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How To Become a Certified Welder
Welding is the art of fusing metals, and welders are the artisans who ensure the structural integrity and safety of countless structures and products. Becoming a certified welder is not just a career choice; it's a pathway to job security and lucrative opportunities in industries ranging from construction and manufacturing to aerospace and shipbuilding.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the essential insights required to embark on this fulfilling journey. From mastering welding techniques to understanding certification processes, we'll provide you with the knowledge on how to become a certified welder.
How to Start a Career in Welding?
The welding industry plays an essential part in keeping various structures, bridges, buildings, plants, and more together, and the best part about it is that you can get quickly into the trade. To start a career in welding, you need welding equipment and time to practice the skills and get it right. Even though you can practice welding individually, nothing beats the knowledge provided by welding instructors and welding schools.
Source: https://weldingdigest.aws.org/blog/the-challenges-of-starting-a-welding-school
Therefore, to start a career in welding, you should enroll in a welding school, vocational high school, apprenticeship program, or even a university. The knowledge provided by licensed instructors and institutions is unmatching higher compared to self-training, and by the end of the course, you get a valid welding certification. Welding certification proves that a welder holds the required skills and demonstrates the competence to perform particular welding processes safely.
Why Should You Become a Certified Welder?
Welding certification is not mandatory but can significantly increase your chances of finding a job. Today, many employees will even require welders to hold a specific welding certification. For them, a welding certificate is an assurance they are hiring skilled welders capable of performing welds according to specification procedure. Additionally, it means that you're a serious professional and a valuable member of the team.
For you as a welder, welding certification provides a series of benefits, such as:
- Higher earning potential,
- Increased job security,
- More opportunities for advancement,
- Better pay and benefits,
- Improved job satisfaction.
Photo by @weldcertcenter (Ins)
So, even though certification is not mandatory, the benefits are good enough reasons to take the opportunity and start the certification process. Let's see how you become a certified welder and what you need to do.
How to Become Certified Welder - Types Of Certification
In the US, most welding certifications are earned through the American Welding Society (AWS), and they are the most recognized and required certifications by employers. Due to the importance of welding education, the AWS certification is available throughout the states, and the entire process is relatively easy. The entire certification is divided into welding positions, so you can opt to test your skills by becoming:
- Certified Welder (CW): This is an entry-level welding certification that proves that welders are capable of doing welding procedures used in the structural steel, petroleum pipelines, sheet metal, and chemical refinery welding industries. This is the first step in your welding career, and there are no formal requirements for it.
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI, CAWI, SCWI): Once you've spent years in the welding industry, you are eligible to test for an accredited inspector. This lucrative career goes from certified assistant welding inspector through certified inspector to senior certified welding inspector. Each certification will require more years of experience and time spent in the field of inspection.
- Certified Welding Educator (CWE): This program is tailored for the welding professional, specifically in welding education. This AWS certification confirms your ability, talent, and knowledge to specifically direct and perform operations associated with welder training and classroom instruction, proving that you are capable of transferring your knowledge to young minds.
Photo by @Welders Without Borders (FB)
- Certified Welding Sales Representative (CWSR): The program is focused on a sales, distribution, and manufacturing perspective. Specifically, this certification focuses on the basics, equipment, consumables, variables, and disadvantages of common joining and cutting processes.
- Certified Resistance Welding Technician (CRWT): A certified resistance welding technician possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to set up, maintain, and operate resistance welding equipment.
- Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI): The program is designed to prove that individuals have the knowledge to properly assess indications produced on radiographic media of weldments or adjacent base metal.
- Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS): Proves that the supervisor has the knowledge to support the improvement of the welders' environment, productivity, throughput, weld quality, and safety.
- Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng): Indicates that a welding engineer is able to understand how design, materials, processes, and quality requirements interact with and affect one another.
Source: https://weldaustralia.com.au/engineering-services/welding-engineering/
- Robotic Arc Welding - Operators and Technicians (CRAW): signifies that the CRAW Operator or Technician has demonstrated the capability of working with various codes, standards, and specifications in the robotic welding process.
Source: https://www.tws.edu/blog/skilled-trades/robotic-welder-operator-career-an-overview/
As you can see, there is a wide list of available welding certifications that allow candidates to demonstrate the required skills in various fields. Keep in mind that there are organizations across the globe that issue different certificates, but in this article, we will focus on the most basic one: AWS Certified Welder (CW).
What Is Certified Welder (CW) Certification?
The Certified Welder is a performance-based program that provides "transferrable" credentials (welding certification). Transferable means that your certificate is not limited to a specific job, employer, or location.
