Welder Performance Qualifier (WPQ1) Endorsement
Validate your skills in welder qualification testing and take the next step toward becoming a Senior Certified Welding Inspector.
Overview
This 3-day intensive course is designed for experienced AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs), welding instructors, and welding professionals who are ready to take control of welder qualification testing.
Participants will learn how to administer AWS-compliant welder performance qualification tests, set up or support an AWS testing facility, and prepare for the AWS CWI Welder Performance Qualifier Endorsement (WPQ1) exam.
Through in-depth coverage of AWS B2.1 and AWS B5.4, hands-on testing simulations, and real-world documentation practices, this course delivers practical, in-demand skills that can be applied immediately in the field, on the job, or as part of an expanded professional service offering.
Class Dates
- Friday March 27th, 2026
- Saturday March 28th, 2026
- Sunday March 29th, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: 32081 Corydon St, Lake Elsinore, CA
Audience: AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs), welding instructors, and experienced welding professionals involved in welder qualification testing
Seats: Limited availability. Early registration encouraged.
Format: Three-day, in-person intensive course
Course Breakdown
- Day 1: AWS B2.1, AWS B5.4, AWS Best Practices for Testing, QC 47 Review
- Day 2: Hands-on simulation administering a welder qualification test (PPE and inspection tools required)
- Day 3: Post-test administrative requirements, including preparation of the Welder Qualification Test Record and related documentation
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Plan welder qualification tests that comply with governing codes and facility requirements.
- Verify test facility readiness, examiner responsibilities, and documentation needs.
- Confirm essential variables, materials, processes, and joint details prior to testing.
- Oversee test execution, including safety, supervision, and accurate recording of variables.
- Evaluate visual examination and NDE results against acceptance criteria.
- Coordinate destructive testing and interpret mechanical test results.
- Complete welder performance qualification records clearly and correctly.
- Identify common causes of test failure and recommend corrective actions.
- Align practices with B2.1/B2.1M, B5.4, and QC4 requirements.
- Successful participants earn the Welder Performance Qualifier (WPQ1) Endorsement from California Welding Institute.
- This endorsement supports the Senior CWI (SCWI) pathway by demonstrating competency in conducting welder qualification testing in line with AWS standards.
Tuition: $995
Required Books
- AWS Best Practices for Performing a Welder Qualification Test (2019 Edition)
- B2.1/B2.1M: 2021 Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification
- AWS B5.4:2005 Specification for the Qualification of Welder Test Facilities
Required PPE and Inspection Tools (Day 2)
- Safety glasses
- Long sleeve shirt or jacket
- Safety toe boots
- Earplugs
- Leather work gloves
- Small focused beam flashlight (low lumens, not extremely bright, no tactical flashlights)
- V-WAC gage or bridge cam gage
- Fillet weld gages
- Tape measure or steel ruler