Skip to content
Institute For Oil & Gas Training
OGI-1275 New

Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) Training Course

Duration
5 days
CPD hours
15
Language
English
Next date
26 Oct 2026
View dates & register Download brochure

We use your details only to answer this enquiry. See our privacy policy.

Overview

The Welding Procedure Specification and Procedure Qualification Record Training Course from Institute For Oil & Gas Training develops the practical capability required to prepare, qualify, review and control welding procedures across oil and gas operations. Welding Procedure Specification and Procedure Qualification Record processes are fundamental to consistent weld quality, fabrication integrity and technical compliance in pipeline construction, pressure equipment manufacturing, refinery maintenance, offshore installations and industrial engineering projects.

Welding activities in the oil and gas sector involve demanding operating conditions, critical equipment and materials that require controlled fabrication practices. Welding procedures establish the essential instructions for production welding, while qualification records provide documented evidence that a proposed procedure achieves the required mechanical and metallurgical performance under specified conditions. Understanding how WPS and PQR documents work together enables engineering teams to control welding variables, verify procedure qualification and maintain reliable procedure documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

Organisations frequently encounter difficulties when welding procedures are prepared without sufficient technical detail, qualification records are incomplete, or production welding activities deviate from approved parameters. These weaknesses create uncertainty during fabrication inspections, increase the likelihood of weld rejection and rework, complicate quality audits and expose projects to avoidable delays. Inconsistent interpretation of applicable standards also creates challenges when contractors, inspection personnel, welding engineers and project quality teams work across different facilities or contractual requirements.

The Welding Procedure Specification and Procedure Qualification Record course addresses these challenges by explaining the complete relationship between welding requirements, procedure development, qualification testing, technical review and production implementation. Participants examine the information required in a WPS, the evidence recorded in a PQR and the controls necessary to demonstrate that qualified procedures remain suitable for their intended applications.

Delivered by Institute For Oil & Gas Training, this programme focuses on practical applications within oil and gas fabrication, construction, maintenance and asset integrity environments. It connects welding engineering principles with the documentation and inspection responsibilities that support quality assurance throughout the welding process.

Participants explore the significance of material specifications, welding processes, joint design, filler metals, preheat requirements, interpass temperature, heat input and post-weld heat treatment. They also examine how essential variables influence procedure qualification and how changes to qualified parameters affect the validity and applicability of an established welding procedure.

The course addresses recognised industry standards, including ASME BPVC Section IX, which provides qualification requirements for welding, brazing and fusing procedures and personnel within its scope. Relevant ISO standards are also considered where applicable to the organisation's activities, contractual requirements and selected qualification route. Participants learn to distinguish procedure qualification requirements from production acceptance criteria and understand why the governing construction code must be identified before approving a welding procedure.

Particular attention is given to procedure documentation, traceability, qualification test records and the review of supporting evidence. Participants learn how to identify discrepancies between approved welding procedures and actual production conditions, assess the completeness of qualification records and support corrective actions when documentation or technical requirements are not satisfied.

The programme also explores coordination between welding engineering, quality assurance, non-destructive testing, procurement, fabrication contractors and project management teams. This cross-functional perspective helps organisations maintain consistent welding controls from procedure development through production, inspection, final acceptance and project handover.

By completing this training, participants strengthen their ability to interpret welding documentation, assess qualification evidence and apply established procedural controls within their responsibilities. Institute For Oil & Gas Training equips professionals with a structured understanding of WPS and PQR management that supports repeatable welding quality, dependable technical records and effective project execution.

Objectives

  • Explain the purpose, scope and relationship of a Welding Procedure Specification and a Procedure Qualification Record.

  • Identify the information required to establish clear and technically appropriate welding procedures.

  • Interpret relevant requirements in ASME BPVC Section IX and applicable ISO welding qualification standards.

  • Distinguish procedure qualification from welder performance qualification and production weld acceptance.

  • Identify essential, supplementary essential and non-essential variables where these classifications apply under the governing qualification standard.

