CEMP-E
TI 809-26
1 March 2000
b. Qualification Testing. All welding personnel must demonstrate their skill by performing specific
performance qualification tests prescribed by AWS D1.1 Section 4, Part C. Welders are qualified by
process - SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, SAW, GTAW, ESW, or EGW. FCAW-S (self-shielded) and FCAW-G
(gas-shielded) are considered the same process for performance qualification testing. Welders are also
qualified by position - Flat, Horizontal, Vertical and Overhead. These are designated on welding
personnel qualification records as positions 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Welding personnel qualified for
more difficult positions, for example Vertical (3), are also qualified for Flat (1) and Horizontal (2) welding.
However, Vertical (3) and Overhead (4) welding positions are considered separately. Additional position
classifications apply for tubular construction, and are further identified in AWS D1.1 Figures 4.4 and 4.6.
Welding personnel are further classified by type of weld, testing using groove welds or fillet welds.
Welding personnel qualified for groove welding in a given position and process are also qualified for fillet
welding in the same position and process. Those who qualify using 9.5 mm (3/8 in.) thick plate or thicker
are qualified for twice the test plate thickness. Welding personnel qualified using 25.4 mm (1 in.) thick
plate are qualified for unlimited thicknesses of material. AWS D1.1 Table 4.8 provides complete
information regarding the cross-over of welding performance qualifications tests and the welding
products, thicknesses and positions qualified.
c. Contractor Responsibilities. The contractor is responsible for the qualification of all welding
personnel. The witnessing of performance testing is not required. All performance qualification tests must
be fully documented in writing. Performance qualification expires six (6) months following testing, unless
the person has used the process during that time period. Should a person not use the process within six
months, the qualification period expires. There should be records documenting the use of various
processes by the contractor. Welding position is not a factor in maintaining welding personnel
qualification. Should the welder consistently produce poor quality welds, the welder's qualification can be
revoked, requiring retesting.
d. Qualification Testing by Others. Although standard practice is to require contractor-based
qualification testing of welding personnel, it is acceptable, with the Engineer's approval, for the contractor
to rely upon qualification testing performed by others. Such testing may include independent testing
laboratories, welding vocational schools, industry associations and unions, and the AWS Certified
Welder program. The Engineer should review the basis and suitability of such programs prior to waiver
of contractor-based qualification.
4. INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS
a. General Welding and Visual Inspectors. Visual welding inspection personnel should be qualified
under AWS D1.1 Section 6.1.4. The basis of qualification, if beyond these provisions, must be specified
in the project documents. Acceptable qualification bases under D1.1 are: (1) current or previous
certification as an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) in accordance with the provisions of AWS
QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors, or (2) current or previous qualification by the
Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) to the requirements of the Canadian Standard Association (CSA)
Standard W178.2, Certification of Welding Inspectors, or (3) an engineer or technician who, by training or
experience, or both, in metals fabrication, inspection and testing, is competent to perform inspection
work. For the third case, the Engineer should establish minimum levels of training and experience,
require a written resume detailing training and experience in welding inspection, and require a written
and hands-on examination prior to approval of the inspector.
(1) The qualification of an previously certified inspector remains in effect indefinitely, even though
the certification may have expired, provided the inspector remains active in the inspection of welded
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