International Personnel Certification System in Welding

International personnel certification confirms the professional competence of specialists responsible for welding coordination. It assesses both their technical knowledge and their experience in applying that knowledge to manufacturing tasks.

The IIW Personnel Certification System in Welding, developed by the International Institute of Welding, is linked to the international personnel qualification system. Requirements for the certification of welding coordination personnel are established in Document IAB-341.

Why Is Certification Important?

The quality of welding production depends significantly on the competence of personnel who make technical decisions, organize welding activities and oversee compliance with welding procedures.

ISO 14731, “Welding coordination — Tasks and responsibilities,” provides a framework for welding coordination. Personnel certification helps demonstrate that a specialist’s knowledge, experience and responsibilities are appropriate to the tasks they perform.

For manufacturers implementing ISO 3834, certified welding coordinators provide one means of demonstrating personnel competence. The company must also define their responsibilities and ensure that their competence is appropriate to its specific manufacturing activities.

How Does Certification Differ from an IIW Diploma?

An IIW diploma confirms that its holder has achieved a particular international qualification and met the corresponding technical knowledge requirements.

A professional competence certificate confirms the specialist’s current ability to apply knowledge and experience when carrying out welding coordination tasks.

Certification therefore complements the diploma by assessing professional practice, responsibilities and the maintenance of up-to-date knowledge. It is not awarded automatically upon obtaining a diploma.

Certification Levels

Depending on the qualification held and the assessment results, a specialist may be awarded the corresponding certification level:

The appropriate level depends on the applicant’s qualification, professional activities and responsibilities.

Benefits for Specialists

• Independent confirmation of competence. Certification assesses professional knowledge and experience in performing welding-related tasks.

• Clear evidence for employers. The certificate helps demonstrate the ability to apply technical knowledge in manufacturing.

• Continued professional development. Maintaining certification requires specialists to keep their knowledge current and demonstrate relevant professional experience.

• Additional career opportunities. Certification can provide an advantage when applying for positions involving welding coordination responsibilities.

Benefits for Companies

Certification of welding coordinators helps companies demonstrate the competence of key personnel to customers and auditors, allocate technical responsibilities appropriately and address personnel requirements associated with ISO 3834 and ISO 14731.

It also supports a clearer assessment of the team’s capabilities and strengthens confidence in the organization of welding activities.

Five Steps to Certification

1. Confirming Technical Qualification

The applicant submits an IIW diploma at the appropriate level: IWE, IWT, IWS or IWP.

2. Demonstrating Professional Experience

The applicant provides evidence of welding-related employment, tasks performed and responsibilities held. Normally, at least two years of relevant experience within the three-year period preceding the application are required.

3. Demonstrating Up-to-Date Knowledge

The applicant provides evidence of maintaining and updating professional knowledge. This may include professional development courses, technical seminars and activities involving new technologies and standards.

4. Assessment of Competence

KazWeld reviews the application and supporting evidence in accordance with the applicable scheme requirements. Additional assessment of knowledge and experience may be required.

5. Certification Decision and Award

Following a successful assessment, the applicant receives a certificate at the appropriate level.

The exact documentation and eligibility requirements should be confirmed with KazWeld before applying.

Certificate Validity and Recertification

The certificate is valid for three years. To renew it, the holder must undergo reassessment and provide evidence of relevant professional activities and the maintenance of up-to-date knowledge.

Recertification confirms that the specialist continues to demonstrate competence appropriate to their responsibilities.

How to Contact KazWeld

For enquiries about welding personnel certification, please contact the Kazakhstan Welding Association “KazWeld”.

For a preliminary review, applicants are encouraged to submit a copy of their IIW diploma, details of professional experience, current responsibilities and professional development activities.

Email: info@kazweld.kz