Top 11 Welder Helper Certifications

Certifications are important for welders helpers in the job market because they demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties safely and effectively. They also provide employers with assurance that their employees have met a certain level of competency in welding skills and safety procedures. Having certifications can make welders helpers more attractive to potential employers, as it shows that they have taken the time to get the necessary training and education. Additionally, certifications can help welders helpers stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs, as employers may consider them more qualified than those without any certification.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications available for Welder Helpers and explain how they can help further their career.

What are Welder Helper Certifications?

Welder helper certification is a certificate that recognizes the knowledge and skills of an individual who assists welders in their day-to-day activities. This certification is designed to ensure that individuals who are working as welder helpers have the necessary qualifications and knowledge to do so safely and effectively. It demonstrates that the holder has a comprehensive understanding of welding safety, prepping materials for welding, setting up equipment for welding, cleaning up after welding, and other related tasks. Having this certification demonstrates to employers that the holder has the necessary skills and qualifications for a job as a welder helper.

Having this certification can help welder helpers in several ways. First, it provides them with recognition from employers, which can lead to more job opportunities or better pay. Second, it shows employers that they are knowledgeable about welding safety protocols, which is important for ensuring workplace safety. Finally, it demonstrates that they have taken the time to learn about their profession and stay up-to-date on new techniques and technologies in order to provide quality workmanship.

Pro Tip: Make sure to check the specific requirements for welder helper certification in your area before beginning the certification process. Different regions may have different rules and regulations that must be followed, so it's important to make sure you're aware of all local requirements.

Related: What does a Welder Helper do?

Top 11 Welder Helper Certifications

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

1. Certified Welder Helper

Certified Welder Helper is a certification program designed to help individuals gain the skills and knowledge needed to become certified welders. The program consists of both classroom and hands-on training, and typically takes between 6 to 12 months to complete. To get certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by the American Welding Society (AWS). The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider, but generally ranges from $500 - $2,000.

In order to become a Certified Welder Helper, individuals must demonstrate their understanding of welding safety procedures, basic welding techniques, and other related topics. They must also be able to read blueprints and understand how to use different types of welding equipment. Additionally, they must have good hand-eye coordination and be able to work in confined spaces.

The AWS provides a list of approved providers who offer Certified Welder Helper courses. These courses are often offered through community colleges or technical schools, as well as private companies that specialize in welding education. Upon completion of the coursework and passing the exam, individuals will receive their Certified Welder Helper certificate from the AWS.

Overall, becoming a Certified Welder Helper is an important step towards becoming a certified welder and advancing your career in this field. It requires dedication and hard work but can open up many opportunities for future employment in this field.

2. Certified Welding Inspector

A Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is a professional who has been certified by the American Welding Society (AWS) to inspect and evaluate welds for quality and safety. The CWI certification is recognized by industry and government worldwide as the standard of excellence in welding inspection.

To become a CWI, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam administered by AWS. The exam consists of three parts: Visual Inspection, Destructive Testing, and Radiographic Testing. Each part covers different aspects of welding inspection and requires knowledge of codes, welding processes, metallurgy, nondestructive testing, and other related topics. The exam typically takes two days to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CWI exam, applicants must have at least four years of relevant work experience in welding or related fields. Additionally, applicants must complete an approved AWS training program prior to taking the exam.

The cost of becoming a CWI varies depending on where you take the exam and whether you are already an AWS member. Generally speaking, the total cost will range from $2,000 - $3,000 USD including fees for training courses and the actual examination.

3. Certified Welding Fabricator

Certified Welding Fabricator (CWF) is a certification program offered through the American Welding Society (AWS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skill in welding fabrication. The CWF program requires applicants to pass a series of exams that test their knowledge of welding fabrication principles, safety practices, and quality assurance.

The process for becoming a Certified Welding Fabricator typically takes about six months from start to finish. Applicants must first complete an application and submit it to AWS for review. Once approved, applicants must take and pass the CWF exam which consists of three parts: theory, practical skills, and quality assurance. After passing the exam, applicants must then complete a two-day workshop on welding fabrication principles and safety practices. Finally, applicants must submit documentation showing they have successfully completed all required training courses before they can be awarded their CWF certificate.

The cost of becoming a Certified Welding Fabricator varies depending on the type of training courses taken and any additional materials needed for the exam. Generally speaking, the total cost ranges from $500-$1,000 USD depending on where you live and what type of training you receive.

