A Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) is a written document that tells the welder exactly how to make a weld. It lays out the required parameters—process, material, filler metal, position, voltage, amperage, and other variables—so the weld can be made consistently and meet code requirements.
The purpose of a WPS is control and repeatability. Instead of every welder doing things their own way, the WPS standardizes the procedure so the weld quality is predictable and acceptable under codes like AWS D1.1 or ASME Section IX.
If you’re a welder, the WPS tells you how to weld. If you’re an inspector, it’s what you check against. Everything in this course builds off understanding this document.
