Identify the welding processes that welding personnel can use to obtain a qualification.

• A. SMAW only
• B. GMAW only
• C. GTAW only
• D. SMAW, GMAW and GTAW

Answer: (D)

Welding personnel are qualified by the process they will use, and the standard allows qualification in multiple processes. The three common processes used for structural welding—SMAW (shielded metal arc welding), GMAW (gas metal arc welding), and GTAW (gas tungsten arc welding)—are all acceptable for obtaining qualification. Since qualification is process-specific, a welder can be tested and certified in one, two, or all three of these processes depending on the work they’re expected to perform. The option that includes SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW reflects the reality that qualifying in more than one process is allowed and commonly needed, whereas limiting qualification to a single process does not capture the full scope of what can be earned under the standard.