Overview
EN ISO 9606-1:2017 (aligned with ISO 9606-1:2012 including Cor 1:2012 and Cor 2:2013) defines the requirements for qualification testing of welders for fusion welding of steels. Adopted by CEN, the standard gives technical rules for systematic welder qualification so that test results and certificates are uniformly accepted regardless of product type, location or examining body. The emphasis is on the welder’s manual ability to manipulate the electrode, welding torch or blowpipe to produce an acceptable weld. The standard covers manual and partly mechanized fusion-welding processes and explicitly excludes fully mechanized and automated welding.
Key topics
- Scope and purpose: Qualification testing for fusion welding of steels; harmonised acceptance of welder qualifications.
- Essential variables & range of qualification: Factors that affect transferability of a qualification (welding process, product type, weld type, filler grouping, dimensions, welding positions and weld details).
- Welding processes covered: Manual and partly mechanized fusion-welding techniques (process reference numbers and classification are provided).
- Examination and testing: Requirements for test pieces, welding conditions, nondestructive and destructive tests, acceptance criteria, test reports and specimen handling.
- Validity and revalidation: Initial qualification, confirmation of validity, revalidation and revocation procedures; period of validity and re-test provisions.
- Certification and documentation: Structure and content of the welder’s qualification test certificate (Annex A), job knowledge guidance (Annex B), and assembly options (Annex C).
- Regulatory alignment: Informative annexes (ZA/ZB) show relationship with EU Directives (e.g., PED 2014/68/EU and SPVD 2014/29/EU) and requirements for notified/competent third-party examiners for certain pressure equipment categories.
Applications
Who uses EN ISO 9606-1:2017:
- Welding supervisors and QA/QC personnel seeking standardised welder qualification procedures.
- Employers and fabricators of steel structures and pressure equipment who require certified welders.
- Certification bodies, notified bodies and examining bodies performing welder tests.
- Training organisations preparing candidates for qualification tests.
Practical benefits include consistent acceptance of qualifications across projects and jurisdictions, clear testing/acceptance criteria, and alignment with pressure-equipment regulatory requirements.
Related standards
- ISO 9606 series (other parts cover aluminium, copper, nickel, titanium, etc.)
- Applicable national/adopted versions (EN ISO 9606-1:2017 adopted by CEN)
- Associated welding standards and pressure-equipment directives (PED/SPVD) for regulatory compliance
Keywords: EN ISO 9606-1:2017, ISO 9606-1, welder qualification, fusion welding, steels, welding certification, examiner, pressure equipment.
