IRCLASS Welder Qualification Certificate Test

🛳️ What is IRCLASS?

IRCLASS (Indian Register of Shipping) is a recognized classification society, part of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). It provides independent certification, inspection, and verification services across industries including:

• Shipbuilding & Marine
• Oil & Gas
• Power & Infrastructure
• Heavy Engineering
• Industrial Manufacturing

IRCLASS follows internationally recognized standards, and its welder qualification certification is valid for both Indian and global projects.

🎯 Purpose of the IRCLASS Welder Qualification Test

The IRCLASS Welder Qualification Certificate Test ensures that welders are qualified, skilled, and compliant with applicable codes and class rules. It certifies that a welder can produce sound, defect-free welds using approved procedures in critical applications like:

• Marine structures
• Offshore installations
• Pressure vessels and pipelines
• Structural steel fabrication

📘 Applicable Welding Standards

The welder qualification tests are conducted in accordance with:

• IRCLASS Rules for Materials and Welding
• ASME Section IX
• AWS D1.1
• ISO 9606 / 15614
• IACS Unified Requirements

The specific standard used depends on the project type and client requirement.

🛠️ Welding Processes Covered

Welders can be qualified under one or more of the following welding processes:

• SMAW – Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick)
• GTAW – Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG)
• GMAW / FCAW – MIG / Flux-Cored Arc Welding
• SAW – Submerged Arc Welding

📐 Test Specifications

• Test Piece: Plate or Pipe (as per application)
• Material Types: Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Duplex, Inconel, Aluminum
• Welding Positions: 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G (All Position tests)
• Thickness & Diameter Range: Defined by project or client code requirements

🔍 Testing & Evaluation

Each test is witnessed by an IRCLASS Surveyor or an authorized Third-Party Inspector. Evaluation criteria include:

✅ Visual Inspection (VT)

• Weld appearance, surface finish, undercuts, overlap, etc.

✅ Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

• RT (Radiographic Testing)
• UT (Ultrasonic Testing)
• LPT (Liquid Penetrant Testing)
• MPT (Magnetic Particle Testing)

✅ Destructive Testing (if required)

• Face and root bend tests
• Macro examination
• Fracture tests (as per standard)

📄 Welder Qualification Certificate Details

The welder receives an official IRCLASS Welder Qualification Certificate containing:

• Welder’s full name and ID
• Welding process used
• Test coupon details (material, thickness, diameter)
• Qualified positions
• WPS reference number
• Testing methods and results
• Validity and renewal information

🕒 Certificate Validity & Renewal

• Validity: Typically 2 years
• Continuity Record: Welder must regularly weld using the qualified process and maintain a continuity log
• Renewal/Requalification: Required if there’s a break in welding activity or failed inspections

✅ Benefits of IRCLASS Welder Certification

• Recognized by shipyards, EPC contractors, and fabrication companies globally
• Required for marine and offshore projects
• Enhances welder’s professional credentials and job opportunities
• Confirms welder’s ability to follow standardized welding practices
• Helps companies meet client, legal, and international requirements

👨‍🏭 Who Should Get Certified?

• Welders working in:
  • Shipbuilding & dry docking
  • Offshore rigs & subsea projects
  • Heavy fabrication & infrastructure
  • Power plants & refineries
• Companies needing certified manpower for IRCLASS-classified projects
• Contractors or exporters working on marine, defense, or oil & gas contracts

📍 Where Can You Get Certified?

IRCLASS certifications are offered through:

• IRCLASS Approved Test Centers
• On-site testing (at client’s premises with prior approval)
• Through partnered inspection agencies and training institutes