Welder Qualification and Performance Testing
Welder performance qualification tests the individual’s ability to deposit sound weld under a specific WPS. The test is not a substitute for procedure qualification, and a welder must not be assigned work outside the qualified process, position, thickness, backing, or progression.
What to verify
- Test coupon prepared and welded to the qualified WPS.
- Visual examination before destructive tests.
- Bend specimens or radiographic testing for groove welds; fillet tests by break or macro, as specified.
- Records identify welder, process, position, thickness, backing, date, and results.
- Continuity and retest rules per code; commonly a lapse in welding with the process can void qualification.
Worked example
A welder qualified with FCAW on 10 mm plate in the 3G uphill position is assigned a 20 mm 4G groove weld. The inspector should reject the assignment until qualification covers the thicker test and the 4G position. Reasoning: position and thickness are qualification limits; a card showing “FCAW qualified” is not enough.
Traps
- Accepting a qualification from another code without project approval.
- Missing that the test was welded with a different WPS.
- Overlooking continuity expiry.
- Confusing welder with welding operator.
- Allowing a failed-test retest without the code’s waiting or retraining conditions.