Top 11 Welding Instructor Certifications

Certifications are important for a welding instructor in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the instructor has met a certain level of competency and knowledge within the field. They can also show employers that the instructor is committed to their profession and has taken the time to become certified. Additionally, certifications can give an instructor an edge over other candidates who may not have the same qualifications. Lastly, certifications provide tangible proof of a welding instructor’s skills and abilities, which can be used to bolster their resume and portfolio when applying for jobs.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Welding Instructors and explains how they can contribute to a welding instructor's career.

What are Welding Instructor Certifications?

Welding instructor certification is a professional certification program designed to help welding instructors gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively teach welding techniques and safety procedures. The certification provides instructors with the credentials needed to become certified welding educators in their respective states or countries. The program covers topics such as metallurgy, welding safety, hands-on instruction, classroom management, and curriculum development.

By obtaining a welding instructor certification, instructors can demonstrate that they have the necessary qualifications and experience to teach students how to weld safely and effectively. This will help them gain credibility with employers and students alike. Having this qualification can also open up job opportunities for those seeking positions as welding instructors or supervisors.

Certified Welding Instructors are also better equipped to provide students with the knowledge required for passing welding certifications tests. This is especially important for those who may be considering pursuing a career in the field of welding. As such, having a welding instructor certification can be beneficial for both potential employers and students alike by providing assurance that they are receiving quality instruction from qualified professionals.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the certifying body when looking into welding instructor certification. Different organizations have different standards and requirements, so it is important to make sure you are getting certified by a reputable organization with a strong track record of successful certification.

Related: What does a Welding Instructor do?

Top 11 Welding Instructor Certifications

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

1. American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

The American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is the most recognized and respected welding inspection certification in the world. It is a qualification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to inspect welded products for safety and quality. The CWI program has been developed by AWS to provide a uniform standard of qualifications for welding inspectors.

To become a CWI, an individual must pass the AWS Certified Welding Inspector exam. This exam consists of three parts: Part A – Fundamentals of Inspection; Part B – Practical Application; and Part C – Codebook Knowledge. The exam is administered by AWS-accredited testing centers throughout the United States.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the CWI exam. During this time, individuals should study relevant textbooks, attend seminars or courses, and practice with sample questions. Additionally, applicants must have at least two years of experience in welding inspection or related activities before they can take the exam.

The cost of taking the CWI exam varies depending on the testing center but typically ranges from $400-$500 USD. Additionally, there are other costs associated with becoming a CWI such as membership fees to AWS and annual renewal fees for certification maintenance.

2. AWS Certified Welding Educator (CWE)

AWS Certified Welding Educator (CWE) is a certification program designed to recognize welding educators who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to teach welding in an educational setting. The CWE certification is offered by the American Welding Society (AWS).

The CWE certification requires an individual to pass a written exam and submit a portfolio of their teaching experience. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as welding safety, metallurgy, welding processes, and teaching methods.

In order to take the CWE exam, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being at least 18 years old, having a minimum of five years of professional welding experience, and having completed at least one year of post-secondary education in welding or related fields.

The CWE exam can be taken either online or in person at an AWS-approved testing center. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam.

The cost for taking the CWE exam varies depending on the testing center and whether it is taken online or in person. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200-$300 USD.

3. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certified Welding Instructor (CWI)

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certified Welding Instructor (CWI) certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in welding instruction. This certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who have demonstrated the ability to teach welding and related processes.

It typically takes up to two years to obtain the CWI certification, depending on the individual’s experience level. To become certified, applicants must first pass a written examination that covers topics such as welding safety, metallurgy, welding theory, and practical applications. After passing the written exam, applicants must then complete a hands-on practical exam that tests their ability to weld various metals and alloys.

In order to apply for the CWI certification, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have at least five years of experience in welding or related fields. They must also have completed a minimum of 40 hours of approved instructor training.

The cost for obtaining the CWI certification varies depending on which organization is providing it. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 USD for the entire process including both exams and any necessary training courses.

4. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certified Welder Training Instructor

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certified Welder Training Instructor is a certification program that provides training and assessment of welding instructors. The program is designed to ensure that welding instructors have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively teach welding courses.

In order to become an NCCER Certified Welder Training Instructor, applicants must complete a two-part process. First, applicants must complete the NCCER Welding Instructor Certification Program (WICP). This program consists of online coursework and an in-person evaluation. The online coursework covers topics such as safety, welding fundamentals, instructional techniques, and more. After completing the online coursework, applicants must pass an in-person evaluation which includes a written exam and practical demonstration of their teaching skills.

Once applicants have completed the WICP program they are eligible to take the NCCER Certified Welder Training Instructor Exam (CWTI). This exam tests an applicant’s knowledge of welding theory and practice as well as their ability to teach welding courses. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as safety, metallurgy, weld inspection, joint design and fabrication processes.

