Welder Testing Inc.

Qualified Welding Procedure Development (WPS & PQR)

Since 1986, Welder Testing Inc. has been the trusted leader in developing Qualified Welding Procedures (WPS & PQR) for a wide range of industries. Whether you need to create a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) to meet code requirements or validate it with a Procedure Qualification Record (PQR), our team of experts ensures your welding procedures comply with AWS, ASME, and API standards.

At Welder Testing Inc., we understand that qualifying a welding procedure is a critical step in ensuring compliance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. With decades of experience, our team of welding experts guides you through the entire process, helping you meet industry standards such as ASME Section IX, AWS D1.1, and more. Our expertise eliminates guesswork, reduces costly errors, and optimizes your welding procedures for success. 

What is a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)?

A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) is a formal document that outlines the detailed welding process to be followed in order to achieve a sound weld that meets all applicable industry standards. The purpose of a WPS is to ensure consistency, repeatability, and compliance across welding operations, helping fabricators, manufacturers, and contractors maintain quality control and regulatory adherence.  It outlines all the essential variables necessary to produce a structurally sound and code-compliant weld, including:

Base Materials

Specifications for the types and grades of metals to be welded, ensuring compatibility with project requirements.

Welding Process

Identification of the appropriate process, such as Submerged Arc Welding (SAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), or Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW).

Joint Design

Description of the joint configuration, including groove angles, root openings, and fit-up tolerances.

Filler Metals

Selection of welding consumables, including electrode classifications and filler wire specifications.

Preheat and Post-Weld Heat Treatment

Guidelines for controlling the heating and cooling of materials to prevent defects.

Welding Positions

Specification of welding positions or weld progression.

Shielding Gas

Identification of gas mixtures and flow rates used for specific welding processes.

Welding Techniques

Instructions for travel speed, weaving patterns, and arc control.

Inspection and Testing

Ensuring weld integrity through RT, UT, MT, and PT inspections, meeting industry standards for precision and compliance.

Custom WPS Development & Qualification Process

At Welder Testing Inc., we recognize that every project is unique. Our team works closely with clients to develop custom WPS that align with their specific project requirements and industry demands. Whether your operations require specialized materials, unique joint configurations, or strict regulatory compliance, we have the expertise to create tailored solutions that meet your needs.

Our seamless WPS development and qualification (PQR) process includes:

Initial Consultation:

Understanding your project’s welding requirements, materials, and applicable codes.

Procedure Development:

Crafting detailed welding procedures based on industry best practices and compliance requirements.

Test Weld & PQR Validation:

We conduct a welding test based on the WPS and perform necessary destructive and non-destructive testing (e.g., tensile, bend, impact, radiographic testing) to ensure compliance.

Certification & Documentation:

Upon successful qualification, we provide full documentation of the WPS & PQR for regulatory audits and inspections.

Welder Testing Inc. ensures a smooth and efficient WPS qualification process, helping your business stay compliant while optimizing welding quality and performance.

Why Choose Welder Testing Inc. for Welding Procedure Qualification?

Expertise in Code Requirements

Navigating Complexity:

Welding codes contain intricate rules regarding essential variables, testing, and documentation. Our experts have an in-depth understanding of ASME IX, AWS D1.1, and other codes, ensuring full compliance.

  • Example: We determine when impact testing is required under ASME IX or when AWS D1.1 allows prequalification to streamline qualification.


Avoiding Non-Compliance:

Misinterpreting codes can lead to failed qualifications, wasting time and money. We prevent errors that could result in rework or rejection.

Optimizing Your Preliminary WPS

Selecting the Right Parameters:

We use practical knowledge to choose welding parameters (e.g., amperage, preheat, filler metals) that work efficiently the first time.

  • Example: For 1” A36 steel, we might recommend a 150°F preheat to prevent cracking and eliminate unnecessary trial-and-error.


Material and Process Expertise:

We tailor WPS parameters to match specific material behaviors and process limitations, ensuring an efficient and effective procedure.

Increased Efficiency:

We help avoid overly conservative or unrealistic parameters, reducing the risk of test failures and requalification.

Ensuring Proper Test Coupon Execution

High-Quality Welds:

Our advisors oversee the welding process to produce defect-free test coupons, ensuring successful mechanical testing.

  • Example: We monitor interpass temperatures to ensure that material properties are not damaged by excessive heat.


Precise Variable Control:

We ensure essential variables such as welding position and heat input are correctly adhered to, avoiding disqualification.

Proactive Problem-Solving:

We anticipate and mitigate issues such as distortion in thin materials, preventing failures before they occur.

Accurate Monitoring and Data Recording

Precision in Data Collection:

Recording precise welding data (e.g., amperage, voltage, travel speed) is essential for a successful PQR. We ensure the correct tools and methods are used.

Essential Variable Tracking:

We ensure critical parameters like preheat temperatures and shielding gas compositions are properly monitored.

