OK let me try to explain. Actually for PCN you don't really need to have a working experience. Its just that it helps if you do. Level in NDT for PCN as follow :-

Level 1 - Newbie/Helper
You are only allowed to do the inspection under the supervision of a minimum Lvl 2 Inspector. You are not allowed to do reports nor does your reports is taken into consideration. Usually people train/apprentice from this level...but if you do not have prior working experience...you can still take the course...you just need to keep a log book of working experience. You need to complete 1 year worth of experience in 1 year's time. After that then only you are a fully certified PCN inspectors...I know...I straight took Lvl 2 PCN in BINDT itself. 2 months of UT/MT & PT...

Level 2 - Normal Inspector
You are allowed and eligible to perform inspection and reports are valuable. And PCN UT comes in 4 different method. 3.1 (Plates), 3.2 (Pipes), 3.8 (TKY) and 3.9 (Node). Sorry I forgotten actually which is which for 3.8 & 3.9 but its those two method.

Level 3 - Master Inspector
Usually if you are in this level you can be considered taiko already. And most Lvl 3 inspectors are now consultant. They able to endorsed certificates for level 1 & 2...and usually are taken as a 3rd party or independent inspector.

I also read earlier someone mentioned BINDT is British and MINDT is Malaysia...its actually the same...both are PCN recognized...and it's true...just the name...infact MINDT examinations are from BINDT's and also the examiners come from BINDT itself in Sheffield.

NDT or NonDestructive Testing evolves around this

UT - Ultrasonic (got more like eddy currents etc)
MT - Magnetic Particles
PT - Penetrant / Dye Penetrant
RT - Radiography (only to shoot RT)
RI - Radiographic Intepretation (only to read and supervise RT shooting)

I've been working as a Team Leader in a Singapore company for 4 years. I recently stopped being a UT man as my son was borned and I want to concentrate at home first...

Im able to do UT,MT and PT and also some in house RI's...

Hope that helps...