The cost for becoming an NCCER Certified Welder Training Instructor varies depending on the provider offering the training. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500-$1000 for tuition plus any additional fees associated with taking the CWTI exam. It typically takes about 3 months to complete all requirements for certification but this can vary depending on individual circumstances.

5. American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified Welding Inspector/Instructor

American Petroleum Institute (API) Certified Welding Inspector/Instructor is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in welding inspection and instruction. It is designed to provide employers with assurance that the individual has met the industry standards for quality, safety, and performance.

To become an API Certified Welding Inspector/Instructor, an individual must meet certain requirements including having a minimum of five years of experience in welding inspection or instruction, completing an approved training course, and passing an API exam. The exam consists of both written and practical sections that cover topics such as welding theory, codes and standards, safety practices, inspection methods, and reporting procedures.

The cost for the API Certified Welding Inspector/Instructor certification varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking it can range from $500-$2000 USD depending on the provider. Additionally, some providers may require additional fees for materials or other services.

In terms of time commitment, it typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all requirements for the API Certified Welding Inspector/Instructor certification. This includes completing any required training courses as well as studying for and taking the exam.

6. International Institute of Welding (IIW) Certified Welding Educator

The International Institute of Welding (IIW) Certified Welding Educator (CWE) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in teaching welding. The CWE certification is designed to help ensure that welding instructors are qualified to teach welding and meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance.

To become certified as an IIW CWE, applicants must have at least five years of experience in teaching welding or related topics. They must also pass an exam administered by the IIW. The exam consists of three parts: a written test, a practical demonstration, and an oral presentation.

The cost for the CWE certification varies depending on the country where you take the exam. In the United States, it costs approximately $750 USD.

The process to become certified as an IIW CWE can take several months or longer depending on when you register for the exam and how quickly you complete all requirements. Once you have registered for the exam, you will receive study materials from the IIW which will help prepare you for the written portion of the test. You will then need to schedule a time to take your practical demonstration and oral presentation with an approved IIW examiner. After completing all requirements, your application will be reviewed by the IIW before receiving your official certification as an IIW CWE.

7. National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI) Certified Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector

The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI) Certified Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector is a professional certification program for individuals who inspect boilers, pressure vessels, and other types of pressure-retaining equipment. The certification program is designed to ensure that inspectors have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely and effectively perform their duties.

To become certified as an NBBI Certified Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least three years of experience in the inspection field as well as passing a written examination. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as boiler operation, safety regulations, codes, inspection techniques, and more.

The certification process typically takes between four to six weeks from the time of application submission until the results are released. The cost for the exam varies depending on where you take it but generally ranges from $400-$600 USD. Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam they will be awarded with an NBBI Certified Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector certificate which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

8. American Association of Radiologic Technologists (AART) Certified Radiologic Technician

The American Association of Radiologic Technologists (AART) Certified Radiologic Technician is a professional certification that demonstrates a radiologic technologist’s commitment to excellence in patient care and safety. The certification is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills required to perform radiologic procedures safely and effectively.

It typically takes two years of full-time study at an accredited program to become eligible for the AART certification exam. During this time, students must complete courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, radiation physics, imaging equipment operation, patient positioning and protection, radiation safety, and quality assurance. Upon completion of the program, students must pass the AART certification exam.

To get certified as an AART Certified Radiologic Technician, you must first complete an accredited radiology technology program. Once you have completed your educational requirements, you can then apply for the AART certification exam. The application process includes submitting transcripts from your educational institution as well as other supporting documents such as letters of recommendation from faculty members or employers. After your application has been approved by AART, you will be scheduled for the exam at a testing center near you.

The cost of taking the AART certification exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with applying for and obtaining the certification such as background checks or fingerprinting fees which can range from $50-$100 USD depending on where you live.

9. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)-Certified Safety Trainer

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)-Certified Safety Trainer is a certification program for individuals who wish to become certified trainers in the field of occupational safety and health. The program is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully train workers on safety and health topics, as well as help employers comply with OSHA regulations.

The OSHA-Certified Safety Trainer program typically takes about two days to complete. During this time, participants will learn about the different aspects of workplace safety, including hazard recognition, accident prevention, and emergency response. They will also learn how to develop effective training materials and present them in an engaging way. In addition, they will receive instruction on how to evaluate their trainees’ progress.

To become an OSHA-Certified Safety Trainer, you must first pass a written exam administered by an accredited organization such as the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP). After passing the exam, you must complete a hands-on training course that covers topics such as hazard recognition and accident prevention. You must also demonstrate your ability to effectively teach safety topics through role-playing exercises or other activities.

