Welder Qualification Testing (EN ISO 9606 | EN 287-1 | EN ISO 14732 | EN ISO 13585 | EN 13067)
PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s. is an accredited Certification Body for Welder Qualification Testing and welding personnel qualification, operating in accordance with EN ISO/IEC 17024.
Welder Qualification Testing is essential for ensuring that welding personnel have the required skills, knowledge, and practical competence to perform welding operations that meet international quality and safety standards. Qualified welders and operators are recognized across industries for their ability to deliver consistent and reliable results.
What is Welder Qualification Testing?
Welder Qualification Testing is a formal assessment process that verifies a welder’s ability to perform specific welding tasks according to international standards.
It includes:
• Practical welding tests
• Inspection and testing of weld quality
• Evaluation based on acceptance criteria
• Qualification approval upon successful testing
Welder Qualification Testing ensures compliance with industrial requirements and enhances credibility in global markets.
Scope of Welder Qualification Testing
The Welder Qualification Testing process covers multiple international standards for different welding activities:
• Manual welding (metallic materials)
• Welding operator and setter qualification
• Thermoplastics welding
• Brazing and soldering operations
Welder Qualification Testing Standards
1. EN ISO 9606 – Fusion Welding of Metallic Materials
• Primary standard for Welder Qualification Testing
• Covers TIG, MIG, MAG, and Stick welding processes
• Applicable to steel, stainless steel, aluminium, and other metals
• Qualification based on practical testing
• Ensures high-quality weld performance
2. EN 287-1 – (Superseded Standard)
• Previous European Welder Qualification Testing standard for steel
• Replaced by EN ISO 9606
• Still referenced in some legacy specifications
Welding Operator / Setter Qualification
EN ISO 14732
• Qualification for automated and mechanized welding operators
• Focuses on machine setup and process control
• Ensures consistent weld quality in automated production
Thermoplastics Welder Qualification
EN 13067
• Specialized Welder Qualification Testing for plastic welding
• Covers piping systems, tanks, and plastic fabrication
• Ensures strong and reliable plastic weld joints
Brazing / Soldering Qualification
EN ISO 13585
• Qualification for brazing and soldering personnel
• Ensures joint quality in critical applications
Welder Qualification Testing Process
The Welder Qualification Testing process typically includes:
- Selection of applicable standard
- Application submission
- Practical welding test
- Inspection and testing of weld specimens
- Evaluation against acceptance criteria
- Qualification approval and documentation
Industries Requiring Welder Qualification Testing
Welder Qualification Testing is required in:
• Pressure equipment manufacturing (PED)
• Structural steel fabrication (EN 1090)
• Railway applications (EN 15085)
• Oil and gas industry
• Power plants
• Heavy engineering
• Plastic piping systems
Benefits of Welder Qualification Testing
Obtaining Welder Qualification Testing under standards such as EN ISO 9606 and EN ISO 14732 provides:
• Global Recognition
Qualified welders are accepted in international markets
• Improved Quality
Ensures consistent and defect-free welding
• Regulatory Compliance
Meets requirements for PED, EN 1090, and EN 15085
• Better Career Opportunities
Qualified welders are in high demand worldwide
• Reduced Rework
Minimizes welding defects and production losses
• Enhanced Safety
Ensures safe welding practices
• Professional Credibility
Qualification from PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s. strengthens industry acceptance
Conclusion
Welder Qualification Testing is a critical requirement for ensuring quality, safety, and compliance in welding operations. Standards such as EN ISO 9606, EN ISO 14732, EN ISO 13585, and EN 13067 provide a structured framework for qualification.
PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s. plays a key role in delivering recognized Welder Qualification Testing, ensuring compliance with international standards and enabling access to global industrial projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Welder Qualification Testing?
Welder Qualification Testing is a process that verifies a welder’s ability to perform welding according to international standards.
2. Which standard is used for Welder Qualification Testing?
EN ISO 9606 is the primary standard used for qualification of metallic material welding.
3. Is Welder Qualification Testing mandatory?
Yes, it is required for many industrial, structural, and pressure equipment projects.
4. What is the difference between welder and welding operator qualification?
Welder qualification applies to manual welding, while EN ISO 14732 applies to automated welding operators.
5. How long is qualification valid?
Validity depends on the standard and requires periodic renewal or continuity records.
6. Can Welder Qualification Testing be used internationally?
Yes, it is widely accepted globally under EN and ISO standards.
7. Who conducts Welder Qualification Testing?
An accredited body such as PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s. conducts the testing and qualification.
8. What is EN 287-1?
It is an older qualification standard replaced by EN ISO 9606.
9. What industries require this qualification?
Industries like oil & gas, construction, pressure equipment, and railways require it.
10. What is EN ISO/IEC 17024?
It defines requirements for certification bodies conducting personnel qualification.