prEN ISO 9606

Qualification testing of welders - Fusion welding (ISO/DIS 9606:2026)

This document specifies the requirements for qualification testing of welders for fusion welding of steels,
aluminium, copper, nickel, titanium and zirconium.
In this document, the terms "aluminium", “copper”, “nickel”, “titanium” and “zirconium” refer to the
materials and their alloys.
This document provides a set of technical rules for a systematic qualification test of the welder, and
enables such qualifications to be uniformly accepted independently of the type of product, location and
examiner or examining body.
When qualifying welders, the emphasis is placed on the welder's ability to manually manipulate the
electrode, welding torch or welding blowpipe, thereby producing a weld of acceptable quality.
The fusion welding processes referred to in this document include welding processes which are
designated as manual or partly mechanized.
This document does not cover fully mechanized and automated welding processes which are covered by
ISO 14732.
The principles of this document can be applied to other fusion welding processes.

Prüfung von Schweißern - Schmelzschweißen (ISO/DIS 9606:2026)

Dieses Dokument legt die Anforderungen für die Schweißerprüfung für das Schmelzschweißen von Stählen, Aluminium, Kupfer, Nickel, Titan und Zirkonium fest.
In diesem Dokument beziehen sich die Begriffe „Aluminium“, „Kupfer“, „Nickel“, „Titan“ und „Zirkonium“ auf die Werkstoffe und ihre Legierungen.
Dieses Dokument stellt eine Reihe technischer Regeln für die systematische Qualifizierung von Schweißern auf, die unabhängig von der Art des Erzeugnisses, des Ortes und des Prüfers/der Prüfstelle sind.
Die Schmelzschweißprozesse nach diesem Dokument schließen nur solche Schweißprozesse ein, die als Handschweißen oder teilmechanisches Schweißen bezeichnet werden.
Die Prüfung von Bedienern und Einrichtern zum mechanischen und automatischen Schweißen ist in ISO 14732 enthalten.

Épreuve de qualification des soudeurs - Soudage par fusion (ISO/DIS 9606:2026)

Preskušanje usposobljenosti varilcev - Talilno varjenje (ISO/DIS 9606:2026)

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 29-Nov-2027
• ICS: 25.160.01 - Welding, brazing and soldering in general
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 121 - Welding
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 121/SC 4 - Quality management in the field of welding
• Current Stage: 4020 - Submission to enquiry - Enquiry
• Start Date: 04-Jun-2026
• Completion Date: 04-Jun-2026
• Directive: Harmonized Standard2014/29/EU - Directive 2014/29/EU of The European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2016 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of simple pressure vessels
• Directive:

  ---

  Harmonized Standard2014/68/EU - Directive 2014/68/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of pressure equipment
• Mandate: M/601 - COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 1.3.2024 on a standardisation request to the European Committee for Standardization and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization as regards pressure equipment and assemblies in support of Directive 2014/68/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council
• Mandate: M/602 - COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION on a standardisation request to the European Committee for Standardization as regards simple pressure vessels in support of Directive 2014/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2026 - Qualification testing of welders - Fusion welding (ISO/DIS 9606:2026)

Relations

• Revises: EN ISO 9606-1:2017 - Qualification testing of welders - Fusion welding - Part 1: Steels (ISO 9606-1:2012 including Cor 1:2012 and Cor 2:2013)
• Effective Date: 29-May-2024
• Revises: EN ISO 9606-2:2004 - Qualification test of welders - Fusion welding - Part 2: Aluminium and aluminium alloys (ISO 9606-2:2004)
• Effective Date: 29-May-2024
• Revises: EN ISO 9606-3:1999 - Approval testing of welders - Fusion welding - Part 3: Copper and copper alloys (ISO 9606-3:1999)
• Effective Date: 29-May-2024
• Revises: EN ISO 9606-4:1999 - Approval testing of welders - Fusion welding - Part 4: Nickel and nickel alloys (ISO 9606-4:1999)
• Effective Date: 29-May-2024
• Revises: EN ISO 9606-5:2000 - Approval testing of welders - Fusion welding - Part 5: Titanium and titanium alloys, zirconium and zirconium alloys (ISO 9606-5:2000)
• Effective Date: 29-May-2024

Overview

The draft international standard prEN ISO 9606:2024, titled Qualification testing of welders - Fusion welding (ISO/DIS 9606:2024), is developed by ISO in cooperation with CEN. It specifies requirements for the systematic qualification testing of welders involved in fusion welding processes for various metals including steels, aluminium, copper, nickel, titanium, and zirconium alloys. The main objective is to ensure that welders have the necessary manual skills to produce welds of acceptable quality, applicable uniformly across product types, locations, and examination bodies.

This standard covers manual and partly mechanized fusion welding processes but excludes fully mechanized and automated welding, which are addressed by ISO 14732. It provides detailed guidelines on essential variables, testing conditions, acceptance criteria, and documentation required to certify welder qualifications.

Key Topics

• Scope and Materials: Qualification testing applies to fusion welding of steels and key non-ferrous metals and their alloys such as aluminium, copper, nickel, titanium, and zirconium.
• Welding Processes Covered: Manual or partly mechanized fusion welding methods are within scope; fully mechanized or automated processes are excluded.
• Qualification Range and Variables: Defines essential variables including welding processes, product types, weld types, filler and parent materials, dimensions, and positions.
• Testing and Examination Procedures: Specifies types of test pieces, destructive and non-destructive testing, welding conditions, and test specimen preparation.
• Acceptance Criteria: Establishes criteria for successful qualification based on mechanical testing and visual inspections.
• Qualification Validity and Revalidation: Specifies periods of validity, procedures for retests, revalidation, and conditions leading to revocation of certification.
• Certification Documentation: Includes requirements for welder qualification test certificates with example formats and job knowledge appendices.

Applications

• Industrial Welding Qualifications: Ensures welders meet competency requirements when working on critical structures in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, aerospace, and manufacturing.
• Quality Assurance: Facilitates uniform evaluation of welder skills to maintain consistent weld quality, supporting product safety and performance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Aligns with EU directives, helping organizations comply with relevant occupational and product standards.
• Training and Career Development: Assists training institutions and employers in validating welder capabilities and readiness for diverse welding tasks.
• Procurement and Contracting: Provides a standard reference for specifying minimum qualification requirements in supplier and contractor agreements.

Related Standards

• ISO 14732 – Qualification of welding operators for mechanized and automated welding processes.
• ISO 15614 Series – Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials.
• ISO 9606 (Previous Parts 1-5) – Previous editions covering qualification of welders for different materials and processes.
• CEN/TC 121 – European Committee for Standardization’s technical committee on welding processes.
• EU Directives – Compliance with essential requirements of PED 2014/68/EU and SPVD 2014/29/EU related to pressure equipment and safety valves.

