AWS QC15:2008

Specification for the Certification of Radiographic Interpreters

AWS QC15:2008

Specification for the Certification of Radiographic Inspectors

1st Edition

Prepared by the American Welding Society (AWS) Subcommittee on Certified Radiographic Interpreters

Under the Direction of the AWS Certification Committee

Approved by the AWS Board of Directors

Abstract

The AWS program for the certification of radiographic interpreters has been developed to define the minimum standards for a radiographic interpreter and to provide a means of recognition for those who demonstrate through examination that they have the necessary skill, knowledge, and experience in the field of radiographic interpretation of welds. AWS QC15:2008 describes the requirements and procedures for the certification of radiographic interpreters based on the qualification requirements of AWS B5.15:2003, Specification for the Qualification of Radiographic Interpreters. The certification of radiographic interpreters requires documentation of experience, satisfactory completion of an examina- tion, and proof of visual acuity.

550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126

International Standard Book Number: 978-0-87171-132-8

American Welding Society 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126

© 2008 by American Welding Society

All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America

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Statement on the Use of American Welding Society Certification Standards

All standards (codes, specifications, recommended practices, methods, classifications, and guides) of the American Welding Society (AWS) are voluntary consensus standards that are developed through a consensus standards development process that brings together volunteers representing varied viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus. While the American Welding Society administers the process and establishes rules to promote fairness in the development of consensus, it does not independently test, evaluate, or verify the accuracy of any information or the soundness of any judgments contained in its standards. Further, given the rapid changes in the field, AWS cannot warrant that the certification standard will at all times reflect the most current knowledge.

Certification is achieved by satisfying a combination of defined education, experience, and/or examination requirements. Certification is not an assurance of future competence or ability.

AWS disclaims liability for any injury to persons or to property, or other damages of any nature whatsoever, including special, indirect, consequential or compensatory damages, directly or indirectly resulting from the negligent conduct or other acts or omissions of any individual certified by AWS.

In issuing and making this standard available, AWS is not undertaking to render professional or other services for or on behalf of any person or entity. Nor is AWS undertaking to perform a duty owed by any person or entity to someone else. Employers and other persons utilizing the services individuals certified by AWS are responsible for determining the qualifications, competence, and ability of those individuals.

This standard may be superseded by the issuance of new editions. Users should ensure that they have the latest edition.

Publication of this standard does not authorize infringement of any patent or trade name. Users of this standard accept any and all liabilities for infringement of any patent or trade name items. AWS disclaims liability for the infringement of any patent or product trade name resulting from the use of this standard.

Finally, the American Welding Society does not require that any member or other person become certified by AWS or utilize the services of one who is certified by AWS.

On occasion, text, tables, or figures are printed incorrectly, constituting errata. Such errata, when discovered are posted on the AWS web page (www.aws.org).

Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may only be obtained by sending a request, in writing, to the Managing Director, Certification Department, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126. With regard to certification inquiries made concerning AWS standards, oral opinions on AWS standards may be rendered. However, such opinions represent only the personal opinions of the particular individuals giving them. These individuals do not speak on behalf of AWS, nor do these oral opinions constitute official or unofficial opinions or interpretations of AWS. In addition, oral opinions are informal and should not be used as a substitute for an official interpretation.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the AWS Certification Committee. Comments (recommendations, additions, or deletions) and any pertinent data that may be of use in improving this standard are required and should be addressed to AWS Headquarters. Such comments will receive careful consideration by the AWS Certification Committee and the author of the comments will be informed of the Committee’s response to the comments. Guests are invited to attend all meetings of the AWS Certification Committee to express their comments verbally. Procedures for appeal of an adverse decision concerning all such comments are provided in the Rules of Operation of the Certification Committee. A copy of these Rules can be obtained from the American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.

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Personnel

AWS Certification Committee

1. K. Wiswesser, Chair Welder Training & Testing Institute

2. L. Raymond, 1st Vice Chair International Training Institute

G. G. Hlifka, 2nd Vice Chair Westinghouse

N. A. Chapman, 3rd Vice Chair Entergy

P. Howe, Secretary American Welding Society

R. L. Arn WeldTech International

K. W. Coryell Consultant

B. Craft Trinity Industries, Incorporated

M. L. Deckard Parsons Brinckerhoff Transit and Rail Systems,

Incorporated

E. K. Eden United Association, Local 430

G. J. Frederick Electric Power Research Institute

J. E. Greer Moraine Valley Community College

J. D. Hollison Performance Mechanical, Incorporated

J. H. Hope Consultant

1. P. Kane Pennoni Associates

   P. F. Martin United Association

   A. J. Moore Marion Testing & Inspection

   R. N. Munroe Ironworkers Local 15

   T. Peshia Garbe Iron Works, Incorporated

   
   

   AWS Subcommittee on Radiographic Interpreters (RI)

2. W. Coryell, Chair Consultant

R. K. Wiswesser, Vice Chair Welder Training & Testing Institute

P. Howe, Secretary American Welding Society

N. A. Chapman Entergy

D. Gerber Entergy

J. E. Greer Moraine Valley Community College

S. L. Raymond International Training Institute

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Foreword

This foreword is not part of AWS QC15:2008, Specification for the Certification of Radiographic Inspectors, but is included for informational purposes only.

