applicable

nondestructive test method to examine at least one test sample for eachtechnique to be used in the candidate’s job. The test samples shall berepresentative of the products that the candidate will encounter in

performing the job functions.

6.3.3.2 Level II – The candidate shall demonstrate proficiency by performing the

applicable nondestructive test method in examining at least one sample per technique and a minimum of two samples per method and by interpreting,

evaluating, and documenting the results of the examination. The testsamples shall be representative of the product that the candidate will

encounter in performing the job functions.

6.4 ADMINISTRATION AND GRADING

6.4.1 Responsibilities

A Level III in the applicable method shall be responsible for the administration andgrading of examinations for Level I and Level II personnel. The administration and

grading of multiple-choice questions may be delegated by the Level III if so

documented. A proctor may be designated for written examinations. For the practicalexamination the individual administering the examination must be a Level III in the

applicable method. The Corporate Level III or Level III designee shall develop,

administer, and grade Level III specific and practical examinations.

6.4.2 Employer Examinations

For each employer-administered certification examination, each candidate shallachieve an average grade of at least 80% to be eligible for certification. All

certification examinations shall have equal weight in determining the average grade.

6.4.3 Prerequisites for Passing Practical Examinations

A prerequisite for passing the Level I and Level II practical examinations shall be the

detection of the discontinuities or conditions previously specified by the Level III. A



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prerequisite for passing the Level III practical examination shall be detection, if

performance of examinations is required, and correct evaluation, if evaluation is

required, of the discontinuities or conditions previously specified by the Level III.

6.4.4 Level I Practical Examinations

The Level III shall use a written checklist in administering and grading Level I

practical examinations. This checklist shall address at least the following items:

proficiency in use of equipment and technique, proper adherence to procedure, testsequence, calibrations, materials, documentation, and extent of examinations. If the

Level I will interpret or evaluate results, the checklist shall include these item(s).

6.4.5 Level II Practical Examinations

The Level III shall use a written checklist in administering and grading Level II

practical examinations. The checklist shall address at least the following items:

proficiency in use of techniques and equipment; proper adherence to procedure, testsequence, calibration, and materials; satisfactory detection and location of

discontinuities; proper extent of examination; and the accuracy and completeness of interpretations, evaluations, and documentation of the activities and test results.

6.4.6 Level III Practical Examinations

Persons administering Level III practical examinations shall use a written checklist.

The checklist shall address items relating to the technical and practical adequacy of

the procedure(s) prepared by the candidate.

6.5 REEXAMINATION

Candidates who fail to attain the required passing grade must receive additional documented

training, or wait at least thirty days for reexamination. This training shall address thedeficiencies which caused failure. A candidate shall not be reexamined using the

examination or specimens previously failed.

6.6 ADMINISTRATION OF EXAMINATIONS

In no case shall an examination be prepared or administered by one’s self or by one’s

subordinate. A Level III may prepare and administer examinations for other Level IIIcandidates.

7. EXPIRATION, SUSPENSION, REVOCATION, AND

REINSTATEMENT OF CERTIFICATION

7.1

EXPIRATION

Individual certifications shall expire:

7.1.1 at the end of three years for Level I and Level II individuals;

7.1.2 for Level III individuals, at the end of 5 years.

7.2 SUSPENSION

The employer shall suspend an individual’s certification if:



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7.2.1 the vision examination interval exceeds one year. Certification is reinstated

concurrently with passing the vision reexamination; or

7.2.2 the individual has not performed the duties in the method(s) for which certifiedduring any consecutive twelve month period; or

7.2.3 the individual’s performance is determined to be deficient in the required method or

technique for specific documented reasons.

7.3 REVOCATION

The employer shall revoke an individual’s certification when

7.3.1 the individual has not performed the duties in the method(s) for which certified

during any consecutive twenty-four month period; or

7.3.2 an individual’s conduct is deemed by the employer to be or have been unethical or

incompetent.7.4 REINSTATEMENT

7.4.1 Suspended Certifications

Reinstatement of suspended certifications for Level II shall be determined by the

Level III. Reinstatement of suspended Level III certifications shall be determined bythe President of SCIENTECH or his designee.

7.4.2 Expired or Revoked Certifications

Certifications which have expired or been revoked may be reinstated by complying

with Section 6.

7.5 INTERRUPTED SERVICE

Personnel who have not performed the duties associated with their certification level during

any consecutive 12 month period shall be considered to have interrupted service and shall be

required to successfully complete a Practical Examination (Level I and II personnel), or aSpecific Examination (Level III personnel), to assure continued proficiency prior to further

assignment to perform NDE. The results of this examination shall be documented and

maintained as part of the individual's certification records.

8. EMPLOYER RECERTIFICATION

8.1 LEVEL I AND LEVEL IILevel I and Level II personnel shall be recertified by qualification examinations every 3

years.

