Qualifications Framework level

EQF level

European Qualifications Framework (EQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).


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LQF level

Latvian Qualifications Framework (LQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).

LQF covers stages of education starting from the basic education (level 1 – special basic education) to the highest education (level 8 – doctoral studies).


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Level of professional qualification
Till 1 august 2022 in Latvia had a system of five professional qualifications levels (PQL, 1 – the lowest, 5 – the highest).

PQL system covers only professional qualifications (basic education, secondary and higher education stages).

PQL reflects readiness of a person to perform work of certain stage of complexity and responsibility.
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Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are knowledge, skills and competences acquired during a certain period of learning.

In Latvia, learning outcomes are stipulated by state education standards and occupational standards (for the professional qualifications).

Learning outcomes of higher education are defined by higher education institutions.


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Hand arc welder (MMA) (PQL 3)

  • Knowledge

    1. KNOWLEDGE at the level of notion:
    1.1. the latest welding technologies;
    1.2. methods of fusing;
    1.3. methods and equipment of seam non-destructive control;
    1.4. arc cutting with an electrode;
    1.5. basics of  communication;
    2. KNOWLEDGE at the level of understanding:
    2.1. marking of personal protective equipment (anti – glare shields, filters; respiratory masks) and selection;
    2.2. sanitary-hygienic requirements in the work place;
    2.3. work safety signs and signals;
    2.4. reading drawings;
    2.5. methods of cleaning metal surfaces;
    2.6. metals and their specifics;
    2.7. specifics and thermal processing of materials  used in welding;
    2.8. preparation methods of edges of components, advantages and disadvantages;
    2.9. regulations of visual assessment, technical documentation according to the requirements of the standard EN ISO 5817 (types of defects, detecting quality levels of the defects);
    2.10. professional terms in the official language and one foreign language;
    2.11. technical documentation of welding;
    2.12. deformations and voltage of materials;
    2.13. welding seams and sequence of welding works;
    2.14. influence of voltage and deformations to the geometry of the product;
    2.15. the documents attesting a welder’s competence;
    2.16. technical documentation of the welding works.
    3. KNOWLEDGE at the level of use:
    3.1. operating rules of arc welding equipment;
    3.2. welding works in the areas of increased danger;
    3.3. basics of electrical engineering;
    3.4. structure and specifics of electrical arc;
    3.5. selection, storage, drying and heating through of electrodes;
    3.6. types, label and marking of electrodes;
    3.7. structure of the welding machines and operation instructions;
    3.8. mechanical cutting and grinding of metals;
    3.9. mechanical cleaning of metal surfaces;
    3.10. metal welding technologies;
    3.11. labels of welding process specification (WP5): connections, material groups (CEN ISO/TR 15608), electrodes, welding positions, welding elements, processing edges of components, welding modes;
    3.12. labels of welding seams;
    3.13. welding equipment;
    3.14. storage requirements of the welding machines and equipment;
    3.15. influence of the welding parameters and modes on the quality of seam;
    3.16. welding technique of seams (manipulation);
    3.17. the necessary measuring instruments and control instruments for the work control, their usage;
    3.18. methods of fastening components;
    3.19. ancillary devices for installing components before welding;
    3.20. attaching seams;
    3.21.  fixing defects of seams;
    3.22. locksmith’s works and instruments for processing before and after welding
    3.23. work protection (work safety signs and signals, electrical safety rules, choice of personal working equipment and collective working protective equipment and usage rules, environmental risks of  the welding works, fire protection rules and action in case of fire);
    3.24. first aid;
    3.25. legal employment relationship;
    3.26. basic principles of professional and general ethics;
    3.27. official language;
    3.28. one foreign language at the communication level;
    3.29. environmental protection.

