Top 11 Welder Certifications

Certifications are important for welders in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and skill. Employers often require certification to ensure that their welders are properly trained and qualified to perform the tasks required of them. Certifications also help employers to make sure that their welders meet safety standards, which is especially important when working with hazardous materials. Additionally, certifications can provide an advantage over other applicants by demonstrating a commitment to higher standards and better quality work.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial welding certifications and how they can help welders advance in their career.

What are Welder Certifications?

Welder certification is a process in which welders are tested to ensure that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and accurately weld. It involves subjecting the welder to various tests, such as measuring the strength of their welds and evaluating their ability to work with different types of materials. This ensures that all welders are qualified to perform their job safely and correctly.

By obtaining welder certification, welders can demonstrate to employers that they have the necessary qualifications to do their job effectively and safely. Certification also helps protect employers from liability, as it shows that they have taken proper steps to ensure that all welding personnel meet industry standards for safety and quality. Additionally, since certified welders tend to be more experienced than uncertified ones, companies may be willing to pay higher wages for certified workers. Finally, having a certification can also help a welder stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs.

Pro Tip: Before beginning any welding project, always make sure to check the certification of your welder. Certification is a great way to ensure that your welder has been properly trained and can deliver quality results.

Related: What does a Welder do?

Top 11 Welder Certifications

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

1. American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder

The American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder program is a comprehensive certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to become certified welders. The AWS Certified Welder program is designed to help welders gain recognition in their field and demonstrate their welding ability and skills to potential employers.

It typically takes about two years to complete the AWS Certified Welder program. This includes completing welding classes, passing written exams, and completing hands-on welding tests. During this time, welders must also accumulate at least 4,000 hours of practical experience in order to be eligible for certification.

To get an AWS Certified Welder certificate, you must first complete a welding education program or apprenticeship that meets the requirements of the AWS Certified Welder Program. After completing this training, you will need to pass both a written exam and a hands-on welding test administered by an approved testing agency. Once these steps are completed, you will receive your AWS Certified Welder certificate.

The cost of becoming an AWS Certified Welder varies depending on the type of training program you choose and where it is located. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 for tuition and fees associated with the training program or apprenticeship. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the written exam and hands-on welding test such as registration fees and travel expenses if applicable.

2. American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified Welder

The American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified Welder program is a certification program for welders in the oil and gas industry. The program certifies welders in accordance with API standards, which are established by the American Petroleum Institute.

To become an API Certified Welder, a welder must demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements of API 1104 Standard for Welding Pipelines and Related Facilities. This standard outlines the minimum qualifications and performance requirements for welding pipe joints in the oil and gas industry.

It typically takes several weeks to complete the certification process. To get started, welders must first obtain a copy of API 1104 from the American Petroleum Institute website or from an authorized distributor. They must then complete a welding test that meets or exceeds the requirements outlined in API 1104 and submit it to an accredited testing facility for evaluation. Once their test has been approved, they will receive their certification card from the American Petroleum Institute.

The cost of becoming an API Certified Welder varies depending on where you take your test, but it typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 USD.

3. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certified Welder

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certified Welder program is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform welding tasks in the construction industry. The NCCER Certified Welder program is recognized by the American Welding Society (AWS) as an approved welding certification program.

To become a NCCER Certified Welder, individuals must first complete a welding training course at an accredited institution. This course typically includes instruction on safety practices, welding theory and principles, weld joint design, weld inspection and testing methods, and other related topics. After completing the course, individuals must pass an assessment that tests their knowledge of welding principles and safety practices.

Once the assessment has been successfully completed, individuals can apply to become a NCCER Certified Welder. To do this they must submit an application along with a fee of $150 USD. Once approved, they will receive a certificate of completion and be listed in the NCCER Registry as a certified welder.

The process of becoming a NCCER Certified Welder typically takes several weeks or months depending on when an individual completes their training course and passes their assessment.

4. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code Certified Welder

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code Certified Welder is a certification program that ensures welders have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely perform welding operations. This certification is recognized by employers, government agencies, and other organizations around the world.

In order to become an ASME Code Certified Welder, applicants must first complete a welding program from an accredited institution or apprenticeship program and then pass a written exam administered by the American Welding Society (AWS). The exam covers topics such as welding safety, metallurgy, welding processes, and codes. Once the exam is passed, applicants can apply for the ASME Code Certified Welder certification.

The process of becoming an ASME Code Certified Welder typically takes between one and two years. Applicants must complete their welding program or apprenticeship before they can take the AWS exam. After passing the exam, applicants must submit an application to ASME with supporting documents such as proof of completion of their welding program/apprenticeship and documentation of any relevant work experience.

