“Welder Certification”, What it is – What it isn’t (AWS)

A welder who is considered to be or previously had been “certified” would be supported by some WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION. This documentation would support having met some “prescribed standard.” This standard could be an industry recognized code or standard, a company document or a combination of those and the content of the record should meet the requirements of the “prescribed standard.”  Just because someone provides a document certifying they have completed a welding test does NOT mean they are qualified to perform welding on a specific item. Welder performance qualification is the demonstration of a welder to produce welds meeting prescribed standards.  A welder who has performed “Welder Performance Qualification” is NOT “Certified” until the written documentation is provided. If the supporting documentation is not available, then there is NO record of certification.  This is from the American Welding Societies Document “Standard Welding Terms and Definition.”  There is more to performing compliant welding than testing and certifying the welder.