Welding certification is a test of work experience and qualification of welders. In addition, it is a badge of their efficiency and adeptness in the expertise. Normally, the certification is conducted by an authorized certified welder inspector. It makes sure the skills of laying welds using proper codes and standards as per the demands in the industry. There are many global bodies offering certification facilities in various countries. American Welding Society is an apex body of certification in the United States. Besides this, it conducts various types of welding certifications for welders and educators. Each welder has his/her own specialization of certification. So, they cannot work in all the welding positions outside the specializations.
Post Highlights:
- AWS Certifications
- Education and Work Level for Certifications
- Welding Positions for Certification Tests
- Welding Certifications Processes
Different Types of Welding Certifications
AWS Certifications
The American Welding Society conducts the following professional certification tests. These positions are very much demanding in the welding industry.
- Senior Certified Welding Inspector Certification
- Certification for Certified Welding Inspector
- Certified Associate Welding Inspector Certification
- Certification for Certified Welding Supervisor
- Certified Welder Certification
- Certification for Certified Welding Educator
- Certified Welding Engineer Certification
- Certification for Certified Welding Sales Representative
- Certified Radiographic Interpreter Certification
- Certification for Certified Robotic Arc Welding
Education and Work Level for Certifications
The following is a general educational level the American Welding Society requires from the prospective applicants. Students should have passed one of the programs like certificate, diploma, degree, associate, master, and a doctorate from a welding school. They need a combination of both work experiences and education. Generally, they should have either a higher educational level with lesser work experiences or vice-versa.
| Educational Level | Work Experience |
| Applicants with below 8th Grade | At least 12 years of work experience in welding |
| Applicants with 8th Grade | At least 9 years of welding work experience |
| High School Diploma or equivalent Approved Diploma | At least 5 years of welding work experience |
| For Trade and Vocational Courses | At least 4 years of welding work experience |
| Bachelor or Higher degrees (Welding, Engineering and Technology) | At least 3 years of welding work experience |
| Associate/Higher Degrees (Welding or Non-welding related Engineering Technology, Engineering or Physical Science) | At least 2 years of welding work experience |
| Bachelor or Higher Degrees (Welding Technology or Welding Engineering) | At least 1 year of work experience in welding |
Welding Positions for Certification Tests
Normally, there are many welding positions the welders can go for the test. It consists of positions like vertical, horizontal, flat and overhead. It is mainly determined by the plate or pipe position on which welding is to be laid. The following are the main welding test positions.
Pipe Welding Certification Position
- 1G Pipe Welding Position
- 2G Pipe Welding Position
- 5G Pipe Welding Position
2G and 5G Combo Pipe Welding Certification Position
6GR Restricting Ring-pipe Welding Certification Position
Plate Welding Certification Position
- 1G Welding Position
- 2G Welding Position
- 3G Welding Position
- 4G Welding Position
6GR Box-type Restriction Pipe Welding Certification Position
Restricted Pipe Welding Certification Position
6GR Restricted Boiler Tubing Certification Position
Welding Certifications Processes
The welding certification procedure is performed with different processes depending on the areas by the welders. Mostly, the following common processes are used for welding certification tests.
- GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) or TIG Welding
- SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) or Stick Welding
- GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) or MIG Welding
- FCAW (Flux Core Arc Welding) or Wire Wheel Welding
Welders can also get certified in other welding processes such as-
- Brazing
- Laser Welding
- Plasma Welding
- Resistance Welding
- Soldering
- Stud Welding
- Submerged Arc Welding
Thus, the American Welding Society provides certifications in different specialties. And it enhances the position of welders and salary.
Related: Other Welding Certifications
The AWS Certified Welder program is open to anyone with a talent for welding. Since the test is strictly performance-based, there are no prerequisite courses or certifications required prior to testing. If you are able to do the weld necessary to pass the test, then you are eligible to become an AWS Certified Welder (American Welding Society, Certified Welder.
Hi Isaiah, yes, AWS Certified Welder is a performance-based program, and no prerequisite courses or certifications are required. The article you read is about Different Types of Welding Certifications generally. In this article, we have covered AWS Welding Certifications. Regarding your subject (Certified Welder), go through this separate article. Read here Certified Welder Program . And thank you for visiting us!