Qualification of Personnel for Permanent Joints (Welders)

In industrial sectors using welds as permanent joints on metal materials, welders and brazing operators must be qualified and certified by authorised bodies under specific technical standards. We operate as a Notified Body authorised under PED Directive Annex I article 3.1.2 to qualify personnel executing permanent joints.

Regulatory requirement

The PED Directive mandates that personnel responsible for performing permanent welds and joints be approved by a Notified Body (NoBo) or a Third Party Recognised by a Member State (RTPO). Certification follows ISO 17024 accreditation requirements — and we hold that accreditation status.

Standards we cover

We provide qualification and certification services aligned with major welding standards including UNI EN ISO 9606 series, UNI EN ISO 14732, ASME IX and AWS D1.1. European certifications must be issued by Notified Bodies and comply with ISO 17024 standards.

What WPQ proves

A Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) demonstrates a welder's capability to perform quality welds per required standards through practical tests and technical skill evaluations. ASME VIII-1 requires qualification per ASME Code Section IX using hands-on tests simulating real-world conditions. EN 13445 establishes comparable procedures using ISO 9606 and ISO 14732 for pressure vessel welds.

Standards flexibility

Under PED Directive requirements, welding qualifications need not follow harmonised European standards but must comply with the manufacturer-selected standards, accompanied by appropriate tests and examinations.

What's included

• UNI EN ISO 9606-1 (steel)
• UNI EN ISO 9606-2 (aluminium)
• UNI EN ISO 14732 (welding operators)
• ASME Section IX
• AWS D1.1
• ISO 17024 accredited personnel certification
• Re-validation & extension management

Benefits to your organization

• Notified Body certificates accepted internationally
• Required by PED for permanent-joint personnel
• Recognised across major fabrication codes