Virtual Training Module · 2025 Edition · QG-100 through QG-109
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Scope & Structure of Section IX
QG-100 — What Part QG governs, four-part structure, edition applicability, and Code Case rules
Training Objective
Understand the purpose, authority, and four-part structure of ASME BPVC Section IX (2025 Edition). Identify which joining processes are covered, how conflicts with referencing Codes are resolved, and the rules for edition applicability and Code Cases.
QG-100(a) — Purpose of Section IX
What Section IX Is
ASME Section IX is a qualification code — not a design code. It governs how organisations prove that their joining procedures produce joints with required mechanical properties, and that their welders and operators possess the skill to execute those procedures. It applies wherever a referencing Code mandates compliance.
Who It Applies To
Qualification of welders, welding operators, brazers, brazing operators, and plastic fusing operators, plus the material-joining processes they use. Applies to components built under ASME BPVC, ASME B31 Pressure Piping Codes, and other referencing Codes.
QG-100(b) — Authority Hierarchy
Referencing Code Takes Precedence
When a referencing Code (e.g., ASME B31.3, ASME Section VIII) imposes qualification requirements different from Section IX, the referencing Code’s requirements take precedence. Section IX provides the baseline — referencing Codes may impose additional or more restrictive requirements.
Four-Part Structure of Section IX
Part
Name
Scope
QG
General Requirements
All material-joining processes — foundational rules applicable everywhere
QW
Welding
All welding processes: SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, SAW, FCAW, EBW, LBW, etc.
QB
Brazing
Torch, furnace, induction, dip brazing, and other brazing processes
QF
Plastic Fusing
Butt fusion, electrofusion, sidewall fusion of PE pipe and fittings
QG-100(d) — Edition & Code Case Applicability
Edition Rules
New editions may be used from the date of issuance — immediately on publication
New editions become mandatory 6 months after issuance
All new qualifications must follow the current edition requirements
Code Case Rules
Permitted from the date of ASME approval
Only the latest revision of a Code Case may be applied
Qualifications made under an annulled Code Case remain valid
The Code Case number must be recorded on all qualification records
Exam point: A new edition CAN be used on its date of issuance, but is not REQUIRED until 6 months after that date. Candidates frequently confuse “can use immediately” with “mandatory immediately.” Know this distinction precisely.
Training Objective
Distinguish between a Procedure Specification and a Procedure Qualification Record. Understand what each document must contain, the relationship between them, and what triggers requalification.
DefinitionA written document giving direction to the person applying the material-joining process. Called a WPS (welding), BPS (brazing), or FPS (fusing). It is the instruction document — it tells the welder how to weld.
2
Ownership & QualificationThe procedure specification used by an organisation shall have been qualified by that organisation, or be a Standard Welding Procedure Specification (SWPS/SFPS) acceptable under the applicable Part rules.
3
Availability RequirementProcedure specifications shall be available for reference and review at the fabrication site at all times. Authorised Inspectors may call for the WPS at any time during production welding.
4
Minimum ContentMust address all essential and nonessential variables applicable to the process. When toughness qualification is required by the referencing Code, supplementary essential variables must also be included.
5
Editorial RevisionsA WPS may be revised to change a nonessential variable without requalification — only a signature update is required. Changes to essential variables require a new PQR or additional test documentation.
QG-102 — Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)
What the PQR Demonstrates
The PQR proves that the joining process is capable of producing joints with the required mechanical properties. It is a demonstration of the process — NOT of the individual welder’s or operator’s skill.
Minimum PQR Content
Essential procedure qualification test variables
Supplementary essential variables (when toughness testing is required)
Results of all required mechanical tests
Organisation certification — signature or equivalent per quality programme
PQR ↔ WPS Relationship
QG-102 One PQR — Many WPS; One WPS — Many PQRs
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A single PQR may be used to support one or more procedure specifications. Conversely, a single procedure specification may be supported by one or more PQRs. There is no one-to-one constraint between these documents.
Availability: PQRs shall be available for review at all times — the AI may request them during any production inspection.
Certification: The organisation certifies the PQR by signature or other means described in the quality programme.
Common exam confusion — WPS vs PQR: The WPS tells the welder how to weld. The PQR proves the process works to produce acceptable mechanical properties. The PQR is evidence; the WPS is the instruction.
Training Objective
Understand the purpose of performance qualification, what the WPQ record must contain, and the four categories of variables that govern procedure and performance qualification scope.
QG-103 — Performance Qualification
Purpose
To demonstrate the person’s ability to produce a sound joint using a qualified procedure specification. Performance qualification complements — but is entirely distinct from — procedure qualification. The procedure proves the process; performance proves the person.
Dual Qualification QG-106.1(e)
When a procedure qualification test coupon is tested and found acceptable, the person who prepared it is simultaneously performance-qualified within the ranges specified by the applicable Part — without a separate performance test being required.
