WPQR
QUALIFICATION
TESTING
How to Prepare a WPQR: Step-by-Step Welding Procedure Qualification Guide
By PZVAR Technical Editorial Team
6 Min Read
10 Aug 2026
Table Of Contents
- What Is a WPQR?
- How to Perform a WPQR: 9 Critical Points
- WPQR Preparation Checklist
- WPQR and WPS: The Technical Connection
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
Actual Welding Parameters
NDT & Mechanical Testing
Qualification Range
Complete Document Traceability
A WPQR (Welding Procedure Qualification Record) is a controlled document containing information on the real welding conditions and test results of welding process qualification.
A WPQR serves as a proof that some welding procedure has been tested in certain conditions and satisfies requirements of welding standards.
The preparation of a WPQR implies control of welding test, registration of welding parameters, correct performing of testing, evaluating of the test results and determining the qualification range.
What Is a WPQR?
A WPQR (Welding Procedure Qualification Record) contains information about real variables of a welding procedure qualification test and test results from examinations and mechanical testing.
A WPQR is not the same as a WPS (Welding Procedure Specification). While WPS describes welding conditions for production, the WPQR contains the information about real conditions of the performed welding procedure qualification and determines the qualified range.
There is EN ISO 15614-1 as one of important references for welding procedure qualification of metallic materials for many fusion welding applications. There should be determined the applicable standard according to product, material, welding method, application and contractual requirements.
How to Perform a WPQR: 9 Critical Points
Step 1: Establish the Relevant Standard
In advance of carrying out the qualification test, establish the relevant welding procedure qualification standard.
Among the various standards that can apply to different applications are:
- EN ISO 15614-1 – Welding procedure qualification record
- EN ISO 15609 – Specification and qualification of welding procedures
- EN ISO 3834 – Quality requirements for fusion welding
- EN ISO 9606 – Qualification testing of welders
- EN 15085 – Welding of railway vehicles and component
- EN 1090– Execution of steel and aluminium components
- ISO 9712 – Qualification and certification of NDT personnel
- PED (2014/68/EU) – Pressure Equipment Directive
- SPVD (2014/29/EU) – Simple Pressure Vessels Directive
The relevant material specification, drawing, joint design, requirements of the client, and acceptance criteria should also be established at this stage.
Step 2: Develop the pWPS
A preliminary Welding Procedure Specification (pWPS) outlines the proposed welding parameters for the qualification test.
The pWPS usually specifies the following:
- Welding process
- Base metal and material group
- Material thickness
- Joint configuration
- Welding position
- Welding
- consumable and diameter
- Preheat and interpass temperature
- Welding current and arc voltage
- Welding travel speed
- Shielding gas
- Number of passes/layers
- Welding method
- Heat input, if any
Test coupons should be welded based on the relevant pWPS.
Step 3: Choose the Test Coupon
The test welding coupon needs to be chosen based on the qualification range needed.
Some of the factors to be considered include:
- Parent material
- Material Group
- Thickness of material
- Type of joint
- Pipe diameter (if there is any)
- Welding position
- Welding process
- Consumable
Traceability is very crucial. The material being tested needs to be tied up with its material certificate. The identification of this material needs to be traceable through the entire process of qualification.
Step 4: Carry Out the Welding Qualification Test
During the welding process, the actual welding parameters need to be recorded. These actual values need to be reflected in the final WPQR.
Some of the typical values that need to be recorded are:
- Welding process
- Welding current and voltage
- Welding speed
- Position
- Preheat and interpass temperature
- Consumable
- Diameter of electrode/wire
- Shielding gas
- No. of passes/runs
- Technique
- Heat input
Step 5: Conduct Visual and Non-Destructive Tests
Upon completing the welding test, the test coupon is then evaluated in line with the relevant requirements.
Depending on the qualification requirement and test set-up, the examinations can include any of the following:
- Visual Testing (VT)
- Radiographic Testing (RT)
- Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
- Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)
- Penetrant Testing (PT)
It must be ensured that the results of the examinations meet the relevant acceptance requirements prior to conducting the appropriate qualification tests.
Step 6: Conduct Mechanical Testing
Mechanical testing will involve specimens taken from the qualified test coupon, as necessary.
Depending on the qualification requirements, the tests can include any of the following:
- Tensile testing
- Bend testing
- Impact testing
- Hardness testing
- Macro examination
Laboratory reports need to clearly identify the test coupon and have traceability to the relevant WPQR.