  • Skills

    1. To read the technical work documentation
    2. To understand the specification of welding process (WPS – Welding Process Specification) and other type of technical documentation.
    3. To use the information necessary for carrying out the task, to make a decision and provide information about the process of implementation, problems and the possible solutions.
    4. To specify the necessary equipment for carrying out the task.
    5. To prepare the welding machine for work, to assess the technical condition of the welding machine and equipment.
    6. To set the parameters of the welding mode.
    7. To select appropriate electrodes for the work and prepare them for the work.
    8. To select an appropriate sequence of works for seam welding works.
    9. To select and carry out the straightening, installing and fastening of the details before the welding.
    10. To clean the welding and welded surfaces.
    11. To carry out the necessary scribing for the work implementation according to the work drawing.
    12. To cut and grind the preparations and seams according to the technological requirements by using hand-held power tools and stationary equipment.
    13. To weld one layer and multilayer seams and butt welds of sheet constructions according to the requirements set in the standards and other related documents.
    14. To visually assess the welded seams.
    15. To fix the defects of the welded seams.
    16. To meet the requirements of the labour protection legislation especially when working in extreme working conditions, assess and use personal protective equipment and collective working protective equipment.
    17. To follow the rules of electrical safety and fire protection.
    18. To recognize the work environment risks and carry out all the measures to decrease their influence.
    19. To place and follow the work safety signs and signals.
    20. To act in  case of fire.
    21. To understand and observe the environmental protection requirements of legislaton.
    22. To carry out the work duties without harming the health of your own or other persons.
    23. To provide the first aid.
    24. To have a good command of the official language.
    25. To have a good command of one foreign language at the communication level.
    26. To use the professional terminology in the official language and in one foreign language.
    27. To observe the requirements of the legal employment relationship.
    28. To assess and increase the professional competence and knowledge.
    29. To cooperate with other employees by working in a team and following the basic principles of professional and general ethics and rules of working procedure within the framework of the work task.

  • Competences/ autonomy

    1. Ability to work with technical documentation and information required for carrying out the work duties and make appropriate decisions by communicating with the supervisor.
    2. Ability to select the necessary equipment for arc welding.
    3. Ability to select the sequencing of seam welding works by basing on the complexity of construction.
    4. Ability to prepare the welding machine and set the welding mode.
    5. Ability to select the electrodes according to the task to be performed.
    6. Ability to prepare the surfaces and edges of the components by using suitable tools and methods according to the task to be performed.
    7. Ability to carry out the placing and attaching of the components by using ancillary equipment, control measuring devices by creating attaching seams before welding.
    8. Ability to weld one layer and multilayer seams and butt welds of sheet constructions according to the requirements set in the standards and other related documents.
    9. Ability to visually assess the compliance with the requirements of the welded seam and assess the geometry of the created connection by using measuring instruments and control instruments.
    10. Ability to choose the method of eliminating defect and to prevent defects.
    11. Ability to test, assess and use welding devices, equipment, work clothing, personal protective equipment and collective working protective equipment according to the requirements of workplace protection legislation.
    12. Ability to follow the rules of electrical safety and fire protection, to take appropriate action upon necessity.
    13. Ability to meet the environmental protection requirements and carry out the work duties without harming the environment.
    14. Ability to provide the first aid.
    15. Ability to follow the requirements of the labour protection laws and regulations when working in extreme conditions.
    16. To observe the standards  of the legal employment relationship.
    17. Ability to improve the professional qualification.
    18. Ability to observe the basic professional and general ethical principles.
    19. Ability to communicate in the official language and one foreign language.
    20. Ability to work independently and take responsibility for the results of your work.

Manual metal arc welder (MMA/111) (PQL3)

  • Knowledge

    Professional knowledge
    At the conceptual level:
    1. Regulatory technical documentation. Requirements of standards LVS EN ISO 17637, LVS EN ISO 6520-1; LVS EN ISO 5817.
    2. Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods and techniques for welds.
    3. Regulatory technical documentation for the assessment of welded products.
    4. Regulatory requirements in accordance with standard LVS EN ISO 13920 – Welding.
    5. General tolerances for welded constructions.
    6. Dimensions of lengths and angles.
    7. Shape and position.
    8. Non-destructive testing methods (standards LVS EN ISO 17637, LVS EN ISO 17636).
    9. Destructive testing methods (standard LVS EN ISO 9017).

