ISO 18436-6:2021

Overview

ISO 18436-6:2021 - "Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machines - Requirements for certification of personnel - Part 6: Acoustic emission" defines requirements for the qualification, training and assessment of personnel who perform acoustic emission measurements and analysis for machinery condition monitoring and machine diagnostics. The standard establishes a three-category certification scheme (Category I, II, III) to recognise competence in acoustic emission testing, data acquisition, interpretation and programme development. A certificate or declaration of conformity provides formal recognition of an individual’s competence for acoustic emission-based predictive maintenance work.

Key topics and requirements

• Three-category classification:
  • Category I: Perform standardized acoustic emission measurements, basic setup, data integrity checks, basic analysis and reporting.
  • Category II: Select techniques, specify hardware/software (portable and permanent systems), perform diagnosis, verify calibration, prepare reports and supervise Category I personnel.
  • Category III: Advanced theory and techniques, non‑standard methods, programme establishment, prognostics, standards interpretation and leadership.
• Eligibility: Combination of education, training and experience; recommended minimum educational background for higher categories and basic mathematical/computer skills for Category II/III.
• Training and assessment:
  • Minimum cumulative training hours: 40 (Cat I), 80 (Cat II), 120 (Cat III).
  • Training syllabus and practical skills requirements are given in normative Annexes (A and B) and include practical exercises, demonstrations and examinations.
• Examination and certification process: Content and conduct of examinations specified; assessment bodies should follow ISO 18436-1 and ISO 18436-3 for certification body and training process requirements.
• Scope limits: May not apply to highly specialized equipment or unique situations; includes normative references to acoustic emission and CM standards.

Applications and practical value

• Supports robust predictive maintenance and condition monitoring programmes by ensuring qualified personnel carry out acoustic emission testing.
• Applicable to industries using non‑intrusive diagnostics - rotating machinery, pressure vessels, structural monitoring, and manufacturing equipment.
• Helps organisations reduce downtime and maintenance costs by improving the reliability of acoustic emission measurements, analysis and reporting.
• Useful for training providers, certification bodies, asset managers, maintenance engineers and NDT/CM practitioners implementing acoustic emission programmes.

Related standards

• ISO 18436-1, ISO 18436-3 (certification and training processes)
• ISO 22096 (Acoustic emission)
• ISO 13374, ISO 13379-1, ISO 17359 (condition monitoring data, interpretation and guidelines)
• EN 13477 series, EN 13554, ASTM E650, ASTM E1106 (acoustic emission equipment, terminology and calibration)

Keywords: ISO 18436-6:2021, acoustic emission, condition monitoring, machine diagnostics, certification of personnel, predictive maintenance, training hours, Category I II III.