What is the minimum requirement for a welder’s qualification according to AWS D1.1?

For a welder to be considered qualified under AWS D1.1, the essential requirement is to pass a performance qualification test. This test assesses the welder's ability to perform welding operations that meet specified criteria and standards. The performance qualification is crucial because it directly evaluates the skills and techniques of the welder in executing welds that adhere to the parameters set by AWS D1.1, including considerations such as type of weld, material, thickness, and process.

This requirement is rooted in the principle that practical, verifiable skills are necessary for ensuring the integrity and safety of welded structures. While training courses, apprenticeships, or formal education can complement a welder's qualifications and enhance their skills, they do not replace the necessity of passing the performance qualification test. Ultimately, only the successful completion of this test provides a reliable measure of a welder’s capability to meet the standards required for structural welding as defined by AWS D1.1.