    At the comprehension level:
    1. Marking of personal protective equipment (welding helmets, filters, respirators).
    2. Standard LVS EN IEC 60974-1 – Arc welding equipment. Part 1: Welding power sources.
    3. Standard LVS EN IEC 60974-1 – Arc welding equipment. Part 1: Welding power sources.
    4. MMA welding technology.
    5. Technical documentation for welding work.
    6. Standard LVS EN ISO 15609-1 – Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic materials.
    7. Welding procedure specification. Part 1: Arc welding.
    8. Types of power sources.
    9. Types of auxiliary devices for securing parts in different spatial positions in accordance with the requirements of standard LVS EN ISO 6947.
    10. Physical, chemical, mechanical, and technological properties of steel.
    11. Weldability of metals.
    12. Schedule for the performance of the work task.
    13. Methods for cleaning metal surfaces.
    14. Types of mechanical cleaning tools.
    15. Technology of MMA welding operations.
    16. Methods for preparing the edges of parts and workpieces.
    17. Selection of assembly gaps in accordance with the requirements of standard LVS EN ISO 9692-1.
    18. Determination of the positional conformity of the assembly.
    19. Measurement and control methods.
    20. Types of current used in MMA welding and connection polarities.
    21. Modes for welding materials of differing thickness.
    22. Modes for welding different types of materials.
    23. Types of covered electrodes and their application.
    24. Designation of covered electrodes intended for welding different types of base metals (stainless and heat-resistant steels, high-strength steels, wear-resistant steels) in accordance with the requirements of LVS EN ISO and other national standards.
    25. Types of welded base metals.
    26. Types of welds (FW, single-layer and multi-layer) and welding technology.
    27. Welding technology in different spatial positions.
    28. Welder certification in accordance with the requirements of standard LVS EN ISO 9606-1.
    29. Types of welds.
    30. Welding technology of butt welds (BW).
    31. Welding technology in different spatial positions.
    32. Welder certification in accordance with the requirements of standard LVS EN ISO 9606-1.
    33. Names and classification of welding defects in accordance with the requirements of standard LVS EN ISO 6520-1 – Causes of imperfections/defects.
    34. Influence of stresses and deformations on the geometry of the product or test specimen.
    35. Operating requirements for welding equipment.
    36. Operating principles of supply and exhaust ventilation systems.