Overall, becoming a Certified Welding Fabricator is an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge and skill in welding fabrication while also providing you with additional career opportunities in the field.

4. Certified Welding Supervisor

A Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and experience in supervising welding operations. CWS certification is awarded by the American Welding Society (AWS) after successful completion of an examination that tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills in the areas of welding safety, quality control, materials selection, weld design, fabrication techniques and inspection.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the CWS exam. The preparation process involves studying relevant material such as AWS standards, codes, manuals and textbooks. Additionally, it is recommended to take practice exams and attend seminars or workshops related to welding supervision.

To get certified as a CWS, you must first submit an application to AWS along with proof of your education and work experience in welding supervision. Once approved, you will be eligible to take the exam which consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical demonstration. After successfully completing both sections of the exam, you will receive your CWS certificate from AWS.

The cost of taking the CWS exam varies depending on whether you are an AWS member or non-member. For members, the cost is $250 while for non-members it costs $400. Additionally, there may be additional fees for study materials or preparation courses which can range from $50-$500 depending on what type of resources you use for preparation.

5. Certified Welder Operator

Certified Welder Operator is a certification that recognizes the skill and knowledge of an individual in the field of welding. This certification is issued by the American Welding Society (AWS) and is recognized by employers, government agencies, and educational institutions. It is designed to demonstrate a welder’s ability to safely and effectively weld various materials.

The process of obtaining Certified Welder Operator status involves passing an AWS-approved exam. The exam covers topics such as welding safety, metallurgy, welding processes, inspection techniques, and more. The exam typically takes around two hours to complete and can be taken at any AWS-accredited testing center.

In order to become certified, applicants must have at least four years of experience in welding or related fields. They must also have completed a minimum of 40 hours of supervised welding training from an accredited institution or program. Additionally, applicants must pass both a written test and a practical performance test administered by an AWS-accredited examiner.

The cost for becoming a Certified Welder Operator varies depending on the individual’s location and the type of certification they are seeking. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $200-$500 USD for the entire process including registration fees, examination fees, travel expenses if applicable, etc.

6. Certified Welding Engineer

A Certified Welding Engineer (CWE) is a professional designation awarded by the American Welding Society (AWS). The CWE certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in welding engineering. It is an internationally recognized credential that provides employers with assurance that the individual has the necessary skills and qualifications for welding engineering tasks.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by AWS. The exam consists of both written and practical components, and covers topics such as welding processes, metallurgy, design principles, codes and standards, inspection techniques, quality control methods, and safety practices.

The exam typically takes two days to complete and may require additional preparation time depending on the individual’s background and experience level. Candidates are encouraged to review the AWS Certified Welding Engineer Exam Guide prior to taking the exam.

The cost of taking the CWE exam varies depending on where it is taken. In general, candidates can expect to pay between $400-600 for the exam fee plus any applicable taxes or fees. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with travel or lodging if needed.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification by completing continuing education activities every three years in order to remain current in their field.

7. Certified Welder Educator

Certified Welder Educator (CWE) is a certification program offered by the American Welding Society (AWS). The CWE certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in teaching welding. This certification is intended for instructors who teach welding courses at accredited post-secondary institutions, technical schools, and other approved training organizations.

The CWE certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as welding theory, safety practices, and teaching methods. Applicants must also demonstrate experience in teaching welding courses or have completed an approved instructor training program.

It typically takes about three months to complete the requirements for the CWE certification. During this time, applicants must complete the required study materials and take the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CWE certificate from AWS.

The cost of obtaining a CWE certification varies depending on where you take the exam and what materials you need to purchase for studying. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200-$500 USD to become certified as a Certified Welder Educator.

8. Certified Welder Technician

Certified Welder Technician (CWT) is a certification that is awarded to individuals who demonstrate their knowledge and skills in welding. It is a professional credential that recognizes the individual’s expertise and experience in welding, as well as their commitment to safety.

The CWT program is offered by the American Welding Society (AWS). To become certified, individuals must complete an approved training course, pass an AWS-administered written exam, and submit a portfolio of work samples demonstrating their proficiency in welding. The training course typically takes between two and four weeks to complete, depending on the individual’s level of experience.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the type of course taken and the materials used. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2000 for the entire process.

In addition to completing the training course and passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain requirements such as having at least three years of welding experience or completing a minimum number of hours in a related field. Once all requirements are met, applicants can apply for certification with AWS. Upon successful completion of the application process, they will receive their CWT certificate.

