Which statement distinguishes a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) from a Welding Procedure Qualification (WPQ)?

• A. A WPS is a documented procedure for how to weld; includes process, filler metal, preheat/interpass temps, welding positions, joint design, and acceptance criteria
• B. A WPS is a test record showing that welds meet code requirements
• C. WPS and WPQ are interchangeable; both are identical documents
• D. A WPQ is a document describing welding specifications including filler metals and positions

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that a Welding Procedure Specification defines the plan for how to weld, while a Welding Procedure Qualification is the test record that proves the plan works under code requirements. A WPS is a written procedure that tells you exactly how to weld: the process, filler metal, preheat and interpass temperatures, welding positions, joint design, and the acceptance criteria for weld quality. That document guides production welds and ensures consistent results. A WPQ, on the other hand, is the record of qualification tests performed to demonstrate that a given WPS can produce acceptable welds (and that the welder or procedure meets the code). The statement describing the WPS as a test record misattributes the role of WPQ, which is why it’s not the correct distinction. The other options either mix up the roles or claim the documents are interchangeable, which they are not.