    At the application level:
    1. Selection and use of personal protective equipment according to marking.
    2. Use of collective protective equipment.
    3. Protective equipment for hand-held power tools.
    4. Hand-held tools for pre-welding and post-welding.
    5. Auxiliary devices for assembling parts before welding.
    6. Protective devices of MMA welding equipment and verify their compliance with safety requirements.
    7. Welding cables and their compliance with occupational safety requirements.
    8. Welding electrode holders and their suitability for the work task and compliance with occupational safety requirements.
    9. Operating instructions of MMA welding equipment.
    10. Reading of technical drawings.
    11. Designations of welds in accordance with the requirements of standard LVS EN ISO 2553.
    12. Designations of the specification of the welding procedure:
    – types of joints;
    – groups of base materials;
    – filler materials;
    – auxiliary materials;
    – welding positions;
    – welding elements;
    – preparation of edges;
    – welding modes.
    13. Structure of MMA welding equipment.
    14. Information panel of MMA equipment. MMA electrode holders, their types, and application.
    15. Types and use of ground cable clamps.
    16. Metals and their alloys with good weldability.
    17. Designations of base materials.
    18. Designations of base materials in accordance with the requirements of standard LVS EN 10027-1 – Designation systems for steels. Part 1: Steel names.
    19. LVS CEN ISO/TR 15608 – Welding.
    20. Guidelines for a grouping system of metallic materials.
    21. Requirements for performing welding work in conditions of increased complexity: work at height, work in tanks and reservoirs, work in conditions of increased explosion risk.
    22. Application of cleaning agents.
    23. Safe use of chemical agents.
    24. Mechanical cleaning of metal surfaces.
    25. LVS EN ISO 9692-1 –
    26. Welding and allied processes.
    27. Types of joint preparation. Part 1: Requirements for the preparation of edges of parts to be welded.
    28. Types of equipment and tools for the preparation of edges of parts, and their application.
    29. Marking, cutting, and grinding of edges of parts or workpieces, using hand-held or stationary tools.
    30. Measuring instruments/gauges for controlling the geometric parameters of prepared edges.
    31. Methods for securing parts.
    32. Application of auxiliary devices for securing parts and workpieces.
    33. Use of welding tables.
    34. Measurement and control methods.
    35. Welding positions of joints in accordance with the requirements of standard LVS EN ISO 6947.
    36. Securing of parts and workpieces using tack welds.
    37. Methods for securing parts and workpieces using auxiliary devices.
    38. Assembly of MMA welding equipment.
    39. Setting of modes for welding materials of differing thickness.
    40. Additional functions used in MMA welding:
    – HOT START;
    – ARC FORCE:
    – Anti Stick System;
    – VRD (voltage reduction device
    – for electrical safety);
    – PFC (power factor correction).
    41. Impact of welding mode parameters on the quality of welds.
    42. Designation of covered electrodes intended for welding low-alloy fine-grained steels in accordance with the requirements of LVS EN ISO 2560 and other national standards.
    43. Use of anti-spatter agents.
    44. Requirements of drying and storage of covered electrodes.
    45. Work technology for welding various types of welds, joints, plates, and pipes using the MMA/111 process.
    46. Welding of plates (P) and pipes (T), fillet welds (FW) in accordance with pWPS or WPS and the requirements of LVS EN ISO 9606-1 and LVS EN ISO 5817 in different spatial positions.
    47. Application of safe welding techniques.
    48. Application of personal and collective protective equipment.
    49. Welding work in high-risk areas.
    50. Work technology for welding various types of welds, joints, plates, and pipes using the MMA/111 process.
    51. Welding of plates (P) and pipes (T), butt welds (BW) in accordance with pWPS or WPS and the requirements of LVS EN ISO 9606-1 and LVS EN ISO 5817 in different spatial positions.
    52. Application of safe welding techniques.
    53. Application of personal and collective protective equipment.
    54. Welding work in high-risk areas.
    55. Methods for assessing the geometric shapes and dimensions of welds.
    56. Methods for repairing imperfections/defects.
    57. Measuring instruments and inspection tools.
    58. Uniform visual assessment criteria for welding test specimens.
    59. Methods for repairing imperfections of the geometric shape.
    60. Measuring instruments and inspection tools.
    61. Information included in the protocols of destructive and non-destructive testing methods.
    62. Occupational safety instructions in the workplace.
    63. Fire safety instruction and action in the event of fire.
    64. Equipment setup of the welding workstation.
    65. Requirements for the storage of welding equipment.
    66. Ergonomic and hygienic requirements in the workplace.

    General knowledge
    At the conceptual level:
    1. Intercultural interaction.
    2. Concepts and theories of natural sciences, technologies, and engineering.
    3. Fundamental principles of statistics.
    4. Laws and regulations governing the ICT sector.
    5. Fundamentals of entrepreneurship.
    6. Regulatory enactments in the field of activity.
    7. Types of business operations.
    8. Statehood of the Republic of Latvia and its legal framework.
    9. Society and its development trends.
    10. Legal relationship.
    11. Occupational safety system.
    12. Civil defence system.
    13. Environmental protection system.
    14. Work environment risk factors and their assessment methods.

    At the comprehension level:
    1. Vocabulary.
    2. Grammar and language function.
    3. Diversity of language and communication in different contexts.
    4. Types of verbal and non-verbal interaction.
    5. Context of language and communication.
    6. Technological development trends in the sector.
    7. Operating principles of computers and office equipment.
    8. Data protection requirements.
    9. Economic resources.
    10. Fundamental principles of sustainable economy.
    11. Rights, obligations, and responsibility of an individual.
    12. Nature of civil society.
    13. Nature of social dialogue and mechanisms for cooperation.
    14. Prerequisites for effective communication.
    15. Laws and regulations related to labour law.
    16. Protective measures for reducing the impact of work environment factors on health.
    17. Fundamental principles of ergonomics at work.
    18. Principles of sustainable development.
    19. Patterns of facts, theories, and professional activity.
    20. Professional career development.
    21. Learning strategies.