---

Adoption of prEN ISO 9606:2024 provides a harmonized, robust framework to certify welder skills in fusion welding. It supports manufacturing excellence, enhances safety, and promotes global acceptance of welder qualifications across multiple industries and metals, facilitating workforce mobility and industrial interoperability.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
01-november-2024
Preskušanje usposobljenosti varilcev - Talilno varjenje (ISO/DIS 9606:2024)
Qualification testing of welders - Fusion welding (ISO/DIS 9606:2024)
Prüfung von Schweißern - Schmelzschweißen (ISO/DIS 9606:2024)
Épreuve de qualification des soudeurs - Soudage par fusion (ISO/DIS 9606:2024)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 9606
ICS:
03.100.30 Vodenje ljudi Management of human
resources
25.160.10 Varilni postopki in varjenje Welding processes
77.080.20 Jekla Steels
oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 9606
ISO/TC 44/SC 11
Qualification testing of welders —
Secretariat: ANSI
Fusion welding
Voting begins on:
ICS: 25.160.01
2024-10-01
Voting terminates on:
2024-12-24
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 9606
ISO/TC 44/SC 11
Qualification testing of welders —
Secretariat: ANSI
Fusion welding
Voting begins on:
ICS: 25.160.01
Voting terminates on:
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2024
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
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TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
Phone: [phone]
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
ii
oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope .1
2 Normative references .1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Reference numbers, symbols and abbreviated terms . 4
4.1 General .4
4.2 Welding processes and reference numbers .4
4.3 Symbols and abbreviated terms .5
4.3.1 Welding process variants .5
4.3.2 Test pieces .5
4.3.3 Bend testing .6
4.3.4 Welding consumables – type of covering or core .6
5 Essential variables and qualification range .7
5.1 General .7
5.2 Welding processes .7
5.3 Product type .9
5.4 Weld type . .9
5.5 Filler material grouping and parent material relationship .10
5.5.1 General .10
5.5.2 Steels - Qualification range .10
5.5.3 Aluminium - Qualification range .11
5.5.4 Copper - Qualification range .11
5.5.5 Nickel - Qualification range . 12
5.5.6 Titanium - Qualification range . 13
5.5.7 Zirconium - Qualification range. 13
5.6 Filler material type .14
5.7 Dimensions .14
5.8 Welding positions .16
5.9 Weld details .19
6 Examination and testing .20
6.1 Examination . 20
6.2 Test pieces . 20
6.3 Welding conditions . 22
6.4 Test methods . 23
6.5 Test pieces and test specimens for destructive testing . 26
6.5.1 General . 26
6.5.2 Butt welds in plate and pipe . 26
6.5.3 Fillet weld on plate and pipe . 29
6.6 Test report . 29
7 Acceptance criteria for test pieces.29
8 Re-tests.30
9 Period of validity .31
9.1 Initial qualification .31
9.2 Confirmation of the welder's qualification test certificate .31
9.3 Revalidation of the welder’s qualification test certificate .31
9.4 Revocation of qualification .32
10 Welder's qualification test certificate.32
11 Designation .32
Annex A (informative) Example of a welder qualification test certificate .34

iii
oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
Annex B (informative) Job knowledge .36
Annex C (informative) Fillet weld/butt weld test assembly option .40
Annex D (informative) Welder qualification designation examples . 41
Annex E (informative) Former diameters calculated in accordance with formula (1) .46
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 2014/68/EU (PED) aimed to be covered . 47
Annex ZB (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 2014/29/EU (SPVD) aimed to be covered .50
Bibliography .51

iv
oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any patent
rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of
patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 44, Welding and allied processes, Subcommittee
SC 11, Qualification requirements for welding and allied processes personnel, in collaboration with the European
Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 121, Welding and allied processes, in
accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
Any feedback, question or request for official interpretation related to any aspect of this document should be
directed to the Secretariat of ISO/TC 44/SC 11 via your national standards body. A complete listing of these
bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html. Official interpretations, where they exist, are available
from this page: https://committee.iso.org/sites/tc44/home/interpretation.html.
This first edition cancels and replaces ISO 9606-1:2012, ISO 9606-2:2004, ISO 9606-3:1999, ISO 9606-4:1999,
and ISO 9606-5:2000.
v
oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
Introduction
A welder’s ability to follow verbal or written instructions and verification of a person's skills are important
factors in ensuring the quality of the welded product.
Testing a welder's skill in accordance with this document depends on the welding techniques and conditions
used, in which uniform rules are complied with and standard test pieces are used.
The principle of this document is that a qualification test, for a particular material, qualifies a welder not
only for the conditions used in the test, but also for all other conditions which are considered easier to weld
in accordance with this document. It is presumed that the welder has received training and/or has industrial
practice within the qualification range prior to performing the qualification test.
The qualification test can be used to qualify a welding procedure and a welder concurrently provided that all
the relevant requirements, e.g. test piece dimensions and testing requirements are satisfied (see ISO 15614
series).
All new qualifications are to be in accordance with this document from its date of issue.
At the end of its period of validity, existing welder qualification tests in accordance with the requirements of
ISO 9606-1. ISO 9606-2, ISO 9606-3, ISO 9606-4 and ISO 9606-5 or a national standard may be revalidated
in accordance with this document. This is providing that the technical intent of this document is satisfied. It
is necessary for the new qualification range to be interpreted in accordance with the requirements of this
document.
vi
oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
Qualification testing of welders — Fusion welding
1 Scope
This document specifies the requirements for qualification testing of welders for fusion welding of steels,
aluminium, copper, nickel, titanium and zirconium.
In this document, the terms "aluminium", “copper”, “nickel”, “titanium” and “zirconium” refer to the materials
and their alloys.
This document provides a set of technical rules for a systematic qualification test of the welder and enables
such qualifications to be uniformly accepted independently of product type, location and examiner or
examining body.
When qualifying welders, the emphasis is placed on the welder's ability to manually manipulate the
electrode, welding torch, welding blowpipe, or laser gun, with or without filler material, to produce a weld of
acceptable quality.
The fusion welding processes referred to in this document include welding processes which are designated
as manual or partly mechanized.
This document does not cover fully mechanized and automated welding processes which are covered by
ISO 14732.
The principles of this document can be applied to other fusion welding processes.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 3834-2, Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials — Part 2: Comprehensive quality
requirements
ISO 3834-3, Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials — Part 3: Standard quality
requirements
ISO 4063:2023, Welding, brazing, soldering and cutting — Nomenclature of processes and reference numbers
ISO 5173, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Bend tests
ISO 5817:2023, Welding — Fusion-welded joints in steel, nickel, titanium and their alloys (beam welding
excluded) — Quality levels for imperfections
ISO 6520-1:2007, Welding and allied processes — Classification of geometric imperfections in metallic materials
— Part 1: Fusion welding
ISO 6947, Welding and allied processes — Welding positions
ISO 9017, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Fracture test
ISO 10042:2018, Welding — Arc-welded joints in aluminium and its alloys — Quality levels for imperfections
ISO 10863, Non-destructive testing of welds — Ultrasonic testing — Use of time-of-flight diffraction
technique (TOFD)
oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
ISO 13588, Non-destructive testing of welds — Ultrasonic testing — Use of automated phased array technology
ISO 13919-1, Electron and laser-beam welded joints — Requirements and recommendations on quality levels for
imperfections — Part 1: Steel, nickel, titanium and their alloys
ISO 13919-2, Electron and laser-beam welded joints — Requirements and recommendations on quality levels for
imperfections — Part 2: Aluminium, magnesium and their alloys and pure copper
ISO 14175, Welding consumables — Gases and gas mixtures for fusion welding and allied processes
ISO/TR 15608, Welding — Guidelines for a metallic materials grouping system
ISO 15609-1, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials — Welding procedure
specification — Part 1: Arc welding
ISO 15609-2, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials — Welding procedure
specification — Part 2: Gas welding
ISO 15609-4, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials — Welding procedure
specification — Part 4: Laser beam welding
ISO 17636-1, Non-destructive testing of welds — Radiographic testing — Part 1: X- and gamma-ray techniques
with film
ISO 17636-2, Non-destructive testing of welds — Radiographic testing — Part 2: X- and gamma-ray techniques
with digital detectors
ISO 17637, Non-destructive testing of welds — Visual testing of fusion-welded joints
ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, Welding and allied processes — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
ISO/TR 25901-3:2016, Welding and allied processes — Vocabulary — Part 3: Welding processes
ISO/TR 25901-4, Welding and allied processes — Vocabulary — Part 4: Arc welding
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/TR 25901-1, ISO/TR 25901-3,
ISO/TR 25901-4 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
welder
person who holds and manipulates the electrode holder, torch or blowpipe during welding
3.2
manufacturing organization
workshop or site or both which is (are) under the same technical and quality management
3.3
examiner
person who has been appointed to verify compliance with the applicable standard
Note 1 to entry: In certain cases, an external independent examiner can be required.

oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
3.4
examining body
organization which has been appointed to verify compliance with the applicable standard
Note 1 to entry: In certain cases, an external independent examining body can be required.
3.5
certificate
notification of attainment by the examiner or examining body when all qualification
requirements have been satisfied
3.6
material backing
backing using material for the purpose of supporting molten weld metal
3.7
gas backing
backing using gas primarily for the purpose of preventing atmospheric reaction
3.8
flux backing
backing using flux primarily for the purpose of preventing atmospheric reaction
3.9
consumable insert
filler material that is placed at the root of the joint before welding to be completely fused into the weld metal
3.10
layer
stratum of weld metal consisting of one or more runs
3.11
root run
root pass
〈multi-layer welding〉 first run deposited in the root of a multi-run weld
3.12
filling run
〈multi-layer welding〉 run(s) deposited after the root run(s) and before the capping run(s)
3.13
capping run
〈multi-layer welding〉 run(s) visible on the weld face(s) after completion of welding
3.14
penetration depth
deposited thickness
thickness of the weld metal excluding any reinforcement
3.15
leftward welding
gas welding technique in which the filler rod is moved ahead of the blowpipe in relation to the welding
direction
3.16
rightward welding
gas welding technique in which the filler rod is moved behind the blowpipe in relation to the welding
direction
3.17
branch joint
joint of one or more tubular parts to the main pipe or to a shell or to a plate

oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
3.18
fillet weld
triangular weld between two or more parts for joining a T-joint, corner joint or lap joint
3.19
butt weld
groove weld
weld other than a fillet weld made in a groove or in a square preparation
3.20
verification
confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence, that specified requirements have been fulfilled
3.21
manual welding
welding in which the electrode holder, gun, torch or blowpipe is manipulated by hand
3.22
partly mechanized welding
semiautomatic welding
manual welding (3.21) where wire feed is mechanized
4 Reference numbers, symbols and abbreviated terms
4.1 General
The following abbreviations and reference numbers shall be used when completing the welder's qualification
test certificate (see Annex A).
4.2 Welding processes and reference numbers
This document is applicable to the following manual or partly mechanized fusion welding processes defined
in ISO/TR 25901-3, with reference numbers in accordance with ISO 4063:2023:
111 - manual metal arc welding
114 - self-shielded tubular cored arc welding
121 - submerged arc welding with solid wire electrode
125 - submerged arc welding with tubular cored electrode
131 - MIG welding with solid wire electrode
135 - MAG welding with solid wire electrode
136 - MAG welding with flux cored electrode
138 - MAG welding with metal cored electrode
141 - TIG welding with solid filler material
142 - autogenous TIG welding
143 - TIG welding with tubular cored filler material
145 - TIG welding using reducing gas and solid filler material
146 - TIG welding using reducing gas and tubular cored filler material

oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
147 - TAG welding (TIG welding using active gas)
15 - plasma arc welding
311 - oxyacetylene welding
52 – laser welding
The principles given in this document can be applied to other fusion welding processes.
4.3 Symbols and abbreviated terms
4.3.1 Welding process variants
WF - waveform control (only when waveform control is used).
NOTE Waveform controlled power sources can be used without WF control.
Transfer modes in accordance with ISO 4063:2023 (for process 131, 135, and 138 only):
D - Short-circuit transfer (dip transfer)
G - Globular transfer
S - Spray transfer
Example 1 MIG welding with solid wire electrode using short circuit transfer is designated as: 131-D.
Example 2 MAG welding with solid wire electrode, using spray transfer and waveform control is designated as:
135-S-WF.
4.3.2 Test pieces
a – design throat thickness
BW – butt weld
BBW – Branch butt weld
BFW – Branch fillet weld
D – pipe outside diameter
FW – fillet weld
l – test piece length
l – test piece half-width
l – examination length
f
P – Plate (product form)
s – deposited thickness or fused metal thickness in butt welds (excluding any reinforcement)
T – pipe (also covers tube, all forms of hollow and solid sections)
t – test piece thickness (plate or pipe wall thickness)
z – fillet weld leg length
oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
4.3.3 Bend testing
A - minimum percentage elongation required by the material specification
d - diameter of the former or the inner roller
t - bend test specimen thickness
s
4.3.4 Welding consumables – type of covering or core
nm - no filler material (processes 15, 52, 142, and 311 when no filler material is used)
The symbol for the type of covering or core is in accordance with ISO welding consumable standards as
follows:
03 - titania basic
10 - high cellulose, sodium
11 - high cellulose, potassium
12 - high titania, sodium
13 - high titania, potassium
14 - iron powder, titania
15 - basic, sodium
16 - basic, potassium
18 - basic, potassium, iron powder
19 - iron oxide titania, potassium
20 - high iron oxide
24 - iron power, titania
27 - high iron oxide, iron powder
28 - low-hydrogen potassium, iron powder
40 - not specified
45 - basic, sodium (not including PF)
48 - basic potassium, iron powder (not including PF)
A - acid covering
B - basic covering or electrode core — basic
C - cellulosic covering
R - rutile covering or electrode core — rutile, slow-freezing slag
RA - rutile — acid covering
RB - rutile — basic covering
oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
RC - rutile — cellulosic covering
RR - rutile — thick covering
M - metal cored electrode or metal powder
P - electrode core — rutile, fast-freezing slag
S - solid wire electrode — solid rod
V - electrode core — rutile or basic/fluoride
W - electrode core — basic/fluoride, slow-freezing slag
Y - electrode core — basic/fluoride, fast-freezing slag
Z - electrode core — other types
Other weld details
bs - welding from both sides
ci - consumable insert
fb - flux backing
gb - gas backing
lw - leftward welding
mb - material backing
ml - multi-layer
nb - no backing
rw - rightward welding
sl - single layer
ss - single side welding
5 Essential variables and qualification range
5.1 General
The qualification of welders is based on essential variables. For each essential variable, a qualification range
is defined. If the welder is required to weld outside of their qualification range, they shall perform a new
qualification test. The essential variables are given in 5.2 to 5.9.
5.2 Welding processes
Each welder qualification test qualifies the welding process or processes (see 4.2) used in the test.
A welder qualified for a single process is qualified to deposit weld metal using that process in the range in
accordance with Table 14.
A welder is qualified for two or more welding processes by welding individual test pieces. This is achieved by
welding with each process on separate test pieces or with a combination of processes (multi-process joint) in
a single test piece (combination test piece).

oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
A welder qualified on a combination process test piece is qualified to deposit weld metal in the range in
accordance with Table 14 based on the thickness deposited with each process in the combination test piece.
A welder can use each process individually or in different combinations on all parent material thicknesses
within the range for which they are qualified for that process in accordance with Table 14 provided they
stay within the other qualification limits for each process.
When welding aluminium with process 14, a change in the current type or polarity requires a separate
qualification.
Qualification using processes 15, 52, and 311 with filler material does not qualify for welding without filler
material and vice versa.
A change of welding process requires a new welder qualification test except where a process covers other
processes as given in Table 1.
Table 1 — Arc welding – Production welding process qualified
Welding process used Production welding process qualified
in welder qualifica-
a a
121 125 135 138 141 142 143 145 146
tion test
121 X X — — — — — — —
125 X X — — — — — — —
135 — — X X — — — — —
138 — — X X — — — — —
141 — — — — X X X X X
a
143 — — — — X X X X X
145 — — — — X X X X X
a
146 — — — — X X X X X
X   indicates those processes for which the welder is qualified.
—  indicates those processes for which the welder is not qualified.
a
See Table 13 for limitations.
A change of transfer mode (processes 131, 135, and 138) requires a new qualification test except as given in
Table 2.
Table 2 — Gas-shielded arc welding – Production welding transfer modes
Transfer mode used in Production welding transfer mode covered
welder qualification test
Dip Globular Spray
(short circuit)
Dip, D
X X X
(Short circuit)
Globular, G — X X
Spray, S — X X
X   indicates the transfer modes covered.
—  indicates the transfer modes that are not covered.
Qualification using transfer mode D and WF only covers using WF.
Qualification in transfer modes G or S using WF covers welding without WF and vice versa.

oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
5.3 Product type
The welder qualification test shall be performed on plate or pipe or a combination of plate and pipe. The
following criteria are applicable:
a) test pieces in pipe with outside diameter D > 25 mm qualify production welds in plates;
b) test pieces in plates qualify production welds in fixed pipe of outside pipe diameter D ≥ 500 mm; in
accordance with Table 17 and Table 18.
c) test pieces in plates qualify production welds in rotating pipes of outside pipe diameter D ≥ 75 mm in
accordance with Table 17 and Table 18.
d) For process 52: test pieces in plates qualify production welds in plates only. Test pieces in tubes qualify
production welds in tubes only.
5.4 Weld type
The welder qualification test shall be performed by butt welding or fillet welding. The following criteria are
applicable.
a) Butt weld qualification tests qualify for production butt welds of any type of joint except branch
connections [see also e)].
b) Butt weld qualification tests do not qualify for production fillet welds or vice versa.
c) A welder is qualified for both fillet welds and butt welds by welding a single combined fillet weld/butt
weld test piece (see Annex C). The combined fillet weld/butt weld test piece shall be ≥ 10 mm thick
consisting of a single bevel butt joint with permanent material backing and a root gap ≥ 12 mm as shown
in Figure C.1.). The fillet weld shall be examined visually and have a leg size ≤ 8 mm before completion
of the butt weld (see Figure C.2). For the fillet weld/butt weld combination test, all testing requirements
for butt welds specified in this document shall be fulfilled and associated qualification ranges for butt
and fillet welds shall be given based on the test conditions.
d) Butt weld qualification tests qualify production fillet welds if a supplementary fillet weld test piece (see
Figure 5) is performed. When more than one process or filler metal type was used in the butt weld test
piece, separate supplementary fillet weld tests shall be made for each process and filler metal type.
The supplementary fillet weld test piece shall be at least the same thickness as the butt weld test piece
but need not exceed 10 mm. Both plates shall be of equal thickness. The supplementary fillet weld shall
be made using a single layer in the PB position.
When a welder successfully passes the supplementary fillet weld test, the qualification range for fillet
welds shall be determined based on the qualification variables from the butt weld test, in accordance
with the tables for fillet welds. This includes all welding positions covered by the butt weld qualification
as well as fillet welding position PB (see Table 19).
The qualification range for the supplementary fillet weld test shall be given on the welder qualification
certificate.
A WPS or pWPS in accordance with 6.3 shall be used to produce the supplementary fillet weld test piece.
e) Butt welds in pipes qualify branch joints with an angle ≥ 60° and the same qualification range as in Table 1
to Table 21. For a branch weld, the qualification range is based on the outside diameter of the branch.
f) For applications where the type of weld cannot be qualified by means of either a butt weld or fillet weld
or for branch connections of less than 60°, a specific test piece shall be used to qualify the welder, when
specified (e.g. by the product standard).

oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
5.5 Filler material grouping and parent material relationship
5.5.1 General
Welder qualification tests shall be performed with filler material from one of the filler material groups listed
in Table 3, Table 5, Table 7, Table 9, Table 10 and Table 11.
When qualification tests are performed without filler material (e.g. processes 15, 52, 142, and 311), the
qualification range is limited to the group of the parent material in accordance with ISO/TR 15608 used in
the test. If the parent material is not covered by ISO/TR 15608, the qualification is only valid for the parent
material used in the test.
Welder qualification tests performed with filler materials not included in the filler material groups require
separate qualification tests. The qualification range is limited to the filler material used in the qualification test.
The parent material used in a qualification test shall be any material from the following sets of groups and
subgroups in accordance with ISO/TR 15608:
—  steels: group 1 to 11;
—  aluminium: group 21 to 26;
—  copper: group 31 to 38;
—  nickel: group 41 to 48;
—  titanium: group 51 to 54;
—  zirconium: group 61 to 62.
Other than as allowed in 5.5.5, welder qualification tests performed on any parent material within a group,
qualifies the welder to weld on all materials within that set of groups and subgroups and materials of similar
chemical composition to the materials in that set of groups and subgroups.
5.5.2 Steels - Qualification range
Filler material groups for welding steels are given in Table 3.
Table 3 — Steel filler material grouping
Filler mate- Parent material type Examples of applicable welding consumable stand-
rial ards
group
FE1 Non-alloy and fine grain steels ISO 2560, ISO 14341, ISO 636, ISO 14171, ISO 17632,
ISO 20378
FE2 High-strength steels ISO 18275, ISO 16834, ISO 26304, ISO 18276
FE3 Creep-resisting steels 0,3 % ≤ Cr < 3,75 % ISO 3580, ISO 21952, ISO 24598, ISO 17634, ISO 20378
FE4 Creep-resisting steels 3,75 ≤ Cr ≤ 12 % ISO 3580, ISO 21952, ISO 24598, ISO 17634
FE5 Stainless and heat-resisting steels ISO 3581, ISO 14343, ISO 17633
A welder qualification test using a filler material from one group in Table 3 qualifies the welder for all other
filler materials within the same group as well as those given in Table 4.

oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
Table 4 — Qualification range for filler material –steels
Filler mate- Qualification range
rial
FE1 FE2 FE3 FE4 FE5
group
FE1 X X — — —
FE2 X X — — —
FE3 X X X — —
FE4 X X X X —
FE5 — — — — X
X   indicates those filler materials for which the welder is qualified.
—  indicates those filler materials for which the welder is not qualified.
When welding steels to nickel based materials, see 5.5.5.
5.5.3 Aluminium - Qualification range
Filler material groups for welding aluminium are given in Table 5.
Table 5 — Aluminium filler material grouping
Filler ma- Filler material type Example of applicable standards
terial (numerical Symbol)
group
AL1 Aluminium Low Alloyed (Al 1xxx) ISO 18273
AL2 Aluminium Copper (Al 2xxx) ISO 18273
AL3 Aluminium Manganese (Al 3xxx) ISO 18273
AL4 Aluminium Silicon (Al 4xxx) ISO 18273
AL5 Aluminium Magnesium (Al 5xxx) ISO 18273
A welder qualification test using a filler material from one group in Table 5 qualifies the welder for all other
filler materials within the same group as well as those given in Table 6.
Table 6 — Qualification range for filler material – aluminium and alloys
Filler mate- Qualification range
rial
AL1 AL2 AL3 AL4 AL5
group
AL1 X – X – –
AL2 – X – – –
AL3 X – X – –
AL4 X – X X –
AL5 X – X X X
X   indicates those filler materials for which the welder is qualified.
—  indicates those filler materials for which the welder is not qualified.
When welding aluminium with process 131: an increase in the helium content of the shielding gas greater
than 50 % of that used in the qualification test requires a new welder qualification test.
5.5.4 Copper - Qualification range
Filler material groups for welding copper are given in Table 7.
A welder qualification test using a filler material from one group in Table 7 qualifies the welder for all other
filler materials within the same group as well as those given in Table 8.

oSIST prEN ISO 9606:2024
ISO/DIS 9606:2024(en)
Table 7 — Copper filler material grouping
Filler mate- Type of filler material Examples of applicable standards
rial (numerical Symbol)
group
CU1 Copper Low Alloyed (Cu 1xxx) ISO 24373, ISO 17777
CU4 Copper Zinc (Cu 4xxx, Cu 68xx, Cu 77xx) ISO 24373
CU5 Copper Tin (Cu 5xxx) ISO 24373, ISO 17777
CU6 Copper Aluminium (Cu 60xx, Cu 61xx, Cu ISO 24373, ISO 17777
62xx, Cu 632x)
Copper Manganese (Cu 63xx)
Copper Silicon (Cu 65xx)
CU7 Copper Nickel (Cu 70xx, Cu 71xx) ISO 24373, ISO 17777
Table 8 — Qualification range for filler material – copper and alloys
Filler mate- Qualification range
rial
CU1 CU4 CU5 CU6 CU7
group
CU1 X X X — X
CU4 — X — — X
CU5 — — X — —
CU6 — — — X —
CU7 — X — — X
X   indicates those filler materials for which the welder is qualified.
—  indicates those filler materials for which the welder is not qualified.
5.5.5 Nickel - Qualification range
Filler material groups for welding nickel are given in Table 9.
A welder qualification test using a filler material from any group in Table 9 qualifies the welder for all other
groups in Table 9 and FE5 (see Table 3).
Welder qualification tests using nickel filler materials on Group 1 to 11 parent materials, or Group 41 to
Group 48 parent materials, qualify the welder for Group 1 to 11 and Group 41 to 48 parent materials using
nickel filler materials.
A change from activ
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2026
Preskušanje usposobljenosti varilcev - Talilno varjenje (ISO/DIS 9606:2026)
Qualification testing of welders - Fusion welding (ISO/DIS 9606:2026)
Prüfung von Schweißern - Schmelzschweißen (ISO/DIS 9606:2026)
Épreuve de qualification des soudeurs - Soudage par fusion (ISO/DIS 9606:2026)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 9606
ICS:
03.100.30 Vodenje ljudi Management of human
resources
25.160.10 Varilni postopki in varjenje Welding processes
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 9606.2
ISO/TC 44/SC 11
Qualification testing of welders —
Secretariat: ANSI
Fusion welding
Voting begins on:
Épreuve de qualification des soudeurs — Soudage par fusion
2026-06-01
Voting terminates on:
ICS: 25.160.01
2026-07-27
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document has not been edited by the ISO Central Secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 9606.2
ISO/TC 44/SC 11
Qualification testing of welders —
Secretariat: ANSI
Fusion welding
Voting begins on:
Épreuve de qualification des soudeurs — Soudage par fusion
ICS: 25.160.01 Voting terminates on:
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document has not been edited by the ISO Central Secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2026
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
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TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
Phone: [phone]
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
ii
ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope .1
2 Normative references .1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Reference numbers, symbols and abbreviated terms .5
4.1 General .5
4.2 Welding processes and reference numbers .5
4.3 Symbols and abbreviated terms .5
4.3.1 Welding process variants .5
4.3.2 Test pieces .6
4.3.3 Bend testing .6
4.3.4 Welding consumables – type of covering or core .6
4.3.5 Other weld details .7
5 Examination and testing .8
5.1 Examination .8
5.2 Test pieces .8
5.3 Welding conditions .11
5.4 Test methods .11
5.5 Test pieces and test specimens for destructive testing .14
5.5.1 General .14
5.5.2 Butt welds in plate and pipe .14
5.5.3 Fillet weld on plate and pipe .17
5.6 Test report .17
6 Acceptance criteria for test pieces.17
7 Essential variables and qualification range . 19
7.1 General .19
7.2 Welding processes .19
7.3 Product type . 20
7.4 Weld type . . 20
7.5 Filler material grouping and parent material relationship .21
7.5.1 General .21
7.5.2 Steels - Qualification range . 22
7.5.3 Aluminium - Qualification range . 22
7.5.4 Copper - Qualification range . 23
7.5.5 Nickel - Qualification range .24
7.5.6 Titanium - Qualification range .24
7.5.7 Zirconium - Qualification range. 25
7.6 Filler material type . 25
7.7 Dimensions . 26
7.8 Welding positions . . 28
7.9 Weld details .31
8 Re-tests.32
9 Period of validity .32
9.1 Initial qualification .32
9.2 Confirmation of the welder's qualification test certificate .32
9.3 Revalidation of the welder’s qualification test certificate .32
9.4 Revocation of qualification . 33
10 Welder's qualification test certificate.33
11 Designation .34