  • Evaluate the influence of base materials, filler metals, welding processes and joint configurations on procedure qualification.

  • Assess preheat, interpass temperature, heat input and post-weld heat treatment requirements within the applicable qualification framework.

  • Review PQR test results and supporting evidence to establish whether qualification requirements have been satisfied.

  • Recognise limitations associated with qualified material groups, thickness ranges, welding positions and other applicable qualification ranges.

  • Examine WPS and PQR documents for accuracy, completeness, consistency and traceability.

  • Identify discrepancies between approved procedures, qualification records and actual production welding parameters.

  • Apply structured document review practices to support technical approval and revision control.

  • Determine when proposed welding procedure changes require technical evaluation or additional qualification under the governing standard.

  • Improve coordination between welding engineering, inspection, fabrication, quality assurance and project management teams.

  • Support audit readiness and effective retention of welding qualification records.

  • Contribute to reduced documentation errors, avoidable weld rework and delays associated with incomplete or unsuitable welding procedures.

Training methodology

The Welding Procedure Specification and Procedure Qualification Record Training Course uses a practical, industry-focused delivery approach that connects technical principles with the documentation and quality challenges encountered in oil and gas operations. Institute For Oil & Gas Training combines guided technical explanations, document reviews, case studies, group exercises and scenario-based problem-solving to develop skills that participants can apply within their organisations.

Practical WPS and PQR Document Review

Participants examine representative Welding Procedure Specifications and Procedure Qualification Records to understand how individual documents support welding quality and procedural control. Exercises focus on identifying required information, checking document consistency and recognising omissions that affect technical review.

Participants review welding process details, base material identification, filler metal classifications, joint preparation, welding positions, preheat conditions, interpass temperature and post-weld heat treatment requirements. They examine how these details connect to qualification evidence and production instructions.

Welding Qualification Case Studies

Industry-based case studies demonstrate how welding procedures are developed and qualified for different fabrication requirements. Scenarios cover pipeline welding, pressure equipment fabrication, structural connections and maintenance applications.

Participants assess situations involving changes to welding processes, material groups, filler metals and other relevant variables. They determine which information requires review and identify the applicable qualification requirements before recommending a technical response.

Procedure Documentation Exercises

Structured exercises develop participants' ability to examine procedure documentation for completeness, consistency and traceability. Participants compare WPS requirements with the associated PQR evidence and identify discrepancies involving material identification, test results, welding parameters and supporting records.

These exercises reinforce the distinction between a proposed production welding procedure and the documented results of a qualification test. They also develop a disciplined approach to revision control, approval records and document retention.

Welding Variable Assessment

Participants explore how welding variables influence procedure qualification and production control. Exercises examine process selection, electrical parameters, travel speed, heat input, material thickness, welding position, shielding conditions and heat treatment requirements where relevant to the governing standard.

Scenario-based discussions demonstrate how changes to specified variables are evaluated against applicable qualification rules. Participants learn to distinguish variables that require particular attention from those whose significance depends on the selected process and qualification standard.

Group Exercises and Technical Discussions

Small-group activities encourage participants to assess welding documentation from engineering, inspection, fabrication and quality assurance perspectives. Groups identify risks, propose corrective actions and explain the reasoning behind their recommendations.

Technical discussions also address common coordination issues between contractors, client representatives, welding engineers and quality personnel. This approach helps participants develop consistent interpretations of requirements and improve communication during procedure review and approval.

Application to Workplace Responsibilities

The course concludes with integrated scenarios that bring together procedure development, qualification evidence, documentation review and production implementation. Participants evaluate a representative welding package, identify gaps and recommend actions to strengthen technical control.

Institute For Oil & Gas Training emphasises the transfer of learning to workplace responsibilities. Participants leave with a structured method for reviewing WPS and PQR documentation, assessing procedural changes and supporting effective welding quality management.

Organisational impact

Effective Welding Procedure Specification and Procedure Qualification Record management supports the reliability of fabrication activities and the consistency of quality controls across oil and gas projects. Organisations that maintain clear procedures, suitable qualification evidence and disciplined document control establish a stronger foundation for welding quality assurance.

