How to Get a Welding Certificate

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Welding Certification Online Courses

A welding certificate program will teach you how to fuse together and break apart the metal components used to build different structures. You could also take welding courses on different techniques like arc welding, fabrication welding and more.

Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Welder?

If you are looking to start a career in welding, then there are some essential skills that you need. Welding is a rewarding career choice, both monetarily and creatively. A welder gets to see the final product of what he has created in the form of buildings, bridges, and manufacturing products. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020-2030, the projected growth for welders in the country is 8%, while the mean annual wage for welders is $48,290.

To become a welder there are some skills that need to be learned and developed through proper training and certifications.

1. Mathematical Skills

Anyone interested in welding must have a solid grasp on mathematics, calculations, and geometry. To be able to work as a welder it is important to read blueprints, make calculations according to brief, and understand 2D and 3D diagrams.

2. Endurance & Physical Strength

To pursue a successful career in welding, a welder should be able to work in difficult work conditions. They also need to be physically strong to handle heavy machinery and equipment.

3. Handling of Tools & Technology

All welders are required to work different tools and equipment to join metal together, clamp broken pieces, and solder the final product to achieve high quality. Welders are also required to handle control devices, brazing torches, grinders, and other specialized equipment.

4. Attention to Detail

Welding is all about precision and finesse with very little or no room for flaws. A professional welder should be able to follow instructions and quality checks to ensure complete satisfaction.

5. Ability to Learn New Things

Welding is a fast-growing field that sees a lot of technological advancements. To move up the hierarchy, welders must adapt to the developments and be willing to learn new things by enrolling in certification programs.

Certified Welding Instructor Jobs

After getting a certificate in welding instruction, you can be employed as a post-secondary vocational school teacher. Certificate programs are available for welding instructors through various organizations. However, you may be required to get an associate’s degree in welding first. You could also go the extra mile and get a bachelor’s degree in welding and fabrication. This is a good way to distinguish yourself for potential employers. As a certified welding instructor, not only should you be trained in different welding techniques, but you should also have some experience in the field. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median average wage for post-secondary vocation instructors as of May 2018 was $25.54 per hour and $53,120 per year.

Welding Certification Online

Unfortunately, you cannot earn a welding certificate online. Since welding is a skill you need to learn and not a theory-based course, you will have to take traditional classes and learn about the different techniques and tricks that all welders should know. You may be able to find some classes online that will teach you about the welding process. However, to get a certificate, diploma, or degree in welding you are required to show up in person and do practical work. This is especially true for an apprenticeship program, where welders learn under experienced professionals and work alongside them.

Certified Welding Inspector Classes

While completing your training as a welder, it is crucial that you ensure that your program is accredited. One way to do this is to make sure you get certified from a state-approved organization like the American Welding Association (AWS). After having completed your certification program as a welding inspector, it is important to keep in mind that you are also required to renew your certificate every three years.

Requirements for Welding Certification

To get a welding certification, you will have to pass a welding test under the supervision of a certified welding instructor. This test will be a hands-on qualification test that will determine if you are competent for the job. You can get a welding certificate in a variety of different techniques and choose your own specialization. Some of these techniques are listed below:

• Metal Arc Welding
• Blueprint Reading
• Flux-cored Arc Welding
• Gas tungsten Arc Welding

Welding Certification Practice Test

A welding test is a hands-on procedure that will determine whether you can meet the industry requirements and produce quality work. At the beginning of the test, you will be provided with metal objects that you will have to weld as defined by the instructor. These metal objects will then go through the “bend test” and the inspectors will test them for quality. The best way to prepare for your welding certification test is to practice and look at instructional videos and lectures online.

Welding Certificate Program

To start working in any welding related industry, it is mandatory to be certified by the American Welding Society (AWS). Successfully completing a welding certificate program is the basic standard and one that does not allow any shortcuts. You can be a part of any welding certificate program by enrolling in a community college or welding training school. All of these programs work under the guidelines of AWS and focus on hands-on practical training. The AWS strives to inspire individuals into gaining leading-edge industry knowledge and explore exciting career options.

Types of Welding Certifications

There are several welding certifications to increase your personal knowledge.

1. Certified Welder (CW)

Petroleum pipelines, structural steel, chemical refinery welding, sheet metal, etc.

2. Certified Welding Inspector certification (CWI)

Leadership role and advancement opportunities.

3. Certified Welding Educator (CWE)

Conduct trainings and skills test, develop instructional material and determine welding education requirements.

4. Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRWT)

Develop advanced skills in resistance processes. To be able to apply, operate, and design sheet metal, automobiles. appliances, and wire products.

5. Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)

Technical and administrative fundamentals.

6. Certified Welding Engineer (CWE)

Expertise in welding joints, the fundamentals of science and welding, as well as assembly and fabrication.

7. Certificate in Welding Technology

Welding safety and fabrication, as well as common welding methods.

8. Certified Robotic Arc Welding

Demonstrate ability to work with different codes, standards, and specifications.

Top Welding Schools in the USA

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected annual job openings for welders between 2020-2030 to be 34,100. This means there are plenty of employment opportunities for future welders in the USA. If you are looking to start a career in welding, then here is a list of some of the best schools in the country that will get you started on your research.

Welder Career in the US
Welding Jobs
Welding Training