Top 10 Welder Fabricator Certifications

Certifications are important to a welder fabricator in the job market because they demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in welding. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the applicant is qualified for the job and can demonstrate technical proficiency in welding processes. Employers also use certifications to verify an individual’s experience and background, which can help them decide if the candidate is a good fit for the position. By having certifications, welders are more likely to be hired by employers who require them. Additionally, certifications can help welders stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of getting hired.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Welder Fabricators and explain how they can help advance a welder fabricator's career.

What are Welder Fabricator Certifications?

Welder fabricator certification is a type of certification that verifies an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively fabricate, weld, and inspect welded products. This certification is typically obtained by completing a welding program at a trade school or technical college and passing an exam. The exam covers topics such as safety standards, welding techniques, metallurgy, blueprint reading, quality control measures, and more.

Having welder fabricator certification can be beneficial for those looking to enter the field of welding. It demonstrates that an individual is qualified to work as a welder in professional settings, which may help them secure higher-paying jobs or promotions. Additionally, employers may prefer to hire certified welders as they have been tested on their knowledge of the industry and are more likely to produce quality work than uncertified welders. Furthermore, having this certification can provide peace of mind when it comes to safety on the job site since certified welders are trained in proper safety protocols for welding projects.

Pro Tip: Make sure to get your welder fabricator certification from a recognized organization, such as the American Welding Society (AWS). This will ensure that you have the most up-to-date knowledge and skills necessary for welding and fabricating. Additionally, having a certification from an accredited institution can help open doors to new job opportunities and increase your earning potential.

Related: What does a Welder Fabricator do?

Top 10 Welder Fabricator Certifications

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

1. American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder Fabricator

The American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder Fabricator is a certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate proficiency in welding fabrication. The AWS Certified Welder Fabricator program is designed to ensure that welders have the skills and knowledge necessary to safely and correctly fabricate welded products.

It typically takes six months to a year to complete the training, testing, and certification process for the AWS Certified Welder Fabricator. The training consists of classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and field experience. After completing the training, applicants must pass a written exam and an open-book practical exam. Applicants must also provide proof of work experience in welding fabrication within the past five years.

The cost of obtaining an AWS Certified Welder Fabricator certification varies depending on the type of training and testing required. Generally, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 for all expenses associated with obtaining the certification. This includes tuition fees for courses, materials needed for testing, application fees, and any other miscellaneous costs associated with taking the exams or obtaining verification documents from employers or schools.

Once certified as an AWS Certified Welder Fabricator, individuals will be able to demonstrate their expertise in welding fabrication to potential employers or customers. This certification can help welders stand out among their peers when looking for employment opportunities or when bidding on projects requiring welding fabrication services.

2. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Welder Fabricator Certification

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Welder Fabricator Certification is a nationally recognized certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become certified welders and fabricators. This certification is designed for those who are interested in pursuing a career in welding and fabrication.

The program consists of four levels of training, each focusing on different aspects of welding and fabrication. The first level covers basic safety, equipment operation, and welding techniques. The second level focuses on advanced welding techniques, such as oxy-fuel cutting, flux core arc welding, and shielded metal arc welding. The third level covers more advanced topics such as aluminum welding, stainless steel welding, pipefitting, and structural steel fabrication. The fourth level is the final step to becoming a certified welder/fabricator and includes topics such as blueprint reading and quality control procedures.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all four levels of training required for NCCER Welder Fabricator Certification. To get started in the program, you must register with NCCER by completing an online application form or by calling their customer service line at 1-888-622-3720.

The cost of the NCCER Welder Fabricator Certification varies depending on the type of training you choose to take part in (online or in person). Online courses can range from $500-$1000 while in-person courses may be more expensive depending on your location.

3. American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified Welder Fabricator

American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified Welder Fabricator is a certification program for welders and fabricators that work in the oil and gas industry. This certification ensures that welders and fabricators have the necessary skills to safely and properly join materials in the oil and gas industry.

To become API certified, welders must complete an approved welding course, pass a written exam, and demonstrate their welding skills on a practical test. The course typically takes between two to four weeks to complete depending on the complexity of the material being tested. The cost of this certification varies depending on the provider but usually ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

To get API certified, welders must first find a provider who offers an approved welding course. After completing the course, they will then be required to take a written exam which tests their knowledge of welding techniques and safety protocols. Finally, they will need to demonstrate their welding skills by taking a practical test where they will be asked to show proficiency in joining materials together with various types of welding equipment. Once all requirements are met, they will receive their API certification.

