Complete Test Kits

Complete Test Kits

These complete kits contain everything you need for either the AWS D1.1 Limited Thickness Welder Qualification or the AWS D1.1 Unlimited Thickness Welder Qualification from start to finish. You may choose to test in a single position (1G, 2G, 3G, or 4G), or qualify for multiple positions at once with our two-position kits (3G qualifies 1G, and 2G combined with a separate 4G test).

All complete test kits include:

1) One set of practice plates
2) One set of AWS code-compliant test plates
3) Two extra-wide 1/4" backing strips
4 Step-by-step instructions with US-based telephone support from real welders
5) U.S.-based telephone support and help line
6) A pre-qualified Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)
7) A single-use “Authorization to Test” holographic sticker
8) Destructive bend testing in our labs by a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
9) Your Welder Qualification Record (WQR) upon successfully passing the test

Once your weld test is complete, place the test specimen in the box and return it with the “Authorization to Test” holographic sticker attached. A Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) will inspect and destructively test your specimen in our lab. Upon passing, you will receive an official AWS D1.1-compliant Welder Qualification Record (WQR) that can be presented to employers, schools, or testing authorities as proof of qualification.

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All Products Complete Test Kits (4) Individual Weld Coupons (2) Practice Kits (3)

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Understanding Your Weld Qualification Options

Before ordering a qualification kit, you will make four key selections.

1

Determine the Type of Qualification

Your qualification is based on:

  • Base metal thickness
  • Welding process
  • Welding position

Together, these define what you are legally qualified to weld under AWS D1.1.

2

Choose Your Test Thickness

Limited Thickness Test – 3/8″ Plate

A 3/8″ groove weld test is considered a limited thickness qualification.

If you pass a 3/8″ test, you are qualified to weld:

  • Minimum thickness: 3/16″
  • Maximum thickness: 3/4″ (2 × test thickness)

Best for: Most shop and field structural work under 3/4″ thick.

Unlimited Thickness Test – 1″ Plate

A 1″ groove weld test qualifies as an unlimited thickness qualification.

If you pass a 1″ test, you are qualified to weld:

  • All thicknesses 3/16″ and greater
  • No upper thickness limit

Best for: Heavy structural, critical welds, and maximum employability.

3

Choose Your Welding Process

We support the following AWS-recognized processes:

SMAW – Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick)

Commonly called stick welding.

  • • Uses a flux-coated electrode
  • • Extremely versatile and portable
  • • Widely used in structural steel and field work

Why choose it: Universally accepted, durable, and still heavily used.

GMAW – Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG)

Commonly called MIG welding.

  • • Uses solid wire with external shielding gas
  • • Clean, controlled arc with minimal slag
  • • Common in fabrication shops and production environments

Why choose it: Efficient, precise, and widely used in shop settings.

FCAW-G – Flux Cored Arc Welding (Gas-Shielded / Dual Shield)

Often called dual shield.

  • • Flux-cored wire with external shielding gas
  • • Very high strength and deposition
  • • Widely used in fabrication shops and heavy industry

Why choose it: High productivity and excellent mechanical properties.

4

Choose Your Welding Position

Plate qualifications are position-specific.

1G
Flat Position

Weld performed from the top side of a flat plate. Easiest position, lowest qualification coverage.

2G
Horizontal Position

Plate is vertical; weld is horizontal. More challenging than flat, common in structural work.

3G
Vertical Position

Weld performed vertically. Qualifies you for 1G and 2G automatically. Major step up in skill.

✓ Covers: 1G, 2G, 3G

4G
Overhead Position

Weld from underneath. Most difficult. Does NOT qualify for 2G or 3G.

✓ Covers: 1G, 4G only

Why Some Welders Take a Two-Position Test

Because 3G and 4G do not overlap, welders who need full plate coverage must pass both: 3G (flat, horizontal, vertical) + 4G (overhead). Together, these two tests qualify you for all plate positions.

Putting It All Together

Your final qualification depends on:

  • Thickness tested (limited or unlimited)
  • Process used
  • Position(s) tested

That is why selecting the right combination up front matters—and why this guide exists.

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