AWS Accredited Test Facility Program

AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF) Program

3/29/2016

Most welding codes require that each manufacturer or contractor certify their own welders. This means a welding test taken for XYZ Company cannot be transferred to another company if you change employment. So, if XYZ Company had you take a test to become certified for the work you were doing there, it is not at all valid under another company. You will have to start the certification process from scratch at a new employer.

The good news is that the American Welding Society (AWS) has
established a program to help with this requirement in some industries:
The Accredited Test Facility (or ATF) program!

Schedule YOUR ATF Test TODAY!

This program establishes high standards for test facilities, their personnel, and equipment to qualify for accreditation to test and qualify welders. Once you successfully pass a certification test at an ATF center, you will receive a card from AWS which can be taken to any employer without having to recertify. You will be also listed in the National Registry of Welders, where potential employers can search to find certified welders in their area.

On April 27, 2009, the Earlbeck Technical Center was awarded accreditation as an AWS Accredited Test Facility.

34 Comments

Baltimore, MD

8204 Pulaski Hwy
Baltimore, MD 21237

Welding Supply & Gas Showroom
Hours: Mon- Fri 7:30 AM - 5PM
Phone: (410) 687-8400
Fax: (410) 687-1394

Welder Training & Testing Center
Phone: (410) 687-8400

Beltsville, MD

10792 Tucker St
Beltsville, MD 20705

Welding Supply & Gas Showroom
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30AM - 4:30PM
Phone: (301) 937-8884
Fax: (301) 937-1811

6170 Hughesville Station Place
Hughesville, MD 20637

Welder Training & Testing Center
Phone: (410) 687-8400

Yeah link

2/25/2017 11:44:54 pm

If this is true: "take a test to become certified for the work you were doing there, it is not at all valid under another company" then why did you publish my Social Security on the Certificate I earned when passing your test?

Allison Earlbeck link

2/27/2017 10:01:14 am

Excellent question! We still maintain a record of each person that has taken a test at our facility, dating back to the first test in 1963. Because of this, quite a few people have ended up having the same name in our records, and the last 4 of your social are used for identification purposes.
We're always happy to verify testing results for a potential employer, since it is a good indication of your skill level. However, we cannot release the certificate to anyone but the company that paid for the test, unless an ATF test was taken.

Dustin Brennan

8/23/2018 02:19:28 pm

I am self employed. Am I able to utilize the "send in" coupon system?
(for AWS D1.1 Limited 1 Position Weld Certification Kit)

8/23/2018 03:44:09 pm

Hi Dustin!
Yes, you would be able to take a send in test, which would qualify you to do production work under your own name. If you later became employed by another company, you would have to re-qualify.
Any questions, please feel free to give us a call.

Will Garcia link

2/27/2020 09:44:42 am

Hello there, we are a restoration company located in Hyattsville, MD, I'm looking for welder certification class information.

Would you be so kind to provide me class schedules, costs etc.

Allison

2/27/2020 09:51:29 am

Hey Will,

Here is the overview to our training program which includes links for the information that you're looking for. If theres any additional information that you need, just let us know!

https://www.earlbeck.com/weldertraining.html

www.carpetcleaningtauranganz.info/ link

6/14/2020 10:30:42 pm

The Advantages of Accredited Test Facilities: Trusted Certification Experts
The AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF) program establishes minimum requirements for test facilities, their personnel and equipment to qualify for accreditation to test and qualify welders. This program is open to all qualified test facilities that may be a part of an independent laboratory, manufacturing plant, educational institution, or other entity.
Companies have realized the shortcomings of self-qualification and discovered the advantages of utilizing AWS Accredited Test Facilities to test and qualify their welders. ATFs help them to save money, improve productivity, and reduce liability by entrusting their welder certification to the experts.

6/24/2020 12:27:34 am

Can you get certified in welding without going to school?

Don Hodges link

6/25/2020 10:17:14 am

While our Intermediate and Advanced classes have testing included in the cost, you most certainly can take Welder Performance Tests (WPQ) without coming to school.

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7/14/2020 03:59:27 am

What is the difference between a certified welder and a coded welder?
Essentially, certified welders can establish their credentials. Coded welders, on the other hand, demonstrate mastery over specific welding methods.

