Weld Procedure Qualifications & Welder Qualifications | ASME

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At GC Logicals, we specialise in delivering professional Weld Procedure Qualifications and Welder Qualifications that meet the world’s most demanding standards — ASME Section IX, BS EN ISO 15614, and BS EN ISO 9606. Whether you’re fabricating pressure vessels, pipelines, structural steel, or high-integrity components, achieving and maintaining certification can feel overwhelming. Our structured, step-by-step approach removes the complexity and ensures your fusion welding processes deliver complete product conformity every time.

If you already have skilled welders but struggle to navigate the maze of welding codes and documentation, you’re not alone. Contact us today for a free, no-fee consultation and discover how we can fast-track your compliance.

Weld Procedure Qualification (often referred to as WPQ or WPQR) is the formal process of proving that a specific welding procedure will consistently produce welds that meet the mechanical, metallurgical, and quality requirements of your project.

The qualification involves:

• Writing a detailed Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)
• Performing test welds under controlled conditions
• Conducting destructive and non-destructive testing (tensile, bend, impact, macro, hardness, radiography, etc.)
• Compiling a Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)

Once approved, this qualified procedure becomes the controlled “recipe” for production welding. Without a qualified WPQ, even the most experienced welder cannot legally or contractually weld to code.

ASME IX (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX) is the most widely recognised qualification standard across the United States, Canada, Middle East, and many international EPC contracts. It covers all arc welding, resistance welding, and brazing processes.

Key features of ASME IX qualifications:

• Essential variables (process, material P-number, filler F-number, thickness range, position, etc.)
• Non-essential and supplementary essential variables
• Strict rules for procedure requalification when variables change
• Welder performance qualification (WPQ) that is tied directly to the qualified WPS

Our team has qualified hundreds of ASME IX procedures for clients in oil & gas, power generation, petrochemical, and nuclear sectors. We ensure every essential variable is correctly identified and tested so your documentation passes client and third-party audits first time.

For projects in Europe, the UK, Australia, and regions following EN/ISO standards, BS EN ISO 15614 (Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials) is the mandatory route.

ISO 15614 is more flexible than ASME IX in some areas but stricter in others:

• Part 1 covers arc and gas welding of steels and nickel alloys
• Part 2 for aluminium and its alloys
• Detailed range of qualification for material groups, thickness, diameter, and welding positions
• Requirement for welding procedure specification (WPS) and qualification record (WPQR)

We translate complex ISO 15614 requirements into clear, practical procedures that your welding team can actually follow on the shop floor.

Even the best procedure is useless without qualified welders. BS EN ISO 9606 (Qualification test of welders — Fusion welding) is the European harmonised standard for proving individual welder competency.

ISO 9606 qualifications test welders on:

• Specific welding process (111 MMA, 135 MAG, 136 FCAW, 141 TIG, etc.)
• Material group and thickness
• Welding position (PA, PC, PF, HL045, etc.)
• Joint type (butt, fillet, pipe, plate)

Once qualified, the welder receives a certificate valid for up to 3 years (with proper continuity records) and can be linked directly to your weld mapping and traceability system.

In today’s regulatory environment, non-compliant welding can result in:

• Rejected materials and costly rework
• Failed client audits and lost contracts
• Insurance issues and legal liability
• Delayed project handover

A properly qualified and documented welding system gives you:

• Full traceability from design through to final inspection
• Confidence that every weld meets the specified standard
• Seamless integration with your weld mapping and correlation sheets (download our free weld mapping flow chart and templates here)
• Competitive advantage when tendering for ASME, PED, or ISO-certified projects

We know welding codes can appear daunting. That’s why we’ve developed a proven four-stage structured approach:

1. Gap Analysis & Scope Definition We review your existing procedures, materials, processes, and project specifications to identify exactly what needs qualifying.
2. Procedure Development & Test Planning Our engineers write or update your WPS documents and design efficient test coupon plans that minimise material waste and testing costs.
3. Witnessing, Testing & Documentation We coordinate with approved test houses (or use your preferred lab) and ensure all mechanical and NDT results are correctly recorded.
4. Certification, Training & Ongoing Support You receive professional WPQRs, welder certificates, and a complete digital package. We also provide refresher training and continuity log templates to keep qualifications current.

Companies we’ve supported have:

• Reduced qualification costs by up to 40% through optimised test plans
• Passed third-party audits (Lloyd’s, TÜV, DNV, ABS) on the first submission
• Shortened project lead times by integrating qualifications with their existing weld mapping system
• Expanded into new markets requiring dual ASME IX + ISO compliance

If you have skilled welders but are finding ASME IX, ISO 15614, or ISO 9606 requirements difficult to navigate, help is just one click away.

Contact GC Logicals for a completely free, no-fee consultation. We’ll review your current situation, highlight any gaps, and give you a clear roadmap with realistic timelines and costs — all with no obligation.

Start building your compliance library today with our growing collection of practical tools:

• Weld Mapping Flow Chart & Correlation Sheet Templates
• ASME IX vs ISO 15614 Quick Comparison Guide
• Welder Qualification Continuity Log
• Essential Variables Checklist (ASME IX & ISO)
• Sample WPS & PQR Templates

All resources are available for instant download in our free resources section.

Don’t let complex welding standards slow down your production or put contracts at risk. Partner with GC Logicals and turn qualification from a headache into a competitive advantage.

Contact us today for your free consultation or download our resources to get started immediately.