Welder & Welding Operator Qualifications - Brazer & Brazing Operator Qualifications
ISO/IEC 17024 Permanent Joining Personnel Certification
ISO/IEC 17024 Permanent Joining Personnel Certification
Ensuring the technical competence of personnel involved in permanent joining operations is critical to the safe manufacture of pressure equipment. Under the Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (PESR), permanent joining personnel (such as welders, brazers, and welding/brazing operators) must be formally certified by a recognised body. This requirement applies wherever joining affects pressure containment — including vessels, pipework, boilers, and refrigeration systems.
As a UKAS accredited Certification Body under ISO/IEC 17024, TÜV UK provides independent, impartial certification of permanent joining personnel in accordance with regulatory, contractual, and international standards. Our role is to assess the individual’s competence through structured examination and issue formal certification that meets PESR and project specification requirements.
Our service supports manufacturers, fabricators, repair organisations, and other personnel seeking compliance with pressure equipment standards such as PD 5500, EN 13445, ASME, and EN ISO 15614/9606/13585 for the purpose of complying with the PESR.
TÜV UK is a UKAS-accredited Type A Inspection Body, Approved Body, and Recognised Third Party Organisation (RTPO). All services are delivered impartially in accordance with international standards and UKAS requirements.
Standard | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
BS EN ISO 9606-1 | 2017 | Certification testing of Welders –Steels |
BS EN ISO 9606-2 | 2004 | Certification testing of Welders – Aluminium /Aluminium Alloys |
BS EN ISO 9606-3 | 1999 | Certification testing of Welders – Copper and Copper Alloys |
BS EN ISO 9606-4 | 1999 | Certification testing of Welders – Nickel and Nickel Alloys |
BS EN ISO 9606-5 | 2000 | Certification testing of Welders – Titanium and Zirconium Alloys |
| BS EN ISO 9606-1+ PD 5500 + A2 Annex T | 2017 2024 2025 | Certification testing of Welders –Steels Recommendations for arc welded tube to tubeplate joints |
BS EN ISO 13585 | 2024 | Brazing – Certification test of brazers and brazing operators |
BS EN ISO 14555 | 2025 | Welding – Arc stud welding of metallic materials |
BS EN ISO 14732 | 2025 | Welding personnel – Certification of welding operators and weld setters for mechanised and automatic welding of metallic materials |
BS ISO 24394 | 2023 | Welding for aerospace applications. Certification test for welders and welding operators. Fusion welding of metallic components. |
BS 4872-1 | 1982 | Specification for approval testing of welders when welding procedure approval is not required. Fusion welding of steel |
BS 4872-2 | 1976 | Specification for approval testing of welders when welding procedure approval is not required. TIG or MIG welding of aluminium and its alloys |
ASME | 2025 | Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Section IX. Welding and brazing Certifications |
Standard | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
BS EN ISO 5817 | 2023 | Fusion-welded joints in steel, nickel, titanium, and their alloys – Quality Levels for Imperfections |
BS EN ISO 10042 | 2018 | Fusion-welded joints in Aluminum and their alloys – Quality Levels for Imperfections |
BS ISO 24394 | 2023 | Welding for aerospace applications. Certification test for welders and welding operators. Fusion welding of metallic components. |
PD 5500 + A2 Annex T | 2024 2025 | Recommendations for arc welded tube to tubeplate joints |
BS EN ISO 18279 | 2023 | Brazing. Imperfections in brazed joints |
BS 4872-1 | 1982 | Specification for approval testing of welders when welding procedure approval is not required. Fusion welding of steel |
BS 4872-2 | 1976 | Specification for approval testing of welders when welding procedure approval is not required. TIG or MIG welding of aluminium and its alloys |
ASME | 2025 | Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Section IX. Welding and brazing Certifications |
In line with ISO/IEC 17024 requirements, we provide confirmation of certification status on request. This enables manufacturers, regulators, and inspection bodies to validate current and expired qualifications.
To verify a welder or brazer’s certification, contact us at:
ISO/IEC 17024 certification is a formal personnel certification process accredited by UKAS. It confirms a welder or brazer’s competence against a defined scheme and is required under PESR when permanent joining affects pressure containment.
In contrast, ISO 9606 is a testing standard used as the technical basis for qualification. TÜV UK Ltd uses ISO 9606 testing within an ISO/IEC 17024-certified system.
It is required whenever welding or brazing forms part of the pressure-retaining structure on equipment within the scope of the Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (PESR). This includes pressure vessels, piping, steam systems, and refrigeration units.
UKAS has clarified this requirement in GEN 5 – Guidance on the Accreditation of Personnel Certification Bodies, which confirms that only certification carried out under ISO/IEC 17024 by an accredited Certification Body is acceptable for demonstrating the competence of permanent joining personnel under PESR.
Yes — we certify welding operators and brazing operators in accordance with:
ISO 14732 – for mechanised/automated welding
ISO 13585 – for mechanised/automated brazing
Both fall within the scope of ISO/IEC 17024 certification under PESR.
Certificates are typically valid for 2 years, provided continuity of work is maintained. If the welder stops welding or changes process/material/scope, requalification may be required.
If continuity cannot be confirmed (e.g. no activity records or a break in welding for >6 months), the individual will need to undergo a new practical test before certification can be reissued.
Yes — candidates may use their own company WPS/BPQR documents, provided they meet the applicable standard and are submitted for review as part of the application.
Yes — we can conduct the examination and certification process at your premises, provided the environment, equipment, and conditions meet the requirements of the relevant standard and scheme.
TÜV UK Ltd
AMP House
Suites 27 - 29, Fifth Floor, Dingwall Road
Croydon, CR0 2LX
Tel.: +44 20 8680-7711
Enquiries.UK@tuv-nord.com