Becoming a certified welder can open many job opportunities. But how do you get welder certification? This guide will explain it step-by-step. You will learn the training, testing, and skills needed to become certified.
What Is Welder Certification?
Welder certification is a proof. It shows you have the skills to weld well. Many companies want to hire certified welders. This certificate tells employers you can do the job safely and correctly.
The most common certification comes from the American Welding Society (AWS). Other countries and states may have their own certificates. But AWS is widely accepted in the United States and many places worldwide.
Why Get Certified as a Welder?
- Better Job Chances: Employers prefer welders with certificates.
- Higher Pay: Certified welders often earn more money.
- Work Safety: Certification means you know safe work methods.
- Skill Proof: It shows you have real welding skills.
Getting certified is an important step if you want to work as a professional welder.
Step 1: Learn About Welding
Before you get certified, you need to learn welding basics. You can start by:
- Going to a welding school or technical college.
- Taking welding classes at a local community college.
- Joining an apprenticeship program with a welding company.
- Practicing welding on your own with help from experienced welders.
Learning will help you understand welding tools, safety, and techniques. It also prepares you for the certification test.
Types Of Welding To Learn
There are many welding types. The most common ones for certification include:
| Welding Type | Description |
|---|---|
| SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) | Also called stick welding, uses an electrode to join metals. |
| GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) | Known as MIG welding, uses a wire and gas to weld. |
| GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) | Also called TIG welding, uses a tungsten electrode for precision. |
| FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding) | Uses a tubular wire filled with flux; good for outdoor work. |
It is good to learn one or two types well before taking the certification test.
Step 2: Choose a Welding Certification Program
After you have some training, pick a certification program. The most well-known is the AWS Certified Welder program. Here are the key points:
- Where: You take the test at an Accredited Test Facility (ATF).
- What: You weld specific pieces using set techniques.
- How: Your welds are checked for quality and strength.
- Result: Pass the test to get your certification card.
Many welding schools and companies offer preparation for these tests. They can help you practice the exact welds needed for certification.
Step 3: Prepare for the Certification Test
Before the test, practice is key. Here are tips to prepare:
- Practice welding in the positions required by the test, such as flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead.
- Use the same materials and welding process the test needs.
- Learn to read welding blueprints if the test requires it.
- Follow safety rules strictly during practice and the test.
Some tests need you to weld pipes, others need plate welding. Know what your test requires.
Step 4: Take the Certification Test
The test usually happens at an Accredited Test Facility. You will:
- Receive instructions on what welds to do.
- Weld using the correct process and materials.
- Have your welds inspected for cracks, strength, and appearance.
The test is timed. You must finish your welds in a set time. After the test, you may know right away if you passed. Sometimes results take a few days or weeks.
Step 5: Get Your Certification Card
Once you pass, you get a certification card. This card shows you are a certified welder. Keep it safe. You may need to show it to employers.
Certification is valid for a few years. Then you may need to renew it by retesting or taking more training.
How Long Does It Take to Get Certified?
The time depends on your training and test schedule. Here is a rough timeline:
| Training Type | Time Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short Welding Courses | 4 to 12 weeks | Good for basic welding skills and quick certification. |
| Certificate Programs | 3 to 6 months | Offers more practice and knowledge. |
| Associate Degree in Welding Technology | About 2 years | Includes theory, blueprint reading, and many welding types. |
Your personal learning speed matters too. Some people learn faster, some slower.
Tips for Success
- Practice Often: Welding skills improve with practice.
- Ask Questions: Teachers and experienced welders can help.
- Stay Safe: Always wear proper safety gear.
- Be Patient: Certification may take time but is worth it.
Where to Find Welding Training in Austin, Texas
If you live in Austin, Texas, here are some places to learn welding:
- Austin Career Institute: Offers hands-on welding classes and certification training.
- Local Community Colleges: Many offer welding certificate programs.
- Technical Schools: Schools like Tulsa Welding School have programs nearby.
- Apprenticeships: Look for local welding companies offering training on the job.
Check each place for program length, cost, and certification support.
Common Welding Certification Tests
The test usually involves welding plates or pipes. Here is what you might see:
| Test Type | Material | Positions | Process Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plate Welding Test | Steel plates | Flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead | SMAW, GMAW, or GTAW |
| Pipe Welding Test | Steel pipe sections | 6G (fixed angle), 2G (horizontal) | SMAW, GTAW, or FCAW |
Each test checks if your welds are strong and clean. Passing means you can weld in real jobs.
Maintaining Your Welder Certification
Certification is not forever. You must keep your skills sharp. Here are ways to maintain your certificate:
- Work regularly as a welder.
- Take refresher courses every few years.
- Retest if your certificate expires.
Some companies require welders to renew certification every 3 years. Always check the rules for your job.
Summary
Getting welder certification takes learning, practice, and a test. Start by learning welding basics. Next, choose a certification program. Practice well before your test. Take the test at an Accredited Test Facility. If you pass, you get your certificate card. This card helps you find work and shows your skills. Keep learning and practicing to stay certified. Welding is a skill that grows with time.
Follow these steps, and you will be ready to become a certified welder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does A Welder Become Certified?
A welder becomes certified by passing a practical test at an Accredited Test Facility. The test evaluates welding skills, processes, and positions. Passing ensures compliance with American Welding Society standards. Certification confirms professional welding proficiency and improves job opportunities in the industry.
How Long Would It Take To Become A Certified Welder?
Becoming a certified welder typically takes from a few weeks to two years. Certificate programs last weeks to months. Associate degrees take about two years. Duration depends on training depth, welding processes learned, and individual skill mastery. Passing the AWS skills test grants certification.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Welding Cert?
Welding certification costs range from $150 to $500, depending on the test type and location. Some programs include training fees.
Can You Make $100,000 A Year Welding?
Yes, welders can earn $100,000 yearly with advanced skills, certifications, and experience in high-demand industries. Specialized welding jobs pay more.