New Requirements Regarding the Qualification and Certification of the Inspection Personnel in the Welding Field. Harmonization with the European Qualification Framework (EQF)

The qualification and later certification of the inspection personnel in the field of welding is more and more a necessity that determines, through the quality of the training and the qualification / certification obtained, the access of new contracts. This paper details how the qualification and certification system, developed by the International Welding Institute (IIW) for the qualification and certification of inspection personnel in the welding field, has been harmonized with the European Qualification Framework (EQF) requests. The levels of qualification and later certification for the inspection personnel are also detailed. The situation of internationally issued qualifications and the level of EQF recognition is detailed, as well as details regarding the possibility of obtaining qualifications as C-IWE, C-IWT and C-IWS. Keywords: IIW certification, NQF, EQF, welding, C-IWI.