Welder Performance Qualification Record Template

Guidelines on Filling in Welder Performance Qualification Record

Filling out a Welder Performance Qualification Record is a crucial step in certifying a welder’s or welding operator’s aptitude and ability to perform under specific welding procedures. This process involves documenting various aspects of the welder's performance, including their ability to follow prescribed welding procedures and achieve the required quality of weld. Once completed, this document serves as official evidence of the welder's qualification status. Here are the step-by-step instructions to properly complete the form:

1. Enter the Welder’s Name at the top of the form where indicated.
2. Fill in the ATF No (Accredited Testing Facility Number), if applicable.
3. Input the Test No., a unique identifier for the test being documented.
4. Record the Welder’s SS No. (Social Security Number), ensuring to follow the format XXX-XX-XXXX.
5. Specify the Date on which the form is being filled out.
6. Input the Reference WPS No. (Welding Procedure Specification Number) related to the welder’s test.
7. Under VARIABLE QUALIFICATION TEST DETAIL, begin by selecting the Code or Specification Used for the qualification test.
8. Indicate the Welding Process and Type, choosing from options like Manual, Semiautomatic, Mechanized, or Automatic for both.
9. Specify if Backing was used and if it was required.
10. Enter the Base Metal Spec/P or M-Number and details concerning Plate/Pipe Thickness for both Groove and Fillet types.
11. Detail the Pipe/Tubular Outside Diameter for Groove and Fillet tests.
12. Record the Filler Metal Specification No., Classification No., F No., and the Diameter.
13. Indicate whether a Consumable Insert or Penetration Enhancing Flux was used.
14. Document the Deposited Weld Metal Thickness.
15. Provide the Current/Polarity & Current Range, including Type/Polarity and Range in Amperes.
16. For GMAW or FCAW, describe the Metal Transfer Mode.
17. Specify the Torch Shielding Gas Type and Flow, along with Root Shielding Gas Type and Flow, if applicable.
18. Record the Position(s) regarding Test Position(s) and Qualified Position(s), indicating if vertical progression was Uphill or Downhill.
19. Under MECHANICAL TEST RESULTS, enter the Type And Figure No. of the test and the Results.
20. List the organization or individual that conducted the Guided mechanical Testing and the Date.
21. In the section for NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION RESULTS, document the Radiographic Results and the Report No., along with who conducted the Radiographic Testing.
22. Specify who Witnessed the welding, and the outcome of the Visual Inspection, including reasons for failure, if applicable.
23. Finally, certify the accuracy of the information provided and the compliance with applicable codes by including the Date Qualified, ATF Name and Number, signature of authorizing personnel, and their CWI No. (Certified Welding Inspector Number).

After fulfilling all the steps listed above, the form should be thoroughly reviewed for accuracy and completeness. This document then stands as a certification of the welder’s qualifications under the specified conditions and processes. It’s important to retain this record as part of the welder’s professional documentation and for regulatory compliance.

What is a Welder Performance Qualification Record?

A Welder Performance Qualification Record (WPQR) is an official document that confirms a welder's ability to produce welds of acceptable quality following a specific welding procedure. This record includes information about the welder’s name, the welding process used, variables of the qualification test, results of mechanical and nondestructive examinations, and the final qualification status. The WPQR is crucial for ensuring that welders meet the required standards and regulations for specific welding tasks.

What information is required on a WPQR?

The WPQR must contain the following key information:

• Welder’s Name and Social Security Number
• ATF (Accredited Test Facility) Number
• Test Number and Date
• Reference WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) Number
• Code or Specification Used
• Details about the welding process, including if it was manual, semiautomatic, mechanized, or automatic
• Base Metal Specification, Thickness, and Diameter
• Filler Metal Specification and Diameter
• Current/Polarity, Metal Transfer Mode, Shielding Gas Type and Flow
• Position(s) Tested and Qualified For
• Results from Mechanical and Nondestructive Examinations
• Confirmation of compliance with relevant standards and the signatures of the authorized persons

How is a WPQR different from a WPS?

