ISO 3834
REQUIREMENTS
PROCESS
MALAYSIA
16 Sep 2026
ISO 3834 Certification in Malaysia: Requirements, Process & Cost for Welding Manufacturers
By Editorial Team
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Executive Summary
ISO 3834 is a global standard that helps ensure the quality of welding work. In Malaysia, companies can get certified through SIRIM QAS International. This standard has three different levels: 3834-2, which is the most detailed, 3834-3, which is standard, and 3834-4, which is the simplest.To get certified, companies need to have written welding procedures, trained welders, track the materials used, and have a quality management system in place. The certification process starts with a gap analysis and then includes two parts of an audit, which can take several months to complete. The cost depends on the size of the company, how much of their work is checked, and which quality level they choose.
ISO 3834: Overview and Levels
ISO 3834 sets quality standards for welding.
- It applies to all businesses that do metal welding, whether in a workshop or at a job site.
- It works with ISO 9001 to help manage welding properly.
- Its goal is to make sure welds are high quality and safe.
- Part 1 of ISO 3834 helps decide what quality level is needed.
- ISO 3834-2 (Comprehensive) is used for complex welding that’s very important for safety, like in petrochemical or nuclear projects.
- ISO 3834-3 (Standard) is for regular welding with some risk, such as in machinery or structures.
- ISO 3834-4 (Elementary) is for simple welding with low risk, like small repairs.
- Big projects usually need ISO 3834-2, while smaller jobs often use lower levels.
Key Requirements
Certified companies need to show they have a complete system to make sure welds are of good quality. All welders and their supervisors should be properly trained and certified. Welders must have valid certificates for welding steel (ISO 9606-1) or aluminum (ISO 9606-2). A qualified person should watch over all welding work according to ISO 14731. They need to create written Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (WPQR), and check these documents often. All materials used, like metals and welding materials, must have proof of quality through Material Test Certificates (MTCs) and each batch should be traced back properly. The welding tools need to be kept in good working condition, and the environment during welding, such as temperature, has to follow set standards. Each weld should be tested using the right methods, like non-destructive testing. They also need to keep detailed records and do regular checks inside the company to make sure everything is working as it should.
| ISO 3834 Part | Quality Level | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 3834-2 | Comprehensive (highest) | High-risk industries (pressure vessels, offshore, nuclear) |
| 3834-3 | Standard | General fabrication (machinery, structural steel) |
| 3834-4 | Elementary | Simple/low-risk welding, small workshops |
Certification Process
Check the welding quality management system against ISO 3834 to find any missing welding procedure specs, records, and training.
Get all needed documents ready, including new welding procedure specs, training for staff on ISO 14731 and inspection steps, and collect welder certifications.
Stage 1 Audit: A certification body looks at the documents to check if everything is ready, making sure welding specs, welder qualifications, and weld coordinators are all set.
Stage 2 Audit: A visit to the site happens to watch the welding work, ensuring it follows approved specs and that records are properly kept.
Certification Decision: If everything meets the standards, a certificate is given, which is valid for three years.
Surveillance Audits: Annual checks are done to make sure the company keeps up with the standards; also, let the auditor know about any big changes in products or processes.
Timeline for certification: It takes between 4 to 10 weeks from the start of the audit until the certificate is issued; if the company already has an ISO 9001 system, the process can be quicker.
Cost Considerations
- The cost of getting ISO 3834 certification can be different depending on several things.
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Company size & scope | More welders, multiple sites or product lines => more audit days |
| Quality level | Level 2 audits are longer and involve more testing than Level 3/4 |
| Existing Documentation | Well-documented WPS/WPQR and QA systems reduce audit prep time |
| Number of Processes | More welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, etc.) and material types increase audit complexity |
For small businesses, the cost is usually between RM 10,000 and RM 30,000.
For bigger companies or those needing Level 2 certification, the cost can go up to RM 50,000 or more.
These costs cover things like a gap analysis, setting up procedures, updating welder certifications, and paying for the audit.
You should also think about the yearly fees for checking the certification. Always ask for detailed cost estimates to plan your budget properly.
FAQ
Is ISO 3834 mandatory in Malaysia?
Not by law for general welding, but it’s often required contractually in industries like petrochemical or pressure equipment. ISO 3834 shows you meet international welding norms, which many clients demand.
Which level should we choose (2, 3 or 4)?
ISO 3834-1 provides criteria for selecting. Typically, if you fabricate safety-critical or heavy-industry equipment, go for 3834-2. For ordinary structural work, 3834-3 is common. 3834-4 is only for very simple, low-risk welding. Review your product type and risk to decide.
How long does certification take?
From starting preparations to certificate, expect a few months. The Stage 1 and 2 audits themselves usually take 1–3 days. After passing, you get a 3-year certificate with annual surveillance.
Who certifies ISO 3834 in Malaysia?
Accredited bodies such as SIRIM QAS International (accredited by Standards Malaysia), Lloyd’s Register, TUV, RINA, and others offer ISO 3834 certification. Choose one experienced in welding standards.
Can we combine ISO 3834 audit with ISO 9001?
Yes. Since ISO 3834 is a supplement to ISO 9001, many firms arrange a joint audit. Overlapping requirements (like management review, document control) can save time. Discuss combined audit options with your CB.