8.2 LEVEL III

Level III personnel shall be recertified by SCIENTECH NES, Inc. every five years.



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9. RECORDS OF CERTIFICATION

9.1 CERTIFICATION PROCEDURE

9.1.1 Responsibility for certification of all Level III candidates rests with the CorporateLevel III. Responsibility for certification of all Level I and II candidates shall rest

with a Level III examiner.

9.1.2 The Level III Examiner responsible for certifying an individual signs a Certificate of

Qualification (Figure l) which certifies that the individual has satisfied all of the

qualification requirements of Section 6 for the applicable level of certification. If thecertification is restricted to a particular category, the restriction is noted in the

"Certification Restrictions" section of the Certificate of Qualification. The President

may sign the Certificate of Qualification for the Level III Examiner.

9.1.3 Responsibility for certification of the Corporate Level III rest with SCIENTECH NES. The Corporate Level III Certificate of Qualification shall be signed by the

President of SCIENTECH, Inc., Quality Assurance Manager or a Level III in the

applicable method.

9.2 CERTIFICATION RECORDS

The personnel records of a certified examiner contain documentation necessary to verify the

Certificate of Qualification. This includes:

9.2.1 The individual's name.

9.2.2 A copy of the Certificate of Qualification (Figure 1) with signature, printed name andtitle of certifying representative.

9.2.3 Verification of high school, technical school or college completion.

9.2.4 Training course records or statements indicating training received, successfulcompletion of required training, organization providing tthe training, dates of

training, hours of training and when available the name of the instructor.

9.2.5 Copies of current SCIENTECH NES examinations and grades for all previous

examinations.

9.2.6 Test results from outside agencies or testing facilities. Copies of examinations are not

required.

9.2.7 Written verification of any prior experience or training necessary for certification .



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9.2.8 Written verification of experience completed during employment with NES that is

required for certification.

9.2.9 A current copy of each vision acuity report (Figure 5).

9.2.10 Statement or other documentation supporting yearly verification of work performed

in the method.

9.2.11 Certification packages submitted to the customer shall include as a minimum the

following information:

(a) Certificate of Qualification (Figure 1)

(b) Education and Training Record (Figure 2)

(c)

Experience Record (Figure 3)

(d) Qualification Record (Figure 4)

(e) Vision Acuity Examination Report (Figure 5).



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FIGURE 1



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FIGURE 2



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FIGURE 3



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FIGURE 4



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FIGURE 5



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TABLE 1

EXAMINATION QUESTION REQUIREMENTS

General Examination

Minimum Number of Questions

Method Level I Level II

Visual 30 30

Specific Examination

Minimum Number of Questions

Method Level I Level IIVisual 20 20



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TABLE 2

INITIAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL I AND LEVEL II

Required ExperienceEvaluation

Method

Level Technique Required

Training

Hours

Minimum

Hours in

Method

Total Hours

in NDT

Visual

Examination

I

II

8

7616

70

140

130

270

NOTES:

A. Experience shall be based on the actual hours worked in the specific method.

B. A person may be qualified directly to NDE Level II with no time as a certified NDE Level I, providing the required training and experience consists of the sum

of the hours required for NDE Level I and NDE Level II.

C. The required minimum experience shall be documented by method and by hour with supervisor, NDE Level III or Certification Administrator approval.

D. While fulfilling total NDE experience requirement, experience may be gained in

more than one (1) method. Minimum experience hours must be met for eachmethod.

E. Where ASNT or ASME does not provide guidance for training requirements

(such as with Level III training or limited certifications) the Principle Level IIIshall determine training requirements.

F. Additional and alternative rules for VT are found in Supplements 1 and 2.



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SUPPLEMENT 1

SUPPLEMENT 1 - CONTENT OF INITIAL TRAINING COURSES

1. FUNDAMENTALS OF VISUAL EXAMINATION

1.1 Definition of visual examination

1.2 Overview of visual examination

1.3 Standard terms and definitions

1.4 Vision requirements

1.5

Lighting requirements

1.6 Direct and remote methods

2. VISUAL EXAMINATION METHODS

2.1 VT-1

2.2 VT-2

2.3 VT-3

2.4 VT-1C

2.5 VT-3C

3. VISUAL EXAMINATION EQUIPMENT

3.1 Optical aids

(a) Mirrors and magnifiers

(b)

Borescopes and fiberscopes(c) Closed-circuit television

(d) Lighting and light measuring devices

3.2 Mechanical measuring devices

(a) Scales and calipers

(b) Gages



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4. MATERIALS AND PROCESSES

4.1 Manufacturing discontinuities

(a)

