Welder Certification

1. DECLARATION OF IMPARTIALITY AND OBJECTIVITY
The Personnel Certification Body of SIA "FeNiCoGd" (hereinafter — PCB) in its activities is guided by the principles of impartiality, objectivity, and independence in accordance with the requirements of the LVS EN ISO/IEC 17024:2013 standard.
We understand the importance of conformity assessment activities and guarantee that our decisions are based solely on objective evidence. To ensure this, the PCB publicly confirms the following commitments:

• Management of conflicts of interest: we identify and analyze potential risks to impartiality at each stage of application review. In the event that a threat is detected, countermeasures are taken to prevent a conflict of interest.
• Independence from training: SIA “FeNiCoGd” ensures an objective and independent certification process by strictly separating training and examination functions. We guarantee that personnel involved in the training of a candidate do not examine the same candidate or make decisions regarding their certification. The certification process is open to all candidates, regardless of the institution where the training was completed, and completing training at SIA “FeNiCoGd” does not provide any advantages for obtaining a certificate.
• Exclusion of pressure: the PCB guarantees the independence of personnel from any administrative, commercial, or financial pressure that could affect the objectivity of certification results.
• Transparency of decision-making: certification decisions are made exclusively on the basis of verified evidence of conformity, without allowing personal interests or the interests of other parties to influence the outcome.
• Public information and advertising: the PCB does not use information in its materials that could create a false impression about the advantages of specific training centers. We require that certified individuals and clients also refrain from misleading advertising and do not use the certificate after the suspension of its validity.

2. WELDERS CERTIFICATION SCHEME AND PROCESS DESCRIPTION
SIA "FeNiCoGd" provides independent competence assessment and certification of personnel in the welding industry, guaranteeing process transparency and compliance with the requirements of the international standard LVS EN ISO/IEC 17024:2013.
2.1 Scope of Certification and Prerequisites
We conduct certification of welders in accordance with the standards LVS EN ISO 9606-1 (steels) and LVS EN ISO 9606-2 (aluminum and its alloys):

• MIG/MAG welding: processes 131, 135, 136, and 138.
• TIG welding: processes 141, 142, 143, 145 (note: qualification for process 141 includes processes 142, 143, and 145).
• MMA welding: process 111.

Requirements for applicants:

• Age: at least 18 years old (a passport or ID card must be presented);
• Health: compliance with the minimum requirements established by regulatory enactments (mandatory medical examination);
• Technical preparation (compliance with at least one of the points is required):
  • completion of training within the last 6 months;
  • possession of a valid certificate, the term of which expired no more than 6 months ago;
  • at least 1 year of work experience in the field of welding (the last 6 months continuously).

2.2 Competence Assessment Methods
The certification scheme includes a two-stage examination, the results of which are evaluated independently:

• Theoretical examination (recommended/upon request): a test consisting of 20 questions (10 general, 10 specific). Time allowed – 45 minutes. The passing threshold is 70% (14 correct answers).

Note: in some EU countries, a theoretical examination may be mandatory for certificate recognition.

• Practical examination (mandatory): preparation and welding of a test piece under the supervision of an examiner in accordance with the WPS (Welding Procedure Specification).

2.3 Certification Process Flow

• Application submission: the applicant submits an application and the necessary documents (proof of identity, experience documents, pWPS/WPS).
• Evaluation: the Body verifies the documents and impartiality risks. A contract is concluded or an invoice is issued for the payment of services (to ensure impartiality, payment is made regardless of the exam results).
• Examination:
  • verification of the candidate's identity and briefing (occupational safety and fire safety, scheme rules);
  • familiarization with the pWPS/WPS and the workstation;
  • preparation, marking, and welding of test pieces in the presence of the examiner.
• Testing: visual inspection of test pieces and laboratory testing (radiographic testing, bend test, etc.) in accordance with ISO 5817 (quality level B or C).
• Decision: an authorized person who did not participate in the examination makes a decision within 3 working days after receiving all testing results.
• Certificate: issued after a positive decision is made and the service is paid for. The validity period is counted from the date of welding.

2.4 Surveillance and Maintaining Certificate Validity

• Every 6 months: the employer (or self-employed person) must confirm the individual's continuous and proper performance of work in the relevant field.
• Alternative surveillance: in cases where the client (employer) cannot provide competent technical supervision of the welder's work, or if the individual is self-employed and does not have technical supervision resources, the PCB of SIA “FeNiCoGd” offers independent surveillance. In this case, our specialist verifies the retention of the welder's skills either in person or remotely (based on photo/video documentation of the performed work) and makes an appropriate entry in the certificate.
• Expiration of the certificate: upon expiration of the validity period, recertification (prolongation without testing) is not performed — a new certification (full examination) is required.

2.5 Rules for the Use of the Certificate and Logo
The certified person is obliged to:

• refer to certification only in the scope for which it has been granted;
• not use the certification in a manner that damages the reputation of SIA "FeNiCoGd" or misleads third parties;
• in the event of suspension or withdrawal of certification, discontinue all references to it and return the original certificate;
• the use of logos in advertisements or catalogs without prior agreement is prohibited and may lead to the withdrawal of the certificate.

2.6 Appeals and Complaints
If the applicant does not agree with a decision or process, they have the right to submit a written appeal or complaint within 30 calendar days. The detailed procedure can be found at www.fenicogd.lv or by contacting the PCB administration.
3. COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS PROCEDURE
SIA "FeNiCoGd" provides a transparent, fair, and non-discriminatory process for handling complaints and appeals related to the activities and decisions of the Personnel Certification Body (hereinafter — PCB).
3.1 Complaints regarding the Certification Process
A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction with the actions of the body's personnel, the quality of services, or the execution of the process.

• Submission deadline: within 30 calendar days from the date of the event.
• Submission method: in writing (in person at the office or by post) with an original signature, or electronically, signed with a secure electronic signature (e-mail: fenicogd@gmail.com).
• Content of the complaint:
  • applicant's data (first name, surname, or organization name);
  • contact information;
  • the essence and justification of the complaint;
  • reference to the application number.
• Review:
  • the PCB confirms receipt of the complaint within 3 working days;
  • the complaint is reviewed by individuals who were not involved in the specific process being complained about;
  • a response is provided within 15 calendar days.

3.2 Appeals against Certification Decisions
An appeal is a formal request to review a decision made by the PCB (for example, a refusal to issue a certificate or its withdrawal).

• Submission deadline: within 30 calendar days from the date of notification of the decision.
• Submission method: only in the form of an official letter (in paper format or with an electronic signature).
• Content of the appeal:
  • appellant's data and contact person;
  • reference to the application number and the specific decision being contested;
  • justification of the appeal (preferably with reference to regulatory documents or the standard).
• Review process:
  • submitting an appeal does not suspend the entry into force of the contested decision;
  • the appeal is reviewed by independent PCB personnel who did not participate in the evaluation or decision-making process of the contested decision;
  • the commission guarantees objectivity and confidentiality.
• Deadline: a final decision is provided within 30 calendar days. In exceptional cases, the deadline may be extended by another 30 days, and the appellant will be informed accordingly.

3.3 Confidentiality and Objectivity
SIA "FeNiCoGd" guarantees that the submission of complaints or appeals will not result in any discriminatory consequences for the submitter. All information obtained during the review process is considered confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties without prior agreement, except in cases where it is required by regulatory enactments or the accreditation body (LATAK).

23.02 Application for welder qualification certification ( Download )

23.05 Statement on confirmation of the welder's experience ( Download )

23.08 Consent to personal data processing ( Download )

 

CERTIFICATION SCHEME