EN 1090

COMPLIANCE

ELEMENTS

EN 1090 WPS & WPQR Requirements: Ensuring Welding Quality and Compliance

By PZVAR Technical Editorial Team

9 Min Read

10 Aug 2026

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways

Documentations

Process Flow

Tips

Checklist

Introduction

In EN 1090 (CE marking for steel structures), welding procedure control is critical. Manufacturers must document Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and support them with valid Welding Procedure Qualification Records (WPQR). A WPS is an “approved welding method” that prescribes how to weld (base metals, filler, parameters, etc.), while the WPQR (also called WPAR) is the evidence that this procedure was tested and approved. Welders themselves must also be qualified per ISO 9606-1 (covering process, material, position). Under EN 1090-2, EXC2/3/4 structures require documented, approved procedures (often per ISO 15614‑1). This post explores scope, definitions, procedure content, tests, acceptance, documentation, audit checkpoints, and practical templates. It draws on official standards (EN 1090-1/2, ISO 15614-1, ISO 9606-1, ISO 3834) and PZVAR guidance to provide a rigorous, actionable guide.

Scope and Applicability

EN 1090-1/2 apply to CE-marked steel (and aluminum) structures in construction. In practice, any structural steel fabrication on the EU market must follow EN 1090-2 welding rules (steel) or EN 1090-3 (aluminum). These standards set execution classes (EXC1–EXC4) based on risk, which determine the strictness of requirements. Notably, from EXC2 upward (standard quality regime) through EXC4 (highest risk), WPS and WPQR are mandatory. (Air Products notes EN 1090-2 allows “standard” WPQR packages for EXC2 or lower, but full procedure qualification is required for EXC3/4.) EN 1090-1 (CE marking) requires a Factory Production Control (FPC) system with documented procedures. This FPC includes welding coordination and quality control (per ISO 3834). In short, any EN 1090 scope steel project needs a certified welding quality management system: written WPSs with WPQRs, qualified welders, tracking of parameters and materials, and retention of records.

Key Definitions

  • Welding Procedure Specification (WPS): An approved welding method that outlines all steps, parameters and conditions for welding a joint. It is essentially the “recipe” or instructions (base metals, joint details, process, filler, current, shielding gas, preheat/interpass temperatures, travel speed, etc.) that qualified welders must follow. A WPS is often first drafted as a preliminary WPS (pWPS) used during procedure qualification.
  • Welding Procedure Qualification Record (WPQR/WPAR): The documented proof that a WPS is valid. It records the procedure qualification test (WPQT) – including actual parameters and test results – demonstrating the WPS produces sound welds. The WPQR is issued after destructive and NDT tests on a test coupon (as per ISO 15614-1), and is typically reviewed/countersigned by an independent examiner.
  • Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ or Welder Certificate): A record that a welder/operator has demonstrated ability to make quality welds under defined conditions, per ISO 9606 (steel) or ISO 14732 (NC/TIG) etc. ISO 9606-1 certificates specify the qualified process, position, thickness range, and material group. Welders must be qualified for the specific WPS they use; note that welders must re-qualify if they do not use the process for >6 months.
  • Execution Class (EXC1–EXC4): The EN 1090 risk category of the structure, set by the designer. Higher EXC means tighter welding/QC requirements. For welding, EXC2 (standard) and above require documented WPS and WPQR support, and typically follow ISO 3834 quality levels (EXC2→ISO 3834-3, EXC3/4→ISO 3834-2).

WPS Content and Mandatory Fields

A compliant WPS must cover all essential variables for the process. Although EN 1090 itself doesn’t list every field, it defers to welding standards (ISO 15607 and ISO 15609 series) for WPS format. In practice, a typical WPS includes (at minimum):

  • Joint design (type of weld, groove geometry, backing, etc.) and position (e.g. PA, PB, PC for flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead)
  • Base metals (steel grade or ISO 15608 P-number/group) and thickness range
  • Welding process (e.g. GMAW, SMAW) and essential parameters (current range, voltage, travel speed, heat input)
  • Filler metal classification (electrode/wire type, e.g. ER70S-6) and shielding gas (type, flow rate)
  • Electrical settings (AC/DC, polarity if applicable) and preheat/interpass temperatures
  • Whether any post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is required
  • Welder identity and qualification reference (the WPS is tied to qualified personnel)
  • Reference to the governing standard and range of qualified conditions (often a summary of the WPQR)

By including these, the WPS “freezes” the technique to what has been qualified. The PZVAR guide notes that a WPS “gives everyone the same instructions” so each weld is done consistently. (For example, it ensures one welder doesn’t use a different electrode or position than another, which would produce varying quality.)