A WPQR differs from a WPS in its purpose and content. A WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) provides detailed instructions on how to execute a welding task, including the welding process, materials, and techniques to be used. Conversely, a WPQR documents the evidence that a welder has the skills and ability to follow a specific WPS, achieving the required quality. While a WPS is a guide for the welder, a WPQR is a record of the welder’s qualification under that guidance.

Who needs to have a Welder Performance Qualification Record?

Any welder who performs work requiring compliance with specific codes or standards needs to have a current WPQR. This includes welders in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and any sector where the integrity of welds is critical. Welders must be tested for each specific welding process and position they will be working in, with their qualifications documented in a WPQR.

How long is a WPQR valid?

The validity of a WPQR can vary depending on the code or standard it is associated with, but generally, it remains valid as long as the welder continues to weld with the same process and within the same parameters covered by the WPQR without a break of more than six months. If a welder does not weld with the process or within the parameters defined in the WPQR for more than six months, requalification may be required. It's important to check the specific requirements of the code or standard being followed, as they may have different rules for WPQR validity.

Filling out a Welder Performance Qualification Record form incorrectly can have serious implications, including failing to meet compliance standards or even jeopardizing certification. Here are ten common mistakes people often make on this form:

1. Incorrect Welder Information: Failing to provide accurate welder’s name, ATF No., and Social Security Number. This basic information is crucial for identity verification and record-keeping.
2. Omitting Test Details: Skipping details such as the test number and date can disrupt the tracking and validity of the qualification test.
3. Misinterpreting the Reference WPS No.: Incorrectly referencing the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) number leads to misunderstandings regarding the standards and procedures the welder was tested under.
4. Selecting Incorrect Welding Process Options: Mistakes in identifying the welding process and type (Manual, Semiautomatic, Mechanized, Automatic) can invalidate the test if the qualifications are process-specific.
5. Base Metal Specification Errors: Not correctly specifying the base metal P or M-Number, plate/pipe thickness, or outside diameter. These specifications define the scope of the welder’s qualification.
6. Filler Metal Misclassification: Inputting the wrong filler metal specification No., classification No., or F No. compromises the accuracy of the qualification records.
7. Current/Polarity Settings: Providing incorrect current and polarity settings or ranges can result in non-compliance with the required welding procedure.
8. Position Test Errors: Misidentifying test positions (e.g., 1G, 2G) or qualified positions (F, H, V, O, or All) misrepresents the welder’s capabilities.
9. Incorrect Mechanical or Nondestructive Examination Results: Failing to properly record the results of mechanical testing or nondestructive examination can obscure the true performance of the welder under test.
10. Incomplete Signatures and Dates: Neglecting to include all required signatures (by the welder, examiner, or witness) and dates invalidates the document.

In addition to these specific missteps, people frequently overlook the importance of

• Verifying all entries for accuracy and completeness.
• Understanding each section’s requirements.
• Following the code or specification used for the performance qualification test meticulously.

Accuracy and thoroughness are key when completing the Welder Performance Qualification Record form to ensure welders are accurately assessed for their skills and qualifications.

The Welder Performance Qualification Record (WPQR) form is an essential document in the welding industry, serving as a formal record of a welder's or welding operator's ability to perform welding operations to a particular standard. This document is often accompanied by several other forms and documents that collectively ensure the quality, safety, and compliance of welding activities. Understanding these additional documents is crucial for anyone involved in the welding certification process.

• Welding Procedure Specification (WPS): This document provides detailed directions on how to make a specific weld. It includes information such as the welding process, base metals, filler metals, position, preheat and postheat requirements, and any other essential variables. The WPS is used to ensure that welds are consistently performed to the required standards and is often referenced in the WPQR.
• Procedure Qualification Record (PQR): The PQR serves as a record that confirms the welding procedure has been tested and meets the necessary standards and requirements. It provides evidence that a weld produced according to the WPS can meet the specified mechanical properties and other criteria. The PQR supports the validity of a WPS and is typically required before the WPQR is completed.
• Continuity Log: This document tracks a welder’s active status in performing specific welding processes. Welders must demonstrate they have continuously performed each process to maintain their qualification without undergoing requalification testing. The continuity log is vital for employers and certification bodies to ensure that a welder’s qualifications are current and valid.
• Visual Inspection Report: Often, a visual inspection of the weld is conducted before more in-depth nondestructive examination (NDE) methods are applied. This report documents the results of the visual examination, including any defects or discontinuities observed. While the visual inspection results might be noted in the WPQR, a separate, more detailed report is valuable for record-keeping and quality control purposes.

