Welding Procedure Qualification: What to Expect

Developing and qualifying a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) is a critical step in ensuring weld quality, safety, and compliance with industry standards. Whether you're fabricating structural steel, pressure vessels, or specialised components, a properly qualified WPS provides confidence that your welding processes meet the required performance criteria.

At DEG Survey & Inspection, the qualification process is designed to be thorough, transparent, and supportive from start to finish. Here’s what it typically involves.

Onsite Consultation and Planning

The process begins with an onsite meeting to understand the specific requirements of your business, including materials, joint configurations, welding positions, and applicable standards. This ensures the WPS is tailored to your operational context and compliance obligations.

Welder Briefings and Test Preparation

Welders are briefed on the expectations and testing process. DEG provides machined test plates and, where possible, conducts bend and break-over tests onsite. This immediate feedback allows welders to know straight away whether they’ve met the required standard.

If a test is unsuccessful, welders receive clear information about the discontinuities that led to the failure—supporting learning and improvement.

Laboratory Processing and Certification

Weld samples that meet acceptance criteria are returned to the laboratory for further analysis and certification. DEG qualifies welding procedures and performs inspections across a wide range of equipment types, in accordance with relevant standards and specification acceptance criteria.

Where appropriate, volumetric non-destructive testing (NDT)—such as radiographic or ultrasonic testing—can be used in place of mechanical testing to verify weld quality.

Final Documentation

At the conclusion of the project, clients receive a complete documentation package. This includes the final WPS, Procedure Qualification Records (PQRs), welder test certificates, and Welder Qualification Certificates—ready for audit, compliance, or operational use.

Why It Matters

A qualified WPS is more than a technical requirement—it’s a safeguard for quality, safety, and accountability. By following a structured and transparent process, organisations can ensure their welding practices are fit for purpose and aligned with industry expectations.