Certification Process
Certification to CSA Standard W186 is obtained upon completion of the following 6 elements.
1. Provide Company Documentation
Each new company receives a "Certification Binder" which contains all of the necessary materials to complete the certification process. Included in this package are several forms that must be completed and returned to the Bureau. The forms are used to designate and list personnel and to document the welding related experience of the welding supervisors and engineers. Also included in the binder are the applicable CSA Welding Standards, study guides and other relevant documents.
2. Qualify Welding Supervisor(s)
Each company must employ an adequate number of Welding Supervisors to control its welding operations. Each Welding Supervisor must have welding related experience and complete written examinations on welding symbols, weld faults, quality control and inspection methods and the following standard(s):
- CSA Standard W186, Welding of Reinforcing Bars in Reinforced Concrete Construction
In addition each Welding Supervisor is given a brief verbal examination on the following subjects:
- welding equipment
- drawings
- welding procedures
The qualification examinations on welding symbols, weld faults and quality control and inspection methods may be waived if the Welding Supervisor holds a diploma from a recognized course in welding fundamentals or weld quality control and inspection. Examinations are normally held in each of CWB Group's regional offices. Seminars are provided occasionally on each of the subjects required for qualification. To help Welding Supervisors prepare for the exams, a copy of the applicable CSA Standards plus a number of study guides are provided to each applicant company.
3. Qualify Professional Engineer(s)
Each company applying for certification must designate and qualify a Welding Engineer who is responsible for welding related activities as specified by the company. The engineer(s) must meet the minimum educational and experience requirements of the applicable standard and complete the written examinations on the following standards:
- CSA Standard W186, Welding of Reinforcing Bars in Reinforced Concrete Construction
If the educational requirements of the applicable standard have not been met, additional courses may be required. Each designated engineer's educational and experience qualification information must be submitted to the CWB Group for review. An interview will be conducted to review the material submitted and discuss the engineer's experience and educational background.
4. Submit for Approval the Company's Welding Procedures
Each company must prepare and submit to the CWB Group for acceptance, a detailed set of welding procedures consisting of:
- Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) for each welding process used.
- Welding Procedure Data Sheets (WPDS) for each welding process used, joint configuration, electrode type, etc.
In certain circumstances, based on the welding procedure submission, procedure qualification tests may be required to verify the acceptance of the welding procedure data sheets.
5. Qualify Welders
All welders, welding operators and tack welders employed by the company must be tested for the processes and positions of welding which they use in production.
6. Review and Recommendation for Certification
From time to time, a CWB Group Representative will visit each company to complete an audit report and provide assistance. Once all of the above are completed and all other items such as electrode storage facilities (shop and field), general appearance of welding, etc. are acceptable, then the company is recommended for certification.
Upon satisfactory completion of the final review procedure, the company is issued a Letter of Certification, Letter of Validation and a Document of Certification. Permission is also granted to use the CWB Group registered trademark on the company's letterhead and promotional material.
