Which statement correctly reflects acceptance of welder qualification records from a previous employer under B31.3?

Which statement correctly reflects acceptance of welder qualification records from a previous employer under B31.3?

• A. Always require requalification
• B. Only accepted if from the same employer
• C. Be accepted if the inspector approves
• D. Only accepted if weld coupons retested

Answer: (C)

Under B31.3, welder qualification records from a previous employer may be accepted for a new project, but only if the inspector approves. The code allows transferring a welder’s qualification when the records show the welder was certified under equivalent conditions (same process, material, thickness, and position) and the documentation is complete and current. The inspector reviews these records to ensure they meet all requirements; if they do, the welder can be considered qualified for the new work without a new test. If the records aren’t sufficient or don’t match the current job’s requirements, requalification or additional testing may be needed. This is why acceptance hinges on inspector approval, rather than an automatic requalification, a restriction to the same employer, or mandatory retesting of weld coupons.

Under B31.3, welder qualification records from a previous employer may be accepted for a new project, but only if the inspector approves. The code allows transferring a welder’s qualification when the records show the welder was certified under equivalent conditions (same process, material, thickness, and position) and the documentation is complete and current. The inspector reviews these records to ensure they meet all requirements; if they do, the welder can be considered qualified for the new work without a new test. If the records aren’t sufficient or don’t match the current job’s requirements, requalification or additional testing may be needed. This is why acceptance hinges on inspector approval, rather than an automatic requalification, a restriction to the same employer, or mandatory retesting of weld coupons.