Welder Qualification and Certification

Welder qualification confirms that a welder can produce sound welds to a specific welding procedure specification (WPS).
Qualification is achieved by welding a test piece that is examined using destructive or non-destructive testing.
BS EN ISO 9606-1 sets out the rules for qualification testing of welders for steel fusion welding.
Each qualification is limited to the variables tested including process, material, thickness, position, and joint type.
Welding outside the scope of qualification requires additional testing or a new qualification certificate.
Welder certificates typically have a validity period of two to three years, requiring renewal testing.
The employer must maintain records of all welder qualifications and ensure they remain current.
Unqualified welders producing structural or pressure-containing welds puts safety at serious risk.
Coded welding for pipelines, structural steel, and pressure vessels requires specific additional qualifications.
The welding coordinator is responsible for ensuring only qualified welders are assigned to production work.

Weld integrity	Unqualified welders produce defective welds that can fail in service, causing structural collapse or pressure vessel rupture.
Legal and contractual	Specification and contract requirements mandate qualified welders — non-compliance causes rejection and rework.
Quality assurance	Welder qualification provides documented evidence that the welder can consistently produce acceptable welds.

Do

Don't

Check that every welder holds a valid qualification certificate for the work assigned
Verify the certificate covers the welding process, material, position, and thickness range
Maintain a register of all welder qualifications including expiry dates and scope
Arrange renewal testing before certificates expire to avoid gaps in qualification
Ensure the welding coordinator reviews qualifications before assigning welders to work
Retain copies of all test certificates and examination reports in the quality file
Brief welders on the specific WPS requirements for each production weld
Carry out periodic production weld checks to confirm ongoing competence
Arrange additional qualification testing when new processes or materials are introduced
Record the welder identity against every production weld for traceability

DON'T allow welders to carry out production welding without a valid qualification
DON'T assign a welder to work outside the scope of their current certificate
DON'T let welder qualifications expire without arranging renewal testing in advance
DON'T accept verbal assurance of competence — always check the certificate documentation
DON'T allow unqualified welders to tack or temporary-weld on structural connections
DON'T assume one qualification covers all processes, positions, and material types
DON'T skip welder identity recording — traceability is essential for quality and liability
DON'T ignore production weld defects as normal variation — investigate the welder's technique
DON'T treat welder qualification as a one-off — ongoing competence monitoring is required
DON'T falsify qualification records — it creates unacceptable safety and legal risk

See also: Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Awareness | Weld Inspection and NDT Safety

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