In addition, EN 1090-2 §7.4.1 mandates that the WPS follow the procedure approved by the WPQR. Any change to an essential variable (material group, thickness outside qualified range, new process or position, different filler, etc.) requires a new procedure qualification. ISO 15614‑1 Annex B defines all essential-variable rules; manufacturers should record the exact ranges of qualification in the WPQR and ensure production WPS stay within those ranges.

WPQR Purpose, Tests, and Acceptance Criteria

The WPQR (or WPAR) is generated by performing a Welding Procedure Qualification Test (WPQT) per EN ISO 15614‑1 (for steel). Its purpose is to prove the WPS yields sound welds. Key points:

  • Purpose: The WPQR “shows a welding procedure was tested and approved”. It supports the WPS by documenting the preliminary WPS used and the test outcomes.
  • Testing: The WPQT involves welding a representative coupon using the pWPS, then subjecting it to required non-destructive and destructive tests. NDT always includes visual inspection and crack detection (MT or PT), plus 100% volumetric inspection (RT or UT) for butt welds. Destructive tests typically include: transverse tensile (2 specimens, ISO 4136), bend tests (face/root/side bends, ISO 5173), macro-etch examination (ISO 17639), hardness survey (ISO 9015, when required by material), and Charpy V-notch impact tests (ISO 148, for low-temperature or high-strength steels). (The exact matrix depends on the product standard; EN 1090-2 refers to ISO 5817: for qualification pieces, the default acceptance is often Level B (stringent).)
  • Acceptance Criteria: All tests must meet the criteria given in the relevant standards. For example, weld soundness and defect limits follow ISO 5817 levels for quality. If any test fails, the WPS must be adjusted (e.g. change filler or heat input) and re-tested.
  • WPQR Documentation: The output is the Welding Procedure Approval Record (WPAR/WPQR), which must include: the reference preliminary WPS (pWPS), all actual welding parameters used, and all test certificates and reports traceable to the weld coupons. It should also list the range of qualification (thickness range, material groups, positions) based on the test results and ISO 15614 rules. An independent examiner (or examining body) must review and countersign the WPQR – EN ISO 15614-1 explicitly forbids self-certification of WPQRs for CE projects.

In summary, the WPQR validates the WPS. Both documents must be kept together: the WPS (for daily production) and the WPQR (the proof it’s qualified). ISO 3834-2 further requires that all production WPS be supported by an in-range WPQR, and that qualification continuity be maintained. PZVAR emphasizes this chain: “A WPS must be paired with a qualified WPQR, as required by the applicable code”. No WPQR = no valid WPS, no compliant welding.

Welder Qualification and WPQ

Welder qualification (sometimes called Welder Performance Qualification, WPQ) is distinct from procedure qualification. EN 1090-2 §7.5 requires welders to be certified under EN ISO 9606‑1 (for steel) or ISO 14732 (for TIG/NDT operators) for the processes and positions they use. Practically, this means each welder must hold a current ISO 9606-1 certificate covering the welding process, base material group, joint type and position to be welded.

ISO 9606-1 defines a range of approval for the certificate (process, thickness, diameter, positions, material groups). For example, a plate test butt weld qualifies thickness from 3 mm up to 2×t (with t test thickness). It is the manufacturer’s duty to ensure each production weld falls within a qualified range. If a joint lies outside that range or the process changes (essential variable), the welder must re-qualify. PZVAR notes that welders’ and procedure qualifications are separate: a skilled welder still needs a proper WPS/WPQR, and vice versa.

