ISO 18436-8:2013

Overview

ISO 18436-8:2013 - "Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machines - Requirements for qualification and assessment of personnel - Part 8: Ultrasound" sets out the competency framework for personnel who use ultrasound technology for machinery condition monitoring and diagnostics. It defines a structured assessment and certification approach that recognizes individuals qualified to perform ultrasound measurements, data acquisition, analysis, reporting and programme development in predictive maintenance environments. The standard aligns with ISO 18436-1 and ISO 18436-3 and may not apply to highly specialised equipment or unique situations.

Key topics and requirements

• Three-category classification: Personnel are classified into Category I, II, or III based on demonstrated skills and responsibilities.
  • Category I: competent to perform ultrasound measurements and basic fault detection according to established procedures.
  • Category II: can select techniques, specify hardware/software, perform amplitude/frequency/time domain analysis, and direct Category I personnel.
  • Category III: able to develop programmes, define acquisition systems, set severity criteria, perform advanced diagnosis/prognosis, and supervise others.
• Training and minimum hours: Candidates must complete specified training. Minimum cumulative training (Table 1) is Category I: 32 h; Category II: 64 h; Category III: 96 h (plus recommended machine/component training).
• Experience requirements: Minimum cumulative on-the-job experience of 6, 12, and 36 months for Categories I, II, and III respectively; higher categories build on previous classifications.
• Eligibility and assessment: Education recommendations, hearing examinations (for headphone use), and validated documentary evidence of experience are required. Prior learning in related diagnostics (vibration, acoustic emission) may reduce experience requirements.
• Examination: Standard minimum examination content - 60 questions, 2 hours, 70% pass mark. Tests include practical data acquisition, interpretation, and calculations.
• Normative references: ISO 13372, ISO/IEC 17000, ISO 18436-1, and related parts of ISO 18436.

Applications and who uses it

• Maintenance managers and reliability engineers enforcing a certified ultrasound programme for predictive maintenance.
• Ultrasound technicians and analysts seeking formal recognition of competence in ultrasound condition monitoring.
• Assessment and training bodies designing curricula and certification processes aligned with international requirements.
• Asset-intensive industries (manufacturing, power generation, oil & gas, mining) that rely on non-intrusive ultrasound inspection for leak detection, bearing inspection, electrical discharge, and mechanical fault detection.

Related standards

• ISO 18436 series (Parts 1–7 cover assessment procedures, vibration, training, lubricant analysis, acoustic emission, thermography)
• ISO 13372 (vocabulary for condition monitoring)
• ISO/IEC 17000 (conformity assessment principles)

ISO 18436-8 is essential for organisations that want consistent, competency-based ultrasound condition monitoring, improving predictive maintenance outcomes and reducing unplanned downtime. Keywords: ISO 18436-8, ultrasound condition monitoring, personnel qualification, predictive maintenance, ultrasound diagnostics.