In summary, the documentation surrounding the welding qualification and certification process is comprehensive. Each document plays a significant role in ensuring that welding activities are carried out safely, effectively, and in compliance with industry standards. The WPQR is just one piece of this complex puzzle. By maintaining accurate and up-to-date records such as the WPS, PQR, Continuity Log, and Visual Inspection Report, welding professionals can uphold the highest quality and safety standards in their work.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Competency Evaluation Program (CEP) Record: Similar to the Welder Performance Qualification Record, the CNA Competency Evaluation Program Record documents the qualifications and competencies of nursing assistants. It includes personal identification, test numbers, dates, and the specific skills or procedures the individual has been assessed on, mirroring the structure of documenting welding skills and qualifications.

• Professional Engineer (PE) License Application: This document, necessary for engineers seeking licensure, shares similarities with the Welder Performance Qualification Record in that it requires detailed personal information, professional references, and a detailed account of the applicant’s qualifications and areas of expertise, including the codes and standards familiar to them.

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Skills Test Score Sheet: The CDL Skills Test Score Sheet is used to record the outcomes of a commercial driver's skills test, including pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road test results. It aligns with the structured approach of the Welder Performance Qualification Record by detailing specific skills tested and the results — pass or fail.

• FAA Pilot Certification and Qualification Record: This record documents a pilot’s licensure, including the types of aircraft they are qualified to fly and their performance on required flight tests. Similar to the Welder Performance Qualification Record, it includes identification details, test results, and specific competencies, such as aircraft type and flight conditions.

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certification Record: This record tracks the certification status of pharmacy technicians, including examination dates, scores, and areas of qualification. Like the Welder Performance Qualification Record, it shows a professional’s qualifications in a specific field, monitored through standardized testing and certification.

• Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification Application: The application record for PMP® certification requires detailed documentation of project management experience, education, and competency. It parallels the Welder Performance Qualification Record in its necessity to document specific qualifications, experiences, and competencies in a specialized field.

• Industrial Certification for Electricians: This document outlines an electrician’s qualifications, areas of expertise, and results from practical and written exams. It is similar to the Welder Performance Qualification Record by detailing a professional’s qualification in a specific trade and their adherence to industry standards and codes.

• Information Technology (IT) Certifications Record: IT certifications for various specializations (e.g., network security, database management) require detailed records, including certification numbers, examination scores, and validity periods. These records resemble the Welder Performance Qualification Record through their focus on specialized qualifications and the documentation of competency in specific skills.

When filling out a Welder Performance Qualification Record form, there are specific actions you should take to ensure the information is accurate and the form is correctly completed. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate the process:

• Verify all information before entering it – Make sure you have the correct details for every section, including the welder’s name, ATF No., and the test number.
• Use the correct code or specification – Identify the applicable code or specification used for the Welder Performance Qualification Test and reference it accurately.
• Provide detailed information on welding processes – Clearly indicate whether the welding process is manual, semiautomatic, mechanized, or automatic.
• Indicate backing usage – Specify if backing was used, not used, or required for the test.
• Record precise measurements – Accurately enter plate/pipe thickness, diameter, and any other necessary measurements.
• Include all mechanical and nondestructive examination results – Fill out the results for both mechanical tests and nondestructive examinations, if applicable.
• Sign and date the form – Ensure the form is signed by the appropriate authority and dated to validate the qualification.

• Leave sections blank – If a section is not applicable, mark it as NA (Not Applicable) instead of leaving it empty.
• Guess or estimate measurements – All information provided should be accurate and based on actual measurements or results.
• Rush through the form – Take your time to ensure all information is complete and correct.
• Forget to review before submitting – Double-check the form for any mistakes or missed sections.
• Use unsupported codes or specifications – Only reference codes or specifications recognized and accepted for the qualification test.
• Ignore the qualification range – Make sure the qualification range matches the conditions under which the welder will be working.
• Omit witness or inspector details – Provide the name of the person who witnessed the welding and the inspector who checked the final product.

