Prerequisites to qualify an ASME code welder

[bwillis47]

ASME Boiler Code, Section IX, discusses details on the actual qualification process, regarding welding and inspecting of qualification test coupons; however, I don't seem to find any information on prerequisite training or experience prior to the actual qualification test. Is there any guidance available on this. I'm afraid that, without some experience, a candidate may "get lucky" with his test coupon, but not have the capability of consistently producing acceptable welds.

 

[Mr168]

There's nothing that restricts your hire-on test from making them exceed minimum standards or conditions per Section IX. It also helps to have an inspector in the test shop that knows what he's doing. I.E, if you've got a guy who's doing more grinding than welding and takes 10 hours to run a coupon, he may pass RT, but he's probably going to be worthless to you on the job.

Unfortunately, experience doesn't always make or break who's capable and who is not. That's why the individual welder's reject rates should be watched closely.