In general, aluminum nor it's alloys are prequalified per AWS, so regardless of the process, ASME Section IX (which doesn't recognize prequalification) or the AWS structural welding code would require qualification by testing.
Al
A Prequalified WPS's for welding of aluminum in accordance with D1.2 cannot be written. A WPS could be prepared and testred in accordance with various codes such as D1.2, B2.1, D17.1, ASME IX and I am sure others.
The use of a "Spool Gun" has no bearing on the qualification process. Eacvh individual code has rules for qualifying the procedure. To do this, it could be costly for your school and thus the reason its not done.
For an individual to take a welding test, they must have a WPS in all cases I am aware of.