CVN qualification guide · AWS D1.1
Does a CVN requirement mean the WPS needs a CVN-qualified PQR?
First identify what the contract or code requires to have impact-tested. Filler-metal classification toughness, a project CVN inspection, and a WPS that must be supported by a CVN PQR are different requirements.
Classify the requirement before selecting a WPS route
| What the project document says | What must be established | What cannot be assumed |
|---|---|---|
| The WPS must be supported by a procedure qualification record that includes CVN testing. | Confirm the applicable code clause, test temperature, specimen location and size, acceptance values, and required report. Clause 6.26.3 directs this case through a CVN-supported Clause 6 qualification; apply Tables 6.1, 6.2, 6.6 and the applicable Table 6.8 variables. | Do not use a normal prequalified WPS as proof of procedure-CVN qualification. Do not invent impact energy or test temperature. |
| A filler-metal classification or purchase specification calls for toughness. | Identify the governing AWS A5 classification, product, required condition and procurement evidence. Apply the applicable material and contract requirements. | This requirement alone does not prove that the WPS must have a CVN PQR under 6.26.3. |
| CVN testing or acceptance is specified, but the test object or WPS basis is unclear. | Resolve from the contract, Engineer direction and applicable code provisions whether the test qualifies the procedure, verifies a material/consumable, or is another project inspection. | Do not call it either a PQR requirement or a filler-only requirement until the documents identify the test basis. |
Filler toughness is not the same evidence as WPS qualification
A consumable may have an impact-toughness classification or purchase requirement. That evidence concerns the filler product under its classification or procurement basis. A procedure-CVN qualification instead supports a welding procedure under the applicable test setup and code acceptance requirements.
Keep the records tied to their purpose: filler classification and lot/product documents for the consumable requirement; the PQR and CVN laboratory report for a procedure qualification. One does not silently substitute for the other. If project language does not make the required evidence clear, the correct status is undetermined pending the contract or Engineer requirement.
For procedure-CVN work, Clause 6.27 requires the specified test temperature and acceptance basis to come from the contract or Engineer. AWS D1.1 does not supply a universal project impact energy or test temperature that can be filled in without those inputs.
PQR review workflow when procedure CVN applies
- Capture the governing D1.1 edition and the exact contract wording. Record who specified CVN and what is to be tested.
- Confirm the required test temperature, average and individual acceptance values, specimen location, specimen dimensions, and applicable test method from project documents and the governing code.
- Locate the actual WPS, PQR, and traceable CVN report. Check the procedure, coupon, material, process, test results and edition; a WPS summary alone does not prove the CVN test passed.
- Map the coupon and proposed production weld against the applicable Tables 6.1 and 6.2, then review each relevant Table 6.6 variable and each Table 6.8 supplementary variable. Apply Tables 6.7 and 6.17 where the special process/intermix rules apply.
- Keep actual recorded PQR values distinct from the permitted qualification range. Any missing test basis or required record leaves the conclusion pending; it does not establish coverage or failure by itself.
Table 6.8 adds variables to the normal PQR review
When CVN qualification applies, Table 6.8 is supplementary to Table 6.6 for the listed processes (and to Table 6.7 for ESW/EGW). The PQR-supported WPS must stay within both sets of applicable rules and the actual evidence.
| Change or range to inspect | Table 6.8 check | Evidence to read |
|---|---|---|
| Base-metal group; qualified minimum thickness; filler classification or listed flux/filler combination | Check the applicable process column and Table 6.8 notes. The CVN minimum-thickness rule has a specific formula and an errata correction; do not substitute general welder thickness qualification. | PQR coupon details, base-metal identification, actual thickness, process, filler/flux record, and the registered errata. |
| Electrode manufacturer, brand or type; flux condition | Applies only to the process/product combinations marked in the table and is subject to its footnotes. | Actual PQR consumable identity and proposed production product documentation. |
| Maximum interpass temperature | An increase greater than 100°F [56°C] over the qualified maximum triggers requalification for the listed processes. | Qualified maximum and proposed WPS maximum, including the source test record. |
| PWHT temperature and/or time range | The PQR test must experience 80% of the total hold time; total time may be applied in one or more heat cycles. | Actual PQR heat-treatment record and proposed PWHT range/cycle requirements. |
| Heat input; vertical stringer/weave; multipass/single pass; mechanized oscillation | Apply the row-specific process column, limits and exceptions. Heat input above the qualified value generally triggers requalification, subject to the table's stated exception. | Recorded PQR parameters, heat-input method, process, position, pass arrangement and applicable notes. |
This is a screening summary, not a substitute for every Table 6.8 mark, process column and footnote. It does not establish a specific production range without the PQR record and full qualification context.
Keep the conclusion bounded to the evidence
- “Filler classification has CVN properties” is not the same conclusion as “this WPS has CVN procedure qualification.”
- “CVN appears in the contract” is not enough to assign a test temperature, energy criterion, sampling location, or qualification route.
- A passing CVN report does not, alone, prove coverage of all production materials, thicknesses, processes, positions or variable ranges.
- If the project requires new qualification testing, the existing-PQR preparation route cannot manufacture that evidence. Use an appropriately qualified testing organization and retain the resulting reports.
Code basis and sources
This guide follows AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2025 base edition plus the registered base-edition errata dated July 28, 2026. AMD1 is excluded. The contract's specified edition governs the project; a different edition needs its own check.
Primary provisions: Clauses 6.8.1–6.8.2 and Table 6.8 (printed page 154; PDF page 181); Clauses 6.26–6.28 (printed pages 141–144; PDF pages 168–171); Table 6.17 (printed page 164; PDF page 191). The CVN test basis and acceptance inputs also depend on Clauses 6.27.5 and 6.27.7. References do not replace the standard's complete notes, figures, footnotes or project requirements.
Read the edition and errata basis. For route distinctions, see prequalified versus existing-PQR WPS and WPS change or requalification.
Public source links last checked October 7, 2026.
Start with the controlled PQR, actual test reports and contract edition.