Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

WeldingCerts.com and WeldTestByMail.com are online services operated by PennWelding™ Corporation that allow welders to complete AWS-compliant welder qualification testing by mail. Our complete packages include test plates (commonly called "coupons"), Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQRs), testing authorization, inspection by our Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs), and official qualification documentation upon successful completion (WQR - Welder Qualification Record).

Under AWS code standards, welders are qualified, not certified.

PennWelding™ provides code-compliant test coupons, WPS & PQR documentation, and physical evaluation of your weld test results by our Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs). The welder's school/employer is responsible for accepting and maintaining the qualification for official use, which is commonly referred to as "certification."

We currently support AWS D1.1 welder performance qualification testing for the following processes and positions:

• SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)
• GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding - Spray Transfer w/ 90/10 Gas)
• FCAW-G (Gas-Shielded Flux-Cored Arc Welding)

Positions: 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G

No. Passing depends entirely on welder skill and strict adherence to the provided Welding Procedure Specification (WPS).

We offer:

• Practice weld coupons
• AWS D1.1 code-compliant test plates (plates and backing strips only)
• Complete mail-in welder qualification packages, which include practice and test materials, the WPS, and destructive bend testing and evaluation by a Certified Welding Inspector

Practice plates are 2 inches wide, are not AWS code-compliant, and are intended for training and practice purposes only.

Test plates meet all AWS D1.1 requirements and may be submitted for official qualification testing.

The bevel angle, groove geometry, and backing plate size of practice plates are identical to our code-compliant test plates, providing realistic, life-like practice conditions.

Yes. We offer weld plate coupons in both practice and AWS-compliant configurations. You may also purchase additional code-compliant test plates if you wish to repeat a weld attempt before submitting it for testing.

We also offer bulk discounts for schools and institutions seeking ready-to-use test coupons.

You order a mail-in testing package, complete the weld strictly according to the provided WPS, and return the welded plate to us for evaluation by a Certified Welding Inspector.

Each test attempt is a separate purchase. Failed tests are not eligible for free retesting. A new test authorization, serialized sticker, and evaluation fee are required for each retest.

You may test as many times as needed until you pass.

No. If the test is clearly not acceptable, we recommend purchasing a replacement test coupon and saving your test authorization sticker. Once you complete a weld you are confident in, apply the sticker and submit that plate for testing. This avoids purchasing an entirely new test package and can save significant cost.

No. Authorization stickers are serialized and single-use only.

One sticker equals one test submission.

Testing authorizations do not expire unless invalidated by an AWS code revision. AWS code revisions typically occur approximately every five years.

Our typical turnaround time is 3–5 business days, though testing may take up to 10 business days during peak periods. All plates are tested in the order received. Testing is performed year-round.

Yes. Employers or instructors may supervise the welding process; however, all evaluation is performed by a Certified Welding Inspector, and testing is conducted strictly in accordance with the supplied WPS.

Yes. We offer bulk discounts and specialized shipping options for schools and institutions requiring weld coupons and/or qualification testing.

No. All weld test plates submitted for evaluation must be supplied by PennWelding™ Corporation. This ensures verified plate geometry, joint preparation, material quality, and compliance with the issued WPS. All PennWelding™ test plates are embossed with a manufacturer's identification mark. Plates without this mark will not be accepted for testing.

Shipping is included in the price of your purchase. Orders are shipped via UPS Ground, six days per week. Expedited shipping and destinations outside the lower 48 states are available—please contact us for details and pricing.

You are responsible for returning your completed weld coupon to us for testing. Please ensure that your "Authorization To Test" sticker is attached to your test plate before mailing it to us.

No. All testing is performed using destructive bend testing in accordance with AWS D1.1.

No. Your weld test will be destroyed in the process of testing. Destructive bend testing requires that we cut strips out of your test sample to undergo the bend test. All materials will be recycled once your test is completed.

No. AWS D1.1 does not require Material Test Reports (MTRs) for welder performance qualification test coupons when standard, prequalified structural steels are used. All PennWelding™ test plates are manufactured from controlled, known materials suitable for AWS D1.1 testing and are verified for geometry and compliance prior to use.

Our materials are brand new and sourced directly from well-respected steel-industry mills and suppliers.