The cost of becoming an OSHA-Certified Safety Trainer varies depending on the provider offering the course. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 for the written exam and hands-on training course combined. Additional costs may include travel expenses if attending an in-person course or any additional materials needed for completing the coursework.

10. American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT)-Certified Nondestructive Testing Technician

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) is a professional organization that provides certification for nondestructive testing technicians. Nondestructive testing (NDT) is a type of testing used to evaluate the properties of a material, component or system without causing any damage. It is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing to ensure quality and safety.

To become an ASNT-Certified Nondestructive Testing Technician, individuals must pass both written and practical examinations. The written exam covers topics such as basic principles of NDT, safety practices, and interpretation of results. The practical exam tests the individual’s ability to perform various NDT methods on actual samples.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the exams and complete all the requirements for certification. To get started, individuals must first apply for certification by submitting an application form and paying a fee. Once approved, they can begin studying for the exams using study materials provided by ASNT or through self-study courses offered online or in person by qualified instructors.

The cost of becoming an ASNT-Certified Nondestructive Testing Technician varies depending on how much preparation is needed and which type of course is taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 to become certified. This includes fees associated with applying for certification, taking the exams, purchasing study materials and/or taking courses.

11. Canadian Welding Bureau-Certified Welder Training Instructor

The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Certified Welder Training Instructor program is a certification that recognizes individuals who have the knowledge and skills to teach welding. It is designed to ensure that welders are trained in accordance with CWB standards, and that they are competent in the use of welding equipment and processes.

To become a CWB Certified Welder Training Instructor, you must first complete a minimum of 40 hours of training from an approved provider. This training covers topics such as safety, quality control, welding theory, and welding techniques. Once this training is completed, you must then pass an exam administered by the CWB. The exam consists of both written and practical components.

The cost of the training can vary depending on the provider you choose, but it typically ranges between $500 - $1,000 CAD. The cost of the exam is approximately $200 CAD.

Once you have successfully completed all requirements for certification, your name will be added to the official list of CWB Certified Welder Training Instructors maintained by the CWB. You will also receive a certificate confirming your status as a certified instructor.

Overall, it usually takes around 6-8 weeks to become a CWB Certified Welder Training Instructor from start to finish.

Do You Really Need a Welding Instructor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their particular goals. For some, a welding instructor certificate may be necessary in order to gain employment or advance in their career. For others, the certificate may be an unnecessary step in their journey.

For those who are interested in becoming a certified welding instructor, there are several advantages that come with having such a certificate. First and foremost, it provides proof of one’s knowledge and experience regarding welding processes and safety requirements. This can be especially important when applying for jobs or promotions within the welding industry. Having a welding instructor certificate can also demonstrate an individual’s commitment to continuing education and staying up-to-date on new technologies, techniques, and best practices.

On the other hand, there are some individuals who may not need a welding instructor certificate to reach their desired level of success in the field of welding. If someone already has extensive experience as a welder, they may not need to obtain additional certification in order to find work or move up in their job. Additionally, if someone is looking for more general information about welding rather than instruction from an expert source, they may find that online resources such as blogs or videos are sufficient for gaining knowledge about the subject matter without needing a formal certification program.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a welding instructor certificate depends on what they hope to achieve with their knowledge of welding and where they want to go with their career path. If obtaining such certification will help them reach their goals more quickly or efficiently, then it is likely worth pursuing; however if it will not offer any tangible benefit then it may be better for them to focus on other aspects of achieving success in the field instead.

Related: Welding Instructor Resume Examples

FAQs About Welding Instructor Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a welding instructor?

Answer: To become a welding instructor, you must have at least five years of experience in the welding field, with two years of teaching experience and/or certification from an accredited organization. You may also need additional certifications depending on the type of welding instruction you will be providing.

2. How long does it take to obtain a welding instructor certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to obtain a welding instructor certification will vary depending on the level of certification you are seeking and the requirements associated with each program. Generally speaking, most programs require between six months to one year for completion.

3. What organizations offer welding instructor certifications?

Answer: There are several organizations that offer welding instructor certifications, including American Welding Society (AWS), National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), American Welding Institute (AWI), and North American Technician Excellence (NATE). Each organization has its own specific requirements for certification.

4. Is there any cost associated with obtaining a welding instructor certification?

Answer: Yes, there is typically some cost associated with obtaining a welding instructor certification depending on the organization offering the program and the type of certification being sought. Generally speaking, costs range from $100-500 USD depending on the level of certification being pursued.

5. Are there continuing education requirements after obtaining a welding instructor certification?

Answer: Yes, many organizations require certified instructors to participate in ongoing training or continuing education courses in order to maintain their certifications. The specifics vary by organization but generally include attending seminars or workshops as well as taking online courses or participating in other educational activities related to welding instruction.