The International System for Education and Qualification of Welding Personnel is based on the harmonised European system for education and qualification of welding personnel, existing for almost 15 years.

 This International Education and Qualification System for Welding Personnel is recognised worldwide and supported by industry and by international training and accreditation entities, opening the road towards one Global Education and Qualification System for Welding Personnel.

In order to administer this system and to develop it, the IIW has established the IAB – International Authorisation Board. This IIW Working Unit aimed at the effective integration of the EWF and IIW systems and its implementation in all IIW countries, publishes Guidelines for training and develops and manages the Quality Assurance system controlling the system. 

IIW – International Institute of Welding and EWF – European Welding Federation, have decided to collaborate in combining the EWF and IIW Systems for Education, Qualification and Authorisation into one System.

In 1997, EWF and IIW signed the first agreement of cooperation towards the development of a single international system for education and qualification of welding personnel, the IIW Training and Qualification System for Welding Personnel. By use of a single Guideline for each level of training, the same qualification may be awarded in any country.

Until the end of 2006, 36 200 IIW diplomas have been awarded worldwide.

In 2006, EWF and IIW agreed on transferring the EWF Companies Certification System according to ISO 3834 and EWF Personnel Certification System for Welding Co-ordinators to IIW. IAB will be the structure within IIW that will develop the system and the rules to implement these IIW Certification Systems.

An organisation recognised by the national IIW member is appointed as the (ANB) Authorised National Body for the supervision of the system in each country. Representatives from these ANBs form the Operational Management within the IAB, and authorised IIW Assessors ensure conformity of each ANB to the agreed Rules.

(see for more details: IAB-308-06 : Guidance to a National Welding Society to become an Authorised National Body - ANB)

The following countries joined the system:

Australia		Nigeria
Austria		Norway
Belgium		Poland
Brazil		Portugal
Bulgaria		Romania
Canada		Russia
China		Serbia
Croatia		Singapore
Czech Republic		Slovakia
Denmark		Slovenia
Finland		South Africa
France		Spain
Germany		Sweden
Hungary		Switzerland
India		Thailand
Italy		Ukraine
Iran		United Kingdom
Japan		United States
Netherlands

The IAB Technical structure consists of a Management Board - IAB Board and two Technical Units:

             Group A (Education, Training and Qualification)

             Group B (Implementation and Authorisation)

So far, the IAB has published a Rules document, Operating Procedures and Guidelines:

RULES AND IIW GUIDELINES FOR THE EDUCATION, EXAMINATION AND QUALIFICATION OF WELDING PERSONNEL

RULES for the Implementation of IIW Guidelines for the Education, Examination and Qualification of Welding Personnel 

IAB-001-2000

These Rules establish the mechanism by which the Education, Examination and Qualification Guidelines of IIW are implemented, such that all countries involved apply the requirements uniformly, so that the Diplomas granted are mutually recognized.

IIW Guidelines for the Education, Examination and Qualification of Welding Personnel define the minimum requirements for education and training, in terms of objectives, scope, expected results and recommended times and as well the rules for examination and qualification. 

Personnel with responsibility for welding coordination

IAB-252r8-07

IWIP – “International Welding Inspection Personnel” - Revision 1

IAB-041-2001/EWF-450   

IW – “International Welder” - Revision 3

IAB-089-2002/EWF-452-467-480-481

IWSD -  "International Welded structures designer"

IAB-201r2-06

The IIW Directory of Access Conditions defines for every country the access requirements to the courses based on the IIW Guidelines for Education, Examination and Qualification. This information can be obtained from the Authorised National Body (ANB) .

People interested in obtaining an IIW diploma that are already qualified due to previous education and experience, should contact the Authorised National Body (ANB) in their country for additional information.

To know the latest news about the Education, Training and Qualification System, see:

IAB-BOA-057-06 : IAB Activities 2005

NEWSLETTER – Nr. 15

NEWSLETTER - Nr. 16

NEWSLETTER - Nr. 17

NEWSLETTER - Nr. 18

NEWSLETTER - Nr. 19

NEWSLETTER - Nr. 20

NEWSLETTER - Nr. 21

NEWSLETTER - Nr. 22

NEWSLETTER - Nr. 23

Press Release IAB

 Annual Report 2006

 

The IAB Secretariat, which is now combined with the EWF Secretariat, is located at ISQ – Instituto de Soldadura e Qualidade, in Portugal.

For further information, please contact: 

See Also EWF Web Site

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