9. Certified Welder Planner/Designer

Certified Welder Planner/Designer (CWPD) is a professional certification program designed to provide welders with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, design, and document welding projects. The CWPD program is offered by the American Welding Society (AWS).

The program consists of two parts: an online course and a hands-on exam. The online course covers topics such as welding codes, materials selection, joint design, welding processes, and quality control. The hands-on exam covers practical applications of these topics.

It typically takes about four weeks to complete the online course and take the exam. To get certified, you must pass both parts of the program with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CWPD certification varies depending on your location and whether or not you are an AWS member. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 for non-members and $400-$500 for members.

10. Certified Welder Safety Professional

A Certified Welder Safety Professional (CWSP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of welding safety. The CWSP program is administered by the American Welding Society (AWS).

The CWSP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as welding safety, hazard recognition, and risk management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is offered in both English and Spanish. In order to be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in welding safety or related fields.

It typically takes about two months to complete the CWSP certification process. After passing the exam, applicants will receive a certificate from AWS that verifies their status as a Certified Welder Safety Professional.

The cost of obtaining the CWSP certification depends on where you take the exam and whether you choose to take it online or in person. Generally speaking, it costs around $250-$300 USD for the application fee and exam fee combined.

11. American Welding Society (AWS) Certification

The American Welding Society (AWS) is a professional organization that provides certification for welders. AWS certification is a voluntary process that demonstrates a welder’s knowledge and skill in welding techniques, safety practices, and quality control. The certification is recognized by employers and regulatory agencies throughout the United States.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete the AWS certification process. The first step is to register with the American Welding Society and pay the associated fees. After registration, applicants must pass an open-book written exam that tests their knowledge of welding codes, standards, and safety procedures. Following successful completion of the written exam, applicants must then pass a practical test where they demonstrate their welding skills in front of an AWS certified examiner.

The cost of AWS certification depends on the type of certification being sought. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 for each level of certification including registration fees, written exam fees, and practical test fees.

Do You Really Need a Welder Helper Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a welder helper certificate to become a welder. However, having a certificate can be beneficial in several ways.

First off, having a certificate will demonstrate your commitment to the profession and show potential employers that you are serious about becoming a welder. It also shows that you have taken the time to learn the basics of welding and understand the safety protocols involved. Additionally, it may help you get hired more quickly since employers may prefer candidates with certification over those without it.

Furthermore, taking a course and earning a certificate can help you gain more knowledge about welding and increase your chances of success in the field. A good course should provide hands-on training and teach you about different types of welding equipment and processes, as well as safety protocols and other important topics related to welding. This can be invaluable when starting out in the profession or when looking for advancement opportunities.

In conclusion, while having a welder helper certificate is not necessary to become a welder, it can certainly be beneficial in many ways. It demonstrates your commitment to learning about welding and understanding safety protocols, which will make you an attractive candidate for potential employers. Additionally, taking courses related to welding can give you an edge over other applicants by providing valuable information which may help your career progression down the line.

Related: Welder Helper Resume Examples

FAQs About Welder Helper Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a welder helper?

Answer: In order to become a welder helper, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be at least 18 years old. You must also pass an OSHA 10-hour safety course and any other certifications required by your employer.

2. What kind of welding techniques do I need to know?

Answer: As a welder helper, you will need to understand basic welding techniques such as MIG welding, TIG welding, stick welding, oxyacetylene welding, and flux core arc welding (FCAW). You should also be familiar with the use of safety equipment and techniques associated with each method of welding.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a welder helper?

Answer: The length of time required to become certified as a welder helper varies depending on the type of certification being sought and the amount of experience you have in the field. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two months to one year or more to complete all necessary certifications and training courses needed for certification.

4. Are there any additional certifications I should consider obtaining?

Answer: Yes, depending on where you plan to work as a welder helper, there may be additional certifications that employers require or prefer that you have. These may include first aid/CPR certification and hazardous materials handling certification, among others. It’s important to check with potential employers before beginning any training program in order to make sure you’re meeting all requirements for employment in your area.

5. What is the salary range for welders helpers?

Answer: The salary range for welders helpers varies widely depending on experience level, geographic location, and other factors such as union membership or overtime pay rates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), welders helpers earn an average hourly wage of $15.36 nationwide; however, wages can range from $11 per hour up to $26 per hour depending on these factors mentioned above.