The purpose of radiographic interpretation is to properly assess indications produced on radiographic media during the process of evaluating weldments or adjacent base metal. The radiographic interpreter must be thoroughly familiar with all aspects of the process of radiography as well as the welding and casting process. This includes, but may not be lim- ited to, welding processes, materials limitation of various testing methods, drawings, procedures, specifications, behav- ior of different types of radioactivity (particles and photons), film construction, behavior of energy-sensitive imaging systems, mathematics, radiographic film selection, handling, and storage. For radiographic interpreters to be effective, they must not only be technically competent, but also consistent and ethically principled in their dealing with clients and employers.

The AWS program for the certification of radiographic interpreters has been developed to define the minimum standards for a radiographic interpreter and to provide a means of recognition for those who demonstrate through examination that they have a level of skill, knowledge, and experience in the field of radiographic interpretation of welds.

Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this standard are welcome. They should be sent to the Secretary, AWS Certification Committee, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.

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Table of Contents

Page No.

Personnel v

Foreword vii

1. Scope 1

2. Normative References 1

3. Definitions 1

4. Functions 2

5. Education, Training, Experience, and Visual Acuity Requirements and Processing Procedures 2

6. Examination Requirements 2

7. Certification and Recertification 3

   1. Certification 3

   2. Recertification 3

   3. Notification 3

8. Code of Ethics 3

   1. Preamble 3

   2. Integrity 3

   3. Responsibility to the Public 4

   4. Public Statements 4

   5. Conflict of Interest 4

   6. Solicitation of Employment 4

   7. Unauthorized Practice 5

9. Revocation 5

10. Reinstatement 5

List of AWS Documents on Certification 7

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Specification for the Certification of Radiographic Interpreters

1. Scope

   1. This specification establishes the requirements and procedures for the certification of radiographic interpret- ers by the American Welding Society (AWS). It describes how personnel are certified, and outlines the principles of conduct and practices by which certification may be maintained. This standard meets or exceeds the requirements of AWS B5.15:2003, Specification for the Qualification of Radiographic Interpreters.

   2. In the certification process, AWS conducts an exami- nation to determine a person’s general knowledge of radiographic interpretation and related technical areas. No determination is made of an individual’s capabilities in applying that knowledge within a specific work envi- ronment or under actual working conditions. Certifica- tion is the documentation that the specified qualification requirements have been satisfied, and should not be con- strued as a guarantee of the future performance of an individual in a particular job environment.

   3. The employer is responsible for providing training and/or orientation of the radiographic interpreter to ensure that a person has all of the qualifications as stated herein.

   4. It shall be the responsibility of the employer to deter- mine if the radiographic interpreter is physically and mentally capable of performing the duties involved in the work assignment.

   5. This standard is intended to supplement the require- ments of an employer, code, standard, or other docu- ments and shall not be construed as a preemption of the employer’s rights and responsibility for the quality of work provided under contract to others.

   6. Certification as a radiographic interpreter does not confer to the individual any authority or imply any com- petence in the exposure of radiographic media. The han- dling of radiographic isotopes and similar hazardous material is not covered under this standard. This standard

      
      

      does not address safety issues relevant to the exposure of radiographic media.

   7. Levels of Certification. There shall be one level of certification for radiographic interpreters termed Certi- fied Radiographic Interpreter (CRI).

      
      

2. Normative References

   The standards listed below contain provisions, which, through reference in this text, constitute mandatory pro- visions of this AWS standard. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced standard shall apply. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revi- sions of, any of these publications do not apply.

   AWS A3.0, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions, Including Terms for Adhesive Bonding, Brazing, Solder- ing, Thermal Cutting, and Thermal Spraying

   AWS B5.15:2003, Specification for the Qualification of Radiographic Interpreters

   
   

3. Definitions

The terms used in this standard are defined in AWS A3.0, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions. Other terms used herein are defined below. (Note: As used in this standard, the word shall denotes a requirement; the word should denotes a guideline; and the word may denotes a choice.)

acceptance criteria. Specified limits placed on char- acteristics of an item or process defined in codes, standards, or other documents.

applicant. A person who applies to AWS for certification.

certificate. The document issued to the applicant on successful completion of the requirements for certification.