The cost of becoming an ASME Code Certified Welder varies depending on factors such as location and type of training program chosen. Generally speaking, it will cost between $2,000-$4,000 for all associated fees including tuition for a welding program/apprenticeship and examination fees for AWS and ASME certifications.

5. Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Certified Welder

The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Certified Welder is a certification program that provides welders with the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively perform welding operations in Canada. The CWB Certified Welder program is recognized in all provinces and territories across Canada, as well as internationally.

It typically takes about two years to become a CWB Certified Welder, depending on the individual’s experience and training. To become certified, welders must first complete an approved welding course or apprenticeship program. After completing the required coursework, welders must then pass a written exam, followed by a practical test. Once these tests are passed, the welder can apply for their CWB certification.

The cost of becoming a CWB Certified Welder varies depending on the individual’s experience and training. Generally speaking, it will cost anywhere from $200-$1000 to become certified. This includes the cost of tuition for any courses taken to prepare for the exams, as well as any fees associated with taking the exams themselves.

In addition to passing the exams, welders must also meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for certification. These include having at least one year of welding experience or completing an approved welding course/apprenticeship program; being 18 years of age or older; having no criminal record; and meeting all safety requirements set out by the CWB.

6. International Institute of Welding (IIW) Certified Welder

The International Institute of Welding (IIW) Certified Welder is a certification program that recognizes welders who have demonstrated a high level of skill and knowledge in welding. The IIW Certified Welder program is recognized worldwide, and it is the only welding certification program accepted by the American Welding Society (AWS).

To become an IIW Certified Welder, you must first complete a welding training course from an accredited institution. Once you have completed your training, you will need to pass an exam administered by the IIW. The exam consists of both written and practical components, and it tests your knowledge of welding techniques and safety regulations.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam. Generally, it takes between three months and one year to become an IIW Certified Welder.

In order to get certified, you must apply for certification through the IIW website. You will need to provide proof of your welding training course completion as well as payment for the application fee. The cost of becoming an IIW Certified Welder varies depending on where you live; however, typically the cost ranges from $200-$500 USD.

7. National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Certified Welder

The National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Certified Welder is a certification program that tests and verifies the welding skills of individuals who work in the corrosion prevention field. The NACE Certified Welder program is designed to ensure welders have the necessary knowledge and experience to safely perform welding operations on materials that are subject to corrosion.

To become a NACE Certified Welder, you must first complete a welding training course from an accredited institution. This course should cover topics such as safety, metallurgy, and welding techniques. After completing the course, you must then pass an examination administered by NACE International. The exam consists of both written and practical components and covers topics such as metallurgy, welding processes, inspection techniques, and safety procedures.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will be issued a NACE Certified Welder certificate which is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must renew it every three years by taking continuing education courses or passing another exam.

The cost of becoming a NACE Certified Welder varies depending on the type of training or testing you choose to pursue. Generally speaking, the cost can range anywhere from $500-$2000 USD depending on your specific needs and requirements.

8. Structural Steel and Aluminum Welders Certification Program

The Structural Steel and Aluminum Welders Certification Program is a certification program designed to recognize the skill and knowledge of welders who work with structural steel and aluminum. The program is administered by the American Welding Society (AWS) and provides welders with a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates their ability to safely weld these materials.

The program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical welding test. The written exam tests the welder’s knowledge of welding codes, safety practices, metallurgy, and other related topics. The practical welding test requires the welder to demonstrate their ability to make quality welds on structural steel or aluminum. Both tests must be passed in order for the welder to receive their certification.

The entire process typically takes about 3-6 months depending on the availability of testing centers near you. To get started, you will need to register for an AWS account and submit an application for certification. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to schedule both written exams and practical welding tests at an authorized testing center near you.

The cost of the Structural Steel and Aluminum Welders Certification Program varies depending on which type of certification you are applying for (e.g., SMAW, GMAW, FCAW). Generally speaking, it can range from $200-$500 USD per certification level.

9. Underwater Welding Certification Program

Underwater welding certification is a program designed to provide welders with the necessary skills and training to safely and effectively weld underwater. It is an intensive program that requires extensive knowledge of welding techniques, safety procedures, and specialized equipment. The program typically takes between two and four weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the project.

To get certified in underwater welding, individuals must first complete a basic welding course from a certified institution or organization. This course should cover the fundamentals of welding such as safety protocols, welding techniques, and equipment maintenance. After completing this course, individuals can then apply for an underwater welding certification program.

