Top 10 Fabrication Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a fabrication manager’s job market success. Having certifications demonstrate a level of knowledge, skill and expertise in the field that can make a difference when competing for a position. Certifications also provide employers with assurance that the candidate is capable and qualified to do the job effectively. Additionally, certifications can be used to validate professional credentials, which can help increase credibility and trustworthiness among potential employers. Lastly, certifications can open up doors to new opportunities that may have otherwise been closed off due to lack of experience or qualifications.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Fabrication Managers and explain how they can provide career advancement opportunities.

What are Fabrication Manager Certifications?

Fabrication Manager Certification is a certification program designed to provide recognition and credibility to individuals who have achieved a high level of skill and knowledge in the field of fabrication management. This certification is offered by the American Welding Society (AWS) and is recognized by employers as evidence of an individual’s technical competency in fabrication management.

The Fabrication Manager Certification program consists of three levels: Certified Fabricator, Certified Supervisor, and Certified Manager. At each level, individuals must demonstrate their skill and knowledge in areas such as welding, metallurgy, fabrication processes, quality control procedures, safety standards, project management principles, and customer service.

By obtaining this certification, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the field of fabrication management. Employers often use this certification when considering applicants for higher-level positions or promotions within their organization. Furthermore, having this certification can help an individual stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the fabrication industry. In addition to providing recognition within the industry, it may also help to increase an individual’s earning potential due to its association with higher-level job opportunities.

Pro Tip: When considering certification for a Fabrication Manager, look for certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) or other professional organizations that are specifically tailored to the industry. These certifications can provide valuable insight into fabrication management and help you ensure your team is up-to-date on industry best practices.

Related: What does a Fabrication Manager do?

Top 10 Fabrication Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Fabrication Managers today.

1. Certified Fabrication Manager (CFM)

Certified Fabrication Manager (CFM) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage the fabrication process from design to delivery. It is offered by the American Welding Society (AWS). The CFM certification focuses on developing competency in managing fabrication projects, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and quality assurance.

The CFM certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in fabrication management or related fields. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by AWS. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as welding safety, welding processes, materials selection and testing, project management techniques, and quality control procedures.

The cost of taking the CFM exam varies depending on the applicant’s location. In general, it costs around $500 USD for the exam fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam at an approved testing center.

The time required to get certified depends on how quickly you can prepare for the exam. Generally speaking, it takes several months of study and preparation before you are ready to take the test. Once you pass the exam, your certification will be valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

2. Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to inspect welding operations. The certification is offered by the American Welding Society (AWS).

The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) program consists of three parts: a written exam, a practical exam, and a code book review. The written exam tests knowledge in welding terminology, metallurgy, inspection methods, codes and standards, and other related topics. The practical exam evaluates the inspector’s ability to perform visual inspections and non-destructive testing on welded joints. The code book review covers AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel and AWS D1.2 Structural Welding Code – Aluminum.

It typically takes about two years to complete the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) program depending on how quickly an individual can study for and pass the exams. To get started, individuals must first register for the program through AWS or their local chapter. Once registered, they will receive materials needed to prepare for the exams such as study guides, practice questions, and reference books.

The cost of becoming a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) varies depending on where you take the exams and which materials are purchased. Generally speaking, it costs around $1000-$1500 USD to become certified including registration fees, exam fees, study materials, etc.

3. American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Fabricator

The American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Fabricator program is a certification program that recognizes the skills and knowledge of welders who have demonstrated their ability to fabricate welded products in accordance with AWS standards. This certification is designed to help employers identify qualified welders, and it can also be used as a tool for welders to demonstrate their expertise.

To become an AWS Certified Fabricator, an individual must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of welding processes, safety practices, and quality control procedures. The exam covers topics such as welding theory, metallurgy, fabrication techniques, inspection methods, and code compliance. The exam typically takes about two hours to complete and is offered at various testing centers throughout the country.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on the location of the testing center but generally ranges from $150-$250. Once you have passed the exam you will receive your certification card which will list your name and certification number. You will also receive a certificate that can be displayed in your workplace or other locations.