According to the American Welding Society, the CW program tests welders for procedures used in the structural steel, petroleum pipelines, sheet metal, and chemical refinery welding industries. However, a provision exists to test to a company-supplied or non-code welding specification. Tests are performed at AWS Accredited Testing Facilities located throughout the world.
As a result, a certified Welder program provides multiple certifications to expand their credentials. Every certification that a welder earns proves that welders possess the skills needed to perform a wide range of welding jobs.
Certification Requirements
According to AWS, CW certification requirements are fairly simple. You only need to test and produce welds in accordance with Q7 standards, pass the test, submit the application, and submit Maintenance of Welder Certification prior to expiration. That's it.
However, successful welders need more than that. Essential skills for AWS-certified welders are:
- Manual Dexterity: Welding requires steady hands and good manual dexterity. You must be able to hold the torch and filler material steady while controlling the welding current and arc length and work with other hand tools.
- Technical Knowledge: Welding requires a solid understanding of welding theory, metallurgy, and materials science. You must be able to read and interpret welding blueprints, understand welding procedures, and have a good knowledge of welding equipment.
- Safety: Safety is paramount in welding. Certified welders must follow safety protocols, including wearing protective gear (helmets, gloves, and clothing), maintaining a safe work environment, and using ventilation systems when necessary.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Welding can present unexpected challenges that require creative problem-solving skills. You must be able to troubleshoot problems, such as gas leaks or welding defects, and find solutions to overcome them.
- Physical Fitness: Welding can be physically demanding, requiring long periods of standing, holding heavy welding equipment, and wearing protective gear. You must be physically fit and able to work for extended periods without fatigue.
- Communication Skills: Welders often work as part of a team, and good communication skills are essential. You must be able to communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors, especially when working on complex projects.
- Continuing Education: To maintain their certification and stay current with industry advancements, certified welders often engage in ongoing training and education. This may involve learning new welding techniques or staying updated on safety regulations.
What Education Do You Need To Become a Certified Welder?
The AWS states that the Certified Welder (CW) program is open to anyone with a talent for welding. The test is strictly performance-based, so you don't need to complete specific courses or certifications prior to testing. Therefore, if you can produce welds according to Welding Procedure Specification, selected from available QC7 Standards and Supplements, which includes fit-up, assembly, and positioning, you can get a certification.
However, it can be really hard to pass the welding certification test without completing at least a course in welding. Welding courses are usually short, and they will teach you the fundamentals of welding processes (Gas metal arc welding/Flux core welding, Shielded metal arc welding, TIG Welding), weld preparation, fit-up, and everything you need to pass the test. Some will even have certification exam included in the price. To enroll in the welding training, regardless of the type, you will usually need a high school diploma. The low educational requirements are one of the big advantages for anyone who's considering starting a welding career.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified Welder?
The time required to become a certified welder is not specified strictly. As noted above, the certification test is strictly performance-based, so you can take it as soon as you feel like you are ready to pass. If you decide to start formal welding training, the time required to finish the welding certificate programs will depend on a specific form of education.
For example, most welding courses in vocational school or technical school are 0-6 months long. Due to the welder shortage, organizations such as AWS have been promoting these courses, and most consider they are thorough enough to grant you the knowledge to become AWS certified welder.
However, you can also take a longer approach to welding certification through an apprenticeship program or university. Depending on the specific welding programs, it can take up to 4 years to finish university and receive a degree, but a certification exam is usually taken after the first year. Therefore, you can become a certified welder in less than 6 months.
Source: https://waterwelders.com/how-much-do-welding-apprentices-make/
How Do You Apply For Welding Certification And Prove Skills?
You can apply for a welding certification exam once you have enough experience and are familiar with Q7 Welding Procedures and standards. You will need to schedule a test, fill out the application, and pay the fees, which are approximately 60$.
Welder testing must be scheduled and completed in an AWS Accredited Testing Facility (ATF). The exams are organized in the morning and afternoon, and you may select one that fits you better. Keep in mind that you won't be able to choose a specific start time, but you will be able to select an available time slot in either the morning or the afternoon.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/EVITWeldingATF/
Once you arrive at AWS ATF on your scheduled exam, you must deposit a sound weld that is inspected by an AWS Certified Welding Inspector. The quality of your weld must adhere to the Welding Procedure Specification, selected from available QC7 Supplements, including fit-up, assembly, and positioning.
What Happens If You Fail Certification Test?