    At the application level:
    1. Official language.
    2. Sector-specific terminology.
    3. Vocabulary in a foreign language.
    4. Units of measurement and shapes.
    5. Mathematical methods and calculations.
    6. Mathematical terminology.
    7. Use of information and communication technologies for the preparation of documents.
    8. Information and communication system security.
    9. Data security.
    10. Work with office equipment.
    11. Artificial intelligence tools.
    12. Process of organising the work environment.
    13. Self-organised work process.
    14. Planning methods.
    15. Social and political structure of society.
    16. Manifestations of social well-being.
    17. Social diversity and the principle of equality.
    18. Fundamental principles of general and professional ethics.
    19. Positive communication techniques.
    20. Contract and its forms.
    21. Occupational safety regulations.
    22. Preventive measures for eliminating work environment risk factors.
    23. Safety signals and signs.
    24. Self-assessment mechanisms.
    25. Planning of the study and career path.
    26. Fundamental principles of time management.

  • Skills

    Professional skills and attitudes
    1. To use personal protective equipment responsibly, in accordance with regulatory occupational safety regulations and working conditions.
    2. To use collective protective equipment in accordance with regulatory occupational safety regulations and working conditions.
    3. To verify the suitability of hand-held tools for the work task and compliance with occupational safety requirements.
    4. To verify the suitability of auxiliary devices for the work task and compliance with occupational safety requirements.
    5. To independently inspect the protective devices of MMA welding equipment and verify their compliance with safety requirements.
    6. To check the insulation of cables.
    7. To verify the suitability of the electrode holder for the work task and compliance with occupational safety requirements.
    8. To familiarise oneself with operating instructions of MMA welding equipment.
    9. To apply the requirements specified in the operating instructions of MMA welding equipment.
    10. To recognise symbols of welded joints.
    11. To read technical drawings in accordance with the requirements of the standard LVS EN ISO 2553 and the work task requirements.
    12. To understand the welding procedure specification (pWPS, WPS) and other technological documentation for welding.
    13. To independently plan the sequence of welding work.
    14. To use additional technical documentation.
    15. To carefully select MMA welding equipment for the performance of the work tasks.
    16. To select an electrode holder.
    17. To select the necessary auxiliary devices for securing parts in different spatial positions.
    18. To accurately read material labelling.
    19. To assess the weldability of the material.
    20. To assess the conformity of the geometric dimensions of the material.
    21. To select possible technological solutions for the performance of a work task in non-standard situations.
    22. To select the method for cleaning the base material.
    23. To carefully select auxiliary devices and tools.
    24. To check the operational condition of auxiliary devices.
    25. To clean welding surfaces properly.
    26. To assess the need for preparing edges of parts or workpieces.
    27. To select the method for preparing edges of parts or workpieces.
    28. To prepare the edges of parts or workpieces carefully.
    29. To accurately assemble parts or workpieces, observing assembly gaps.
    30. To use auxiliary devices for assembling parts or workpieces.
    31. To secure parts or workpieces, using auxiliary devices.
    32. To use tack welds for securing parts or workpieces.
    33. To verify the positional conformity of the assembly with quality requirements.
    34. To perform the visual inspection of MMA welding equipment.
    35. To select an appropriate electrode holder.
    36. To connect the ground clamp to the workpiece or part.
    37. To accurately set the selected welding current and activate the necessary additional functions.
    38. To select and connect the polarity according to the selected type of electrode.
    39. To comply with technical and operational standards and work task requirements, selecting and setting MMA welding modes.
    40. To read the designation of the covered electrode (on the packaging and the electrode).
    41. To select the type of covered electrode for welding according to the type and thickness of the welded base metal.
    42. To prepare covered electrodes for welding.
    43. To accurately weld fillet welds (FW) for plates (thickness of 4–12 mm): in the horizontal-vertical (PB) position, the flat (PA) position, and the vertical (vertical up) (PF) welding position.
    44. To accurately weld butt welds (BW) for plates (thickness of 4–12 mm): in the flat (PA) and vertical (vertical up) (PF) welding positions.
    45. To independently identify surface imperfections/defects after welding.
    46. To repair welding imperfections/defects.
    47. To perform the visual assessment of welded joints (FW and BW) in accordance with uniform visual assessment criteria:
    – fusion of the parts;
    – start and end of welds;
    – conformity of the geometric weld dimensions with the joint parameters;
    – root penetration (in butt joints – BW);
    – burn-through (in butt joints – BW);
    – burn-through in fillet joints (FW);
    – undercuts in the base metal;
    – pores in the weld metal;
    – crater cracks;
    – arc strikes on the base material;
    – spatter;
    – slag inclusions.
    48. To carefully assess the geometric parameters of welds of the welded product or test specimen.
    49. To repair imperfections/defects in the geometric shape of the weld.
    50. To repair imperfections in the geometric shape of the product.
    51. To assess imperfections/defects in welded joints, using destructive testing methods.
    52. To assess imperfections/defects in welded joints, using non-destructive testing methods.
    53. To read the results in the protocols of destructive and non-destructive testing methods.
    54. To perform the visual inspection of MMA welding equipment.
    55. To check the operation of the ventilation system.
    56. To check the equipment setup of the welding workstation.
    57. To check the individual lighting.
    58. To arrange hand-held tools in accordance with the requirements of occupational safety instructions in the workplace.
    59. To place workpieces or parts in accordance with the requirements of occupational safety instructions in the workplace.
    60. To place the extraction ventilation manipulator as close as possible to the welding zone.
    61. To switch off the MMA welding equipment after completing the work.
    62. To coil the welding cables and place them in the designated area.
    63. To clean the welding workstation in accordance with the requirements of occupational safety instructions.
    64. To arrange hand-held tools in accordance with the requirements of occupational safety instructions.
    65. To switch off the exhaust ventilation and individual lighting.