QG-104 — Performance Qualification Record (WPQ)
Minimum Required Content of the WPQ
Essential variables for each joining process used
Ranges of variables qualified (per QW-301.4, QB-301.4, or QF-301.4)
Results of required testing and non-destructive examinations
Identification of the procedure specification(s) followed during the qualification test
Organisation statement that the test was conducted per Section IX requirements
Certification by signature or equivalent per the quality programme
QG-105 — The Four Types of Variables
QG-105.1 — Essential (Procedure)
Changes affect mechanical properties (other than toughness). A change requires the procedure specification to be requalified before use — a new PQR or additional qualification testing is required.
QG-105.2 — Essential (Performance)
Changes affect the person’s ability to produce a sound joint. A change requires the individual welder or operator to be retested and requalified for that specific changed variable.
QG-105.3 — Supplementary Essential
Changes affect toughness properties. Only active when the referencing Code requires toughness testing. When toughness testing is not required, these variables are not applicable — changes to them do not require requalification.
QG-105.4 — Nonessential
Changes are not considered to affect mechanical properties. Must be documented in the WPS, but no requalification required if changed — only the WPS document needs to be updated with a signature.
Variable Type
Affects
Activated by Toughness Req.?
Change Consequence
Essential — Procedure
Mechanical properties (non-toughness)
N/A — always applicable
Requalification of procedure (new PQR)
Essential — Performance
Person’s ability to produce sound joint
N/A — always applicable
Individual must be retested
Supplementary Essential
Toughness properties
Yes — only active when required
Requalification of procedure (new PQR)
Nonessential
Does not affect mechanical properties
N/A
WPS update only — no requalification
Performance qualification proves the person’s skill; procedure qualification proves process capability — both are required independently. When a procedure test coupon passes, the welder who made it is simultaneously performance-qualified within applicable ranges per QG-106.1(e).
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Organisational Responsibility
QG-106 — Supervision, control, delegation limits, and simultaneous qualification rules
Training Objective
Identify organisational obligations for procedure and performance qualification, including rules for simultaneous qualification and the strict limits on delegating responsibility to other organisations.
QG-106 — Supervisory Personnel Requirements
Qualifying Organisation Supervisors Must
Be formally designated by the organisation with responsibility for supervision, control, evaluation, and acceptance of qualification testing
Have documented competence in: (1) Section IX requirements; (2) the organisation’s quality programme; (3) the scope and nature of activities being overseen
Have a maintained record containing objective evidence of their qualifications, training, or experience
QG-106.1 — Procedure Qualifications
Organisation’s Obligation
Each organisation is responsible for conducting its own procedure qualification tests for the processes it uses. Personnel producing test joints must be under the full supervision and control of the qualifying organisation.
Delegation Limits
Production of qualification test joints under the supervision of another organisation is NOT permitted (except under QG-106.4 simultaneous qualifications). Subcontracting specimen preparation, NDE, and mechanical testing is allowed — but the qualifying organisation retains full responsibility for results.
Non-Delegable — QG-106.2
Each organisation is solely responsible for supervising and controlling the performance qualification of its own personnel. This responsibility cannot be delegated to another organisation under any circumstances. This is one of the most frequently tested QG-106 requirements.
QG-106.3 & QG-106.4 — Simultaneous Qualifications
QG-106.3 Simultaneous Performance Qualifications
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Organisations may form an association to collectively qualify individuals and share performance qualification records. Common on large construction sites where multiple contractors employ the same trade labour pool. Key rules:
Each participating organisation must be represented by a designated employee during the qualification testing
Essential variables of the procedure specifications used must be identical across all participating organisations
When a person changes employers within the association, the new employer must verify continuity of qualifications before that person welds production welds
If an individual’s qualifications are revoked, the employing organisation must notify all other participating organisations immediately
QG-106.4 Simultaneous Procedure Qualifications
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Permitted only when expressly allowed by the referencing code, standard, or specification. Requirements when permitted:
Each participating organisation accepts full responsibility for the qualification
Test coupon joining is conducted under simultaneous supervision of all organisations’ representatives
The PQR must document that it was conducted under QG-106.4 provisions
The PQR must be certified separately by each participating organisation per QG-102
Supervisors of qualification testing must be formally designated with documented competence in Section IX and the quality programme. Subcontracting NDE and mechanical testing is allowed for procedure qualification — but full responsibility stays with the qualifying organisation. Performance qualification supervision cannot be delegated under any circumstances.
Training Objective
Understand when qualifications from previous editions remain valid and what three conditions must be satisfied when an organisation changes ownership to preserve existing PQR and WPQ records.
QG-107 — Ownership Transfers
General Rule
Organisations may maintain effective operational control of PQRs, procedure specifications, and performance qualification records under different ownership. Multiple companies under a common ownership may use qualification records under that owner’s name.
When an organisation is acquired, PQRs, WPS, and performance records may remain valid without requalification — provided ALL THREE conditions below are met simultaneously. Failing any one condition requires requalification.
A
New Owner Takes Responsibility
The new owner(s) formally takes responsibility for the procedure specifications and performance qualification records. This responsibility acceptance must be documented in the quality programme.