Improved Welding Quality and Consistency

A properly developed and controlled WPS gives production personnel a documented reference for carrying out welding activities. Linking the procedure to suitable qualification evidence supports the selection of appropriate welding parameters and reduces uncertainty during fabrication.

The training helps organisations establish more consistent approaches to procedure review, approval and implementation. Better control of welding variables supports repeatable workmanship and helps quality teams identify deviations before they affect completed components.

Reduced Rework and Fabrication Delays

Incomplete qualification records, incorrect material references and inconsistent welding instructions create avoidable interruptions during fabrication and inspection. Early identification of these issues reduces the likelihood of discovering significant documentation gaps at final inspection or project handover.

Participants learn to identify procedural inconsistencies and missing evidence before welding activities proceed. This strengthens the organisation's ability to address problems earlier, coordinate corrective actions and reduce unnecessary delays caused by documentation deficiencies.

Stronger Compliance and Audit Readiness

Oil and gas welding activities operate under project-specific contractual requirements, applicable construction codes and relevant welding qualification standards. Organisations need to demonstrate that procedures have been qualified appropriately and that production activities follow approved requirements.

The course strengthens the capability to maintain coherent WPS and PQR records, supporting test documentation, approval histories and controlled revisions. This improves the availability of evidence during internal audits, client inspections, third-party reviews and technical assessments.

Compliance decisions remain dependent on the governing code, contract and project specification. The training provides a structured approach to identifying and applying the requirements relevant to each welding application.

Better Control of Welding Variables

Uncontrolled changes to welding parameters can affect weld properties and qualification validity. Organisations need personnel who understand how changes are evaluated under the applicable qualification standard and when technical review is necessary.

Participants develop a clearer understanding of welding variable classifications and their relationship to procedure qualification. This supports better change management, more reliable production instructions and improved communication between engineering and fabrication teams.

Improved Traceability and Document Management

Reliable traceability connects welding procedures with qualification records, material identification, test results, approvals and production records. Inconsistent document references weaken confidence in the technical basis for welding activities and complicate investigations.

The course reinforces systematic document identification, revision control and evidence management. These practices help organisations retrieve records efficiently, verify the basis of approved procedures and maintain continuity across contractors, facilities and project phases.

Stronger Coordination Across Project Teams

Welding procedure management involves several functions, including engineering, quality assurance, inspection, procurement, fabrication and project controls. Misalignment between these functions creates conflicting instructions and unnecessary review cycles.

A shared understanding of WPS and PQR requirements improves communication and clarifies responsibilities. Engineering teams can provide more complete technical documentation, inspectors can identify relevant evidence, and fabrication personnel can work from controlled instructions.

More Effective Risk Management

Welding quality failures can lead to repair costs, schedule disruption, additional inspection, equipment downtime and concerns about long-term asset integrity. Effective procedure qualification does not eliminate every welding risk, but it establishes an important control within the wider fabrication quality system.

By improving procedural discipline and documentation quality, organisations strengthen their ability to identify weaknesses, investigate deviations and implement corrective actions. These improvements support dependable fabrication outcomes and more controlled project delivery.

Personal impact

The Welding Procedure Specification and Procedure Qualification Record Training Course develops practical technical knowledge for professionals responsible for welding engineering, inspection, fabrication quality and project execution.

Stronger Technical Understanding

Participants gain a clearer understanding of how WPS documents translate welding requirements into production instructions and how PQR records demonstrate the results of procedure qualification testing. This knowledge enables them to interpret welding documentation with greater confidence.

Improved Document Review Skills

Participants strengthen their ability to assess the completeness and consistency of welding procedures and qualification records. They learn to identify missing information, conflicting parameters, unclear material references and insufficient supporting evidence.

These skills support more effective technical reviews and help participants contribute constructively to document approval processes.

Better Understanding of Welding Variables

The course develops awareness of the variables that influence welding procedure qualification. Participants improve their ability to recognise the significance of process selection, material combinations, filler metals, temperature controls and other parameters under the relevant standard.

