Welder Qualification FAQ

A 3G qualification covers groove welds in flat (1G), horizontal (2G), and vertical (3G) positions per AWS D1.1 Table 6.10. It also qualifies fillet welds in 1F, 2F, and 3F positions. Overhead is not covered — for overhead you need the 4G test or the 3G/4G combined all-position test.

No. A standalone 4G qualifies flat (1G), horizontal (2G), and overhead (4G) groove positions, plus 1F, 2F, and 4F fillet positions. It does not cover 3G vertical or 3F vertical fillet.

This is counterintuitive — overhead is harder, but the code doesn't let harder positions absorb easier ones across all directions. Vertical is a distinct skill set under D1.1. If you need everything, the 3G/4G combined test is the only single plate qualification that covers all four positions.

Everything. Two test plates — one 3G vertical, one 4G overhead — qualifies groove welds in all four positions (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G) and fillet welds in all four fillet positions (1F, 2F, 3F, 4F) per D1.1 Table 6.10. It also qualifies unlimited thickness when using 1-inch plates. This is the most comprehensive plate qualification available under AWS D1.1 and the one most structural contracts ultimately require. Full details here.

Yes. Per D1.1 Clause 6.11.1, passing a CJP (Complete Joint Penetration) groove weld qualification also qualifies the welder for PJP groove welds and fillet welds in the same or lower positions tested. You do not need a separate fillet weld test if you've passed the CJP groove qualification in that position range.

• 1G (Flat): Plate horizontal, weld on top. Easiest position — gravity helps the puddle. Qualifies flat only.
• 2G (Horizontal): Plate vertical, weld axis horizontal. Qualifies flat and horizontal.
• 3G (Vertical): Plate vertical, weld axis vertical, progress uphill. Qualifies flat, horizontal, and vertical plus all fillet positions except overhead.
• 4G (Overhead): Plate horizontal above welder, weld from below. Qualifies flat, horizontal, and overhead but not vertical.

The number is the position designation. The "G" is groove weld. Higher number generally means harder position and broader qualification scope.

Mostly — but with the important 3G/4G exception. Per D1.1 Table 6.10, a 3G qualifies 1G and 2G. A 4G qualifies 1G and 2G. But a 4G does not qualify 3G, and a 3G does not qualify 4G. They are parallel, not sequential. Only the combined 3G/4G test achieves full coverage. A 6G pipe qualification covers all pipe positions but does not automatically cover plate positions.

No. The 3G qualification explicitly covers the 1G and 2G positions per D1.1 Table 6.10. A welder who passes the 3G is qualified to weld flat and horizontal groove joints in production without additional testing. This is one of the primary reasons the 3G is the most commonly required plate qualification — it covers the positions most frequently encountered in structural fabrication.

The position number is the same (1, 2, 3, 4) but the letter changes: G for groove weld, F for fillet weld. The 1G/1F, 2G/2F, 3G/3F, 4G/4F designations describe the same physical orientations for different weld types. A CJP groove qualification in a given position also qualifies fillet welds in that and lower positions per D1.1 Clause 6.11.1 — you typically don't need both a G and F test in the same position.

Test on 1-inch (25mm) plate. Per D1.1 Table 6.11, a 1-inch test plate qualifies the welder for unlimited production thickness (1/8-inch minimum, no upper limit). A 3/8-inch plate only qualifies up to 3/4-inch production thickness.

Use 1-inch plate as your default. The cost difference between a 3/8-inch and 1-inch test plate is minor. The cost of discovering a welder isn't qualified for a project's material thickness — and having to retest — is not.

The 1-inch plate is the only test thickness that breaks to unlimited. Every other thickness is capped at 2× the test plate thickness.

Only up to a point. The general rule is the maximum qualified production thickness equals 2× the test plate thickness — until you reach 1-inch plate, which breaks to unlimited. So a 1/2-inch test plate qualifies up to 1-inch production. A 3/8-inch plate qualifies up to 3/4-inch production. You cannot test on 1/4-inch plate and qualify for unlimited thickness — only the 1-inch plate achieves that.

The groove geometry (45-degree angle, 1/4-inch root opening, backing bar) is the same regardless of plate thickness. What changes is the number of passes required to fill the groove — a 1-inch plate requires more passes than a 3/8-inch plate. The CWI inspects the completed weld against the same acceptance criteria regardless of plate thickness. The backing bar dimensions and root gap remain identical.

