Hi Mark
First you must know the type of materials you will use at work so the tests with the same or similar material (the same group or similar groups, see AWS), then you know the material of the bolt to see if the same group the material of the specimen, otherwise, you must qualify a procedure for each combination of materials.
attached a link (
http://www.inoxidable.com/electrodos_seleccion.htm) that can serve as a guide for choosing the type of filler metal for the combination of carbon steel and stainless steel.
and as to the parameters, you must perform tests to determine which allow you to better weldability.
You should consider what are the essential variable and apply tests for stud weld.
There's still another item missing here... it was asked above and not exactly answered.
AWS as opposed to API, ASME, etc is a good start, BUT which one??? D1.1, D1.6, D1.3, D1.8, D14.3, D17.1, D8.1, etc??? There are many "AWS" codes. And it is a very important factor in knowing how to answer your question.
So, again, which code are you being expected to work from?
Have a Great Day, Brent