4. International Code Council (ICC) Certified Welder Fabricator

The International Code Council (ICC) Certified Welder Fabricator program is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize welding professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to fabricate welded products in accordance with industry standards. The ICC Certified Welder Fabricator program provides a way for employers and customers to identify qualified welders and fabricators who have met the highest standards of quality.

To become an ICC Certified Welder Fabricator, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as welding safety, welding processes, welding symbols and drawings, welding inspection and testing, and fabrication techniques. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of the exam varies depending on the jurisdiction where it is taken. In most cases, the fee is around $200 USD. Applicants must also pay an application fee of $50 USD when they submit their application for the certification.

In order to apply for the certification, applicants must submit a completed application form along with proof of education or experience in welding or fabrication. They must also provide proof of passing scores from any applicable tests or certifications related to welding or fabrication. Once all required documentation has been submitted and approved, applicants will be able to take the exam at an authorized testing center.

Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their ICC Certified Welder Fabricator certificate within six weeks after taking the test. The certificate is valid for five years before needing to be renewed by retaking the exam.

5. National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certified Welder Fabricator

National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certified Welder Fabricator is a certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of welding and fabrication skills. This certification is designed to measure the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform welding and fabrication tasks in a safe, efficient, and professional manner. To become certified, an individual must pass both written and practical examinations administered by NIMS.

The written examination consists of multiple-choice questions related to welding safety, equipment setup, welding processes, metallurgy, blueprint reading and interpretation, weld quality control inspection techniques, and other related topics. The practical exam requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to weld using various processes such as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), or oxyfuel gas cutting (OFGC).

It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete the requirements for NIMS Certified Welder Fabricator. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD. In order to get certified, an individual must first complete a NIMS approved training program or apprenticeship program in welding technology or fabrication technology. Once completed they will then need to register with NIMS and pay the associated fees before taking the written and practical exams.

6. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certified Welder Fabricator

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certified Welder Fabricator is a certification program that recognizes welders who demonstrate their knowledge and skills in welding. This certification is designed to provide assurance to employers and customers that welders have the necessary qualifications to perform welding operations safely and correctly.

To become an ASME Certified Welder Fabricator, applicants must meet certain requirements including: having at least three years of experience in welding fabrication, passing a written exam, completing a practical performance test, and submitting evidence of successful completion of an approved welding program. The exam consists of questions related to welding theory and practice, as well as safety regulations.

It typically takes between four to six weeks to complete the entire certification process. During this time, applicants must submit all required paperwork and pass both the written exam and practical performance test.

The cost for becoming an ASME Certified Welder Fabricator varies depending on the provider chosen for testing services. Generally speaking, it can range from $400-$800 USD for the entire process.

7. Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Certified Welder Fabricator

The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Certified Welder Fabricator is a certification program that recognizes welders who have demonstrated their knowledge and skill in welding technology and fabrication. This certification is recognized by employers, customers, and regulatory authorities as an assurance of quality workmanship.

In order to become a CWB Certified Welder Fabricator, applicants must first complete the CWB Welding Certification Program. This program consists of an online theory course, followed by a practical welding assessment. Depending on the type of welding being assessed, the practical assessment may take up to 8 hours to complete. The cost for this program varies depending on the type of welding being assessed; however, it typically ranges from $400 - $600 CAD.

Once the applicant has successfully completed the theory course and practical assessment they will receive a Certificate of Qualification from the CWB which will be valid for 5 years. To maintain their certification, welders must complete refresher courses every 5 years or re-take the full certification program if they are unable to attend a refresher course.

The CWB Certified Welder Fabricator certification is an important qualification for welders who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and skill in welding technology and fabrication. It provides employers with assurance that welders are qualified to perform welding work safely and effectively while meeting industry standards.

8. The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Welder Fabricator

The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Welder Fabricator is a certification program that validates the knowledge, skills, and abilities of welders and fabricators. This certification is designed to ensure that welders and fabricators have the necessary skills to perform their job duties safely and effectively.

The MSSC Certified Welder Fabricator program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical performance test. The written exam tests knowledge in welding safety, metallurgy, welding processes, fabrication processes, inspection techniques, and quality control. The practical performance test requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to properly set up a welding machine, prepare materials for welding, perform various types of welds on different materials, inspect welds for defects, and complete other tasks related to welding fabrication.