Step 7: Evaluation of Test Results
- The results of the non-destructive and mechanical tests will be evaluated based on the requirements of the qualification welding standard.
- It needs to be confirmed if the welded joint satisfies the specified acceptance requirements.
- Where the results are not obtained as per the requirement, the qualification will be deemed as unacceptable.
Step 8: Establish the Qualification Range
The establishment of the qualification range is one of the important aspects in WPQR preparation.
Depending upon the actual test condition and applicable standard, the qualification range can include any or all of the following:
- Parent Material Group
- Material Thickness
- Pipe Diameter
- Welding Process
- Welding Position
- Joint Type
- Welding
- Consumables
- Shielding Gas
- Heat Input
- Preheat and Interpass Conditions
The qualification range has to be based on actual qualified test condition and the requirement of the applicable standard. The range cannot be extrapolated.
Step 9: Prepare the WPQR
The prepared WPQR has to contain the actual welding variables, test coupon details, examination results, mechanical test results, applicable standard and qualification range.
The traceability trail has to be established as follows:
Material Certificate -> pWPS -> Welding Test -> Actual Welding Parameters -> NDT Reports -> Mechanical Test Reports -> WPQR -> WPS
The information in all the above documents has to be consistent. Inconsistencies, if any, among the pWPS, welding data, test reports and WPQR have to be technically reviewed.
WPQR Preparation Checklist
Prior to finalizing WPQR, ensure that:
- Applicable qualification standard has been identified
- pWPS is available
- The test coupon has been identified properly
- Material certificates and traceability have been ensured
- Actual welding parameters have been documented
- Required NDT examinations have been carried out
- Required mechanical tests have been carried out
- Test results comply with the applicable acceptance criteria
- Qualification range has been properly defined
- Supporting reports are traceable to WPQR
- WPQR data is consistent with the corresponding WPS
WPQR and WPS: The Technical Connection
The WPQR is the documented result received as a result of the qualification test. The qualified results and ranges give the technical basis for the preparation of the WPS.
The relationship is presented as follows:
pWPS → Welding Qualification Test → WPQR → Qualification Range → WPS
This traceability makes sure that the production welding procedure is based on the qualification of the welding procedure.
For more detailed information about the WPQR requirements, qualifications, testing, documentation, and WPQR and WPS relationship, please refer to our WPQR Complete Guide.
Conclusion
The process of developing WPQR is a systematic process where the first step is to determine the appropriate welding qualification code and preparation of pWPS.
The subsequent steps include selecting test coupons, welding, documentation of the actual parameters, non-destructive testing (NDT), mechanical testing, interpretation of results and establishment of the qualification range.
A well-prepared Welding Procedure Qualification Record is proof of the qualification of a welding procedure and provides the technical basis for the preparation of WPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare a WPQR according to EN ISO 15614-1?
Preparing a WPQR according to EN ISO 15614-1 involves identifying the applicable qualification requirements, preparing the pWPS, selecting and identifying the test coupon, performing the welding test, recording the actual welding parameters, completing the required NDT and mechanical tests, evaluating the results, and determining the applicable qualification range.
What information should be recorded during a WPQR welding qualification test?
During a WPQR welding qualification test, the actual welding conditions should be recorded. These may include the welding process, parent material, material group, thickness, welding position, consumable, current, voltage, travel speed, preheat temperature, interpass temperature, shielding gas, number of runs or layers, welding technique, and heat input where applicable.
What tests are required for WPQR qualification?
The tests required for WPQR qualification depend on the applicable welding qualification standard and test arrangement. They may include Visual Testing (VT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Penetrant Testing (PT), tensile testing, bend testing, impact testing, hardness testing, and macroscopic examination.
How is the qualification range determined from a WPQR?
The WPQR qualification range is determined from the actual conditions used during the qualification test and the requirements of the applicable standard. Depending on the standard, it may include the parent material group, material thickness, pipe diameter, welding process, welding position, joint type, consumable, shielding gas, heat input, and preheat or interpass conditions.
What documents should be traceable to a WPQR?
For proper WPQR documentation and traceability, the material certificate, pWPS, welding test records, actual welding parameters, NDT reports, mechanical test reports, WPQR, and corresponding WPS should be linked and consistent. Any discrepancy between these records should be technically reviewed before the WPQR is finalized.
WPQR Qualification for Your Welding Procedure
First Welding Certification Pvt Ltd, (PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a. s.) carries out approval of welding procedures and corresponding test activities in accordance with applicable European and International Standards.
Ensure your welding procedure qualification is documented with the required testing, evaluation and qualification range.