Angel Morales

7/20/2020 09:14:20 am

Is there a send in test available for d17.1 certification in 6061 aluminum plate?

7/20/2020 09:28:20 am

Hi Angel,
We do not have a formal package for D17.1, as there are many options and variables to this code. We could assist you with the details of preparing and performing a test at your shop and sending the coupon to us for processing if you wish.

Have a great day!

7/20/2020 10:09:34 am

Who can I contact directly about the details of the test and coupon kit?

7/20/2020 10:55:44 am

Hi Angel,

You can give us a call at (410) 687-8400 and ask for Don or Ben. Thank you!

George

9/24/2020 10:47:39 pm

Hey im interested into getting onto a welding school. Im starting from scratch. Don't know too much about welding and would love to learn. I live in Abingdon MD where would be a great place to start my learning of the basics and training?

Julia Brown

9/25/2020 11:56:53 am

Hi George!
No experience, no problem! You will enroll into our Fundamentals of Welding course first to get hands on training with the MIG, STICK, and TIG welders, then proceed to your desired Intermediate Welding course; MIG, STICK, or TIG. Once successfully completed, you will receive a welding certification to the specific welding process, to a AWS welding code, typically AWS D1.1 Structural Steel

Anderson Briancini

2/15/2021 05:18:11 pm

I am an unemployed welder. I am looking to get my personal certificate. If I complete the test at a friend's shop with the "send in" coupon system (AWS D1.1 Limited 1 Position Weld Certification Kit).
Will I be linked to the company that filled out the forms or will I get my personal certificate.
Thank you.

2/16/2021 09:51:02 am

Hi Anderson,
This test could be processed in your name and the Welder Performance Qualification Record could also be in your name. If this test for your employer, then the companies info would be required for you to perform welding for them.

Who "owns" the documents and why can get a little fuzzy at times, so hope this helps. Have a great day!! :)

https://www.linemarkingbrisbaneqld.com.au link

3/8/2021 06:31:24 am

Entrusting welder certification to ATF specialists makes good business sense for contractors and fabricators. Companies are increasingly realizing the shortcomings of self-qualification and switching to AWS Accredited Test Facilities to test and qualify their welders. ATFs help them to save money, improve productivity, and reduce liability by entrusting their welder certification to the experts.

https://www.kitchenrenovationsaucklandexperts.co.nz/ link

6/29/2021 08:05:34 pm

As of 2020, the CWI exam costs $1070 for AWS members and $1325 for non-members. Once you've been certified, however, your CWI certification is valid for 3 years.

Custom Steel Fabrication Colorado Springs link

7/6/2021 05:22:24 am

Thanks for writing an article that I found easy to read and understand. I just found this site and am looking forward to reading more of your posts!

Thank You link

10/28/2021 11:08:44 am

This is good, it will benefit the people. Processing would be easier. thank you very much.

Gavin

11/3/2021 12:00:24 pm

Price for a 3g /4g combo stick certification?

11/3/2021 12:23:51 pm

Hey Gavin! You can check out our testing price list here: https://www.earlbeck.com/welding-certification-pricing.html

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9/19/2022 05:51:44 am

You will have to start the certification process from scratch at a new employer.

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9/19/2022 09:10:28 am

According to the majority of welding codes, each manufacturer or contractor must certify their own welders.

Gerry

3/29/2023 04:29:59 pm

Can you do an ATF upgrade with the send in weld tests?...

Earlbeck Technical Center link

3/29/2023 04:57:48 pm

Hey Gerry- No, an ATF test must be done under the supervision of a CWI at a ATF site so send in tests are not eligible

Dallan

8/9/2023 09:43:30 pm

If I take and pass the send in weld test would that make me an AWS certified welder for that position? Or would I have to take the test at an accredited test facility to be considered AWS certified?

Earlbeck Gases link

8/10/2023 11:11:21 am

Hi Dallan- either test would qualify you as certified to an AWS code. The primary difference is the portability of the certification.

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AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF) Program

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AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF) Program

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Baltimore, MD

Sign up for our Newsletter

Beltsville, MD

York, PA

AACC Clauson Center for Innovation and Skilled Trades

Scranton, PA

​Phone: (443) 868-1162

Phone: (443) 868-1162