    General skills and attitudes
    1. To communicate verbally and in writing in the official language.
    2. To observe the norms of the Latvian literary language in formal communication.
    3. To use professional terminology in the official language.
    4. To communicate with different social groups in a multicultural environment, using easy-to-understand language in communication.
    5. To communicate verbally and in writing in one foreign language.
    6. To use sector-specific professional terminology.
    7. To model the course of the planned task solution.
    8. To use mathematical methods and calculations when performing work tasks.
    9. To compare quantities, drawing conclusions for the optimal performance of work tasks.
    10. To stay informed about the latest technological developments in the sector.
    11. To use a computer and the Internet for the performance of work tasks.
    12. To prepare professional work documentation.
    13. To communicate, using information and communication technologies.
    14. To comply with information technology security and personal data protection requirements.
    15. To perform work tasks with quality, meeting the established deadlines.
    16. To use the allocated resources effectively.
    17. To put forward proposals for improving work processes.
    18. To assess economic risks and work priorities.
    19. To fulfil the civic duties.
    20. To participate consciously in civic and social life.
    21. To build interaction with other individuals, respecting human rights and equality.
    22. To recognise the relationship between different spheres and phenomena of society and morality and ethics.
    23. To respect the rights and obligations of the employer and employee.
    24. To comply with the organisation’s internal rules of procedure.
    25. To act in accordance with occupational safety, fire safety, electrical safety, and environmental protection requirements.
    26. To prepare the workplace for safe work performance.
    27. To identify potential risks when performing work tasks.
    28. To safely operate technological devices and equipment.
    29. To assess own professional experience and the level of professional skills.
    30. To explore opportunities for the development of own professional activity.
    31. To acquire new skills according to labour market needs.

