AWS B5.2: 2026 [paper]

AWS B5.2: Specification for Establishing a Company Program for Qualification and Certification of Welding Inspection Specialists (3rd Edition)

It establishes the requirements for companies to develop and administer an internal program for qualifying and certifying Welding Inspection Specialists (WIS). The standard provides a framework for recognizing individuals who are qualified to perform in-house welding inspection in accordance with contract requirements or industry-specific inspection standards.

A company certification program is documented in a Written Practice and managed by the employer. Qualification requires documented welding inspection experience, relevant training, and successful completion of a written examination.

The examination evaluates knowledge of:

• Welding processes
• Welding procedure and performance qualification
• Destructive testing (DT)
• Nondestructive examination (NDE)
• Welding terms, definitions, and symbols
• Inspection reports and documentation
• Safety responsibilities
• Contract and industry-specific inspection requirements

AWS B5.2 certification verifies that an individual has met a company’s internal qualification requirements for welding inspection. It does not qualify or authorize an individual to perform independent or third-party welding inspection services

AWS B5.2, 3rd Edition, AWS welding standards, Specification for Establishing a Company Program for Qualification and Certification of Welding Inspection Specialists,