Welder Qualifications

Do you want to obtain a recognized welder qualification (EN ISO 9606 series)? Materials Testing Veendam is the specialist for independent, accredited welding tests throughout the Netherlands. You can rely on us for test welding, assessment, and certification. If you want to obtain or renew your welder qualification, contact us.

What is a Welder Qualification?

A welder qualification (WQ) is the official recognition that a welder is capable of performing welding work in accordance with established standards and welding procedure specifications. Unlike a welding procedure qualification, which focuses on the procedure, a welder qualification pertains to the skills and knowledge of the individual welder.

For a welder qualification, the welder must demonstrate the ability to independently and correctly perform a weld that meets the company's requirements. An independent expert from Materials Testing Veendam will be present to verify that the welder executes the weld according to the WPS (Welding Procedure Specification). A welder qualification has a limited validity period and must be renewed regularly to prove that the welder still meets the standards.

Why Are Welder Qualifications Necessary?

Welder qualifications are essential because:

• Welding techniques are constantly evolving, with new standards and requirements.
• Classically trained welders may not always be up-to-date with modern techniques.
• Clients and insurers are increasingly demanding higher quality standards for welding work.
• A certificate alone is not sufficient; practical skills must be regularly tested.

Standards for Welder Qualifications

We perform welder qualifications according to:

• EN ISO 9606 series – Qualification of welders for steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc..
• ASME Section IX.
• AWS codes (e.g., D1.1).
• Client-specific standards and company-specific procedures.

Our Services for Welder Qualifications

MT Veendam guides you through the entire process and can handle the following:

• Organizing and attending test welds.
• Conducting destructive and non-destructive testing.
• Preparing and issuing certificates.

We perform destructive testing and issue certificates in-house. For other tasks, we collaborate with a selection of accredited partners.

Nationwide Deployment of Qualified Examiners and Assessors for Welding Tests

The freelance qualified and authorized assessors and examiners affiliated with our examination organization work across the Netherlands. This means there is always an examiner/assessor available near you. We conduct the tests independently and prepare the certificate, after which DNV or Bureau Veritas performs the final review and issues the certificate. Additionally, we assess welding tests attended by inspectors from Notified Bodies such as Lloyd's Register, Bureau Veritas, and others.

How Does a Welder Qualification Work at Materials Testing Veendam?

1. Appointment with our regional examiner.
2. Test weld performed under the examiner's supervision.
3. Visual inspection on-site.
4. Non-destructive testing (by Applus).
5. Destructive testing in our laboratory, including tensile tests, impact tests, and hardness measurements.
6. Comprehensive test report within 4–5 working days.
7. Certification by your chosen body (DNV, Bureau Veritas, etc.).