The Welder Performance Qualification Record (WPQR) form is an essential document within the welding industry, serving as proof that a welder or welding operator has demonstrated proficiency in welding processes according to specified standards. Despite its importance, there are several misconceptions about this form and its requirements. Below are four common misunderstandings clarified for better understanding.

• Misconception 1: The WPQR is only for the welder's personal use.
  

  Many believe that the WPQR is solely for the individual welder's benefit, serving as a personal record. However, the reality is that this document is crucial for employers and clients as well. It provides official verification that the welder has met specific standards, ensuring that welding tasks are performed safely and effectively. This documentation is often required for compliance with industry regulations and standards.

• Misconception 2: Once qualified, the qualification is valid indefinitely.
  

  Some assume that once a welder is qualified and the WPQR is issued, the qualification lasts forever. Contrary to this belief, welder qualifications have an expiration date and need to be renewed periodically. The duration of validity and the criteria for renewal can vary depending on the governing body's standards or project requirements. Continuous performance and requalification tests may be necessary to maintain the welder's qualification status.

• Misconception 3: The WPQR covers all welding processes.
  

  It's often misunderstood that a single WPQR form qualifies a welder for all types of welding processes. In reality, the WPQR is specific to the welding process, type, and parameters under which the welder was tested. A welder may need multiple WPQRs to be qualified for different welding processes or variations in welding conditions and materials.

• Misconception 4: The WPQR does not require renewal if the welder doesn't change employers.
  

  A common belief is that a welder's qualification record remains valid as long as they stay with the same employer. However, the requirement for WPQR renewal is not dependent on employment status but on the standards set by the relevant certifying bodies or project specifications. Even if a welder does not change jobs, requalification may be necessary to comply with updated standards or changes in project requirements.

Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for all parties involved in the welding industry, from welders and employers to regulators and clients. Proper knowledge ensures that welding operations are performed safely, effectively, and in compliance with the necessary standards.

When dealing with the Welder Performance Qualification Record form, it's important to approach it methodically to ensure accurate and compliant documentation of a welder's or welding operator's ability to perform competently. Here are several key takeaways to guide you through filling out and utilizing this form effectively:

• Welder’s Information: Start by clearly entering the welder's name, Social Security Number (masked for privacy with Xs), ATF number, and the test number. This basic information is foundational for record-keeping and tracking purposes.
• Date and Reference WPS No: Document the date of the test and reference the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) number. This ensures the weld performed during the qualification test was done according to a specific, approved procedure.
• Code or Specification: Indicate the code or specification under which the test is being conducted. This frames the qualification within a set of predefined standards ensuring consistency and safety in welding practices.
• Welding Process: Specify the welding process and type (manual, semiautomatic, mechanized, or automatic). Understanding the process used is crucial for determining the welder’s competency across different types of welding tasks.
• Base Metal and Filler Metal Specifications: Accurately detailing the base metal specifications, filler metal specifications, and their respective classifications is essential for demonstrating the welder’s ability to work with specific materials.
• Thickness and Diameter: Enter the thickness of the plate or pipe for both groove and fillet welds, along with the outside diameter for tubular components. This indicates the range of material dimensions the welder is qualified to work with.
• Shielding and Gases: Document the use of backing, consumable inserts, and type of shielding gas. This includes details on the flow rate and whether penetration enhancing flux was used. These are important for assessing the welder’s ability to manage variables that affect weld quality.
• Test and Qualified Positions: Record the position(s) in which the test was conducted (e.g., 1G, 2G) and the positions for which the welder is qualified. Positions play a critical role in assessing a welder's versatility and skill level.
• Inspection and Certification: Nondestructive examination results, including radiographic and visual inspection outcomes, should be carefully recorded. Pass or fail status, mechanical test results, and the signature of the certifying Welding Inspector (CWI) validate the welder's performance and compliance.

Completing the Welder Performance Qualification Record form with attention to detail not only ensures compliance with applicable welding codes and standards but also establishes a reliable record of a welder's capabilities. This documentation is invaluable for employers, clients, and regulatory bodies in verifying the qualifications and ensuring the quality of welding work performed.