REQUIREMENTS FOR A “CERTIFIED WELDING PROCEDURE" AND A “CERTIFIED WELDER”

I. WELDING PROCEDURE SPECIFICATION (WPS)
This is the document outlining all welding details or variables. It includes what you are welding, what process you are using and what filler metals you are using. Each process, base metal group and filler metal may require a separate WPS. This is a document that can be provided to the welder/welding supervisor as an instruction sheet.

II. PROCEDURE QUALIFICATION RECORD (PQR)
This document uses the information in the WPS to produce a welded sample which is destructively tested. The results are recorded on the PQR and if satisfactory in accordance with the applicable code, the WPS becomes a qualified document. Upon completion of this step you have a “Certified Welding Procedure”.

III. WELDER PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATION (WPQ)
Once a procedure is qualified, welders may be tested in accordance with that procedure. This test is to verify the skill level of the welder. The sample produced may be tested destructively or by radiography for most processes. Samples meeting the requirements of the applicable code are documented and result in a “Certified Welder”.

GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Documents I and II  are good for the life of the company.
2. Document III is good so long as the individual welder is employed and welding
for your company and a continuity log is maintained.