How Do I Get Welding Certification?
- Written By: Carol Francois
- Edited By: Heather Bailey
- Last Modified Date: 26 January 2013
-
Copyright Protected:
2003-2013 Conjecture Corporation
Welding certification is required for anyone who wants to work as a professional welder. A professional welder can find employment opportunities in a wide range of industries, from construction to a production factory. The purpose of welding certification is to validate that all welders have a specific level of skill and training. Safety is a very important aspect of welding, as this trade requires the use of very hot torches.
The first step toward getting a welding certification is to learn proper welding techniques. Short programs in welding are available from community and career colleges. Introductory, intermediate, and advanced welding classes are typically eight to 12 weeks in length. These courses are a combination of theoretical training and hands-on practice with welding equipment.
Many people do not complete a welding program through a post-secondary institution. Instead, they learn this skill on the job. Training is provided by a certified welder, machine mechanic, or related trades person. Practice is required to create a smooth, strong weld. Some employers will allow welders to practice their technique on scrap metal during slow periods.
There is no formal training or experience requirement to get welding certification in the United States. Candidates apply to the American Welding Society® (AWS®) to complete the Certified Welder test. The candidate is required to provide a sound weld for inspection by an AWS® Certified Welding Inspector. This test must be completed at an AWS® accredited testing facility. The weld is evaluated against the welding procedure specification, which includes the fit-up, assembly, and position.
Upon successful completion of the welding certification, candidates are able to work as welders. It is important to note that all certified welders are required to submit a certificate maintenance form every six months. This form must be signed by the employer, confirming that the welder is performing only the welds that he or she is certified for. Candidates who let this certification lapse must repeat the examination.
Career advancement opportunities for a certified welder are quite numerous. Additional certification allows the welder to work in different industries, completing a range of different types of welds. In addition, welders who meet the experience requirements can become certified welding instructors or inspectors. Welding is a lucrative career, providing year-round employment opportunities for skilled candidates.
The welding certification requirements vary by country. In Europe, there is a short course requirement to qualify for the certification examination. Welding is a highly transferable skill, with master welders traveling the world to work on high-profile projects. To qualify for these positions, more advanced welding certification is required.
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anon312692
Post 13 |
Before you strike an arc, your tools must be inspected hence (certified) by an authorized inspector, so no matter what, you will always have to test before you make money welding, so a certification will not even get you a cup of coffee. Just go for it. I have been welding for 15 years and for it, I never spent one penny for a welding cert. and never busted a weld. |
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zp4109
Post 11 |
I want to test out for my 4G or 6G certification. I've been welding since I was 14 years old and don't need schooling. I just simply want to test out and receive my certification. I'm in Kansas. Can someone please tell me where I could go to become certified without attending classes? Please help me. I'm getting my own rig and just need to know where to become certified, I'm desperate. Any advice will be taken seriously! |
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anon281843
Post 8 |
I have a Red Seal from Ontario and a few current welding tickets. I am looking to go out west to weld again, and they need me to have CWB flux core. If I take it, the cost is $500. Is there a way I can get the government to pay it since I'm on EI now? |
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anon181478
Post 6 |
My nuclear pipe (6000 PSI) certification cost was $2500 in 1984 and I had to go to Atlanta, GA. to take it. If you get a certification through a company you work for and you one day leave that company, most companies will allow you to purchase your certification (if you can afford it)! --Paul |
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anon181474
Post 5 |
@Gregg 1956: I passed my first (of many) welding certifications in 1977 (ES 7018 all position, unlimited thickness.) You do not have to go to any school to become a certified welder. What you need is tons of hours of practice with an already certified welder coaching you. It depends on what type of welding you are interested in (stick, mig, tig, sub-arc, innershield, gas, dymetrics, etc) and the type of metal you want to weld (mild steel, stainless, titanium, aluminum, cast, etc) whether it be machinery, pipe, structural etc.) --Paul |
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LittleMan
Post 4 |
Not all welding certification is permanent though -- sometimes you have to periodically retake the welding certification test, or just pay to get your certification renewed. |
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CopperPipe
Post 3 |
@gregg1956 -- Welding can be a really profitable career, and fun if you enjoy that kind of thing.
The best tip for getting certified is to find someone who teaches welding certification courses at a local school or community college.
They will oftentimes give you tips for getting the certification the first time around, and often provide certification at a much lower costs.
If you already weld, but are just looking to get certified, then a lot of times the instructor will come to your shop to certify you, so you can work with tools you're familiar with.
Hope that helps! |
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gregg1956
Post 2 |
Can somebody reading this who has been a welder tell me a little about the job?
I'm curious about what kind of classes you need to take, and what some good tips for getting certified are. |
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anon68980
Post 1 |
Actually you don’t need to be a certified welder to work on the job! All high end welding jobs require passing a welder qualification test to get in. These tests many times are more difficult than a Welding Certifcation! |
