Can welders qualify in a specific position without following the normal progression of qualification (e.g., from flat to horizontal, etc.)?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only for FW classification
• D. Only for S classification

Answer: (A)

The important idea here is that welding qualification is tied to the position tested, not to a mandatory sequence of positions. In CSA W47.1, you can be qualified in a specific welding position directly if the test setup, process, filler material, thickness, and joint design match the position you’re going to perform. As long as the test meets the standard’s acceptance criteria, there’s no obligation to go through flat, then horizontal, then vertical, etc., in a stepwise progression before you’re considered qualified for that position. This direct qualification is practical for jobs that will be performed in a single position. If later you need to weld in other positions, you would then obtain additional qualifications for those positions. The distinction between field versus shop classifications doesn’t change this general principle.