B
Updated Identification on WPS
The procedure specifications identify the name of the new owner(s) prior to use in production welding. Existing WPS documents must be updated with the new owner’s name before they may be used — not after.
C
Quality Programme Documents the Origin
The quality programme documents the original source of the PQRs and performance qualification records as being from the original qualifying organisation. This creates the audit trail back to the original qualification data.
QG-108 — Qualifications Made Under Previous Editions
Situation
Code Requirement
Procedure and performance qualifications made under earlier editions
May be used for any construction for which the current edition is specified — no amendment required. Old qualifications are grandfathered.
Using an existing PQR to support a new WPS written to a later edition
Permitted — provided the essential and supplementary essential variables of the later edition were documented in the existing PQR at time of qualification.
All new qualifications (procedure or performance)
Must be in accordance with the current edition of Section IX — no grandfathering for new work.
Important boundary: While old qualifications remain valid, all new qualifications must follow the current edition. The referencing Code’s requirements must still be met regardless of which edition was used for qualification per QG-100(b).
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Key Definitions — QG-109
Selected terms critical to understanding Part QG and all material-joining processes
Training Objective
Recognise and distinguish the key terms used throughout Section IX. Definitions in QG-109 are specific to the ASME Section IX context — some differ from AWS A3.0 definitions. Always apply QG-109 definitions when working under Section IX.
Personnel & Organisational Terms
Organisation
A manufacturer, contractor, assembler, installer, or other entity having responsibility for operational control of material-joining methods used in construction under codes that reference Section IX.
Quality Programme
A written programme or procedure ensuring that welding, brazing, and fusing qualifications conform to the requirements of Section IX.
Welder
One who performs manual or semiautomatic welding — the person directly controls the weld arc or flame by hand.
Welding Operator
One who operates machine or automatic welding equipment — the process runs with mechanical or automatic control; the operator monitors and adjusts parameters.
Brazer / Brazing Operator
Brazer: performs manual/semiautomatic brazing. Brazing Operator: operates machine/automatic brazing equipment. Same manual/machine distinction as welding.
Fusing Operator
Person qualified to carry out fusing of PE pipes and fittings using butt-fusing, sidewall-fusing, or electrofusion procedures with applicable equipment.
Performance Qualification
The demonstration of a welder’s or welding operator’s ability to produce welds meeting prescribed standards using a specific process and procedure.
Document & Test Terms
Test Coupon
A weld or braze assembly prepared for procedure or performance qualification testing. The whole prepared joint assembly before test specimens are cut — plate, pipe, tube, fillet weld, overlay, etc.
Test Specimen
A sample cut from a test coupon for a specific test type (tensile, bend, toughness/Charpy, macro, hardness, etc.).
Joint & Metallurgical Terms
Base Metal
The metal or alloy that is welded, brazed, or cut.
Filler Metal
The metal or alloy added in making a welded, brazed, or soldered joint.
Weld Metal
Metal in a fusion weld consisting of that portion of the base metal and filler metal that was melted during welding and solidified.
Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ)
The portion of base metal that has NOT been melted but whose mechanical properties or microstructure have been altered by the heat of welding or cutting. The HAZ is NOT weld metal — it never melted.
Preheat Temperature
The minimum temperature in the weld joint preparation immediately prior to welding. Applied to reduce cooling rate, minimise hydrogen cracking risk, and improve toughness of the weld and HAZ.
Interpass Temperature
For multiple-pass welds: the temperature in the previously deposited weld metal or adjacent base metal immediately before the next pass is started. Typically a maximum limit to control heat input and prevent grain coarsening.
PWHT
Post Weld Heat Treatment — heat treatment applied after welding. Performed to relieve residual stress, improve toughness, reduce hardness, and in some cases restore corrosion resistance.
Buttering
Addition of weld material on one or both faces of a joint prior to final joint preparation. Used when joining dissimilar metals or when the base material requires a compatible weld metal layer before the final joint.
Discontinuity
An interruption of the typical structure of a weld — not necessarily rejectable. Only becomes a defect if it exceeds acceptance criteria.
Defect
A discontinuity that renders a part unable to meet the minimum acceptance standards of the applicable code — it is the designation of rejectability, not merely the presence of an interruption.
Backing / Backing Gas
Backing: Material at the root side of a weld joint to support molten weld metal. Backing Gas: Gas used to exclude atmospheric oxygen from the root side during welding.
Exam tip — Defect vs. Discontinuity: A discontinuity is not automatically a defect. Only when it exceeds the acceptance criteria of the applicable code does it become a defect. A Welder performs manual/semiautomatic welding; a Welding Operator operates machine/automatic equipment — these are distinct roles with different qualification requirements.
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Knowledge Check — ASME Section IX Part QG
10 questions · 20-second timer per question · Timed self-assessment
TIMED KNOWLEDGE CHECK
Test your understanding of ASME Section IX — Part QG General Requirements
10
Questions
20s
Per Question
4
Options Each
QUESTION 1 / 10
20
QUIZ COMPLETE — DETAILED RESULTS
0
Correct
0
Wrong
0
Timed Out
Detailed Answer Review
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