Rick/Cheryl
Short circuit GMAW is not a prequalified process per AWS D1.1 structural code.
However;
AWS D1.3 Structural Welding Code-Sheet Steel offers an opportunity for prequified WPS's with GMAW short circuit transfer. (Note: provisions of section III must be met)
Also, AWS D9.1 Sheet metal welding code, while not offering prequalified options, has options for procedure qualification that are often obtainable with in house methods. (no tensiles or RT). (Note: compliance with Part "A" Section III is required).
While Lawrence is correct with his explanation,
The short answer is 'YES' since you did not specify a Code that you are working to.
If you are working with materials that are 3/16" thick or less then you can work to D1.3.
Have a Great Day, Brent
Working with D1.1 and have students that would like to certify using Short Arc GMAW on 3/8" plate with backup strip.
A short circuit GMAW cert on 3/8" with a backup plate is pretty useless..
An open root short circuit qual is far more valuable and reasonable.
Nonetheless... The AWS SENSE program can provide you with WPS's and test reports. It is inexpensive and the curriculum guide is quite handy.
AWS B2.1-1-233-200X Is an SWPS that includes short circuit GMAW and might be an option to fulfill a D1.1 cert situation.
You might consider a D1.3 3/16" inch open root square groove guided bend test.
In the long run you need to think about the value of the "certs" you are handing your students... I think most agree that they should not be used in production if they are comming from a school and the testing is not sponsored by a business. Can you write a WPS, have your students comply with it, destructively test the coupons using the criteria outlined in D1.1, and then produce a test report stating the results? Yes you can. It will not be a production qualification because of the non-prequalified status.. But it can tell folks that your students did a certain thing on a given day and were succsessful.