IIW, IAB and EWF

IIW, IAB and EWF: International Qualifications and Welding Quality

International cooperation supports consistent requirements for personnel education, competence assessment and welding quality. The Kazakhstan Welding Association «KazWeld» participates in this system, representing Kazakhstan in the international welding community.

IIW - International Institute of Welding

The International Institute of Welding (IIW) brings together the professional community from different countries and promotes the development of welding and allied technologies. Its main activities include the exchange of scientific and technical knowledge, the development of education and personnel qualifications, and international cooperation.

KazWeld is a member of IIW and supports the application of international expertise in Kazakhstan’s welding industry.

IAB - International Authorization Board

The International Authorization Board (IAB) operates within the IIW framework. It ensures the consistent implementation of requirements for welding personnel qualification and certification, as well as company certification.

Within the IIW system, IAB grants and confirms the authorization of ANBs and ANBCCs following an assessment of their compliance with established requirements. Each body receives a defined scope of authorization within which it may operate.

ANB — Personnel Qualification and Certification

An ANB (Authorised Nominated Body) is a body authorized to implement the international personnel qualification system and, where specifically authorized, the personnel certification system.

Within its authorized scope, an ANB organizes examinations, assesses candidates against established requirements, and issues diplomas and certificates on behalf of IIW. The qualifications and services it may offer are defined by its scope of authorization.

For specialists, this provides a structured pathway to demonstrate their professional knowledge and competence against international requirements.

ANBCC — Company Certification

An ANBCC (Authorised Nominated Body for Company Certification) is a body authorized to certify companies under the IIW Manufacturer Certification Scheme in accordance with ISO 3834, “Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials.”

This certification involves assessing compliance with requirements for the organization and quality assurance of welding production. Each ANBCC operates within its defined scope of authorization.

In practical terms, ANBs address personnel qualifications and competence, while ANBCCs assess manufacturers’ compliance with ISO 3834 welding quality requirements.

Membership and Authorization Are Different Statuses

IIW membership does not automatically confer ANB or ANBCC authorization. An organization must undergo a separate assessment and authorization process. Consequently, not all IIW member countries have bodies holding both authorizations.

The IIW system provides for one national ANB for personnel qualification and one ANBCC for company certification in each country. Both functions may be performed by the same organization. This arrangement applies to authorization under the respective IIW schemes.

EWF — European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting

The European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting (EWF) develops harmonized systems for professional education, qualification and certification in welding and allied technologies.

IIW and EWF cooperate within a combined international qualification and certification system, supporting a consistent approach to professional requirements.

KazWeld holds observer status in EWF and participates in international professional cooperation.

KazWeld — ANB and ANBCC in Kazakhstan

The Kazakhstan Welding Association «KazWeld» holds both ANB and ANBCC authorizations within the IIW/IAB system.

Certificates confirming KazWeld’s authorization under the IIW and EWF systems are available in the Certificates and Authorizations section.

Within its authorized scope, the Association provides:

• Qualification and certification of welding personnel.
• Examinations and issuance of international diplomas and certificates.
• Assessment and certification of manufacturers in accordance with ISO 3834 under the IIW Manufacturer Certification Scheme.

Combining these activities supports a comprehensive approach to welding quality in Kazakhstan, from the professional competence of specialists to the organization of welding production within companies.

For enquiries about international qualifications and certification, contact KazWeld: info@kazweld.kz.