Welder Qualification According to EN ISO 9606-1
Introduction
EN ISO 9606-1:2017 is the European standard defining the requirements for qualification testing of fusion welders on steels. It replaced EN 287-1 and is mandatory for structures governed by standards such as EN 1090 (steel structures) and EN 13480 (industrial pipework).
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Qualification Tests
| Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Visual testing (VT) — EN ISO 17637 | Always |
| Radiographic testing (RT) — EN ISO 17636 | Butt welds (alternative UT) |
| Ultrasonic testing (UT) — EN ISO 17640 | Alternative to RT |
| Bend test — EN ISO 5173 | Butt welds (alternative RT/UT) |
| Fracture test — EN ISO 9017 | Fillet welds |
| Macroscopic examination — EN ISO 17639 | Fillet welds |
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Essential Variables
| Variable | Qualification scope |
|---|---|
| Process | Each process qualifies only that process |
| Material group | Qualification in a group covers lower groups (EN ISO 15608) |
| Consumable | Change of type invalidates the certificate |
| Thickness | Qualified at t → covers 0.5t to 2t (max. 150 mm) |
| Geometry | Plate qualifies pipe D > 150 mm |
| Position | PF covers PA, PB, PC, PE, PF |
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Scope by Position (EN ISO 6947)
| Qualified position | Positions covered |
|---|---|
| PA | PA |
| PB | PA, PB |
| PC | PA, PB, PC |
| PF | PA, PB, PC, PE, PF |
| PG | PA, PG |
| PH (pipe) | PA, PB, PC, PE, PF, PH |
| PJ (pipe) | PA, PG, PJ |
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Validity and Renewal
Initial validity: 3 years from the date of issue.
Renewal every 2 years: the responsible welding coordinator confirms in writing that the welder has worked continuously within the scope of the certificate, without interruption > 6 consecutive months.
Re-qualification (new test): mandatory if the welder has not worked within the scope of the certificate for > 6 consecutive months, or if renewal was not completed before expiry.
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Reading the Certificate
Example designation:
``` 9606-1 135 P BW 1.1 S t10 PF ss nb ```
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 135 | MAG process |
| P | Plate |
| BW | Butt weld |
| 1.1 | Material group (unalloyed structural steels) |
| S | Solid wire |
| t10 | Test thickness 10 mm |
| PF | Vertical upward |
| ss | Single side |
| nb | No backing |
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Reference Standards
- EN ISO 9606-1:2017 — Qualification testing of welders. Fusion welding. Part 1: Steels
- EN ISO 15608 — Welding. Guidelines for a metallic material grouping system
- EN ISO 6947 — Welding and allied processes. Welding positions
- EN 1090-2 — Execution of steel and aluminium structures. Technical requirements
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