Additionally, EN ISO 14731 requires a Responsible Welding Coordinator (RWC) for EXC2 and above. The RWC (often the Quality Manager or Lead Engineer) oversees the welding program, WPS/WPQR records, welder qual, NDT planning and more. Their qualification (as per ISO 14731) depends on EXC and materials. Although not a “procedure” per se, assigning a qualified RWC and defining their duties is an audit expectation (noted by PZVAR and EN 1090-2).

Documentation, Retention and Traceability

Under EN 1090, every weld must be traceable to its WPS/WPQR, materials, and qualification records. EN 1090-1 §6.3.5–6.3.7 requires material certificates and inspection records, and 1090-2 §7 and Annex D require production parameters be recorded within WPS limits. In practice, manufacturers keep welding logbooks that track each weld ID, WPS used, welder ID, heat numbers, preheat/interpass readings, and NDT results.

Retention of records is long-term: the Construction Products Regulation (EU) requires keeping Declaration of Performance, FPC records and critical documentation for at least 10 years. EN 1090-1 similarly expects all FPC (including WPS/WPQR) records to be maintained – typically a decade. ISO 3834-2 also mandates retention of welding records (certificates, logs, WPQR, etc.) for contractual obligations.

Therness (2025) emphasizes that traceability links each weld to its WPS, WPQR, materials, operator, and inspection results. It recommends using structured IDs and time-stamping systems to ensure this chain. PZVAR’s checklist highlights that lacking material traceability (mill certificates, batch IDs) or losing weld records is a major audit risk. In short, complete weld-by-weld documentation is essential for compliance.

Audit Checklist & Common Nonconformities

PZVAR and industry guides converge on common audit failures. Based on their experience, typical non-conformities include:

  • Missing or incomplete WPS/WPQR: Auditors often find no formal WPS or WPS without a valid WPQR. PZVAR explicitly warns: before audit, verify you have approved WPS documents and valid WPQR documentation. An outdated or non-qualified WPS is a major finding.
  • Unqualified welders: Expired or incomplete welder certificates (ISO 9606) are frequent issues. If a welder’s WPQ has lapsed or doesn’t cover the actual process/position, all associated welds are questionable.
  • Missing parameter records: For EXC3/4, EN 1090 auditors expect every weld’s actual current/voltage, heat-input, preheat and interpass to be logged (per EN 1090-2 Annex D). Failing to record or verify these (e.g., “preheat assumed” instead of measured) leads to findings.
  • Incomplete NDT/inspection reports: Auditors treat undocumented NDT as if it didn’t happen. Missing radiography, MT/PT reports, or calibration certificates often show up.
  • Weak welding coordination: If no qualified RWC is assigned or responsibilities undefined, auditors will note it. EN 1090-2 (and ISO 3834) require a clear organizational structure for welding oversight.
  • General FPC lapses: While focused on WPS/WPQR, audits also hit factory production control issues – missing FPC manuals, no internal audits, or lack of corrective action systems. PZVAR’s “Scorecard” shows WPS/WPQR along with material traceability and welder quals as Critical areas.

To prepare, PZVAR advises a rigorous pre-audit review: ensure every production WPS has a supporting WPQR, all welder certs are current, NDT plans/results are archived, and the welding coordinator’s duties are defined. A concise audit checklist might look like:

  • Approved WPS(s) with defined scope (material, thickness, positions, etc.).
  • Valid WPQR(s) / WPAR(s) covering each WPS (with independent exam approval).
  • Current ISO 9606-1 welder/operator certificates for each process used.
  • Welding coordinator assigned (per EN 1090-2§4 and ISO 14731) with qualifications.
  • All welding parameter logs (preheat, current, heat input) and NDT reports per joint.
  • Material certificates (mill tests) and batch traceability records.
  • CE documentation (DoP, Control Plan) and FPC Manual up to date (10-year retention).

Meeting these items will prevent the Major non-conformities that delay certification.

