When is requalification of a welder (WPQ) required due to process/material changes?

• A. Only when a new welding operator is hired.
• B. When the process changes but material and thickness do not.
• C. When a minor revision to WPS is made.
• D. When the process, material, or thickness significantly changes or the WPS is revised; contract dictates.

Answer: (D)

Requalification is needed when the welding conditions tested for the welder could be different enough to affect weld quality. The WPQ proves the welder can produce sound welds under a defined set of variables (process, materials, thickness, positions, etc.). If any of those essential variables change significantly, or if the welding procedure specification is revised in a way that changes those variables, the welder should be requalified under the new conditions. The contract can also require requalification in such situations.

That’s why the best choice says requalification is required when the process, material, or thickness changes in a significant way or the WPS is revised, and the contract may dictate this requirement as well. A new operator or a minor WPS revision that doesn’t affect the essential variables wouldn’t automatically mandate requalification.