This Regulation sets out the rules, organization, and operational framework that govern the certification, renewal, recertification, suspension, and revocation of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) personnel certification, within the PCNDT Certification Scheme.

The purpose of the Regulation is to ensure that all certified individuals have and maintain documented proof of the necessary professional competence, knowledge, skills, and ability to carry out CSR activities, according to the current standards and regulatory requirements.

This Regulation applies:

• to all individuals applying for initial SME certification,
• to holders of valid SME certification,
• in all procedures of renewal, recertification, suspension, or revocation of certification,
• in the use of certificates and certification reports.
• The certification field (methods, levels, areas, techniques) is defined in the official documents and appendices of the PCNDT Scheme.

Complying with this Regulation is a necessary requirement to take part in the PCNDT Certification Scheme and binds all candidates and certificate holders.

Certification of SME personnel is carried out according to:

• EN ISO 9712 (latest valid version),
• ISO/IEC 17024,
• the applicable European and national regulatory requirements, including the PED / PESR requirements, where applicable.

This Regulation applies in combination with:

• the Quality Manual of the PCNDT Scheme,
• the documented procedures, instructions, and forms of the Certification Body.

In case of conflicting requirements, the requirements of EN ISO 9712 take precedence, unless otherwise specified.

The Certification Body ensures that all certification activities are carried out completely impartially.

Documented mechanisms for identifying, assessing, and managing conflicts of interest are applied at all levels of decision-making.

The certification process and decision-making are independent of activities like training, employment, counseling, or exam preparation for candidates.

All information regarding candidates and certificate holders is considered confidential and is used solely for certification purposes, in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

The Certification Body is responsible for:

• the setting and publishing of certification requirements,
• the approval, supervision, and evaluation of examination centers, examiners, and authorized bodies,
• ensuring the validity, reliability, and objectivity of the exams,
• the making and documentation of certification decisions,
• the handling of complaints and appeals,
• the keeping and filing of certification records.

Candidates and certificate holders are responsible for:

• the accuracy, completeness, and truth of the information they submit,
• compliance with this Regulation and the Code of Ethics,
• the use of certification only within the approved scope.

To take part in the certification process, you need:

• documented training according to the requirements of the Scheme,
• sufficient and certified industrial experience,
• certified visual ability where required,
• submission of a complete and valid application.

The certification process includes:

• Submitting and checking an application.
• Eligibility assessment.
• Conducting exams (general, special, and practical).
• Evaluation of results.
• Decision on certification.
• Certification issuance.

Certification does not equate to authorization to carry out R&D tasks, which is solely the employer's responsibility.

The certification is valid for a specific period of time, as defined by the PCNDT Scheme.

The validity of the certification requires continuous compliance with the requirements of this Regulation.

Maintaining the certification requires timely renewal or recertification according to the requirements of the PCNDT Scheme.

The renewal takes place without re-examination, within the prescribed period, provided that the holder:

• has been engaged in NPO activity without significant interruption,
• complies with the Code of Ethics,
• provides documented evidence of ongoing professional activity,
• meets the visual acuity requirements, where applicable.

Renewal can be carried out through an approved structured crediting system, where this is provided for.

Recertification is required when the certification cycle is completed or if the renewal requirements are not met.

Recertification is done through:

• of a retake exam or
• of an approved structured recertification system, depending on the level, method, field, and the duration of any significant interruption.

In case of failure to renew or recertify on time, the certification expires automatically and its use is prohibited.

The decision to renew or recertify is made by an authorized body of the Certification Body, based on documented and independent evaluation.

PCNDT certificate holders are required to:

• to operate only within the approved field,
• to avoid misleading use of certificates or logos,
• to report significant employment breaks or changes of employer,
• to maintain their professional competence.

The Certification Body can suspend or revoke certification in cases of non-compliance with the Scheme's requirements, violation of certification terms, or misuse of certificates.

Any interested party has the right to submit a complaint or appeal, which are examined independently, impartially, and with proper documentation.

The Certification Body keeps records related to applications, exams, certification decisions, renewals, recertifications, suspensions, and withdrawals, according to the requirements of the Scheme and the applicable legislation.

This Regulation is a public document and is published on the official website of the Certification Body (www.hindt.gr).

The publication of the Regulation implies that candidates and certification holders are aware of and accept its contents.

MKE staff certification is a confirmation of professional competence and does not replace:

• the legal responsibility of the employer,
• the work authorization,
• special legislative or regulatory requirements.

The Certification Body is not responsible for how certified individuals apply their knowledge and skills.

The Regulation is subject to periodic review to ensure continuous compliance with standards and accreditation requirements.

Any changes are approved by the competent bodies of the Certification Authority and published on the official website (www.hindt.gr).

This Regulation is a binding regulatory document for all candidates and certification holders.

In case of interpretation differences, the Quality Manual and the documented procedures of the PCNDT Certification Scheme prevail.

The Certification Body has an approved and documented pricing policy for all the personal certification services it provides.

The pricing policy covers all the individual stages of the certification process, including, for example, the initial application, evaluation, certificate issuance, monitoring, and renewal or even recertification, where applicable.

The personal certification services provided by the Organization concern all candidates, certified professionals, and other involved parties.

Any revisions to the pricing policy are approved by the Organization's Management and are implemented according to the requirements of the ISO/IEC 17024 standard.

The charges of the Agency:

• are determined by objective, well-documented, and transparent criteria,
• they are applied evenly to all candidates without discrimination,
• they do not affect or put the impartiality of the Authority at risk,
• they are not connected to the outcome of the certification process.

The Organization maintains an approved pricing policy, which may include indicative charges for:

• application review,
• qualification assessment,
• issuance and granting of a certificate,
• monitoring (where applied),
• renewal and recertification,
• review or reassessment.

Charges may vary depending on the type of certification, as long as this is justified.

The pricing policy or equivalent charge information:

• are communicated to the candidates (orally or in writing) before submitting an application,
• they are available upon request,
• they are part of the information provided by the Certification Body.

Any changes in charges are approved by Management and are implemented in a way that ensures timely notification to interested parties.

Charges are applied in a way that doesn’t create pressure, financial incentives, or situations that could affect the impartiality of certification decisions.

The Certification Body's facilities are located at the intersection of Digeni Akrita & Trapezountos streets, ZIP code 19200, in Elefsina. Access to the facilities is via the existing road network of the area and is possible both by private transport and public transportation. The location is clearly identified and accessible, ensuring the smooth execution of certification activities, in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17024 & EN ISO 9712 standards. A detailed road map to the Certification Body's facilities is available through the online application Google Maps with the following coordinates: 38°03’16.1"N 23°31’58.3"E