Certification

Welding certifications, classes, and training are extremely important to have, in fact every welder should have at least one ACTIVE certification to their name. It makes you valuable and shows you are committed.

What is a welding certification?

A welding certification is a test that is typically conducted in person, run by a certified welding instructor. The end goal is for the certified welding instructor to either declare the tester fit for welding or to decline their ability to become certified at the current time. Some welding certifications do not transfer when you leave employment to another employer or self employment, it’s important to understand if your certification can transfer with you or not.

Difference between welding certification and welding qualification?

A welding certification is known around the welding community as the “official” sign that you’re a knowledgable welder and certified that your skills are good enough to become a professional.

A welding qualification is a test or series of tests that your employer can conduct in house to make sure you’re qualified to be employed by them.

A welding certification is an official proctored test that is given by an institution certified to do so. Your certification instructor is required to maintain an active certification and qualified to critique other welders.

Welding certifications and classes in your state

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Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
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Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
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Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
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What are the different areas a welder can become certified?

Stick Welding (which is Shielded Metal Arc Welding or SMAW)
TIG Welding (which is Gas Tungsten Arc Welding or GTAW)
MIG Welding (which is Gas Metal Arc Welding or GMAW)
Flux Core Arc Welding or FCAW

What beginner welder certifications should someone have?

AWS D1.1 3G & 4G SMAW combo conducted with carbon steel
3G MIG Welding Certification

Welding certification approved organizations

The American Welding Association (AWS)
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section IX
The American Petroleum Institute (API)

What certifications does AWS proctor?

SCWI / CWI 9 Year Recertification

The purpose of this certification is to renew your SCWI / CWI certification. It is required every 9 years in order to maintain active certification. Essentially your goal when taking this test is to show that you still have the skills and ability to pass the test and are still fit for work. It is recommended that you focus on continuing education to stay current for future attempts at this exam as well.

SCWI Certified Welding Inspector

This is a certification that is recognized across the USA and even internationally as verification of a successful SCWI welding inspector.

CWI / CAWI Certified Welding Inspector

This exam is required in order to become a certified associate welding inspector. On top of this exam you must also pass a vision exam and have the necessary education / on-the-job education to qualify.

Certified Welding Inspector Exam

This is your general welding inspector exam. Study hard, research, make sure you get your vision test taken care of before exam time. This test is affordable and good for your long term career.

Senior Certified Welding Inspector Exam

Interested in becoming a “senior” certified welding inspector? This is the exam you want to take and allows you to bridge the gap and show the skills it takes to go from a regular certified welding inspector to a senior level. If you want to get to the next level, this is a fantastic certification to have.

Certified Welding Educator Exam

Interested in training future welders? This is the exam for you. Plain and simple, this is how you become involved in the educator side of the industry.

Certified Radiographic Interpreter Exam

Certified Welding Supervisor Exam

Certified Welding Sales Representative

Certified Welding Engineer

Certified Welder

Certified Robotic Arc Welding