Luca Costa
Chief Executive Officer
International Institute of Welding

The International Institute of Welding (IIW)

Welding is an essential technology in many manufacturing areas. Although the first applications were found on findings dated 5,000 BC, it became an industrial technology after WWI, and applications have expanded since the end of WWII. Our lives could not exist without welding: from jewellery to furniture, electronic equipment, transportation, infrastructure, factories, and plants – all need welded components and reliable joints. The science of welding is based on metallurgy, design, manufacturing techniques and quality control. The technology of welding ranges from old-fashioned flame welding to modern lasers and includes Artificial Intelligence and additive manufacturing.

The International Institute of Welding (IIW) is an association focused on the exchange of knowledge in the field of welding and allied technologies. It was founded in 1948 as a not-for-profit organization, and its members are the national associations representing the sectors of welding and allied processes in their countries. Researchers, industry practitioners and educators, students and young professionals from over 53 countries worldwide are all part of its collaborative working platform. The outcomes are shared worldwide, promoting optimum use and innovation in joining technologies, international standardisation, and quality through education, training, qualification and certification of individuals and companies for a safe and sustainable world.

The governance structure of the IIW has been designed to ensure involvement of national and international stakeholders through multiple bodies.

Competence in welding allied task: the need for a global scheme

Competence assurance in welding and related technologies contributes to public safety and the quality of life by ensuring that manufactured goods and welded constructions operate safely and reliably. On this concept, IIW structured a quality system for qualification and certification of personnel based on the harmonisation of training, requirements for training centres, examinations and criteria for evaluation of candidates.

Since 1998, IIW has developed a comprehensive list of qualifications, from the IIW International Welder, up to ISO 14731 Welding Coordinators (from International Welding Practitioner up to the International Welding Engineer), including International Welding Inspectors and Structural Designers.

The added value of IAF

IIW recognised the importance of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) for the global conformity assessment landscape, given its role in promoting Global Standards, mutual recognition, risk reduction and economic development. In this respect, IIW felt the need to be involved in the organisation as a way to support the welding industry within the scope of IAF.

IIW bodies recognised the value of conformity assessment and accreditation as a crucial step for excellence and global recognition, and many of our programs were accredited nationally, as it is recognised that accreditation provides the basis for the harmonisation of assessment, correct determination of competence and impartiality. Accreditation by an IAF Member per ISO/IEC 17024 has been set as a requirement for any organisation delivering personnel certification. Given the absence of an ISO standard in the field of welding inspection and welding coordination personnel qualification and/or certification, IIW has applied to IAF for the recognition of its certification scheme as a way to allow for mutual recognition of accredited certificates globally.

As accreditation granted by IAF Members supports economic growth by facilitating access to new markets, improving productivity and fostering innovation, it is considered that this is an essential step for the organisation to support its vision “Advance welding and joining through a worldwide network” and mission to be “The leading global welding community linking industry, research and education”, adhering to its core values of being committed to the advancement of welding and joining for a safer and sustainable world and operating based on mutual respect for diversity, culture and languages.