This capability supports informed discussions with welding engineers, inspectors and production teams.

Increased Confidence in Compliance Discussions

Participants become more familiar with recognised qualification standards and the importance of identifying the correct governing requirements. They learn to distinguish procedural qualification requirements from welder qualification and production inspection criteria.

This understanding improves their contribution to technical meetings, quality reviews and project discussions.

Stronger Problem-Solving Capability

Through practical exercises, participants develop a structured method for investigating documentation discrepancies and procedural deviations. They learn to establish the nature of a problem, identify the applicable requirements and determine which records require further examination.

Career and Professional Development

Knowledge of WPS and PQR management supports professionals working in welding inspection, fabrication, quality assurance, engineering and asset integrity. The skills gained complement existing technical responsibilities and strengthen participants' contribution to controlled welding operations.

The course provides professional development through structured training and practical application. It does not replace any separate qualification, licence or competence assessment required by an employer, client or governing standard.

Who should attend

  • Welding Engineers: Develop and review welding procedures and assess qualification evidence against applicable technical requirements.

  • Welding Inspectors: Strengthen their ability to examine WPS and PQR documentation during fabrication inspections.

  • Quality Assurance and Quality Control Engineers: Improve documentation control, traceability, inspection planning and welding quality verification.

  • Senior Welding Inspectors: Enhance technical review practices and support consistent interpretation of welding procedure requirements.

  • Fabrication Engineers: Understand how approved welding procedures translate into production instructions and fabrication controls.

  • Pipeline Engineers: Apply procedure qualification principles to pipeline construction, repair and associated welding activities.

  • Mechanical Engineers: Strengthen their understanding of welding documentation for pressure equipment, piping systems and mechanical components.

  • Metallurgists and Materials Engineers: Evaluate material compatibility, heat treatment considerations and metallurgical factors relevant to welding qualification.

  • Non-Destructive Testing Personnel: Understand how qualified welding procedures and supporting documentation contribute to inspection planning and technical traceability.

  • Project Quality Managers: Improve oversight of welding documentation, contractor submissions, technical approvals and project quality records.

  • Construction and Fabrication Managers: Strengthen coordination between welding operations, quality teams and engineering personnel.

  • QA/QC Supervisors: Improve the review of welding records and implementation of controlled procedures at site.

  • Welding Coordinators: Develop a more systematic approach to welding procedure management and communication across production teams.

  • Technical Document Controllers: Improve control of WPS revisions, PQR records, approval status and supporting documentation.

  • Procurement and Vendor Quality Personnel: Better understand the welding documentation expected from fabrication contractors and equipment suppliers.

  • Maintenance and Asset Integrity Professionals: Understand the role of welding procedure qualification in repair activities and controlled modifications.

  • Engineering Consultants and Contractor Representatives: Strengthen their ability to review welding procedure submissions and coordinate technical requirements with clients.

  • Technical and Operations Managers: Improve oversight of welding quality risks, procedural compliance and fabrication performance.

Course outline

Welding procedure qualification establishes the technical basis for carrying out welding activities under controlled conditions. This module introduces the purpose and structure of WPS and PQR documentation and explains how the two documents support welding quality throughout oil and gas fabrication projects.

Participants examine the relationship between preliminary welding instructions, procedure qualification tests, approved production procedures and supporting technical records. The module also clarifies the distinction between procedure qualification, welder performance qualification and production weld inspection

  1. ASME BPVC Section IX

    • Establishes qualification requirements for welding, brazing and fusing procedures and personnel within its scope.

    • Defines the qualification framework used to evaluate welding procedures and applicable qualification variables.

    • Provides requirements for documenting procedure qualification test results and establishing qualified welding procedures.

    • Supports consistent interpretation of qualification requirements when adopted by the applicable construction code or project specification.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the purpose and function of a WPS and a PQR.

    • Identify the principal sections of a welding procedure document.

    • Describe how qualification test evidence supports an approved welding procedure.

