The AWS D1.1 6-Month Continuity Rule

According to AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code, a welder's qualification remains effective indefinitely as long as:

AWS D1.1 Clause 4.29 - Continuity Requirements

Welder performs welding with the qualified process at least once every 6 months

Employer maintains continuous records of the welder's work

Production welding on actual projects

When Qualifications Lapse

If a welder fails to perform welding with the qualified process for more than 6 months:

Continuity Lapse

Qualification Expires: The WPQ record is no longer valid for production work

Seasonal workers returning to work

Re-qualification Required: Welder must pass a new qualification test

Work Stoppage: Cannot perform qualified welding until re-certified

Company policy requirements

Common Re-certification Scenarios

New Project Requirements

Additional position qualifications

New employer requires fresh WPQ

WeldCertTest provides the same efficient, compliant service for re-certification as we do for initial qualifications. Whether your welders need to restore lapsed qualifications or meet new project requirements, we streamline the entire process.

Welder hasn't welded for >6 months

Thickness range expansion

Lost or damaged WPQ records

Career breaks or medical leave

Previous records unavailable

WeldCertTest's Re-certification Solution

• Different welding process needed

Documentation replacement services

Incomplete documentation

Client audit requirements

Expedited processing for urgent needs

Complete WPQ testing for lapsed qualifications

Additional position or process qualifications

Need Re-certification Services?

Don't let lapsed qualifications disrupt your projects. Contact WeldCertTest today to restore your welders' AWS D1.1 compliance quickly and efficiently.

Continuity Requirements:

What Qualifies as "Welding":

Welding for maintenance or repair

Welding performed during training or testing

What Happens When Continuity is Broken?

Employment Changes

Documentation Issues

Our Re-certification Services Include:

Prevent costly work stoppages

Benefits of Our Service:

Maintain workforce productivity

Ensure project compliance

Peace of mind with proper documentation

Preventing Qualification Lapses

Track welding activity monthly

Schedule practice welding near 6-month mark

Maintain detailed work records

Plan re-certification well in advance

Store WPQ records securely

Set calendar reminders for continuity deadlines

Expert AWS D1.1 Re-certification Services by WeldCertTest

Maintaining AWS D1.1 Welder Continuity