There are many different welding related codes and specifications out there. Here in the US, ASME and AWS are two major ones. There are others, but I just wanted to mention some differences. These are related specifically to ASME Sec IX and AWS D1.1 editions that are in place as of December 2024.

1) ASME has more liberal acceptance criteria for visual acceptance of welds and also guided bend tests.

ASME Requirements

D1.1 Requirements

2) AWS has options for welders to be tested with all supervision being performed by an outside party… at the discretion of the engineer. ASME IX DOES NOT have that allowance.

3) To qualify on all positions for plate, ASME requires a 2G, 3G, and 4G test to be completed. AWS just 3G and 4G.

4) For AWS, a welder could test with multiple processes in a single test assembly and be qualified for base metal thicknesses for each of those processes based on the range allowed by the base metal thickness used during the test. For ASME, the amount of weld metal deposited for each process dictates the qualified range.

The possibility exist to test welders using multiple codes at one time however you must be aware of the differences in each document.

If you need help navigating some of the requirements, I may be able to help.

Peace!