# WPS and PQR (welding procedure specification and qualification record)

> A welding procedure specification (WPS) is the written instruction for making a weld (process, materials, consumables, parameters); a procedure qualification record (PQR, or WPQR under ISO) records the test weld and mechanical tests that qualified it.

- Source: https://amps.global/glossary/wps-and-pqr/
- Type: Glossary
- Published: 2026-09-05
- Tags: welding, quality

## Key facts

- Qualification codes: ASME BPVC Section IX, ISO 15614-1, AWS D1.1 (which also allows prequalified WPSs)
- Essential variables (material group, thickness range, process, position...) define what a PQR qualifies
- Welder performance qualifications (WPQ / WQT) are separate records tied to a WPS
- Inspectors verify that the WPS used on site is qualified and that welders hold current qualifications

Also known as: WPS, PQR, welding procedure specification, procedure qualification record, WPQR.

## Why NDT companies care

Acceptance criteria and the required extent of NDT depend on the code the weld was made to, and welding inspectors (for example CSWIP-certified) review WPS and welder qualifications before NDT starts. Inspection companies that offer welding inspection keep these documents with the job.

## WPS and PQR in AMPS

Procedure documents and welder qualifications are stored with the job or the asset in AMPS, in your own OneDrive, SharePoint or Google Drive, and welder qualification expiry dates can be flagged like any other certificate.

## Related pages

- [CSWIP](https://amps.global/glossary/cswip/)
- [AWS D1.1](https://amps.global/glossary/aws-d1-1/)
- [AS/NZS 1554](https://amps.global/glossary/as-nzs-1554/)

## Sources

- [Welding procedure specification on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welding_Procedure_Specification)
- [ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code](https://www.asme.org/codes-standards/bpvc-standards)
- [AWS - American Welding Society](https://www.aws.org/)