WPQ Builder Troubleshooting — WPQ vs WPS, Load Errors & Required Fields

WPQ vs WPS, qualified-range limits, JSON load failures, and PDF gating

Diagnose WPQ vs WPS confusion, why qualified range is not calculated here, JSON load errors that distinguish wrong file type from corrupt JSON, and required fields that block PDF export.

Fix the underlying issue, then reload or re-export

Most problems are WPQ vs WPS confusion, expecting an automatic qualified range, or incomplete required fields.

Open WPQ Builder → WPQ vs WPS →

WPQ vs WPS Confusion

A WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) specifies how to weld a qualified procedure. A WPQ documents that a specific welder can execute it under stated test conditions. They are different documents entirely — not two names for the same thing. This tool builds a WPQ test record template; use the WPS Builder for procedure drafts. See WPQ vs WPS — What Each Document Covers.

Why There Is No Automatic “Qualified Range”

The form records the position, thickness, and diameter the test was performed at. Computing the qualified range that earns (e.g., position limits, thickness ranges, diameter ranges) is code-specific — AWS D1.1 tables, ASME Section IX QW-452 / QW-461, and similar. That logic is genuinely complex and employer/code-dependent. Look up the range in the applicable code tables with your examiner; do not expect this tool to invent it.

Load (.json) Errors

Two distinct messages appear:

  • “Unrecognized file — expected a TestTalkHQ WPQ or WPS .json export.” — The JSON parsed, but _type is neither testtalkhq-wpq nor testtalkhq-wps. Use a file from this tool’s Save button or from the WPS Builder.
  • “Could not read that file — is it a valid .json export?” — The file is not valid JSON (wrong extension, truncated download, or corrupted text).

A valid WPS import shows: “Pre-filled the WPS reference section from your WPS export. Fill in the test details.” A valid WPQ load shows: “WPQ loaded. Continue editing.”

Missing Required Fields Block PDF

PDF export requires: Welder name, WPQ number, WPS referenced, and at least one welding process. The error lists whatever is missing. Fill those fields and try again — Save (.json) works even when required fields are incomplete, but PDF does not.

SymptomCauseFix
Red error on PDF clickRequired field emptyComplete listed fields
“Unrecognized file…”JSON is not WPQ or WPS typeUse Save from WPQ or WPS Builder
“Could not read…”Invalid / non-JSON fileOpen a real .json export
Expected auto qualified rangeOut of scope for this toolUse code tables (D1.1 / ASME IX)
Template treated as certificationMisread disclaimerTests + CWI judgment required

Reference Materials

AWS code books and official welder qualification form pads are common shop references for performance qualification records.

Catalog gap: No AWS D1.1 code books or WPQ/WPS form pads exist in the TestTalkHQ affiliate CSV at publish time — we do not substitute unrelated products.

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