Welder Qualification Testing in Belgium

Welder qualification is a formal process by which a welder demonstrates their ability to produce welded joints that meet specified quality requirements. The qualification test involves the welder producing one or more test pieces under controlled and witnessed conditions, following an approved Welding Procedure Specification (WPS). The completed test pieces are then subjected to non-destructive testing and, where required, destructive testing to verify that the welds meet the acceptance criteria defined by the applicable standard. Upon successful completion of all required tests, a Welder Qualification Certificate is issued that documents the range of qualification — the materials, thicknesses, diameters, welding positions and joint types that the welder is qualified to weld. The primary European standard for welder qualification is EN ISO 9606, which is divided into several parts based on the material being welded: EN ISO 9606-1 for steels, EN ISO 9606-2 for aluminium and aluminium alloys, and further parts for copper, nickel and titanium alloys. For fully mechanised and automatic welding, operator qualification is governed by EN ISO 14732. In North America, ASME Section IX is the predominant standard for welder and welding operator qualification. Each standard defines the essential variables — the parameters that, if changed beyond specified limits, require requalification — ensuring that the welder's demonstrated competence is applicable to the range of production welding they will perform. LCNDTEST provides comprehensive welder qualification services throughout Belgium, from test supervision and non-destructive testing to coordination with accredited bodies and preparation of qualification documentation. We support manufacturers, fabricators and construction companies in establishing and maintaining their welder qualifications in compliance with the requirements of EN 1090, PED, ASME and other applicable codes and client specifications.

The welder qualification process begins with the selection of the appropriate qualification standard and the definition of the test piece parameters based on the range of production welding to be covered. The test piece design (material grade, thickness, diameter for pipes, joint type, welding position) is chosen to maximise the qualification range within the limits defined by the standard. A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) — itself based on a qualified Welding Procedure Qualification Record (WPQR) in accordance with EN ISO 15614 — is provided to the welder as the basis for the test. The welder produces the test piece under the supervision of a qualified examiner or examining body. Critical welding parameters (current, voltage, travel speed, interpass temperature, gas flow rates) may be monitored during the test. The completed test piece is then subjected to the required examinations: visual testing (100% of the weld), radiographic or ultrasonic testing for butt welds, and macro examination and, in some cases, fracture or bend tests for destructive testing requirements. All non-destructive testing is performed in accordance with the relevant standards, and the results are evaluated against the acceptance criteria specified in the qualification standard. If all test results are satisfactory, the Welder Qualification Certificate is issued, documenting the welder's identity, the test parameters, the range of qualification and the validity period. Under EN ISO 9606-1, the initial validity period is typically 3 years, subject to biannual confirmation by the employer that the welder has been welding within the qualified range without significant interruption or quality issues. Requalification by testing is required at the end of the validity period. LCNDTEST manages the complete qualification process and maintains records to support our clients in tracking qualification validity and planning requalification tests in a timely manner.