1. What the standard covers
ISO 9712:2021 is the fifth edition of “Non-destructive testing — Qualification and certification of NDT personnel”, published in December 2021. It sets requirements for qualifying and certifying people who perform industrial NDT in one or more methods. Source: ISO catalogue.
The standard frames the scheme: qualification (training, experience), examination, certification by an independent body, then surveillance and renewal. The full text is paid; this page reproduces no excerpt.
2. The three levels
The scheme has three levels with growing scope. Level 1 performs tests to an instruction and under supervision. Level 2 performs tests, sets up equipment and may supervise a team in their certification sector. Level 3 is the highest technical competence level: it defines procedures, selects techniques and interprets results.
This description follows common use of the scheme at certification bodies. Binding definitions are those of the standard text and of your certification body scheme.
3. Certification is not an authorisation to work
An ISO 9712 certificate shows a person was assessed in a method, a level and a sector. It does not replace the authorisation to operate that the employer issues, based on internal assessment, procedures and radiation protection requirements. The certificate travels between employers; the authorisation does not.
4. Validity and renewal
Certification is time-limited. Keeping it requires surveillance of activity and, at expiry, renewal or recertification under the body scheme. Exact duration and examination arrangements are in the public rules of the certification body. Example: COFREND.
5. Bodies in the Greater Region
Several bodies certify NDT personnel to ISO 9712 around Luxembourg. We only list those whose public site explicitly mentions ISO 9712: COFREND in France, DGZfP in Germany. COFREND — DGZfP.
Always check on the body site, before paying for training, that the certification covers the method and sector you need.
6. What certification does not cover
It replaces neither the authorisation to hold and use radioactive sources, nor acceptance testing of the installation, nor individual dosimetry. Those obligations belong to radiation protection and to the establishment.