Coded Welder (EN ISO 9606) exam-day guide
Coded Welder (EN ISO 9606) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID
Bring the original government-issued photo ID the provider asked for. Confirm with the provider which forms of ID they accept and whether a copy is needed.
Test invitation / appointment confirmation
Bring the written confirmation of your test date, time and location. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Welding helmet and filters
Bring your own helmet in good condition with suitable shade filters for the process and currents you will use. Confirm with the provider whether personal helmets are permitted or whether one is supplied.
Personal protective equipment
Flame-retardant work clothing, leather gloves, safety boots, eye protection and hearing protection as required for the test location. Confirm with the provider what they supply versus what you must bring.
Welding consumables
In many schemes the test piece, base material and filler material are supplied and controlled by the test body so that the certificate is traceable. Confirm with the provider before bringing your own consumables.
Hand tools
Wire brush, chipping hammer, slag hammer, files, tungsten electrode and electrode holder accessories as applicable. Confirm with the provider what tooling is available at the booth.
Welding procedure specification (pWPS/WPS) for the test
If the provider issues a preliminary welding procedure specification for the test, read it in advance and bring it. Confirm with the provider whether you receive it beforehand or on the day.
Knowledge of the test piece and positions
Know in advance which joint type, material thickness, welding process and positions you are testing for, so you can practice the relevant technique. Confirm the exact scope with the provider.
Arrival with time to spare
Arrive early enough to complete registration, changing and booth set-up. Confirm with the provider the required arrival time and what happens if you are late.
Refreshments and medication
Bring water and any personal medication you may need. Confirm with the provider the policy on food, drink and breaks in the test area.
No personal notes or reference material in the booth
Check with the provider whether any written material may be taken into the test area; assume it is not allowed unless told otherwise.
Understanding of the acceptance criteria
Read the relevant acceptance levels for imperfections before the test so you know what the examiner will assess. Confirm with the provider which standard edition and acceptance level apply.
Plan the day
Re-read the test scope and the preliminary welding procedure specification. Do a final practice session on the same joint type, thickness, process and position, then stop heavy practice to allow your hands and eyes to rest. Check that all PPE and tools are complete and undamaged.
Confirm the test time, address and arrival instructions with the provider. Prepare clothing, helmet, gloves and ID and pack them. Avoid alcohol, get a full night's sleep, and eat normally. Do not try to learn a new technique at this stage.
Eat a proper meal and stay hydrated. Arrive at the agreed time, complete registration and ID check, and set up your booth methodically: check the machine settings, gas supply, earth connection and lighting. Ask the examiner any procedural questions before you start welding.
Follow the welding procedure specification and the examiner's instructions. Work at a steady pace, clean each pass as required, and monitor your interpass temperature and distortion. If something goes wrong with equipment, stop and call the examiner rather than improvising. Note the time so you can manage the test period.
Hand in the test piece as instructed and do not modify it. Ask when and how results will be communicated. Confirm with the provider the arrangements for any retest, certificate issue and validity period.
Rules to check
Follow all safety instructions and the examiner's directions at all times; the examiner's decision on safety matters is final.
Bring the original photo ID required by the provider; you may be refused entry without it. Confirm the accepted ID types with the provider.
Only the test piece, consumables and equipment approved by the provider may be used. Do not substitute materials or change essential variables without the examiner's agreement.
Do not accept help from anyone else on the test piece, and do not communicate with other candidates about the test content during the test.
Ask the examiner before leaving the booth. Confirm with the provider the policy on breaks, since interrupting a weld or a test piece may not be permitted.
Test pieces are assessed against the acceptance criteria of the applicable standard and the scope requested. Confirm with the provider the standard edition, acceptance level and whether visual, radiographic, bend or macro examination applies.
Results and any retest opportunities are governed by the provider's rules and the certification scheme. Confirm with the provider the retest policy, appeal route and certificate validity period.
Any attempt to falsify identity, qualifications or test records will lead to disqualification. Confirm with the provider the full disciplinary procedure.