In order to maintain your AWS Certified Fabricator status, you must renew your certification every three years by completing continuing education courses or taking refresher exams. Renewal fees are typically around $100-$150 per renewal period.

4. National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certified Fabrication Manager

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certified Fabrication Manager credential is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of metal fabrication. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the areas of welding, cutting, forming, machining, and assembly. The NIMS Certified Fabrication Manager credential requires individuals to demonstrate their knowledge through an examination process.

To obtain the NIMS Certified Fabrication Manager credential, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of experience in metal fabrication and/or welding, or completing a minimum of 240 hours of related training. Additionally, applicants must pass a written exam which covers topics such as safety practices and procedures; blueprint reading; metallurgy; welding processes; cutting processes; forming processes; machining processes; assembly techniques; quality control methods; and problem solving techniques.

The cost to obtain the NIMS Certified Fabrication Manager credential varies based on the specific requirements for each individual applicant. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$400 to take the written exam and receive the certification. It typically takes up to six weeks for applicants to receive their results after taking the exam.

5. Quality System Management Certification (QSM)

Quality System Management Certification (QSM) is a certification program that focuses on the management of quality systems in organizations. It is designed to help managers understand and implement effective quality systems and processes that are compliant with industry standards.

The QSM certification program consists of two parts: an online course and a written exam. The online course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of quality system management, including topics such as risk management, process improvement, and customer satisfaction. The written exam tests your knowledge of the concepts covered in the course.

To get certified, you must complete the online course and pass the written exam with a score of 70% or higher. The entire process typically takes about three months to complete.

The cost for QSM certification varies depending on where you take the course and exam. Generally, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD for both parts of the program.

6. ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Certification

The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Certification is a globally recognized certification program developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). It is designed to ensure that boilers and pressure vessels are designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with safety standards. The BPVC covers all aspects of boiler and pressure vessel design, fabrication, inspection, testing, operation, maintenance, repair, and alteration.

It typically takes between 1-2 months to receive BPVC Certification depending on the size and complexity of the project. To get certified an organization must submit detailed plans for their boiler or pressure vessel to an ASME Authorized Inspector for review. This process includes a thorough review of drawings and calculations as well as a physical inspection of the equipment. Once approved by the inspector, the organization will receive their BPVC Certificate.

The cost of obtaining BPVC Certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the project but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD plus any additional fees associated with inspections or tests required by the code.

7. ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certification

ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certification is an internationally recognized standard that sets out the requirements for a quality management system. It helps organizations to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

The certification process typically takes between three and six months, depending on the size of the organization and how well prepared they are for the assessment. Organizations must first develop a quality management system that meets all of the ISO 9001:2015 requirements, then submit an application for certification to an accredited certification body. The certification body will then assess the organization’s quality management system against the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, which includes conducting an audit at the organization’s premises.

The cost of obtaining ISO 9001:2015 certification depends on several factors, including the size of the organization, its geographical location, and how well prepared it is for assessment. Generally speaking, costs range from a few thousand dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars.

8. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certified Fabricator

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certified Fabricator is a certification program that recognizes fabricators who have demonstrated their ability to fabricate products according to ASME standards. This certification is intended to provide assurance to customers that the fabricator has the knowledge and experience necessary to produce quality products in accordance with ASME standards.

To become an ASME Certified Fabricator, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in welding, brazing, heat treating, machining, assembly and inspection processes. They must also demonstrate their understanding of ASME codes and standards and have experience working with them. The certification process takes about six months from start to finish.

Applicants must first submit an application along with supporting documents such as certifications from other organizations, resumes or references from previous employers, etc. Once the application is approved by ASME, applicants will be asked to take a written exam based on the relevant ASME codes and standards. If they pass the exam, they will then be required to complete a practical assessment where they will demonstrate their skills in welding, brazing, heat treating, machining and assembly processes.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their certification from ASME which is valid for three years. To maintain certification status after three years, fabricators must participate in continuing education activities related to ASME codes and standards every year.

