API 1104 is a standard published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) governing welding operations on oil and natural gas pipelines. This standard is used to certify the competence of welding personnel involved in welding activities, particularly for field pipelines and facility connections.

API 1104 Welding Personnel Certification is a formal qualification process verifying that welders can perform welding in accordance with the rules established by this specific standard. Given the critical importance of leak-tightness and durability in pipelines, this standard is implemented with great rigor within the industry.

API 1104 establishes the requirements for the qualification of procedures and personnel for welding operations used in oil and natural gas pipelines. The standard covers the following:

• Preparation and qualification of welding procedure specifications (WPS)

• Definition of welder performance tests (WPQ)

• Weld inspections (visual, non-destructive, destructive)

• Testing methods and acceptance criteria

The standard addresses a wide range of variables—from welds perpendicular to the pipe axis to welding positions and joint types—and is widely recognized as the primary welding guideline, particularly for linear infrastructure projects.

The certification process proceeds as follows:

1. WPS Preparation: A welding procedure specification (WPS) compliant with API 1104 is prepared.

2. Test Weld Execution: The welder candidate performs a test weld under specified conditions.

3. Inspection and Testing: Following visual inspections, the welds undergo non-destructive testing and, if necessary, destructive testing.

4. Evaluation: Test results are evaluated against API 1104 criteria.

5. Certification: A competency certificate compliant with API 1104 is issued to successful welders.

The certification process is often carried out in test environments that simulate field conditions.

• It is a mandatory standard in the oil and natural gas sector

• It is essential for ensuring safety in critical pipelines

• To meet the quality requirements of clients and engineering firms

• To ensure workforce competence for projects with international validity

• To reduce operational risks by preventing welding defects

• Natural gas pipelines

• Oil transport pipelines

• Underground and above-ground facility piping works

• Refineries and terminals

• LNG facilities

• Field assembly and welding works

It is mandatory—both technically and legally—for every welder working in these fields to hold API 1104 certification.

• Welding machines suitable for pipe welding (specifically SMAW and GTAW)

• Pipe alignment tools and welding positioners

• Test specimens (full-diameter pipes)

• Non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment: Radiography (RT), Ultrasonic (UT), Penetrant (PT), Magnetic Particle (MT)

• Certified inspection specialists (NDT Level II/III, CWI)

API 1104 certification is primarily conducted through pipe welding tests in 5G and 6G positions.

• Qualification valid for international projects

• High safety and durability for critical lines

• Rapid project acceptance

• Minimization of welding defects

• High quality through the employment of qualified welders

• Full compliance with contract requirements

• Testing conditions are demanding and require a high level of skill

• The certification process can be costly

• Periodic renewal may be required

• The certification is specific to the API 1104 standard; it may not be valid in other sectors

You can contact us to obtain detailed information about our API 1104 Welding Personnel Certification services, request a price quote or technical consultancy, or apply for our examination schedule.

As Experte Certification and Technical Control Services, we confidently manage your welding personnel certification processes through our expert team, modern testing infrastructure, and commitment to rapid turnaround. We offer tailored solutions for everything from individual welder certifications to large-scale field certification projects.