    • Distinguish procedure qualification from welder performance qualification.

    • Identify the governing code, project specification and qualification standard applicable to a welding activity.

    • Explain the importance of document approval, traceability and controlled revisions.

The quality and applicability of a welding procedure depend on selecting and documenting suitable welding parameters for the intended application. This module examines the technical considerations involved in developing a WPS, including welding process selection, base materials, filler metals, joint preparation and operating conditions.

Participants explore the influence of welding variables on qualification requirements and production consistency. They examine the significance of material groupings, thickness ranges, welding positions, electrical parameters, preheat, interpass temperature and post-weld heat treatment, with attention to the requirements of the selected standard.

  1. ISO 15614-1

    • Specifies requirements for the qualification of welding procedures through welding procedure tests for applicable arc and gas welding of steels and arc welding of nickel and nickel alloys.

    • Addresses the preparation and testing of qualification specimens and the assessment of test results within its scope.

    • Establishes qualification requirements and ranges of approval according to the applicable welding process and test conditions.

    • Provides an alternative qualification framework where the project, contract or governing requirements adopt the relevant ISO route.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Identify the technical information required when preparing a WPS.

    • Evaluate material and filler metal selections against the intended application and governing requirements.

    • Explain the role of welding processes, joint configurations and welding positions in procedure development.

    • Recognise essential variables and other applicable variable classifications under the selected standard.

    • Assess the relevance of preheat, interpass temperature and heat treatment requirements.

    • Identify changes that require further technical evaluation before a procedure is used in production.

    • Prepare a structured checklist for reviewing the completeness of a welding procedure.

Procedure qualification testing provides evidence that a welding procedure meets the applicable requirements under defined test conditions. This module examines the preparation of qualification test assemblies, recording of welding parameters, identification of test specimens and assessment of supporting test results.

Participants review the purpose of tensile testing, bend testing, impact testing and other examinations where required by the applicable code or specification. They examine how test results, material traceability, welding parameters and supporting documentation are recorded in a PQR. The module also addresses the importance of accurate records and the distinction between qualification evidence and production weld acceptance.

  1. ISO 15614-1

    • Defines applicable procedure test requirements for the welding processes and material types covered by the standard.

    • Establishes requirements for test assemblies, specimen preparation and testing where relevant to the selected qualification route.

    • Provides criteria for evaluating test results and determining the scope of procedure qualification.

    • Supports the preparation of documented qualification evidence for technical review and approval.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Explain the purpose of a welding procedure qualification test.

    • Identify the principal stages involved in preparing and testing a qualification assembly.

    • Recognise the role of mechanical tests and other examinations required by the applicable qualification standard.

    • Review PQR entries for consistency with the recorded test conditions.

    • Identify missing test results, incomplete material traceability and inconsistent parameter records.

    • Explain how qualification test results support the approved WPS.

    • Assess whether the available documentation provides sufficient evidence for the applicable technical review.

A qualified welding procedure is applicable only within the limits established by the governing qualification requirements. This module develops participants' ability to review qualification ranges, interpret applicable variable classifications and assess the significance of proposed changes to an approved welding procedure.

Participants examine common technical review scenarios involving changes to materials, thickness, welding processes, filler metals, positions and heat treatment conditions. They also explore the relationship between qualification standards, construction codes, client specifications and project-specific acceptance requirements.

The module reinforces the need to evaluate every proposed change against the applicable rules rather than assuming that a previously qualified procedure remains valid for every application.

  1. ASME BPVC Section IX

    • Defines qualification variables and applicable ranges of qualification for welding procedures and personnel within its scope.

    • Establishes requirements for determining whether changes to qualified variables affect the validity of a welding procedure.

    • Provides the basis for reviewing qualification records against the proposed production application.

    • Supports technical review when used with the relevant construction code and project requirements.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Interpret applicable qualification ranges recorded in a PQR and referenced by a WPS.

    • Evaluate proposed changes against the governing qualification standard.

    • Identify circumstances that require additional qualification or documented technical review.