The cost of becoming an ASME Certified Fabricator varies depending on the type of assessment being taken (written or practical). The written exam costs $200 while the practical assessment costs $400 per day plus travel expenses for assessors if applicable.

9. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Certified Fabricator

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Certified Fabricator is a certification program offered by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is designed to ensure that fabricators meet the highest quality standards in their production processes.

To become ISO Certified, fabricators must demonstrate that they have met all of the requirements set forth in the ISO 9001 Quality Management System. This includes having a documented quality management system, implementing corrective and preventive actions, and regularly monitoring and evaluating processes. The certification process typically takes 3-6 months to complete.

To get ISO Certified, fabricators must first contact an accredited certification body, such as A2LA or UKAS. The certification body will then evaluate the fabricator’s quality management system and assess whether it meets all of the requirements set forth by ISO 9001. If approved, the fabricator will then receive its certification.

The cost of becoming ISO Certified varies depending on several factors, including the size of the organization and complexity of its processes. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 to become certified.

10. American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified Fabricator

The American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified Fabricator program is a certification program that recognizes fabricators who have demonstrated the ability to meet API standards for quality and safety. The certification helps ensure that fabricators are able to produce products that meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

To become an API Certified Fabricator, a company must demonstrate its ability to consistently produce products meeting the requirements of API Specification Q1 and other applicable API specifications. This includes demonstrating compliance with all applicable codes, standards, regulations, and customer requirements. Companies must also demonstrate their commitment to quality management systems and continuous improvement processes.

The process of becoming an API Certified Fabricator typically takes several months. Companies must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as certifications, drawings, test reports, etc., in order to be considered for certification. After submitting the application form, companies will be required to undergo an on-site audit by an independent auditor from the American Petroleum Institute (API). During this audit, the auditor will assess the company’s operations and processes to verify that they are compliant with API standards for quality and safety.

Once a company has successfully completed the audit process, it will receive its certificate of certification from the American Petroleum Institute (API). This certificate is valid for three years before it must be renewed.

The cost of becoming an API Certified Fabricator varies depending on several factors including size of company, number of employees, type of product being manufactured, etc. Generally speaking however, most companies can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 - $5,000 USD in fees associated with becoming certified.

Do You Really Need a Fabrication Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. If a person is interested in pursuing a career in fabrication management, then it may be beneficial to obtain a Fabrication Manager Certificate. This type of certification can demonstrate that an individual has the necessary knowledge and experience to manage a fabrication project. It can also help provide an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs in the field.

For those who are already working in the industry, obtaining a Fabrication Manager Certificate may be unnecessary, as they have likely acquired the necessary skills and knowledge through experience and on-the-job training. However, if there is an opportunity for advancement or promotion within the company, having a Fabrication Manager Certificate could be beneficial as it would demonstrate additional qualifications and dedication to the profession.

In short, whether or not someone should pursue a Fabrication Manager Certificate depends on their individual circumstances and goals. It may be beneficial for those looking to enter into this field or advance within their current position, but it is not necessarily required for those who already have extensive experience with fabrication management.

Related: Fabrication Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Fabrication Manager Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a Fabrication Manager?

Answer: To become a Fabrication Manager, candidates must have a minimum of five years’ experience in fabrication and manufacturing operations, as well as an engineering degree or equivalent technical training. Additionally, certifications from professional organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) or the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) may be required.

2. What type of experience is needed to qualify for certification?

Answer: Experience should include working with various fabrication materials, tools, equipment and processes such as welding, cutting, forming and machining. Knowledge of CAD/CAM software and familiarity with safety protocols is also beneficial.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: It typically takes between four to six months to complete the necessary coursework and practical training required to become certified as a Fabrication Manager.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements after certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require that Fabrication Managers maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every two years. These courses often cover topics such as new technologies and industry trends in fabrication management.

5. Are there any online resources available for studying for fabricator manager certification?

Answer: Yes, there are many online resources available to help prepare for fabricator manager certification exams including practice tests and study guides from professional organizations such as AWS or NIMS. Additionally, specialized websites like FabManagerCertification offer comprehensive preparation materials including video tutorials and practice questions specific to fabricator manager certification exams.