WPQ test

The WPQ test qualifies a welder’s skill by depositing a test weld under the conditions of a welding procedure, then proving it sound. ISO 9606-1 covers welder qualification for steel: the test piece is welded in the qualifying position, process, and consumable, then examined by visual, radiographic or bend test, and the certificate states the qualified range of thickness, diameter, position, and material group. It is distinct from procedure qualification (the WPS or WPQR), which proves the procedure produces adequate mechanical properties. Class surveyors verify both before a welder works on classed hull structure, and validity is time-limited and must be maintained by continued practice.