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Coded Welder Certification
Welders and coded welders work in many different industries including automobiles, construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing. They are needed for the designing, manufacturing and creation of lots of stuff. The high level of knowledge and skills of the welders makes them very important for many employers. If you want to know what has to be done to start a career in the field, this guide will provide you with all the answers.
What Does a Coded Welder Do?
A coded welder is a highly specialized and skilled craftsman who creates different things by joining pieces of various metals together. They normally work with stainless steel, brass, aluminum and other types of substances. Coded welders are involved in the manufacturing of aircrafts, ships, automobiles, bridges and so much more. Following are the major duties of a coded welder.
- Careful use of the lighting flame to join metals together for different purposes.
- Properly building, securing, restraining and positioning of metal parts with the help of clamps, clips and lighting flame
- Careful monitoring of the lighting flame and the welded materials to ensure proper maintenance of temperature
- Proper cleanup and maintenance of the professional welding machine and all other welding equipment
Requirements to Become a Coded Welder
To become a coded welder, you must be at least 18 and possess a high school diploma. If you do not have that, a GED certificate can also be obtained as it is considered equivalent to HSD. Further requirements may vary from employer to employer.
Some may prefer a high school diploma holder who has taken a few skill-based welding tests. You can start with such an employer as a trainee welder and learn things on the job. Others may prefer people with a certificate or degree from a community college, vocational institute or technical school.
Steps to Become a Coded Welder
- High school diploma or GED certificate
Passing high school is the minimum eligibility level for entering the welding industry.
- Post-secondary welding education and training
A number of options are available including certificates, associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degree programs. These have varying durations ranging from 6 months to 4 years. Welding certificate programs last from 6 months to 1 year. An associate’s degree normally takes 2 years. Some schools also offer 4-year bachelor’s degree programs in Welding Engineering and related areas.
- Apprenticeship
Going for a welding apprenticeship is not obligatory but can help you build a great foundation for your career. You will be able to learn all the skills and gain valuable hands-on experience.
- Certification
Getting a welding certification is not mandatory in most cases. Specific states and employers may have varying requirements. If you decide to go for a certification, then the American Welding Society (AWS) is the relevant body. Following are the major certifications made available by the AWS.
- Certified Welder (CW)
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI)
- Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
- Certified Welding Sales Representative (CWSR)
Coded Welder Salary Info
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders, cutters, solderers and brazers had an annual median pay of $41,380 in May, 2018. This comes to an hourly wage of $19.89 per hour.
Coded Welder Career Outlook and Job Growth
Between 2016 and 2026, a 6 percent job growth is expected for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in the United States. This is according to information available with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth rate is similar to that expected for other occupations.
FAQs
- What do you need to be a coded welder?
To become a coded welder, you need to have the right skills to perform a specific welding code. Aspiring coded welders must enroll in an American Welding Society (AWS) accredited training program and obtain specialized certification.
- What is the difference between a certified welder and a coded welder?
While both terms can be used interchangeably but there is a lot of difference between a certified welder and a coded welder. A certified welder can be anyone with welding related certifications depending on their area of interest. In comparison, a coded welder has to pass Welding Approval Test whilst demonstrating a welding process and using a specific welding configuration. Coded welders have to be retested every two years.
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