Skilled Trades

How to Become a Certified Welder (And Why You Should)

Skilled TradesOctober 11, 2017

Interested in a career in welding? Then you’ll want to read below for steps on how to become a certified welder (and why getting certified in welding can set you up for a successful career).

5 Steps to Become a Certified Welder

Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to getting your welding certification:
1. Complete a welding training program that’s designed to prepare you for welding a certification test, such as All-State Career’s Welding Technology program.
2. Practice. The welding certification exam is a practical test, which requires you to create a weld for the specific type of welding process you’re testing on. Obtain a copy of the written welding procedures for the type of welding process you will be taking the exam on and practice creating these types of welds. Keep practicing until you are confident with your skill level!
3. Schedule a test in your area by visiting the American Welding Society’s (AWS) website.
4. Take and pass the exam. You will find out whether you passed the exam or not on the same day. If you passed, you will receive your welding certification on the spot. In the event you don’t pass the first time, keep practicing and then schedule another exam. 
5. Once certified, you will need to submit paperwork to the AWS every six months in order to maintain your welding certification. 

Why Become a Certified Welder

 

You can work as a professional welder without ever becoming certified. However, we highly recommend certification for a few reasons:
More career opportunities will be available - Certified welders are in demand across several industries, including manufacturing, automotive, construction, aerospace, and more. They have more opportunities for advancement and typically receive better pay.
A certification is tangible evidence of your skill - Certification is a great way to demonstrate your level of training and experience while job hunting. Certified welders are also more appealing to employers because statistics have shown that those that are certified have a lower rate of on the job incidents and injuries in comparison to welders who are not certified.
More Job Security - When companies reduce their welding staff, they're more likely to keep a certified welder since their certification makes them harder to replace in the future. 
Contracts or project blueprints may state that certification is required - If this is the case, the welder doing the work must be certified to the correct code specified. When awarded a contract, be sure to read all requirements and ensure you are in compliance with the requirements before beginning work.
Although there is not one single certification for all processes or metals, getting certified in a one or more specific areas of interest can make all the difference in your career.

Sources:
Steps to Becoming a Certified Welder