AWS Welding Codes & Certifications

The American Welding Society (AWS) writes the codes that say how structural welds are made and tested, and the standard for welding safety. If you weld steel buildings, bridges or pressure systems, you will hear about “D1.1,” “WPS” and “qualification tests.” This page explains them in plain language.

• Welding
• Ironworkers
• Fabricators

The main AWS codes

A job’s contract, drawings and the building code say which code applies. Standards are updated every few years, so use the edition named in the contract.

Welding procedure specification (WPS)

A WPS is a written recipe for making a particular weld: the base metal, filler metal, process (such as SMAW, GMAW or FCAW), joint design, position, preheat, amps and volts, travel speed and more. Welders must follow the WPS for the job. Procedures are qualified by testing. Don’t change settings or materials from what the WPS allows without approval.

Welder qualification

• A welder proves they can make sound welds by passing a qualification test: welding a test plate or pipe in a given position with a given process and metal, which is then bend-tested, X-rayed or otherwise examined.
• The qualification applies to the process, position, thickness and material that were tested. A welder qualified in flat position isn’t automatically qualified overhead.
• Qualifications can expire if a welder doesn’t weld with that process for a period (often 6 months), under the code’s rules. Keep your continuity records.
• Test results are kept by the employer or testing lab as welder performance qualification records (WPQR).

AWS Certified Welder

AWS Certified Welder is a program where a welder takes a test at an accredited test facility, and AWS certifies them to a specific code and procedure. It’s portable across employers in many cases, but an employer or project can still require its own test. Certification isn’t a license, and OSHA doesn’t require it. See Safety Certifications.

Quality and inspection

• Welds are checked by visual inspection and sometimes by non-destructive testing such as ultrasonic, magnetic particle, dye penetrant or radiographic testing.
• Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) check that welders follow the WPS and meet the code.
• Defects like cracks, lack of fusion and porosity must be repaired as the code requires, not hidden or ground over without approval.

Safety: AWS Z49.1 and OSHA

AWS Z49.1 covers fire prevention, ventilation, fumes, eye and skin protection, electrical safety, confined space welding, cylinder handling and more. OSHA’s welding rules (1910 Subpart Q and 1926 Subpart J) are the legal minimums, and OSHA has referred to Z49.1 as a guide. See Welding & Cutting, Welding Fume and Welding Helmets.

Checklist for a code weld job

• Know which code and edition apply
• Have the WPS and follow it
• Your welder qualification is current for this process and position
• Base metal and filler metals are the right type and stored dry
• Fire watch, ventilation and PPE set up for safe welding

Last updated: October 4, 2026