ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Section IX is a standard covering the qualification and certification of personnel and procedures involved in welding operations. This standard was developed to ensure quality assurance in welding processes, particularly for applications requiring high safety standards, such as pressure vessels, piping systems, and boilers.

As Experte, we provide services through an authorized body that carries out certifications for welders, welding operators, and welding procedures (WPS/PQR) in accordance with ASME Section IX.

ASME Sec. IX is part of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) established by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Section IX specifically covers:

• Qualification of welders and brazers (Welder Performance Qualification - WPQ),

• Qualification of welding procedures (Welding Procedure Qualification - PQR),

• WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) certification

This standard serves as a fundamental guide ensuring that welded fabrication is carried out safely and sustainably.

The ASME Sec. IX certification process consists of the following steps:

1. Procedure Preparation: A WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) is prepared.

2. Procedure Qualification (PQR): The WPS is applied to test welds, and the test results are evaluated.

3. Personnel Qualification: Welders and operators perform test welds in accordance with the approved procedure.

4. Inspection and Testing: Visual inspection, as well as destructive and non-destructive tests (macro-hardness, tensile, bend, etc.), are conducted.

5. Certification: ASME Sec. IX-compliant documentation is issued for the successful welders and procedures.

• Legal requirements and customer demands

• International validity

• Ensuring safe and high-quality welding practices

• Technical compliance in engineering projects

• Preventing welding defects and costly rework

ASME Sec. IX certification is widely applied in the following sectors:

• Pressure vessel manufacturing

• Power plants

• Refineries and petrochemical plants

• Nuclear facilities

• Piping systems

• Shipyards and the shipbuilding industry

• Natural gas and oil pipelines

The primary equipment and techniques used in the certification process are as follows:

• Welding machines (MMA, TIG, MIG, SAW, etc.)

• Heat treatment furnaces

• Testing equipment (tensile and bend testing machines)

• NDT equipment (RT, UT, PT, MT)

• Measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, etc.)

• Certified inspection specialists (CWI, CSWIP)

• International recognition and prestige

• High quality assurance

• Customer trust

• Ease in project acceptance processes

• Early detection of non-conforming welds

• Fewer errors and less rework due to a qualified workforce

• The certification process can be costly

• Testing processes can be time-consuming

• Certification must be updated periodically (re-testing and review)

• The transition process can be difficult for untrained personnel

You can contact our expert team directly to obtain detailed information about our ASME Sec. IX Welding Personnel Certification service, request a price quote, or schedule consultancy or on-site training.

Our engineers and certified inspectors—each experienced in their respective fields—are ready to provide solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require certification for a single welder or a comprehensive welding procedure validation process, we develop solutions customized for you.