It typically takes about three months to become MSSC Certified Welder Fabricator certified. To get certified you must first register for the program through the MSSC website. Once registered you will receive study materials and instructions on how to prepare for the exam. After successfully passing both the written exam and practical performance test you will be awarded your certification.

The cost of becoming an MSSC Certified Welder Fabricator varies depending on where you take the courses but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

9. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Construction Safety Course

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Construction Safety Course is a comprehensive training program designed to provide construction workers and supervisors with the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely in the construction industry. The course covers topics such as hazard recognition, accident prevention, safety regulations, personal protective equipment, fall protection, and more. It is designed for entry-level workers and supervisors who are new to the construction industry or need a refresher on important safety topics.

The OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Course typically takes two days to complete. It can be taken online or in person at an approved training center. The cost of the course varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $80-$150 per person.

In order to receive an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Course completion card, participants must attend all sessions of the course and pass a final exam with a score of 70% or higher. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Course completion card that is valid for five years from the date of issuance.

10. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Shipping Certification

Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Shipping Certification is a certification that is required for any individual or business that ships hazardous materials. This certification is issued by the Department of Transportation and it allows individuals to transport hazardous materials safely and in compliance with federal regulations.

The length of time it takes to get DOT Hazardous Materials Shipping Certification depends on the individual or business applying for the certification. Generally, it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to receive the certification. The time frame also depends on how quickly the applicant can provide all necessary documentation and complete any required tests or courses.

To obtain DOT Hazardous Materials Shipping Certification, applicants must first submit an application to the Department of Transportation. The application should include details about their experience transporting hazardous materials, as well as other relevant information. Applicants may also be required to take certain tests or courses related to hazardous material handling before they can be certified.

The cost of obtaining DOT Hazardous Materials Shipping Certification varies depending on the individual or business applying for the certification. Generally, applicants can expect to pay between $100-$500 for their application fee, as well as additional fees for any tests or courses they are required to take.

Do You Really Need a Welder Fabricator Certificate?

Yes, a welder fabricator certificate is definitely beneficial for anyone who wants to pursue a career in the welding industry. With this certification, you’ll be able to demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively weld various materials. This type of certification will also open up more opportunities for advancement within the welding industry.

Having a welder fabricator certificate can make it easier to get hired by employers because they know that you have received formal training and are qualified for the job. The certification also shows that you understand safety protocols and measures when working with welding equipment and materials. It demonstrates your commitment to being a professional in the field and will help set you apart from other applicants.

A welder fabricator certificate can also provide more job security since employers are more likely to trust someone with this type of qualification than someone without it. Furthermore, having a welder fabricator certificate can help make you eligible for higher pay or promotions within the welding industry due to your proven expertise in the field.

Overall, having a welder fabricator certificate is an important step toward becoming successful in the welding industry. It’s an invaluable asset that can help you stand out among other applicants, secure better jobs, and even increase your earning potential over time.

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FAQs About Welder Fabricator Certifications

Q1. What is a Welder Fabricator Certification?

A1. A Welder Fabricator Certification is a certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and skills related to welding and fabricating metal components. This certification demonstrates that the individual has the necessary qualifications and experience to safely perform welding and fabricating tasks correctly, efficiently, and according to industry standards.

Q2. How do I obtain a Welder Fabricator Certification?

A2. To obtain a Welder Fabricator Certification, individuals must complete training courses at an accredited school or college, as well as pass an exam administered by the American Welding Society (AWS). Additionally, some certifications may require additional qualifications such as on-the-job experience or continuing education requirements.

Q3. What are the benefits of obtaining a Welder Fabricator Certification?

A3. Obtaining a Welder Fabricator Certification can open up opportunities for higher wages and career advancement within the welding field. Additionally, having this certification may also make it easier to find employment in welding-related fields due to employers recognizing your qualifications and expertise in welding and fabrication techniques.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified as a Welder Fabricator?

A4. The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on how much prior experience you have with welding and fabrication techniques, as well as the type of certification you are pursuing. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year before becoming fully certified by the AWS depending on your level of commitment and dedication towards completing all necessary requirements for certification.

Q5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Welder Fabricator Certification?

A5. Yes, most certifications require that individuals maintain their knowledge base by taking continuing education courses or attending seminars in order to keep their certifications valid over time.