The cost of an underwater welding certification program varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, these programs can range anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 USD. This cost usually includes tuition fees, materials used in the courses (such as protective gear), and any additional fees associated with certification testing.

Once an individual has completed their underwater welding certification program they will be able to demonstrate their proficiency in all aspects of underwater welding including safety protocols and proper use of specialized equipment. They will also be able to obtain a professional certificate that verifies their expertise in this field.

10. Offshore Pipeline Welding Certification Program

Offshore Pipeline Welding Certification Program is a certification program designed to ensure that welders have the necessary skills and qualifications to work on offshore pipelines. It involves a comprehensive assessment of welding techniques, safety procedures, and quality control measures. The program is administered by the American Welding Society (AWS) and is available for both experienced welders and those new to the field.

The duration of the program depends on the type of certification you are seeking. For example, if you are looking for a basic welding certification, it may take up to three months to complete all necessary requirements. If you are seeking an advanced welding certification, it may take up to six months or more.

To get certified through this program, you must first complete an AWS-accredited training course in pipeline welding. This course will cover topics such as safety protocols, welding techniques, and quality control measures. After completing the training course, you must then pass an exam administered by AWS in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the Offshore Pipeline Welding Certification Program varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, basic certifications can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 while advanced certifications can cost upwards of $3,000 or more. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or attending classes related to pipeline welding.

11. Fabricator/Welders Qualification Program

The Fabricator/Welder Qualification Program is a program designed to certify welders and fabricators in the welding industry. The program provides a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of welding, from safety practices to advanced welding techniques. It also includes an assessment process to ensure that welders have the skills necessary to perform their job safely and effectively.

The program typically takes about three months to complete, depending on the individual's prior experience with welding. During this time, participants will learn about the different types of welding processes, safety protocols and procedures, and how to read blueprints and drawings. They will also gain hands-on experience with various welding tools and equipment. At the end of the program, students must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

To get started on the Fabricator/Welder Qualification Program, individuals must first contact a local trade school or college that offers it. These schools may offer online courses as well as in-person classes. Once enrolled in a course, students are required to pay for tuition fees as well as any additional materials needed for the program such as textbooks or supplies. The cost of the program can vary depending on where it is taken and how long it takes to complete it; however, most programs cost between $500-$1,000 USD.

Once completed, certified welders are eligible for employment opportunities in many industries including construction, automotive manufacturing, aerospace engineering and shipbuilding.

Do You Really Need a Welder Certificate?

A welder certificate is not a requirement for all welding jobs, however, it can be beneficial in some cases. Having a welder certificate may provide you with a competitive edge over other welders when applying for jobs, as it shows that you have taken the time to learn about welding and have received formal instruction in the craft. It also demonstrates your commitment to safety and quality control.

In addition, having a welder certificate may make it easier to get hired by certain employers who prefer certified welders. This is especially true if they are looking for someone with specialized skills or knowledge of specific welding techniques. Some employers may even require that their welders have a valid certification from an accredited program before they will consider them for a position.

Finally, having a welder certificate can help you stay up-to-date on the latest industry standards and regulations related to welding. This knowledge can be invaluable when working on projects that involve hazardous materials or require specialized equipment and techniques.

Overall, while having a welder certificate isn’t always necessary to find work as a welder, it can be extremely beneficial in some cases and can give you an edge over other applicants.

Related: Welder Resume Examples

FAQs About Welder Certifications

1. What is the purpose of a Welder Certification?

Answer: A Welder Certification is issued by an accredited organization to demonstrate that a welder has the skills and knowledge required to safely and effectively perform welding tasks. It also serves as an assurance of quality for employers, clients, and customers.

2. How do I obtain a Welder Certification?

Answer: You can obtain a Welder Certification by completing a certification program offered by an accredited organization such as the American Welding Society (AWS). The program typically includes courses in welding safety, welding technology, and welding codes and standards. After successful completion of the program, you will receive your certification.

3. What types of Welders require Certifications?

Answer: All welders should have some kind of certification or qualification, regardless of their experience level or type of work they are performing. This includes structural steel welders, pipefitters, boilermakers, marine welders and more.

4. Are there different levels of Welder Certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are different levels of Welder Certifications depending on the type and complexity of the welding job being performed. These certifications range from basic qualifications to highly advanced certifications like AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI).

5. Do I need to renew my Welder Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications need to be renewed every three years in order to ensure that welders stay up-to-date with current industry standards and practices. Renewal usually requires continuing education credits or passing an exam to demonstrate proficiency in welding techniques.