Welder certification confirms that a given individual possesses the appropriate qualifications and skills to perform welds in accordance with applicable standards. In industries such as construction, energy, and automotive, welding quality determines the safety of structures. Therefore, an increasing number of companies require their employees to hold current certifications.
The most commonly used standard for welder qualifications in Europe is ISO 9606It defines the scope of the examination and the criteria for assessing welds. Depending on the type of material and welding method, the examination may be conducted for steel, aluminum, or titanium, for example.
In addition to ISO 9606, there are also other standards such as EN 287 (older version, currently being replaced) or ASME IX used in the USA.
Certification is required primarily in companies that:
they produce steel structures, bridges, pressure vessels,
operate in the shipbuilding, energy or petrochemical industries,
they work for clients who require strict quality standards.
In practice, this means that most professional welders who want to work on large projects must have a current certificate.
The exam consists of two parts:
Practical part – the welder performs a specific joint (e.g. fillet, butt) in a selected position.
Part of the assessment – samples are subjected to non-destructive tests (e.g. X-ray, ultrasound) or destructive tests (e.g. bending test).
The examination assesses not only the quality of the weld, but also the compliance of the entire process with the requirements of the standard.
As standard, the welder's certificate is valid 2 yearsTo extend it, it is necessary to document continuous work in the profession and meet the conditions specified in the standard. In some cases, additional follow-up examinations are required.
To increase your chances of passing the exam:
train your chosen welding method (MIG/MAG, TIG, MMA),
repeat exercises in different welding positions,
consult a welding instructor or advisor,
Please read the requirements of ISO 9606 carefully.
Professional welding advice can help you:
preparing welders for the exam,
selecting the appropriate standard and scope of qualifications,
development of welding technology (WPS),
conducting qualification tests and training.
Thanks to the support of experts, the certification process runs more smoothly and welders are better prepared for the exams.
Welder certification is a key element in ensuring quality and safety in many industries. ISO 9606 clearly defines the requirements and method for assessing welds. Having a current certificate increases your chances of finding a job and provides companies with proof of professionalism and compliance with standards.
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