If the inspector considers that your welds do not meet the quality control and requirements stated by the QC7 standards and supplements, you will fail the test. If you fail the test, you may retest at any time as long it fits the schedule of your local ATF.
However, before rescheduling, you should talk with the representatives of the accredited test facility. They will help you reschedule the test, understand your mistakes, and highlight what you can do better. So don't rush into retesting; think about everything that went wrong and try focusing on it.
Is Welding Certification Permanent?
If you successfully pass the exam and demonstrate the skills, you will be immediately informed, but you will have to wait a bit for your certification card. The representatives will receive your application, results, and fee, and you'll get the card two to for weeks later, depending on the testing facility.
AWS Certification remains valid as long as you submit your Certification Maintenance Form every six months. This is required by the Code of Acceptance that governs your test. Your employer must sign the form that proves that you are still performing the same welding as you originally tested for, and in recent years, you can upload the signed PDF to the site.
If you are late renewing the certification, a 60-day administrative extension is allowed. During this time, your certification is listed as expired. But if you submit the Maintenance Form within 60 days and pay an additional late fee of $50, your certification will be renewed from the date of expiration. If the 60 days pass, your certification officially expires, and you will need to re-test.
Source: http://www.ironworkers580.org/ULWSiteResources/Ironworkers580/Resources/file/Content_Pages/NYC_DOB/IWCP-AWS-WELDER-RENEWAL-2020.pdf
What Is The Difference Between a Qualified Welder And a Certified Welder?
The term "qualified welder" is not associated with any official third-party accredited agency, organization, or exam. Welding employers sometimes have company-specific welding tests that they want their job applicants to pass before offering them a job. If a welder passes a private welding test to get a job, you could say they are a "qualified welder." As long as you pass the tests, you are qualified for the specific job, even though you don't need to have certification.
Meanwhile, the term certified welder is related to official testing, such as AWS CWI certification. If someone is a "certified welder," this means they have taken and passed an accredited test that is verified and accepted across the welding industry. However, some jobs require specific skills, so you may not be qualified to do it, even though you have certification.
Career Options For Certified Welder
As noted, welding certification programs will greatly increase your chances of getting your first job. However, straight out of school, you are likely to get an entry-level position that requires basic welding skills but pays less. However, certification is a great opportunity to start your welding career. Further certification is closely related to experience in the field and on-the-job training.
If you are willing to learn and advance, you can work your way up toward welding inspector, educator or into the welding engineering field and certification programs. The welding job outlook also looks promising, with expected growth of 6% and high demand for welders. Therefore, we can say newly qualified welders have a bright future ahead of them.
Conclusion
The journey to becoming a certified welder is a path paved with dedication, skill development, and a commitment to safety and precision. From formal education and hands-on training to the successful completion of certification tests, you can hone your welding skills and earn the recognition that opens doors to lucrative opportunities in various industries.
Remember that welding is not just a job; it's a craft that demands continuous learning and adherence to industry standards. Stay updated with welding codes and regulations, and always prioritize safety. As you gain experience and expertise, you'll find yourself contributing to the creation of essential structures and products that rely on your craftsmanship.
🧐How To Become a Certified Welder - FAQ
1. What Is Certified Welder (CW) Certification?
The Certified Welder is a performance-based program that provides "transferrable" credentials (welding certification). Transferable means that your certificate is not limited to a specific job, employer, or location.
According to the American Welding Society, the CW program tests welders for procedures used in the structural steel, petroleum pipelines, sheet metal, and chemical refinery welding industries. However, a provision exists to test to a company-supplied or non-code welding specification. Tests are performed at AWS Accredited Testing Facilities located throughout the world.
2. What Education Do You Need To Become a Certified Welder?
The AWS states that the Certified Welder (CW) program is open to anyone with a talent for welding. The test is strictly performance-based, so you don't need to complete specific courses or certifications prior to testing. Therefore, if you can produce welds according to Welding Procedure Specification, selected from available QC7 Standards and Supplements, which includes fit-up, assembly, and positioning, you can get a certification.
3. How Do You Apply For Welding Certification And Prove Skills?
You can apply for a welding certification exam once you have enough experience and are familiar with Q7 Welding Procedures and standards. You will need to schedule a test, fill out the application, and pay the fees, which are approximately 60$.
Welder testing must be scheduled and completed in an AWS Accredited Testing Facility (ATF). The exams are organized in the morning and afternoon, and you may select one that fits you better. Keep in mind that you won't be able to choose a specific start time, but you will be able to select an available time slot in either the morning or the afternoon.
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