Context

I recently read a post in which the poster indicated the welders “told him” they were “certified” and they did not have documentation to support that claim. The context was B31.3 work I think.

There were many very good responses I’m sure but sometimes I like to share before seeing what everyone else says.

Please understand, I don’t want to belittle his question because this welding thing, its a life long learning experience.

His question did remind me that there are often misunderstandings related to creating code compliant welds.

A few bullet points about welder testing that combine some facts with my opinion.

1. Even if a welder could tell you “Who and When” they tested, you still need documentation. And that documentation needs to meet project requirements. 
2. The “AWS Certified Welder” program is not referenced by ANY code. Having a test done by a CWI does not make it any more valid.
3. In cases related to ASME, the manufacturer or contractor is tasked with the duty of testing the welders. The only exceptions outside of SEC IX are related to text in B31.3 that allows for contractors to accept the qualifications by another contractor. That allowance may be restricted in some fluid service categories but it’s been awhile since I’ve looked.
4. The Commonarc program is exclusive to the Boilermaker Union and as mentioned, requires the contractor to witness the test. The UA program (pipefitters) is different and contractors may accept UA tests without actually witnessing them from my understanding. In both cases…a contractor must be “participating” in that program.
5. I tell my students this ” If a company doesn’t want to test you, they may not be worthy of your skills.”
6. Project documents can add to or take away from code requirements provided they are not breaking any laws. There are jurisdictional laws referencing industry codes and standards.
7. Even if a welder could show certified evidence of past qualification that was acceptable to your project, their production welds would be no more “Code Compliant ” than those made by someone else if all of the rules in accordance with the referenced code weren’t followed. As an example, if you’re organization discovered that the qualifications were acceptable, and you were performing work in accordance with a code such as B31.3, you still need to follow all the other rules. Inspection, design, have a valid wps, and all other requirements. The testing and documented certification of a welder is a small part of “compliance”.
8. The acceptance criteria for ASME sec IX is the most liberal of any code. Manufacturers and Contractors may go by the minimum or add to it depending on what skill level they need. If your gonna employ welders, make sure they meet the basic skills required for the project. In my opinion, that’s why a contractor should test their own welders.

Though I think companies should test their own welders, there may be cases where it’s not practical or possible.

If you need help with the welder certification testing process, I can do it for you or help you do it.

If you need specific requirements applied to a welder certification test, I can do that.

If you need a welder certifcation test recorded on video and made available for review, I can do that.