Reliable Documentation:

Our systematic approach to logging data ensures traceability and reduces disputes or rework.

Managing Testing Requirements

Expert Test Selection:

We determine the appropriate mechanical and non-destructive tests required by industry codes, ensuring compliance without unnecessary testing expenses.

  • Example: We may recommend side bends over root/face bends for thick test coupons to simplify the process.


Proper Specimen Preparation:

Our team ensures test specimens are cut, machined, and prepared according to specifications, avoiding invalid test results.

Interpreting Results:

Our experience allows us to assess test failures accurately, identifying whether they stem from procedural flaws or external factors.

Documentation and Compliance Expertise

Error-Free PQRs:

We ensure your Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) is accurately completed, aligning with industry standards like ASME IX QW-483.

Effective WPS Development:

We convert PQR data into a practical and usable WPS, ensuring compliance while maximizing flexibility.

Audit-Ready Paperwork:

We prepare all necessary documentation to withstand audits and certification reviews, including ASME Authorized Inspector sign-offs.

Cost and Time Savings

Preventing Test Failures:

By ensuring proper parameter selection and test execution, we help avoid costly failures that can result in wasted materials and lab fees.

  • Example: A failed tensile test can lead to a $500 cost to re-run the welding procedure qualification test, but our guidance helps to prevent such setbacks by suggesting proper welding filler metals and techniques.


Streamlining the Process:

We leverage prequalification options and existing PQRs to reduce unnecessary testing and accelerate approval.

Meeting Project Deadlines:

Our efficient approach keeps the qualification process on schedule, ensuring compliance without delays.

Industry-Specific Knowledge

Tailored Solutions:

Our advisors specialize in multiple industries, including oil and gas, structural steel, aerospace, and pressure vessel manufacturing, ensuring your WPS meets service-specific demands.

Advanced Problem-Solving:

We address unique challenges such as welding dissimilar metals or extreme service conditions, optimizing procedures for durability and reliability.

FAQs About Welding Procedure Development (WPS & PQR) at Welder Testing Inc.

A WPS is a formal document outlining the welding process, including materials, and techniques, ensuring weld quality, consistency, and compliance with industry standards.

A certified WPS ensures code compliance, consistent weld quality, and regulatory approval for your projects. Many industries, including construction, oil & gas, shipbuilding, and aerospace, require a WPS to pass inspections, prevent defects, and maintain safety standards.

The most common reason that a company needs a WPS is that they are required to follow a construction code that requires the use of a qualified welding procedure for any welding being performed in accordance with the code. Just about all real construction codes have such a requirement.

A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) is a set of instructions that outlines the essential variables for producing a code-compliant weld. A Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) is the documented proof that the WPS has been tested and validated through destructive and/or non-destructive testing. The WPS guides welders, while the PQR confirms that the procedure is capable of producing sound welds.

Our WPS services comply with AWS, ASME, and API standards, ensuring adherence to industry-specific regulations and project requirements.

Yes, we create custom WPS solutions tailored to your materials, welding processes, and industry requirements to ensure compliance and optimal performance.

We develop WPS for various welding processes, including SAW, SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and FCAW, ensuring compatibility with different applications and materials.

We conduct procedure qualification testing, including destructive and non-destructive testing, to ensure the WPS meets industry standards and project requirements.

Simply contact Welder Testing Inc. to discuss your project’s requirements. We’ll guide you through the process, from initial consultation to final certification.

📞 Call us at: 281-930-9966
📧 Email us at: info@weldertesting.com

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Alfred Briones

Metallurgical Laboratory Manager

With over 35 years of experience in the metallurgical field, Alfred Briones brings extensive expertise to Welder Testing Inc.’s Metallurgical Laboratory. As Laboratory Manager, he oversees all metallurgical testing processes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and quality in every analysis. His deep knowledge and hands-on experience make him a valuable resource for clients seeking reliable and precise testing solutions. Alfred is always available to assist with your metallurgical testing needs, providing expert guidance and support.

Adam Cobb

Welder Qualification Test Coordinator
Certified Welding Inspector

As the primary point of contact for welder qualification testing at Welder Testing Inc., Adam Cobb ensures that each welder is properly signed in and assigned the correct certification test. With a background as a welder before transitioning into quality control and inspection, Adam brings firsthand industry experience to his role. Now an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), he works closely with customers to determine their specific qualification needs and provides detailed test information to shop inspectors for administration. Adam’s expertise, attention to detail, and customer-focused approach make him a key liaison between welders, quality control teams, and the companies they serve.

Sam Chavez

Superintendent | Certified Welding Inspector

With over 17 years at Welder Testing Inc., Sam Chavez ensures that daily operations run smoothly and efficiently. As Shop Superintendent and a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), he plays a critical role in maintaining organization, compliance, and quality assurance throughout the facility. His expertise in welding inspection and shop management ensures that welders receive a seamless and professional testing experience.