D1.1 qualifications have no fixed expiration date but require continuous maintenance. Per Clause 4.25, the welder must use the qualified welding process at least once every six months and the employer must document it. Miss either condition and the WPQ is void.

The clock runs per process — a welder holding SMAW and FCAW qualifications must demonstrate use of each process within each six-month window. Using SMAW doesn't reset the clock on FCAW.

Any production welding using the qualified process within the six-month window counts. It does not need to be a formal test, a qualification weld, or even a groove weld — a single fillet weld using the qualified process in production satisfies the continuity requirement. The weld does not need to be inspected or tested to count for continuity purposes, but it must be documented.

D1.1 doesn't specify a required format. Time cards, weld maps, job travelers, project logs, or a dedicated continuity form with date, process, and supervisor signature all work. The burden is on the employer to demonstrate the welder used the process within the six-month window.

When an auditor, CWI, or project owner requests continuity documentation, "we trust they welded" is not an acceptable answer. Keep dated records. A simple spreadsheet with welder name, process, date of last use, and supervisor sign-off is sufficient.

Retest — that's the only option. Once continuity breaks, the WPQ is void and cannot be reinstated through documentation or appeals. A new qualification test with a fresh plate is required.

Our recertification service handles exactly this situation. Call us at (404) 860-1288 and we'll get the process started so your welder gets back on the job as quickly as possible.

Yes. A D1.1 welder qualification is not employer-specific. A new employer can accept an existing WPQ record provided: (1) the WPS used for the original test is equivalent to the new employer's WPS, (2) continuity has been maintained, and (3) the qualification has not been revoked. The new employer takes over responsibility for maintaining the continuity log. The original WPQ document travels with the welder.

Per D1.1 Clause 4.25, a qualification can be revoked when there is specific reason to question the welder's ability — typically following a weld failure, inspection finding, or evidence of fraudulent documentation. Revocation is at the discretion of the inspector or employer quality program. A revoked qualification requires full retesting to reinstate — continuity records cannot overcome a revocation.

Yes. AWS D1.1 does not require the CWI to be present while the welder performs the test. The code requires that the test be performed under a qualified WPS and that a CWI inspects and documents the results — there is no requirement for witnessed welding.

Your welder completes the plate at your facility under a qualified WPS, ships it to WeldCertTest, and our CWI performs visual inspection followed by accredited laboratory bend testing. Official WPQ records are issued on passing. See our full process page for details.

Generally yes. Per D1.1 Clause 6.23.3, radiographic testing can substitute for guided bend tests on most groove weld qualification tests. The exception is GMAW short-circuit transfer (GMAW-S) — that process requires actual bend tests and RT substitution is not permitted under D1.1.

Confirm your process when contacting WeldCertTest and we'll advise which test method applies.

For a single CJP groove weld plate test (1G, 2G, 3G, or 4G): four specimens — two face bends and two root bends. The backing bar is removed before specimens are cut. Each specimen is bent 180 degrees in a guided bend jig. All four must pass — one failure fails the entire test. The acceptance criterion is no single discontinuity exceeding 1/8 inch in any direction on the bent surface.

Per D1.1 Clause 4.9, the completed plate must pass visual before proceeding to bend testing. Key limits:

• Cracks: None permitted — any crack is immediate rejection
• Incomplete fusion: None permitted anywhere in the joint
• Undercut: Maximum 1/32 inch depth at the weld toe
• Reinforcement height: Maximum 3/16 inch above base metal
• Arc strikes outside the weld zone: None permitted — automatic rejection, no exceptions
• Overlap: None permitted
• Porosity: Per D1.1 Clause 4.9.3 size and frequency limits

Per D1.1 Clause 6.25, a retest is permitted after additional practice if the failure is due to lack of skill rather than a procedure problem. A fresh plate must be welded — the failed plate cannot be resubmitted. On a 3G/4G combined test where only one position fails, only the failed position needs retesting.

Call us when a failure occurs. Knowing whether it was a visual rejection (and specifically what was rejected) or a bend specimen failure (face vs. root bend) is important — different failures point to different technique issues and change how the welder should practice before retesting.

No limit. We handle single-welder submissions and multi-welder batches regularly. For larger batches, call ahead — batch size affects turnaround time and we'll give you an accurate timeline and any volume information that applies to your situation.

No. WeldCertTest handles the entire inspection and testing process. You ship the plates, we inspect and test, and you receive the results and WPQ documentation. You are welcome to call and discuss results at any time. If a plate fails visual inspection, we contact you before proceeding to bend testing so you understand the situation before any additional lab costs are incurred.

