Are certified companies required to have welding procedure specifications?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only for critical welds
• D. Only for certain processes

Answer: (A)

Welding Procedure Specifications are the documented instructions that tell a welder exactly how to weld a given joint with a specific process and materials. In CSA W47.1, certified companies must have these specifications for every welding process used within the scope of the certification. This ensures welds are made to approved, repeatable parameters—covering variables such as base metal, filler metal, process, joint design, position, preheat and interpass temperature, shielding gas, and heat input—and provides traceability for quality inspection and audits.

The WPS is typically based on a qualification record (PQR) that demonstrates the procedure can produce acceptable welds. It should be kept up to date, readily accessible on the shop floor, and used by welders during production.

So, yes, certified companies are required to have welding procedure specifications. The other options would imply exemptions that the standard does not provide.