NCPWB membership is for contractors involved in welding who need credible, standardized Welding Procedure Specification (WPS), and track welder certifications, and continuity records related to compliance with ASME Section IX.
Contractors must be signatory to a labor agreement with the United Association (UA).
What are NCPWB Membership Benefits?
- Access to over 140 welding and brazing procedure specifications (WPSs and BPSs) that are qualified in accordance with ASME Section IX and are available for immediate use on piping without further qualifications.
- Risk of noncompliance is reduced because WPSs and BPSs procedures are:
- Written by experts whose primary job is working with ASME Section IX
- Reviewed by the entire NCPWB Technical Committee.
- NCPWB works closely with the United Association (UA) in conducting welder qualification testing which is in full compliance with ASME Section IX.
- Members of NCPWB serve on a variety of ASME Committees, including ASME Subcommittee IX, B31.1, B31.3, B31.5, and B31.9. These members are available to answer questions about these codes and to provide guidance on how to comply with them.
- Contractors who are members of the NCPWB can guarantee that the welding is performed in accordance with established national standards.
- The Welding Procedure Specifications describe all essential, non-essential, and supplementary essential variables for each welding process used in the WPS, which are developed for use by bureau members on NCPWB Form Q-482.
- The PQR that supports each WPS is detailed on NPCPWB Form Q-483.
- The NCPWB and UA work closely with the contractors to document the latest date a welder performed a weld of a given process in accordance with QW-322.
- Interchange of welder qualifications as permitted by ASME B31.1 paragraph 127.5.3
Not sure which membership option fits your organization? We’re happy to help.
Membership Dues for NCPWB
NCPWB dues* are paid annually through your local NCPWB affiliate. If a local NCPWB affiliate is not in your area, the dues are paid to the NCPWB National Office.
- $600 annual membership fee for contractors who are already members of either MCAA or MSCA.
- $1,800 annual membership fee for contractors who are NOT already members of MCAA or MSCA.
- $250 one-time initiation fee at the time of application.
* Please note the local chapter may also charge an additional fee.
How to Join NCPWB
Ready to become an NCPWB member?
If your company is signatory to a United Association (UA) agreement, you are eligible to become a member of the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau (NCPWB). Membership provides access to nationally recognized welding certification programs, standardized welding procedures, technical resources, and industry best practices that help ensure quality, consistency, and compliance. Joining the NCPWB demonstrates your commitment to excellence and strengthens your competitive position in the mechanical construction industry. Get started by filling out the NCPWB membership application below.
Most companies join through their local NCPWB chapter, which facilitates the national application and dues process. Find your local affiliate here.
Our membership team is here to help you determine the best option for your company and guide you through the process. Contact us now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my local MCAA affiliate or NCPWB chapter?
Most companies join MCAA through their local MCAA affiliate, which serves as the primary point of connection for national membership, dues processing, and local engagement.
You can find your local affiliate or chapter by:
- Visiting the MCAA Local Affiliate Directory on mcaa.org, or
- Contacting the MCAA national office for assistance
If your company does not have a local affiliate or chapter in your geographic area, you may still be eligible to apply directly through the national office.
When does membership begin and end?
MCAA/MSCA/PCA and NCPWB memberships operate on a fixed fiscal year.
- Membership term: Jan 1 – Dec 31
- Membership becomes active once dues are paid in full
- Memberships renew annually at the start of each fiscal year
New members may join at any time during the year. Annual dues are not prorated for NCPWB.
Can I become an NCPWB member without an MCAA/MSCA/PCA membership?
Yes. Companies may join the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau (NCPWB) without being members of MCAA/MSCA/PCA.
However, NCPWB maintains a separate dues structure, and non-MCAA members pay a higher annual rate than active MCAA/MSCA/PCA members.
How are dues billed and invoiced?
Billing depends on the membership type:
- Contractor membership dues are billed and collected through your local MCAA affiliate
- NCPWB dues are billed directly by the NCPWB local chapter office unless one isn’t available in your area, in this case the billing will be through the MCAA national office.
Invoices are typically issued in advance of the renewal date, and membership is not considered active until payment is received.
What happens if my company has multiple branch offices?
For contractor members, dues are assessed per branch office, with each office subject to:
- A minimum labor-hour threshold
- An annual maximum cap
Each branch office is treated individually for dues purposes, ensuring assessments align with actual operations while maintaining fairness across the membership. This also applies to NCPWB members as well.
Is WebLEM included with membership?
- MCAA/MSCA/PCA contractor members receive complimentary access to WebLEM as a FREE membership benefit
- Active NCPWB members who are also MCAA/MSCA/PCA members receive WebLEM access at no additional cost
- Companies that are not MCAA/MSCA/PCA members may purchase WebLEM as a standalone subscription.
Joining the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau (NCPWB) has significantly improved our efficiency and compliance at Postler & Jaeckle Corporation. Access to pre‑qualified Welding and Brazing Procedure Specifications (WPS/BPS) has eliminated countless hours of development and testing, allowing our team to focus on quality execution rather than recreating procedures. The bureau advisory resources are a tremendous help with solving issues and best practices regarding code questions and specific materials.
Mike Schum, Operations Administrator, Postler & Jaeckle Corp
LATEST EVENTS
2026 NCPWB Annual Technical Conference
April 26, 2026 – April 28, 2026 San Antonio, TX
2027 NCPWB Annual Technical Conference
April 25, 2027 – April 27, 2027 Isle of Palms, SC
FEATURED EVENT
2026 NCPWB Technical Conference
April 26-29, 2026

San Antonio, TX
Get ready for an exhilarating journey into the forefront of welding technology! Join us at the NCPWB Technical Conference!
