ISO 20807:2004

Overview

ISO 20807:2004 - "Non‑destructive testing - Qualification of personnel for limited applications of non‑destructive testing" defines a streamlined, application‑specific system to qualify NDT personnel who perform limited, repetitive or automated NDT tasks. It complements broader certification schemes (such as ISO 9712) by providing requirements tailored to narrowly scoped activities like material sorting or in‑line manufacturing inspections.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and examples: qualification for limited NDT applications such as eddy current and electromagnetic sorting, eddy current testing of tubular products during manufacture, normal‑beam ultrasonic testing of plate in manufacture, and ultrasonic thickness testing. (Magnetic particle and liquid penetrant testing are excluded; ISO 9712 covers limited use of those.)
• Roles & responsibilities: definitions and duties for the certification body, qualifying bodies, examination centres, examiners and employers. The certification body must conform to ISO/IEC 17024.
• Competence elements: domains of competence, vision/fitness requirements, eligibility criteria for examination and award of certificates.
• Examinations: written (multiple‑choice and short‑answer) and practical exams, conduct and grading of exams, use of specimen masters and representative test samples.
• Qualification lifecycle: issuance of certificates/wallet cards, validity, renewal and re‑qualification rules, record keeping and data‑banking of exam questions.
• Supervision recommendation: personnel qualified under ISO 20807 are recommended to be supervised by ISO 9712 certified NDT Level 2 or 3 staff where applicable.

Applications and users

ISO 20807 is practical for organizations and individuals involved in production and inspection processes that use limited or automated NDT workflows:

• Manufacturing plants performing in‑line eddy current or ultrasonic inspections (tubular products, plates, thickness checks).
• Quality managers and employers who need to document competency for specific NDT tasks without full ISO 9712 scope.
• Certification bodies, qualifying bodies and examination centres that design, administer and certify limited‑scope NDT qualifications.
• NDT operators and trainees seeking formal recognition for repetitive or automated testing duties.

Related standards

• ISO 9712 - Qualification and certification of NDT personnel (broader multi‑level scheme).
• ISO/IEC 17024 - Conformity assessment: requirements for bodies certifying persons.
• Sector standards (e.g., ISO 11484) may still take precedence for industry‑specific qualification requirements.

Keywords: ISO 20807, non‑destructive testing, NDT qualification, limited applications, eddy current testing, ultrasonic thickness testing, certification body, ISO 9712.