What is WPS?

• A. A document providing the required welding variables for a specific application to assure repeatability by properly trained welders and welding operators
• B. A list of approved welding consumables
• C. A standard for weld joint geometry
• D. A guideline for job safety analysis

Answer: (A)

Welding Procedure Specification is the document that defines the exact welding variables for a given application so that welds are produced the same way every time by qualified welders. It lays out the process to be used (like SMAW, GMAW, or GTAW), the base and filler materials, joint geometry and thickness, welding position, preheat and interpass temperatures, shielding gas and flow rate if applicable, and the electrical settings or travel speed that control heat input. The purpose is to ensure consistency, repeatability, and quality by giving welders a clear, approved set of conditions to follow, so that all produced welds meet the required codes and project specifications. A WPS is typically supported by a procedure qualification record (PQR) that demonstrates the procedure can produce a sound weld under the stated conditions; once qualified, the WPS guides production work.

The other options describe different documents used in welding-related work—such as a list of approved consumables, a standard for weld joint geometry, or a guideline for job safety analysis—so they aren’t the WPS, which is specifically about defining and documenting the welding variables for repeatable, qualified welds.