Are certified companies required to have welding procedure data sheets?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if the project requires it
• D. Only for critical components

Answer: (A)

Welding procedure data sheets must be kept for certified shops because the welding procedure specification defines exactly how each weld is to be made and serves as the basis for qualification, production, and inspection. This documentation ensures that welders follow a controlled, approved set of parameters every time, providing consistency and traceability across all welds performed in the shop. A WPDS (or equivalent WPS documentation) captures essential variables such as the welding process, base and filler metals, welding position, preheat and interpass temperatures, heat input, joint design, shielding gas, and any post-weld heat treatment requirements. Having these details written down allows inspectors to verify that welds were produced to the approved procedure and helps maintain compliance with the certification. This requirement exists for the processes used in the shop, not only for specific projects or only for critical components. So the correct stance is that certified companies are required to have welding procedure data sheets.