And so what process are you using and what parameters are you using?
If you've been qualified by your current employer, the answer is "yes" they can pull your certification.
The entity that paid for the qualification test "owns" the "certification". If you paid for the test, you own the "certification" in which case the employer simply doesn't recognize it. In effect, you are no longer certified under their auspices. The paper is still in your pocket, but you current employer would no longer considers you certified for any work you perform for them as their employee.
There are welding standards that require every employer to qualify their welders (employees) by testing. The qualification (certification) is not transferable from one employer to the next. In the case of AWS structural welding codes, the qualification is transferable to a new employer if the new employer and the customer accepts it.
My question to you is, "What qualification test did you take and who paid for it? What welding process did you use? What base metal was used? What filler metal was used? How thick was the test pieces? What positions did you take the test in? What was the product form (pipe or plate or tubular)"
Based on what you wrote in your post, there is a chance you are not qualified for the product form, the process, or the thickness you are welding. If that is the case, the qualification test and "certification" may not be applicable to the work you are currently doing. Without details, there isn't a lot we can tell you. I asked a lot of questions because the answers you provide may have a bearing on the situation you find yourself in.
If your employer didn't qualify you for the work you are doing, shame on him.
That's the best I can do with the information you provided. It is dangerous to try to give you a definite answer by drawing inference from limited information.
Best regards - Al
Thank you for your response. I paid for the cert a while ago. The strange thing about this employer is that I didn't even take a weld test to get the job. They just hired me and put me to work.
We are doing smaw 7018 3/32 3g,4g on squared tubing some 1/8 thick others 14 gauge
I am certified 7018 3/32 3g,4g 1/8th thru unlimited plate test
You paid for the qualification test, so the report is yours. It's like a high school diploma, no one can take it away from you.
The shame is on your employer for having you work on stuff that isn't covered by the test you took. Your qualification test only includes base metal (carbon steel and high strength low alloy steel) as thin as an 1/8-inch and thicker. A plate test doesn't cover you for thin wall smaller sized tubular materials. They know that and they also know you don't have years of experience under your belt.
It isn't uncommon to hear stories like yours especially from someone just starting a new career. Everyone takes their lumps and bumps. That how we learn and get more skilled over time.
Learn and earn while you are working for this employer. Improve your skills by paying attention. Over time, you will get better. Trust me. Find a mentor that can help you. A local welder that is more experienced or your welding instructor. Even though you are no longer a student, I'm sure he will offer advice if asked. Its in the instructor's blood or he wouldn't be an instructor. They want to see their students excel once they get out into the real world.
Don't worry about your certification. If your employer was upfront, they would have tested you and they would have paid for the test. They wouldn't have to give you a copy and many companies don't give the welder a copy because they are afraid you'll quit and go to work for someone else for better pay.
If the inspector tells you he's going to pull your papers just turn away. The certification papers stay in your desk drawer at home. If your employer wants a copy, fine, but you keep the original. It's yours!
Good luck - Al
Thank you very much for all your help, have a good day.
Topic Welding Industry / Inspection & Qualification / Welder qualification by using RT as per AWS D1.1