    • Distinguish procedure qualification requirements from production inspection and weld acceptance criteria.

    • Review welding documentation for alignment with project specifications and applicable code requirements.

    • Recognise inconsistencies between qualification evidence and production welding instructions.

    • Recommend appropriate follow-up actions when qualification documentation does not adequately support the intended application.

Effective welding procedure management requires more than technical qualification. Organisations also need reliable document control, clear approval responsibilities and traceable links between qualification records and production activities. This module focuses on maintaining the integrity of welding documentation throughout fabrication, inspection, repair and project handover.

Participants examine document identification, revision control, approval workflows, supporting records and audit preparation. They review representative scenarios involving outdated procedures, incomplete qualification packages, conflicting welding parameters and gaps in traceability. The module concludes with an integrated review exercise covering procedure documentation, qualification evidence and production implementation.

  1. ISO 3834-2

    • Specifies comprehensive quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials within its scope.

    • Addresses the management of welding-related quality activities and responsibilities.

    • Supports documented controls over welding operations, procedure qualification and relevant quality records.

    • Provides a quality assurance framework for organisations undertaking welding activities where the standard is applicable.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Apply structured document review practices to WPS and PQR packages.

    • Identify gaps in document control, traceability and approval records.

    • Explain the role of welding procedure documentation within a wider welding quality management system.

    • Assess whether production welding instructions align with approved procedures.

    • Identify documentation issues that require corrective action before approval or continued use.

    • Support the preparation of welding records for internal audits, client reviews and project handover.

    • Develop practical recommendations for improving procedure documentation and coordination between engineering, inspection and fabrication teams.

Certificate

Participants who successfully complete the Welding Procedure Specification and Procedure Qualification Record Training Course receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training.

The certificate recognises completion of the training programme and participation in its learning activities. Participants are required to meet the course attendance requirement established by Institute For Oil & Gas Training to receive the certificate. Attendance records and completion requirements are administered in accordance with the institute's applicable training procedures.

The Certificate of Completion confirms participation in the training programme. It is not a substitute for a separate welding inspector certification, professional licence, code qualification or formal competence assessment required by an employer, client or regulatory authority.

Course dates

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,200

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,200

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,200

  • Europe

    Middle East

    Asia

    Africa

    North America

    Online

    Fee: £4,200

Fees include tuition, course materials and refreshments. Need different dates or a different city? Ask about your preferred date.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a WPS and a PQR?

A Welding Procedure Specification defines the welding parameters and instructions used for production welding. A Procedure Qualification Record documents the actual welding conditions and qualification test results used to demonstrate compliance with the applicable procedure qualification requirements. The WPS establishes the production instructions, while the PQR provides supporting qualification evidence.

Which standards are covered in this training course?

The course covers relevant requirements from ASME BPVC Section IX, ISO 15614-1 and ISO 3834-2. The emphasis is on understanding their respective roles in procedure qualification, testing and welding quality management. The applicable requirements depend on the governing construction code, contractual obligations and project specifications.

Is this course suitable for welding inspectors and QA/QC engineers?

Yes. The programme is designed for welding inspectors, QA/QC engineers, welding engineers, fabrication professionals, project quality personnel and other technical staff involved in welding documentation. It develops their ability to review qualification records, identify inconsistencies and support controlled welding operations.

What practical skills will participants gain from the course?

Participants develop skills in reviewing WPS and PQR documents, understanding welding variables, assessing qualification evidence, identifying documentation gaps and evaluating proposed changes against applicable standards. They also learn to improve traceability and support technical reviews, quality audits and production control.

Will participants receive a certificate after completing the course?

Yes. Participants who complete the course and meet the applicable attendance requirement receive a Certificate of Completion from Institute For Oil & Gas Training. The certificate recognises completion of the training programme and does not replace any separate professional certification or formal qualification required for a particular role.

Next: 26 Oct 2026

4 dates available

Register Now

Related training courses

Get the training calendar in your inbox

New courses, dates and industry insight. No more than twice a month.