Castings and forgings

(b) Rolled and wrought products

(c) Extruding, drawing, and piercing

4.2 Welding discontinuities

4.3 Service-related discontinuities

5. VISUAL EXAMINATION OF COMPONENTS

5.1 Valves

5.2 Pumps

5.3 Bolting

5.4 Welds

6. VISUAL EXAMINATION OF COMPONENT SUPPORTS

6.1 Support categories

(a) Plate and shell type supports

(b) Linear type supports

(c) Component standard supports

6.2 Types of supports

(a) Buried supports

(b) Constant load supports

(c) Hangers

(d) Variable spring type supports

(e) Restraints

(f)

Mechanical and hydraulic snubbers(g) Guides and stops

(h) Vibration control and sway braces

6.3 Examination boundaries



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7. VISUAL EXAMINATION FOR LEAKAGE

7.1 System pressure testing

(a)

System leakage test

(b) System hydrostatic test

(c) System pneumatic test

(d) Buried components

7.2 Plant systems and components

8. RECORDS AND REPORTS

8.0 Data sheets

8.1

Identification stamps and certification

9. PROCEDURES

9.1 Requirements

9.2 Format

9.3 Acceptance criteria

9.4 Documentation

10. ADDITIONAL TRAINING FOR REACTOR VESSEL INTERNAL EXAMINATION

10.1 BWR internal design (as applicable)

10.2 PWR internal design (as applicable)

10.3 Remote examination equipment

(a) Camera, monitor, and recording equipment design

(b) Operation of specific equipment

10.4 Examination requirements for internals



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11. ADDITIONAL TRAINING FOR CONTAINMENT VESSELS

1. Types of containments

(a) Reinforced concrete and post tensioning

(b) Concrete/concrete bioshields

(c) Steel/steel liner

(d) Tendon anchors

(e) Penetration

2. Class MC and CC

3. Discontinuities and failure mechanisms

4. VT-1C and VT-3C

12. ADDITIONAL TRAINING FOR LEVEL III CANDIDATE

12.1 Nuclear power plant design, function, and system operation

12.2 Materials, metal processing, fabrication technology, failure mechanisms, and fracture

mechanics techniques

12.3 Review of NDE methods commonly used during ISI

12.4 Administration of NDE personnel qualification and certification practices and instructional

techniques12.5 Codes, standards, and regulatory requirements

12.6 Procedure preparation

NOTES:

(1) The training shall cover the applicable topics for the visual technique and level.

(2) The hours of instruction devoted to each subject shall be determined by the Level III.



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SUPPLEMENT 2

INSTRUCTION OUTLINE

VT-1/VT-1C VISUAL EXAMINATION

A. Qualification and Certification Requirements for VT-1/VT-1C Examiners

B. General Examination Concepts

1. Optical aids, mechanical aids, and techniques applicable to VT-1 and VT-1C

2. Use of drawings and symbols

3. SCIENTECH NES Procedure 80A9069 requirements

C. Specific Examination Concepts

1. ASME Section III requirements

2. ASME Section XI requirements

3. Company's VT-1/VT-1C procedure requirements and data reporting criteria.

D. Practical Examination Concepts

1. Welds and welding defects

2. Service induced discontinuities

3. Discontinuity significance

4. Bolting

5. Pump and valve ID surface

6. Reactor vessel internals

E. VT-1C shall include the applicable topics of Supplement 1 Section 11.0.

Minimum Instruction Hours

VT-1 Level I: 3

VT-1 Level II: 3

VT-1C Level I: 1

VT-1C Level II: 2



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SUPPLEMENT 2

INSTRUCTION OUTLINE

VT-2 VISUAL EXAMINATION

A. Qualification and Certification Requirements for VT-2 Examiners


1. Equipment and techniques

2. Types of pressure tests

3. Test conditions

4. VT-2 examination requirements

5. Evidence of Leakage

6. SCIENTECH NES Procedure 80A9069 requirements


1. ASME Section XI requirements

2. Company's VT-2 procedure requirements


1. Valve line-up drawings and list

2. Proper ways to vent

3. Pressure gauge problems

4. System isolation


Level I: 3

Level II: 3



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SUPPLEMENT 2

INSTRUCTION OUTLINE

VT-3/VT-3C VISUAL EXAMINATION

A. Qualification and Certification Requirements for VT-3/VT-3C Examiners

1. ASME Section XI VT-3 VT-3C requirements

a. RPV vessel ID examination

b. Valve and pump ID surface exam

2. SCIENTECH NES Procedure 80A9069 requirements.


1. Optical aids, mechanical aids, and techniques for VT-3/VT-3C

2. Support design and functions


1. Support examination boundaries

2. Company's VT-3/VT-3C procedure requirements


1. Actual visual examination of component supports, assemblies, components, and

drawings or diagrams of some of each used in the company plants

E. VT-3C shall include the applicable topics of Supplement 1 Section 11.0.


VT-3 Level I: 3

VT-3 Level II: 4

VT-3C Level I: 1

VT-3C Level II: 2

Documents

CERTIFICATION OF VISUAL EXAMINATION PERSONNEL