AWS Welder Performance Qualifier cheat sheet

A welder performance qualification (WPQ) tests a welder's ability to produce sound welds; it is distinct from procedure qualification (PQR), which tests the welding procedure.

Essential variables for welder qualification typically include welding process, base metal group (P-number), filler metal classification, welding position, and joint type or backing condition.

A welder qualified in a given position (e.g., 6G) is generally qualified for all positions; a welder qualified in a lower position (e.g., 1G) is not qualified for higher positions.

Qualification test coupons must be visually inspected and, where required, subjected to destructive tests such as bend or nick-break, or to volumetric NDE, before acceptance.

A welder who fails a qualification test may typically retest after a defined period or after additional training; repeated failure may require requalification from the start.

Continuity of qualification: a welder who does not use a qualified process for a specified period (often 3 to 6 months) may lose qualification unless requalified.

Welder identification marks (stamps) must be traceable to the qualified welder and recorded on the qualification record (WQR).

Qualification records must include welder name, test date, process, position, base metal, filler metal, test results, and the qualified range.

A welding procedure specification (WPS) must be supported by a procedure qualification record (PQR) that documents the essential variables and test results.

Essential variables for procedure qualification include base metal specification and thickness range, filler metal classification, preheat and interpass temperature, and post-weld heat treatment.

A change in an essential variable requires requalification; a change in a nonessential variable may be made by revising the WPS without requalification.

PQR test specimens typically include tensile, bend, and impact tests as required by the governing code; acceptance criteria are code-specific.

The qualified thickness range for a procedure is often a multiple of the test coupon thickness (e.g., 1.5T to 2T) and is defined by the code.

Procedure qualification must be performed by a qualified welder or welding operator using the proposed procedure.

The WPS must be available to the welder at the work site and must be followed exactly; deviations require a revised WPS and possibly requalification.

PQRs must be certified by the manufacturer or contractor and retained as quality records.

Welding coordination includes planning, execution, and documentation of welding activities to ensure compliance with specifications and codes.

The welding coordinator (e.g., welding engineer or technologist) must verify that WPSs and welder qualifications are appropriate for the work.

Quality assurance (QA) includes inspection and testing plans, document control, and traceability of materials and welds.

Preheat and interpass temperatures must be monitored and recorded per the WPS; thermocouples or temperature-indicating crayons are common methods.

Consumables must be stored, handled, and baked per manufacturer recommendations; exposure limits for low-hydrogen electrodes must be enforced.

Nonconformities must be documented, dispositioned, and corrective actions implemented to prevent recurrence.

Welding records (WPS, PQR, WQR, inspection reports) must be retained for the period specified by the contract or code.

Audits and surveillance verify that welding activities conform to the quality plan and applicable standards.

NDE methods include visual (VT), liquid penetrant (PT), magnetic particle (MT), ultrasonic (UT), and radiographic (RT) testing; selection depends on material and defect type.

NDE personnel must be qualified and certified to a recognized standard (e.g., ASNT SNT-TC-1A or ISO 9712) at the appropriate level (I, II, or III).

NDE should be performed after final weld completion and, for delayed cracking-prone materials, after a specified delay (e.g., 24 to 48 hours).

Surface preparation and accessibility must meet the NDE method requirements; RT requires safety controls for radiation.

Acceptance criteria for indications are defined by the applicable code or specification; NDE results must be recorded and traceable to the weld.

Coordination includes scheduling NDE, ensuring qualified procedures, and verifying equipment calibration.

Repairs of rejected welds require re-examination by the same or equivalent NDE method after repair.