Welder Qualification & Certification and Welding Procedure Qualification

In the market the two terms are often used interchangeably. Under the codes (ASME IX, AWS D1.1, ISO 9606) the technical term is "qualification": the welder takes a test and, once approved, receives a Welder Performance Qualification record (WPQ), which companies usually call a "welder certificate". FortSolda runs the whole process, from the test to issuing the record with engineer sign-off (ART).

It proves that the welding procedure (process, base metal, filler, position and parameters) produces joints with the properties the code requires. We develop the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS), witness the test coupon and the tests, and issue the Procedure Qualification Record (PQR).

The welder welds a test coupon following a qualified WPS, in the process and position to be qualified. The coupon is assessed by visual inspection and by mechanical tests (such as bend tests) or radiography/ultrasonic testing, as the code requires. Once approved, we issue the WPQ stating the qualified ranges (thickness, diameter, position and material).

Under ASME IX and AWS D1.1, a qualification remains valid as long as the welder keeps using the process with no gap longer than 6 months and there is no reason to question their skill. Some clients and contracts require periodic revalidation, and ISO 9606 has its own prolongation rules. We help you keep track of these expiry dates.

Yes. Welder and procedure qualification records are issued with an ART (engineer's technical responsibility record) through CREA-SP. We cover Greater São Paulo and the whole of Brazil, at the client's plant or site.