I have a WPS(section IX) for SS&CS COMBINATION (A312 TP 321 + A106 Gr B) using GTAW(root-ER 309L) and SMAW(Other runs-E309L-17). Now I want to qualify a welder for this combiation procedure but only for SMAW from root(I DONT HAVE A SEPARATE WPS FOR THIS). I am going to use that welder for fillet welding. If I use ROOT-SMAW and after completion of Ist side welding I am planning (WHILE QUALIFYING THE WELDER) to do back gouging & welding by SMAW. Then this welder is qualified based on this procedure with SMAW root for Butt welds & Fillet welds. I think the terms with /without backing is not applicable to Fillet welds - only to Butt welds? Any suggestions/comments? Am I correct in qualifying the welder?