  • Competences/ autonomy

    Professional competences
    1. Ability to use personal and collective protective equipment responsibly, in accordance with regulatory occupational safety regulations and working conditions.
    2. Ability to verify the suitability of tools and auxiliary devices for the work task and their compliance with occupational safety requirements.
    3. Ability to inspect the protective devices of MMA welding equipment.
    4. Ability to comply with and apply the requirements specified in the operating instructions of MMA welding equipment.
    5. Ability to correctly read technical drawings in accordance with the requirements of standard LVS EN ISO 2553 and the work task requirements.
    6. Ability to independently plan the sequence of welding work, using the welding procedure specification (pWPS, WPS) and other technological documentation for welding.
    7. Ability to carefully select welding equipment and auxiliary devices according to the work task.
    8. Ability to familiarise oneself with the base materials used for work and their designations in accordance with the requirements of standard LVS EN ISO.
    9. Ability to select the appropriate technological solution for performing the work task in a non-standard situation, in accordance with the specified quality requirements and within the set time schedule.
    10. Ability to clean welding surfaces properly and prepare the edges of parts or workpieces according to the work task and quality requirements.
    11. Ability to accurately assemble parts or workpieces, observing assembly gaps in accordance with the requirements of standard LVS EN ISO 9692-1 and secure parts by forming tack welds, and verify the positional conformity of the assembly with the work task and quality requirements.
    12. Ability to prepare the MMA welding machine and equipment for the high-quality performance of the welding work task.
    13. Ability to accurately select and set welding modes, using appropriate filler materials and complying with technical standards, the work task, and quality requirements.
    14. Ability to accurately weld fillet welds (FW) for plates (thickness of 4–12 mm): in the horizontal-vertical (PB) position, the flat (PA) position, and the vertical (vertical up) (PF) welding position.
    15. Ability to weld fillet welds (FW) in accordance with pWPS or WPS and the requirements of standards LVS EN ISO 9606-1 and LVS EN ISO 5817 in different spatial positions.
    16. Ability to accurately weld butt welds (BW) for plates (thickness of 4–12 mm): in the flat (PA) and vertical (vertical up) (PF) welding positions.
    17. Ability to weld butt welds (BW) in accordance with pWPS or WPS and the requirements of standards LVS EN ISO 9606-1 and LVS EN ISO 5817 in different spatial positions.
    18. Ability to independently identify and correct surface imperfections/defects after welding.
    19. Ability to visually assess the geometric shape and dimensions of the weld surface and correct imperfections/defects after welding in accordance with the designations specified in standard LVS EN ISO 6520-1 and the uniform visual assessment criteria, or the permissible values in accordance with the requirements of standard LVS EN ISO 5817.
    20. Ability to assess the geometric parameters of the weld of the product or test specimen after welding in accordance with regulatory requirements and repair any resulting imperfections in the geometric shape of the product.
    21. Ability to assess the quality of welds, using the results of destructive and non-destructive testing methods.
    22. Ability to prepare, maintain, and organise the workstation and the surrounding work environment in accordance with occupational safety requirements in the workplace.

    General competences
    1. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in the official language.
    2. Ability to perform work tasks in accordance with the principles of intercultural communication.
    3. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in one foreign language in the work environment, using professional terminology.
    4. Ability to use mathematical calculations when performing work tasks.
    5. Ability to explain technological development trends in the sector.
    6. Ability to use information and communication technologies for the performance of professional work tasks.
    7. Ability to perform work tasks with quality, in accordance with the available resources and within the established deadlines.
    8. Ability to participate in generating new ideas for improving work processes.
    9. Ability to consciously fulfil civic duties.
    10. Ability to recognise own responsibility in the development of democratic society.
    11. Ability to participate in social life, following the principles of equality and ethical standards.
    12. Ability to establish relationships and comply with the internal regulations of the organisation.
    13. Ability to perform work tasks responsibly, in accordance with occupational safety, environmental protection, electrical safety, fire safety, and civil defence requirements.
    14. Ability to critically assess work environment risk factors within the scope of own competence.
    15. Ability to act responsibly in an emergency situation and provide first aid.
    16. Ability to improve own skills for professional development.

Qualification acquisition requirements

Previous education
From the age of 15, the transcript of records for partially acquired general basic education OR Certificate of general basic education
Ways to acquire 
Qualifications can be acquired in the framework of education programs or in the evaluation and recognition of non-formal knowledge, skills and competences acquired (in vocational education LKI Levels 2-4).
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Formal (through education programmes) or
Formal (through non-formal education acquired competence recognition process, completing the qualifications professional examination)
ECTS credit points 
Snice 11.10.2022 60 credit points correspond to the study results acquired in full-time studies in one academic year in accordance with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).Since 11.10.2022

Till 11.10.2022 1 Latvian credit point corresponds to 1,5 ECTS credit point.
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0
Duration of study 
Duration of qualification in full-time studies
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not less than 480 or not less than 640 hours.