WPS & WPQR Templates (Examples)

While every company’s WPS/WPQR forms differ, typical outlines include:

  • WPS Template (Word/PDF): Should have fields/sections for Company, WPS ID, title, process, base metal (specification/group), thickness range, joint design and welding position, filler metal type and grade, shielding gas, electrical parameters (amperage, voltage), preheat/interpass, heat input, post-weld treatments, qualified range (ref WPQR), approved by (signatures and dates). For example, Magmaweld’s guidelines list method, metals, joint, position, filler, gas, electrical settings, interpass, heat input, etc. as minimum content.
  • WPQR Template: Should include WPQR ID, reference pWPS ID, test date, base metal group and thickness, joint type, welding process and parameters used (actual values), shielding gas, filler used, lab/CU numbers, list of destructive tests performed with results (pass/fail, measurements), NDT reports (RT/UT, MT/PT), and names/signatures of welding supervisor, examiner, laboratory. It should conclude with the range of qualification (per ISO 15614 annex B) and a statement of approval. PZVAR suggests a typical package includes: preliminary WPS, material details, welding settings, test outcomes, NDT reports, lab findings, the WPQR itself, and the final production WPS.

Sample files: We have provided downloadable template files for a WPS and WPQR (both Word and PDF). These include all the fields above as editable forms. Download WPS Template (Word) • WPQR Template (Word). (PDF versions are also available via the same links or by printing to PDF.)

Process Flow and Timeline

A simplified process flow for welding procedure approval looks like this (illustrated by Mermaid diagram):

And a typical timeline for a WPQR:

Key Compliance Tips

  • Plan early: Don’t leave WPS/WPQR to the last minute. PZVAR warns that an entire project can be delayed if the welding procedure isn’t properly approved. Draft the pWPS and schedule WPQT before fabrication begins.
  • Match standards: Always use the latest applicable standards. EN 1090-2 defers to ISO 15614-1 for WPQTs, so ensure your tester and welder follow that for steels. Similarly, ISO 9606-1 (latest) governs welder tests.
  • Control essential variables: Before testing, cross-check all ISO 15614-1 Annex B ranges. Overlooked limits (e.g. plate vs pipe, minimum preheat) are common pitfalls.
  • Record actuals: Log actual welding parameters (not just nominal). The WPQR must include the real amperage/voltage/heat-input used. Auditors often find missing or hand-copied data; automated welding data capture is strongly recommended.
  • Organization: Maintain a well-indexed “Welding records” binder or database. Link each WPS and WPQR to the welders and inspectors. In ISO 3834 fashion, every weld needs a genealogy: who welded it, which procedure, which certificate, which test/inspection.
  • Audit readiness: Use PZVAR’s audit checklist as a guide. An internal mock audit focusing on welding (checking WPS, WPQR, weld logs, certs) can uncover gaps early. Address any non-conformity promptly – e.g. issue missing WPQRs, requalify welders, or retrain welders if needed.

Standards Clause Comparison

The table below summarizes how EN 1090 clauses align with ISO welding standards and PZVAR guidance:

Sources: EN 1090 clauses (see above), ISO welding standards (via ISO.org), and PZVAR guidance.

Conclusion

Implementing robust WPS/WPQR control is a cornerstone of EN 1090 compliance. The standards and guides unanimously require that every CE-marked welded component be fabricated according to a qualified procedure, with proper documentation and qualified personnel. By following the steps outlined above – from drafting WPS, conducting WPQR tests per ISO 15614-1, certifying welders to ISO 9606-1, and keeping meticulous records – manufacturers can ensure their welding quality is auditable and compliant. As PZVAR emphasizes, treating WPS and WPQR as “important parts of the quality control system” pays off in consistent weld quality, easier certification, and fewer corrective actions.

Audit Checklist (WPS/WPQR focus):

  • Approved WPS(s) with defined scope (material, thickness, position, process).
  • Corresponding WPQR/WPAR for each WPS, reviewed by examiners.
  • ISO 9606-1 welder/operator certificates covering all current welding tasks.
  • Defined Welding Coordinator (RWC) and responsibilities (per EN 1090-2).
  • Welders’ actual parameters recorded and verified per WPS (preheat, interpass, heat input).
  • Complete NDT/inspection logs linked to each weld.
  • Material certificates and batch IDs traceable to welds.
  • All records (WPS, WPQR, certs, reports) organized and retained (≥10 years).

Following this guide will help quality managers and engineers navigate the complexities of EN 1090 welding requirements, and ensure readiness for certification audits.

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