Class IT

Pressure Welder Certification

Overview

The Class IT Pressure Welder certificate of qualification allows you to perform pressure welding as an apprentice, under the supervision of a Class A Pressure Welder, while you are employed by a licensed contractor. This certificate has a life span of three years and cannot be renewed.

To obtain this certificate, you must meet eligibility requirements.

To be eligible for this certificate, you must be a registered welding apprentice, or hold a Welder C Level certificate of qualification issued by the SkilledTradesBC. You must also complete a performance qualification test in accordance with the Class IT Pressure Welder certificate syllabus and have a welder logbook from SkilledTradesBC.

For registered welding apprentices, there are two different pathways:

  1. If you are a registered welding apprentice with the Canadian Council of the Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) harmonized welding training program, you must complete a Level 2 training course as part of your welder training program.
  2. If you are a registered welding apprentice with SkilledTradesBC, you must complete your Foundation training course or a Level 2 training course as part of your welder training program.

To apply, log in to your Online Services account and follow the steps. Don't have an account? Sign up now.

If you wish to apply by mail, please fill out the Contact Us form to request a paper form.

Once we receive your application and a review of eligibility is completed, you will be notified of your result by email.

Once you receive your certificate, you will still need to pass one or more performance qualification tests before beginning pressure welding work in BC. These test(s) must be administered by a recognized training administrator, in accordance with the reference syllabus details and registered welding procedure specifications that will be used in the type of welding work you plan to perform.

You will also need to keep your welder logbook up to date as per the requirements of ASME Section IX, for the applicable welding process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the benefits of Class IT for apprentices?

A: Apprentices obtaining the Class IT certificate can perform regulated pressure welding in BC while they are still completing their apprenticeship program with SkilledTradesBC. This allows the apprentice to gain valuable pressure welding experience during the three-year validity period, working up to obtaining their Class A Pressure Welder certificate of qualification.

Q: What are the benefits of Class IT for licensed contractors?

A: Licensed contractors are capable of hiring apprentices holding a valid Class IT certificate, qualifying them to their own registered welding procedures specifications, and allowing them to work under the supervision of their Class A certificate holders.

Q: What do I need to do once I obtain the Class IT certificate?

A: Once you receive your certificate, you will still need to pass one or more performance qualification tests before beginning pressure welding work in BC. These test(s) must be administered by a recognized test administrator, in accordance with registered welding procedure specifications that will be used in the type of welding work you plan to perform while under the supervision of a Class A certificate holder.

Note: Use of the open pre-qualified welding procedures (PWP) is not permitted for Class IT.

The essential variables outlined in QW-350 of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section IX shall be in accordance with the Class IT Pressure Welder certificate of qualification (i.e., no open root). However, it is permissible to change the welding process and direction of travel regarding up/down or filler metal. Refer to Section D of your Class IT pressure welder exam record (form FRM-1685).

The recognized test administrator will enter these performance qualifications into your logbook after certifying and signing your welding performance qualification report form (e.g., QW-484 ASME Section IX).

You will also need to keep your welder’s logbook up to date as per the requirements of ASME Section IX, for the applicable welding process.

Q: What is a recognized test administrator?

A: A recognized test administrator is a facility that is acknowledged by the Provincial Safety Manager to be competent in administering welding performance qualification tests and certificate of qualification practical exams for Pressure Welders in BC. Recognized test administrators play a fundamental role in the certification of Pressure Welders in BC.

Q: When my Class IT certification expires after three years, how do I obtain a Class A Pressure Welder certificate of qualification?

A: To obtain a Class A Pressure Welder certificate of qualification, you will need to meet certain eligibility requirements and pass a practical exam.

Learn more about the Class A requirements for qualification.

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