Qualification document

Awarding body

Vocational basic and secondary education institution

- Vocational Education Competence Centre "Liepaja State Technical School"

- Riga Vocational School No 3

Vocational further education and development institution:

- Learning Centre "FIBRA"

- Continuing Vocational Education and Professional Development Institution "Learning Centre Virsi"

- Learning Centre "Class Master"

- Vocational, Continuing Education and Examination Centre, Ltd

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Qualifications Framework level

EQF level

European Qualifications Framework (EQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).


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LQF level

Latvian Qualifications Framework (LQF) has 8 levels (1 – the lowest, 8 – the highest).

Levels reflect the complexity level of acquired knowledge, skills and competences (learning outcomes).

LQF covers stages of education starting from the basic education (level 1 – special basic education) to the highest education (level 8 – doctoral studies).


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Level of professional qualification

Till 1 august 2022 in Latvia had a system of five professional qualifications levels (PQL, 1 – the lowest, 5 – the highest).

PQL system covers only professional qualifications (basic education, secondary and higher education stages).

PQL reflects readiness of a person to perform work of certain stage of complexity and responsibility.


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2

LQF PQ level:

Kas ir LKI?2

Theoretical and practical training corresponding to the LQF levels, characterized by the learning outcomes that can be achieved at the relevant level, which gives the opportunity to perform work corresponding to a certain level of complexity and responsibility.
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3

Qualification field, stage and type

Thematic field (ISCED 2013)
International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) developed by UNESCO.
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Engineering and engineering trades (071)

Detailed field: (ISCED 2013)

Mechanics and metal trades (0715)

Education
Stages of Latvian education system included in the LQF:
- basic education
- secondary education
- higher education
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Basic education

Qualification type
ITypes of Latvian education:
-General education
-Professional education
-Academic education
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Vocational (continuing education)

Full or partial

Full qualification

Sector Qualifications Structure: Metalworking, mechanical engineering and mechanical sciences sector (including mechanics) - reorganized on 11.02.2026, divided into two: "Metalworking and Mechanical Engineering Industries" and "Mechanical Engineering Industries"

Kvalifikācijas tips:
Base qualification:
Connected to: Certificate of professional qualification: Gas welder (OAW) , CERTIFICATE OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION with professional qualification: Arc Welder in Welding with Mechanical Machine in the Active Gas Environment (MAG) , CERTIFICATE OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION with professional qualification: Hand Arc Welder (MMA), Arc Welder in Welding with Mechanical Machine in the Active Gas Environment (MAG) , Certificate of professional qualification: Arc Welder in Welding with Mechanical Machine in the Active Gas Environment (MAG) , Certificate of professional qualification: Arc Welder in Welding with Mechanical Machine in the Active Gas Environment (MAG) , Certificate of professional qualification: Arc Welder in Welding with Mechanical Machine in the Active Gas Environment (MAG), Arc Welder in Welding with Mechanical Machine in the Inert Gas Environment (MIG) , Certificate of professional qualification: Arc welder in Welding with Machine in the Inert Gas Environment (MIG) , Certificate of professional qualification: Arc Welder in Welding with Tungsten Electrode in the Inert Gas Environment (TIG) , Certificate of professional qualification: Hand Arc Welder (MMA), Arc Welder in Welding with Mechanical Machine in the Active Gas Environment (MAG) , Certificate of professional qualification: Hand Arc Welder (MMA), Arc Welder in Welding with Machine in the Active Gas Environment (MAG) , CERTIFICATE OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION with professional qualification: Arc welder in welding with mechanical machine in the active gas environment (MAG / 135) , CERTIFICATE OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION with professional qualification: , Certificate of professional qualification: Gas welder , Certificate of professional qualification: , Certificate of professional qualification: Arc Welder in Welding with Tungsten Electrode in the Inert Gas Environment (TIG) , Certificate of professional qualification: Hand Arc Welder (MMA) , DIPLOMA OF VOCATIONAL SECONDARY EDUCATION with professional qualification: Cosmetician

Link to the descriptions of the Sector Qualifications Structure levels

Other information

National Education Information System

National Database of Education Opportunities

Active qualification

Last changes: 02.04.2026

Posted: 07.05.2016