The standard D1.1 plate qualification joint is a single V-groove CJP with:

• 45-degree included angle (22.5 degrees per side)
• 1/4-inch root opening
• Knife-edge root face (0-inch land)
• 1/4-inch × 1-inch ASTM A36 permanent backing bar
• ASTM A36 base metal

This is a D1.1 prequalified joint per Table 3.2 and applies to all position tests (1G through 4G). The geometry is the same for all positions — only the plate orientation changes.

No. Current type and polarity are not essential variables for welder performance qualification per D1.1 Table 6.12. A welder qualified on AC is qualified for the same process on DC, and vice versa, without retesting — as long as all other essential variables remain within their qualified range.

It depends. Changing from a low-hydrogen electrode (F4 group, such as E7018) to a non-low-hydrogen electrode (F3 group, such as E6013) is an essential variable change requiring requalification per D1.1 Table 6.12. Changing within the same F-number group generally does not require requalification. Switching from E7018 to E7016 (both F4) typically does not require a retest. When in doubt, check your WPS and D1.1 Table 6.12.

A WPQ (Welder Performance Qualification) record is an official AWS D1.1 document signed by a Certified Welding Inspector certifying that the named welder has successfully completed a performance qualification test under specified conditions. It is not a certificate — it is a code-required record tied to the welding procedure and test conditions used.

The WPQ is what project owners, general contractors, and inspectors request when they want evidence that a welder is qualified for the work. It is the primary welder qualification document in structural steel construction.

• Welder's full legal name and employer
• Welding process and filler metal classification (e.g., SMAW / E7018)
• Position(s) qualified (e.g., 3G) and all positions covered by that qualification
• Base metal type and test plate thickness
• Qualified production thickness range
• Visual inspection results and date
• Bend test results and accredited laboratory identification
• WPS reference number used for the test
• CWI name, certification number, and signature
• Statement of continuity requirements

They are different programs and documents. A WPQ is a code-required record under AWS D1.1 proving the welder passed a test under specific conditions tied to an employer's quality program and welding procedure. A WPS must be referenced. An employer or testing facility issues it.

An AWS Certified Welder card is a portable individual credential issued directly by the American Welding Society through the AWS Welder Certification Program — a separate program from D1.1. It travels with the welder and is not tied to an employer or a specific WPS.

Most structural steel job specifications and AWS D1.1 contracts require WPQ records. WeldCertTest issues WPQ records — we do not issue AWS Certified Welder cards.

Per AWS D1.1, the WPQ must be signed by a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certified by the American Welding Society. The CWI is responsible for verifying the test was conducted per D1.1 requirements, performing visual inspection, reviewing test results, and signing the record. WeldCertTest uses AWS-certified CWIs for all inspections and WPQ issuance.

AWS D1.1 does not specify a required retention period for WPQ records beyond the active qualification period. Best practice — and the approach most quality programs require — is to retain WPQ records for the duration of the welder's employment plus a defined period after (typically 3–5 years). Some project specifications, particularly government and DOT work, specify minimum retention periods. Check your contract documents. When in doubt, keep them permanently — digital storage is free.

A WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) is a written document that specifies all required welding variables: process, base metal type, filler metal classification, preheat temperature, interpass temperature, position, joint geometry, and more. AWS D1.1 requires welders to be tested under a qualified WPS — the WPS is referenced on the WPQ record and provides the framework within which the test is conducted.

WeldCertTest provides a D1.1 prequalified WPS with every test. You may also use your company's existing qualified WPS if it covers the position and process being tested.

A prequalified WPS meets all the prequalification requirements in AWS D1.1 Chapter 3. It uses prequalified joint geometries, prequalified base metals, prequalified filler metals, and stays within the prequalified parameter limits. A D1.1 prequalified WPS does not require PQR (procedure qualification record) testing — the code accepts it based on the long history of those parameter combinations producing sound welds. Most qualification testing for structural steel is done under prequalified WPS documents.

The new employer must have a WPS that is equivalent to or covers the conditions under which the original test was performed. If the new employer's WPS uses the same process, filler metal group, and position range, the existing WPQ is generally acceptable under D1.1. If the new employer's WPS has different essential variables — different process, significantly different parameters — the welder may need to requalify under the new WPS. The new employer's quality manager or CWI should review the existing WPQ against the current WPS to confirm acceptability.

A WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) is the instruction document — it tells the welder what to do. A PQR (Procedure Qualification Record) is the test record that proves the WPS produces sound welds — it documents the actual test parameters and results when the procedure was originally qualified. Prequalified WPS documents under D1.1 do not require a PQR. Non-prequalified or non-standard procedures require PQR testing before the WPS can be used in production.

5G: Pipe fixed in horizontal position (axis horizontal). The welder moves around the pipe and welds through flat, vertical, and overhead positions. Qualifies flat, vertical, and overhead positions for pipe. Demanding — the welder must transition through multiple positions in a single continuous weld.

6G: Pipe fixed at 45-degree angle. The welder moves around it through compound angles that combine elements of all positions simultaneously. The 6G is harder than the 5G and provides broader qualification. A 6G qualification typically qualifies all positions a 5G qualifies and more, and is sometimes accepted in lieu of multiple plate tests depending on the project specification.

Not automatically. A 6G pipe qualification covers groove weld positions for pipe under D1.1. Whether it covers plate welding positions depends on the specific project specification and how the qualification was documented. Some project specs accept a 6G in lieu of plate position qualifications — others require separate plate tests. When a project requires AWS D1.1 plate qualification, always verify with the project's CWI or QC manager whether your 6G qualification satisfies the plate requirement before assuming it does.

The 45-degree fixed pipe angle means the welder simultaneously encounters multiple position challenges in every pass around the pipe. The weld puddle behavior, gravity direction, and optimal torch/electrode angle change continuously throughout a single pass. There is no flat-position rest — the welder must maintain control through positions ranging from near-overhead to near-vertical within inches of each other. The 6G represents the broadest single test of welding skill available under D1.1.

Plate tests use flat rectangular steel plates with a straight V-groove joint. The position is fixed and the welder travels in one direction. Pipe tests use round pipe or tube sections with a circumferential groove joint. The welder must travel around the pipe, which means the position changes continuously throughout the weld. Pipe tests are generally considered more demanding because of this continuous position change and the requirement to maintain puddle control through transitions.

At minimum, a D1.1-compliant qualification program requires:

• A qualified WPS for each process and position used in production
• A WPQ record for each welder, signed by a CWI, covering their assigned processes and positions
• A continuity log documenting each welder's use of each qualified process within each six-month window
• A process for reviewing and renewing qualification documentation when welders change processes, positions, or employers
• A designated person responsible for maintaining records and flagging expiring qualifications

A simple spreadsheet or binder works. For each welder, track: name, process qualified, date of last qualification test, date of last verified use of the process, and the next six-month deadline. Have a supervisor or foreman sign off monthly confirming each qualified welder used their process in production during that period. Set calendar reminders at the five-month mark — catching a potential lapse a month early means you have time to address it without pulling the welder from the job.

Yes. A CWI's certification is individual and not company-specific. A CWI can sign WPQ records for any welder whose test they have personally inspected and whose documentation they have reviewed, regardless of the welder's employer. This is the basis for third-party testing services like WeldCertTest — our CWIs inspect plates and issue WPQ records for welders employed by any company across the country.

Present the original signed WPQ record and continuity log. The WPQ must show the position and process matching the production work, the test date, CWI signature and certification number, and the thickness range covering the material being welded. If the inspector identifies a gap — a position not covered, a thickness not qualified, or a lapsed continuity — the welder must stop performing that work until the qualification is in order. Contact WeldCertTest and we'll get a retest or new qualification processed as quickly as possible.

If an apprentice is performing production structural welds on D1.1 projects, they need a WPQ record covering those welds — there is no apprentice exemption in the code. If they are only performing non-structural tack welds or preparatory work, the requirement depends on the project specification. Most structural steel projects require qualification documentation for all welders performing permanent welds. When in doubt, qualify. A WPQ on an apprentice is a small cost compared to the liability of unqualified welds on a structure.

The fastest path is: (1) call WeldCertTest to confirm process and get a WPS before the welder even picks up an electrode, (2) have the welder complete the test plate at your facility the same day or next day, (3) ship overnight to us, (4) we inspect and test, (5) WPQ issued on passing. From plate completion to WPQ in hand can be as fast as a few days depending on your shipping speed and our current volume. Call ahead and we'll give you a realistic timeline. See timeframes for current turnaround.

Yes. WeldCertTest serves fabricators, contractors, and individual welders nationwide. Welders in any state complete their plates locally and ship to us. The WPQ we issue is a federal code document (AWS D1.1) and is valid on any project governed by that code regardless of state. Some states have additional licensing requirements for welders beyond D1.1 qualification — check your state's contractor licensing and labor department requirements for any project-specific rules.