The purpose of welding inspection is to determine if a weldment meets the acceptance criteria of a specific code, standard, or other document. The welding inspector must be thoroughly familiar with welding processes, welding procedures, welder qualifications, materials, the limitation of weld testing, be able to read drawings, prepare and keep records, prepare and make reports, and make responsible judgments. For welding inspectors to be effective, the activities performed should be consistent with the requirements, and technical and ethical principles. AWS QC1, Specification for Certification of AWS Welding Inspectors, was first published in 1975. Subsequent editions were published in 1988, 1996, 2006, and 2007. This document, QC1:2016, Specification for Certification of AWS Welding Inspectors, replaces the 2007 edition.