iii
ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
Annex A (informative) Example of a welder qualification test certificate .35
Annex B (informative) Job knowledge .37
Annex C (Normative) Fillet weld/butt weld test assembly option .41
Annex D (informative) Welder qualification designation examples .42
Annex E (informative) Former diameter calculation .49
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 2014/68/EU (PED) aimed to be covered .50
Annex ZB (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 2014/29/EU (SPVD) aimed to be covered .53
Bibliography .54

iv
ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 44, Welding and allied processes, Subcommittee
SC 11, Qualification requirements for welding and allied processes personnel, in collaboration with the European
Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 121, Welding and allied processes, in
accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This first edition of ISO 9606 cancels and replaces ISO 9606-1:2012, ISO 9606-2:2004, ISO 9606-3:1999,
ISO 9606-4:1999, and ISO 9606-5:2000.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s
national standards body. A complete listing of these bodies can be found at
www.iso.org/members.html. Official interpretations of ISO/TC 44 documents, where they exist, are
available from this page: https://committee.iso.org/sites/tc44/home/interpretation.html.

v
ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
Introduction
A welder’s ability to follow verbal or written instructions and verification of a person's skills are important
factors in ensuring the quality of the welded product.
Testing a welder's skill in accordance with this document depends on the welding techniques and conditions
used, in which uniform rules are conformed with, and standard test pieces are used.
When qualifying welders, the emphasis is placed on the welder's ability to manually manipulate the
electrode, welding torch, welding blowpipe, or laser gun, with or without filler material, to produce a weld of
acceptable quality.
The principle of this document is that a qualification test, for a particular material, qualifies a welder not
only for the conditions used in the test, but also for all other conditions which are considered easier to weld
in accordance with this document. It is presumed that the welder has received training and/or has industrial
practice within the qualification range prior to performing the qualification test.
The qualification test can be used to qualify a welding procedure and a welder concurrently provided that all
the relevant requirements, e.g. test piece dimensions and testing requirements are satisfied (see ISO 15614
series).
All new qualifications are to be in accordance with this document from its date of issue.
At the end of its period of validity, existing welder qualification tests in accordance with the requirements of
ISO 9606-1. ISO 9606-2, ISO 9606-3, ISO 9606-4 and ISO 9606-5 or a national standard may be revalidated
in accordance with this document, provided that that the technical intent of this document is satisfied. The
new qualification range is to be interpreted according to the requirements specified in this document.

vi
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
Qualification testing of welders — Fusion welding
1 Scope
This document specifies the requirements for qualification testing of welders for fusion welding of steels,
aluminium, copper, nickel, titanium and zirconium.
In this document, the terms "aluminium", “copper”, “nickel”, “titanium” and “zirconium” refer to the materials
and their alloys.
This document provides a set of technical rules for a systematic qualification test of the welder and enables
such qualifications to be uniformly accepted independently of product type, location and examiner or
examining body.
The fusion welding processes referred to in this document include welding processes which are designated
as manual or partly mechanized.
Qualification testing of welding operators and weld setters for mechanized and automatic welding is covered
by ISO 14732.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 3834-2, Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials — Part 2: Comprehensive quality
requirements
ISO 3834-3, Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials — Part 3: Standard quality
requirements
ISO 4063:2023, Welding, brazing, soldering and cutting — Nomenclature of processes and reference numbers
ISO 5173, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Bend tests
ISO 5817:2023, Welding — Fusion-welded joints in steel, nickel, titanium and their alloys (beam welding
excluded) — Quality levels for imperfections
ISO 6520-1:2007, Welding and allied processes — Classification of geometric imperfections in metallic materials
— Part 1: Fusion welding
ISO 6947, Welding and allied processes — Welding positions
ISO 9017, Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Fracture test
ISO 10042:2018, Welding — Arc-welded joints in aluminium and its alloys — Quality levels for imperfections
ISO 10863, Non-destructive testing of welds — Ultrasonic testing — Use of time-of-flight diffraction technique
(TOFD)
ISO 13588, Non-destructive testing of welds — Ultrasonic testing — Use of automated phased array technology
ISO 13919-1, Electron and laser-beam welded joints — Requirements and recommendations on quality levels for
imperfections — Part 1: Steel, nickel, titanium and their alloys

ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
ISO 13919-2, Electron and laser-beam welded joints — Requirements and recommendations on quality levels for
imperfections — Part 2: Aluminium, magnesium and their alloys and pure copper
ISO 14175, Welding consumables — Gases and gas mixtures for fusion welding and allied processes
ISO 15608, Welding — Grouping system for metallic materials
ISO 15609-1, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials — Welding procedure
specification — Part 1: Arc welding
ISO 15609-2, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials — Welding procedure
specification — Part 2: Gas welding
ISO 15609-4, Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials — Welding procedure
specification — Part 4: Laser beam welding
ISO 17636-1, Non-destructive testing of welds — Radiographic testing — Part 1: X- and gamma-ray techniques
with film
ISO 17636-2, Non-destructive testing of welds — Radiographic testing — Part 2: X- and gamma-ray techniques
with digital detectors
ISO 17637, Non-destructive testing of welds — Visual testing of fusion-welded joints
ISO 17640, Non-destructive testing of welds — Ultrasonic testing — Techniques, testing levels, and assessment
ISO/TR 25901-1, Welding and allied processes — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
ISO/TR 25901-3, Welding and allied processes — Vocabulary — Part 3: Welding processes
ISO/TR 25901-4, Welding and allied processes — Vocabulary — Part 4: Arc welding
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/TR 25901-1, ISO/TR 25901-3,
ISO/TR 25901-4 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
welder
person who holds and manipulates the electrode holder, torch, blowpipe or welding gun during welding
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901:2016, 2.5.24, modified — welding gun added]
3.2
manufacturer
person or organization responsible for the welding production
[SOURCE: ISO 15607:2019, 3.1]
3.3
examiner
person who has been appointed to verify conformance with the applicable standard
Note 1 to entry: In certain cases, an external independent examiner can be required.
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.5.29, modified – compliance has been changed to conformance]

ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
3.4
examining body
organization which has been appointed to verify conformance with the applicable standard
Note 1 to entry: In certain cases, an external independent examining body can be required.
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.5.30, modified – compliance has been changed to conformance]
3.5
certificate
notification of attainment by the examiner (3.3) or examining body (3.4) when all
qualification requirements have been satisfied
3.6
material backing
backing using material for the purpose of supporting molten weld metal
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.11.11]
3.7
gas backing
backing using gas primarily for the purpose of preventing atmospheric reaction
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.11.7]
3.8
flux backing
backing using flux primarily for the purpose of preventing atmospheric reaction
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.11.10]
3.9
consumable insert
filler material that is placed at the root of the joint before welding to be completely fused into the weld metal
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.10.2]
3.10
layer
stratum of weld metal consisting of one or more runs
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.8.13]
3.11
root run
root pass
first run deposited in the root of a multi-run weld
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.8.19]
3.12
capping run
run(s) visible on the weld face(s) after completion of welding
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.8.11]
3.13
deposited thickness
penetration depth
thickness of the weld metal excluding any reinforcement
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.7.4, modified – deposit thickness changed to deposited thickness and
becomes the preferred term]
ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
3.14
leftward welding
gas welding technique in which the filler rod is moved ahead of the blowpipe in relation to the welding
direction
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901:2007, 2.210]
3.15
rightward welding
gas welding technique in which the filler rod is moved behind the blowpipe in relation to the welding
direction
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901:2007, 2.302]
3.16
branch joint
joint of one or more tubular parts to the main pipe or to a shell or to a plate
3.17
fillet weld
triangular weld between two or more parts for joining a T-joint, corner joint or lap joint
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.6.11]
3.18
butt weld
groove weld
weld other than a fillet weld (3.17) made in a groove or in a square preparation
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.6.3]
3.19
verification
confirmation, through the provision of objective evidence that specified requirements have been fulfilled
Note 1 to entry: The objective evidence needed for a verification can be the result of an inspection or of other forms of
determination such as performing alternative calculations or reviewing documents.
Note 2 to entry: The activities carried out for verification are sometimes called a qualification process.
Note 3 to entry: The word “verified” is used to designate the corresponding status.
[SOURCE: ISO 9000:2015, 3.8.12]
3.20
manual welding
welding in which the electrode holder, torch, blowpipe or welding gun is manipulated by hand
3.21
partly mechanized welding
semiautomatic welding
manual welding (3.20) where wire feed is mechanized
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 25901-1:2016, 2.1.1.9]
3.22
waveform controlled welding
welding process modification of the voltage and/or current wave shape to control characteristics such as
droplet shape, penetration, wetting, bead shape, or transfer mode(s)
Note 1 to entry: pulsed current is considered a form of waveform control
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 18491:2019, 3.2, modified by addition of NOTE 1 to entry]

ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
4 Reference numbers, symbols and abbreviated terms
4.1 General
The following abbreviations and reference numbers shall be used when completing the welder's qualification
test certificate in accordance with Clause 10.
4.2 Welding processes and reference numbers
This document is applicable to the following manual or partly mechanized welding processes defined in
ISO/TR 25901-3, with reference numbers in accordance with ISO 4063:2023:
111 - manual metal arc welding
114 - self-shielded tubular cored arc welding
121 - submerged arc welding with solid wire electrode
125 - submerged arc welding with tubular cored electrode
131 - MIG welding with solid wire electrode
132 - MIG welding with flux cored electrode
133 - MIG welding with metal cored electrode
135 - MAG welding with solid wire electrode
136 - MAG welding with flux cored electrode
138 - MAG welding with metal cored electrode
141 - TIG welding with solid filler material
142 - autogenous TIG welding
143 - TIG welding with tubular cored filler material
145 - TIG welding using reducing gas and solid filler material
146 - TIG welding using reducing gas and tubular cored filler material
147 - TAG welding (TIG welding using active gas)
15 - plasma arc welding
311 - oxyacetylene welding
52 – laser welding
The principles given in this document can be applied to other fusion welding processes.
4.3 Symbols and abbreviated terms
4.3.1 Welding process variants
WF - waveform controlled welding
Transfer modes in accordance with ISO 4063:2023:
D - Short-circuit transfer (dip transfer)
G - Globular transfer
ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
S - Spray transfer
4.3.2 Test pieces
BW – butt weld
BBW – Branch butt weld
BFW – Branch fillet weld
D – pipe outside diameter
FW – fillet weld
l – test piece length
l – test piece half-width
l – examination length
f
P – Plate (product form)
s – deposited thickness or fused metal thickness in butt welds (excluding any reinforcement)
T – pipe (also covers tube, all forms of hollow and solid sections)
t – test piece thickness (plate or pipe wall thickness)
z – fillet weld leg length
4.3.3 Bend testing
A - minimum percentage elongation required by the material specification
d - diameter of the former or the inner roller
t - bend test specimen thickness
s
4.3.4 Welding consumables – type of covering or core
nm - no filler material (processes 142, 15, 311, and 52, when no filler material is used)
The symbol for the type of covering or core is in accordance with ISO welding consumable standards as
follows:
03 - titania basic
10 - high cellulose, sodium
11 - high cellulose, potassium
12 - high titania, sodium
13 - high titania, potassium
14 - iron powder, titania
15 - basic, sodium
16 - basic, potassium
18 - basic, potassium, iron powder
19 - iron oxide titania, potassium

ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
20 - high iron oxide
24 - iron power, titania
27 - high iron oxide, iron powder
28 - low-hydrogen potassium, iron powder
40 - not specified
45 - basic, sodium (not including PF)
48 - basic potassium, iron powder (not including PF)
A - acid covering
B - basic covering or electrode core — basic
C - cellulosic covering
R - rutile covering or electrode core — rutile, slow-freezing slag
RA - rutile — acid covering
RB - rutile — basic covering
RC - rutile — cellulosic covering
RR - rutile — thick covering
M - metal cored electrode or metal powder
P - electrode core — rutile, fast-freezing slag
S - solid wire electrode — solid rod
V - electrode core — rutile or basic/fluoride
W - electrode core — basic/fluoride, slow-freezing slag
Y - electrode core — basic/fluoride, fast-freezing slag
Z - electrode core — other types
4.3.5 Other weld details
bs - welding from both sides
ci - consumable insert
fb - flux backing
gb - gas backing
lw - leftward welding
mb - material backing
ml - multi-layer
nb - no backing
rw - rightward welding
sl - single layer
ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
ss - single side welding
5 Examination and testing
5.1 Examination
The examiner or examining body shall:
a) witness the welding of test pieces;
b) verify the results of testing.
Prior to welding, the following shall be marked and maintained on the test piece:
c) the identification of the examiner and the welder;
d) the testing position in accordance with ISO 6947 for the weld to be performed;
e) for fixed pipe welds, the 12 o'clock welding position.
The examiner or examining body shall stop the test if the welding conditions are not correct or if it appears
that the welder does not have the skill to fulfil the requirements, e.g. where there are excessive and/or
systematic repairs.
5.2 Test pieces
The shape and dimensions of test pieces are given in Figures 1 to 4.
In all cases, the minimum length of weld to be examined is 150 mm.
Consequently:
— test pieces in plate shall be at least 200 mm long.
— for test pieces in pipe where the length of the circumferential weld is less than 150 mm, additional test
pieces are required with a maximum of three test pieces.

ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
t material thickness of test piece
Figure 1 — Test piece dimensions – butt weld in plate
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
t , t material thicknesses of test pieces
1 2
NOTE The parent materials can be the same or different thicknesses.
Figure 2 — Test piece dimensions – fillet weld on plate

ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
D outside pipe diameter
t material thickness of test piece (wall thickness)
Figure 3 — Test piece dimensions – butt weld in pipe
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
D outside pipe diameter
l length of test piece
t , t material thicknesses of test pieces (pipe and plate)
1 2
NOTE The parent materials can be the same or different thicknesses.
Figure 4 — Test piece dimensions – branch butt weld (BBW) and branch fillet weld (BFW) on pipe

ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
5.3 Welding conditions
Welder qualification tests shall follow a pWPS or WPS in accordance with ISO 15609-1 or ISO 15609-2 or
ISO 15609-4.
For fillet weld tests, except for the supplementary fillet weld test, the required throat thickness for the
welder qualification test shall be specified in the pWPS or WPS.
The following welding conditions shall apply.
— The test piece shall have at least one stop/restart in both the root run and in the capping run. When more
than one process is used, at least one stop/restart shall be performed for the first run of each process.
The stop/ restart areas shall be marked.
— For rectangular and square hollow sections, the stop/restart shall not be located on the corners.
— Stops and restarts are permitted to be ground without permission of the examiner or examining body.
Removal of other imperfections requires approval or the examiner or examining body. For capping runs,
no grinding is permitted other than the stop/restart with the permission of the examiner or examining
body.
— Post-weld heat treatment required by the pWPS or WPS does not need to be performed.
5.4 Test methods
Prior to testing, the welded test pieces shall be checked as follows:
— all slag and spatter is removed;
— no grinding is visible on the root or the face side of the weld, except for stop/restart at the capping run;
— the stop/restart in the root run and in the first run of each welding process are identified;
Welds shall pass visual testing before further testing in accordance with Table 1 is performed (see also 5.1).
When material backing is used in the welder qualification test, it shall be removed prior to destructive
testing (except for macroscopic examination). Material backing need not be removed before non-destructive
testing (NDT).
Where macroscopic examination is specified, the test specimen shall be prepared and etched on one side, in
accordance with ISO 17639, to clearly reveal the weld profile.
The complete examination length of the weld, l , in accordance with Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7, shall be
f
examined.
ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
Table 1 — Test methods
Welding process(es) Test methods
a, b a, b, c
Butt welds Fillet welds
(including branch
joints)
VT and RT
or
VT and UT VT and FT
111, 114, 121, 125, 136, 141, 142, 143, 145, 146, 147,
or or
d
15 and 52
e
VT and BT VT and ME
or
e
VT and FT
e
VT and RT and BT
or
e
VT and RT and FT
or VT and FT
131, 135, 138 and 311 VT and UT or
or VT and ME
e
VT and BT
or
e
VT and FT
VT – visual testing shall be in accordance with ISO 17637
RT – radiographic testing shall be in accordance with ISO 17636-1 or ISO 17636-2.
UT – Ultrasonic testing shall be in accordance with:
—  For ferritic steels ≥ 8 mm ultrasonic testing shall be in accordance with ISO 17640.
—  For ferritic steels ≥ 6 mm, ultrasonic testing using phased array ultrasonic testing (UT-PA) shall
be in accordance with ISO 13588.
—  For ferritic steels ≥ 6 mm, time of flight diffraction ultrasonic testing (UT-TOFD) shall be in ac-
cordance with ISO 10863.
BT – bend testing shall be in accordance with ISO 5173
FT – fracture testing shall be in accordance with ISO 9017
ME – macroscopic examination shall be in accordance with ISO 17639 with at least two sections, and
at least one from a start/stop location of the root run and the first run performed for each welding
process. Additionally, for non-circular hollow sections, one section needs to be taken on a corner of
the section.
a
For titanium and zirconium and their alloys, bend testing is required for butt welds and fracture
testing is required for fillet welds.
b
For copper and copper alloys, radiographic testing is required for butt welds and additionally two
bend tests, one face, one root, or two fracture tests, one face, one root are required.
c
For the test piece in accordance with Annex C, either VT and UT or VT and BT shall be used.
d
For process 52, in butt welds < 2 mm thick, RT shall be used in place of FT.
e
For outside pipe diameters D ≤ 25 mm, performing a notched tensile test of the complete test piece
instead of BT or FT is permitted in accordance with Figure 8.

ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
l test piece length
l test piece half-width
l examination length
f
Figure 5 — Examination length for test specimens for a butt weld in plate
Key
1 one root fracture or one root transverse bend or one side-bend test specimen
2 one face fracture or one face transverse bend or one side-bend test specimen
3 one root fracture or one root transverse bend or one side-bend test specimen
4 one face fracture or one face transverse bend or one side-bend test specimen
l examination length (circumference)
f
Figure 6 — Examination length and locations for fracture
or bend test specimens for a butt weld in pipe

ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
Key
l examination length
f
Figure 7 — Examination length for a fillet weld in plate
5.5 Test pieces and test specimens for destructive testing
5.5.1 General
Details of the destructive tests in Table 1 are given in 5.5.2 and 5.5.3, including:
— dimensions;
— preparation of test pieces and test specimens;
— testing requirements.
For root, face- or side-bend, or fracture tests, one specimen shall be taken from the start/stop area in the
examination length.
For pipe butt welds in the PH, PJ, PH-L045 and PJ-L045 positions, test specimens shall be taken from the PE
and PF/PG positions in accordance with Figure 6.
5.5.2 Butt welds in plate and pipe
5.5.2.1 Fracture testing
Fracture tests shall be performed in accordance with ISO 9017.
When test specimens for fracture testing are longitudinally notched in the centre of the weld of the side in
tension (in order to achieve a fracture in the weld), the notch preparations shall comply with ISO 9017.
When fracture testing is performed in combination with radiographic testing, the following conditions shall
apply.
— For all plate butt welds, one root and one face test specimen shall be tested;
— For butt welds in pipe in PA or PC positions, one root and one face test specimen shall be tested:

ISO/DIS 9606.2:2026(en)
— For butt welds in pipe welded in all other welding positions, one root-test specimen shall be taken from
the PE (overhead) welding position and one face test specimen shall be taken from the PF (vertical up)
position or the PG (vertical down) position.
All test specimens shall be tested to fracture and shall be examined.
In all cases, at least one specimen shall be taken from a stop/start location. This includes when fracture
testing is combined with radiographic testing.
When only fracture testing is carried out, the following conditions shall apply:
— For butt welds in plate, the test piece examination length (Figure 5) shall be cut into four test specimens
of equal width. Two test specimens shall be tested with the root in tension and two specimens with the
face in tension. Each test specimen shall be ≥ 35 mm wide;
— For butt welds in pipe, the test piece examination length (Figure 6) shall be cut into four test specimens
of equal width in accordance with the dimensions given in Table 2. Two test specimens shall be tested
with the root in tension and two specimens with the face in tension. If the pipe diameter is too small to
extract the required number of test specimens, additional test pieces shall be welded.
Table 2 — Welds in pipe – Fracture and bend test specimens
a
Outside diameter, D, of pipes (T) Width of test specimens
mm mm
≥100 ≥35
50 ≤ D < 100 ≥20
25 < D < 50 ≥10
a
For pipes with outside diameter D ≤ 25 mm, the width of the bend specimens shall be that obtained by
cutting the pipe into quarter sections.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
ø hole diameter
Holes shall not be drilled in start and stop areas.
For t ≥ 1,8 mm: ø = 4,5 mm
For t < 1,8 mm: ø = 3,5 mm
NOTE Notch profiles s and q are also permitted in circumferential direction in accordance with ISO 9017.
Figure 8 — Notch tensile test piece on pipe with outside dia
...