WPS Qualification and Welder Qualification, codes have different rules for each!

The context of most of these below will stretch across multiple codes but you can think of them in the context of ASME IX, AWS B2.1, and AWS D1.1 unless noted otherwise.

1. A welder must follow a qualified WPS when taking a test for performance qualification…unless they are doing the welding to qualify the WPS. In some cases, the WPS does not have to complied with as is the case when substituting base metals in ASME IX. See ASME IX QW423.1
2. The WPS used must properly cover the ranges used during the test and does not have to have ranges that meet what a welder would see on a production weld. The welder can use any WPS provided they are welding within the ranges that THEY are qualified for.
3. The ranges on the WPS used during the test have no bearing on the range of qualification for the welder. Only the ranges USED during the test apply and are based on the rules for performance qualification only.
4. A welder does not qualify to “use” WPS’s. They qualify for ranges of variables for production welds. The practice of listing “WPS’s Qualified” for welders is a poor practice unless careful review of all of the ranges for both welder and WPS’s are reviewed. It leads some to believe they can use the WPS within its entire range of qualification however that may not be correct.
5. Welder Qualified ranges and WPS qualified ranges must overlap on a given production weld. Both WPS and Welder MUST be qualified for that specific weld. A qualified welder without a WPS is no more valid than than the other way around.
6. A welder who performed welding for a procedure qualification test is NOT necessarily qualified to work within the entire ranges of the WPS’s qualified by that PQR (Procedure qualification record). They can make welds using those WPS’s or any others, within their range of qualification.
7. A welder who performed welding for a procedure qualification test may be qualified for ranges outside the ranges of the WPS’s qualified by that PQR (Procedure qualification record). But they still need a WPS that also has those ranges.

If you are interested in software that does a great job of separating the two yet provides you with code allowed ranges based upon your input, take a look at C-specs WeldOffice

If you need some help with welder testing or other welding related topics, feel free to holler at me. If we talk on the phone about welding, you just gotta know when to tell me to shut up. Its been a good trade for me and I do enjoy sharing.

If you would like to comment on any of the above items or add to the list, please do! I can always learn something new.

Welding codes and welding procedure and performance qualification requirements can be a bit challenging when 1st starting out. They can be worked through and I am glad to help.