Hello J, the answer to your question is no, if you have a copy of ASME sec. IX ,QW-351 tells the story, here it is in part: The limits of weld metal thickness for which he will be qualified for are dependent upon the approximate thickness of the weld metal he deposits with each welding process, EXCLUSIVE of any weld reinforcement, this thickness shall be considered the test coupon thickness as given in QW-452......The word EXCLUSIVE kicks that one out. ......Hope this helps you , have a good one.