If you need to take a welding certification test, you might be wondering which test do I take? This is the big question. There is not a single welding certification test that will certify you to weld everything. Most welding certification tests are done under the codes written by AWS (the American Welding Society) or ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers.) There is a specific code written for virtually every application of welding- AWS has published 240 codes alone. Knowing which code to be certified to is essential, as welders are only certified to weld within the code parameters of the test they have taken.
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There are two common scenarios in which someone will seek certification- you would like to add to your credentials, or it is required for a specific job so let's discuss!

In March 2004, the Maryland State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) underwent a pivotal change in its approach to welder certification. They discontinued their in-house testing and partnered with the Federal Highway Administration's Mid-Atlantic Structural Committee for Economic Fabrication (SCEF) to establish a regional certification program. Certifying at an AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF) is now a mandatory requirement for welders working on bridge construction projects in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland.

​For those interested in pursuing a career in welding, there are several options to receive formal training:

1. Technical schools offer programs that can be completed in 3-18 months. Make sure to choose a program where you will earn a welding certification.
2. Community colleges  can offer Associate degree programs that take about 2 years to complete.
3. Apprenticeships take 3-4 years to complete and results in a Journeyman's card.
4. Universities offer Bachelor's degree programs which can take 4 years to complete.

Attending a technical school to become a welder is an investment that pays off much quicker than the university path. With the high demand for welding professionals and the potential to earn a competitive salary, pursuing welding as a career can lead to a fulfilling and financially rewarding future.

 The field of welding offers a diverse range of jobs that combine trade skills with technology. Welding is both an art and a science, from basic fabrication to advanced robotics. It's a great option for those who enjoy working with their hands and value a sense of community. The skills you'll acquire as a welder are also portable and can lead to rewarding careers in various industries.

With a huge variety of career options, it's easy to find the perfect fit for you! ​Ranging from Shipfitter, Welding Research Scientist, or Pipeliner to Technical Sales, Welder Fabricator, Boilermaker, or Welding Engineer. Or perhaps you’d rather be a Welding Supervisor, Ironworker, or Welding Technician? Still not doing it for you? How about being an Underwater Welder, Pipefitter, Welding Inspector, Robotic Welding Technician, or Welding Educator? There are so many career paths for skilled welders or welding operators. 

​The welding industry is experiencing a shortage of workers due to more than 155,000 welders approaching retirement age. Approximately 360,000 NEW welding professionals are projected to be needed by 2027 and you could be one of them!

As the welding industry continues to grow, the demand for skilled and well-trained welders is also on the rise. One way to demonstrate your competency and gain a competitive edge in the job market is through The American Welding Society's (AWS) Certified Welder Program. In this article, we will take a closer look at the benefits of becoming a certified welder, the certification process, and the qualifications needed to obtain the certification.

What is The American Welding Society's Certified Welder Program?
The AWS Certified Welder Program is a valuable credential that demonstrates a welder's competency in the welding field, and it is recognized throughout the industry as an indicator of welding expertise. The program tests welders on a specific welding process and application to ensure their skills meet industry standards.

What are the benefits of becoming an AWS Certified Welder?
First, becoming an AWS Certified Welder signifies that you possess the technical skills and knowledge required to excel in the welding industry. With the certification, you can demonstrate advanced knowledge of various welding processes, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and gas metal arc welding (GMAW). This can help differentiate you from other welders and opens up opportunities for higher-paying jobs or positions with more responsibilities.

What are the requirements for obtaining AWS certification?
There are no prerequisite courses or experience needed to earn an AWS certification, you simply must pass a welding test that assesses your proficiency in the applicable welding process. To ensure consistency and quality, the testing must be done according to AWS standards at an AWS Accredited Test Facility, and welds are inspected by AWS-certified professionals. Once you have successfully passed your test, successful candidates receive a certificate and become AWS Certified Welders. 
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What certifications can I earn under the AWS Certified Welder Program?

​How do I keep my AWS Welder Certification active?
Certifications for D9.1 for the Sheet Metal Welding Code require maintenance every 12 months. Certifications in accordance with D1.1 and most other codes require maintenance every 6 months. The Maintenance of Welder Certification Form must be submitted online through https://cw.aws.org/. 

In conclusion, becoming an AWS Certified Welder is an excellent way to demonstrate your welding expertise and advance your career.  By investing in the certification process, you can gain a competitive edge in the industry, prove to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field, and open up new job opportunities. If you are interested in becoming an AWS Certified Welder, we recommend that you begin by reviewing the certification requirements and preparing for the certification exam. With dedication, preparation, and commitment to your craft, you can achieve AWS certification and take your welding career to new heights.

Ready to schedule your test?

​Schedule an appointment by calling us at (410) 687-8400.  Certification testing is done on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 8:00 am at our Baltimore, MD and York, PA locations. On the day of the test, please bring a picture ID, and your safety equipment. 

Not local to MD or PA? Find your ATF Testing Facility here. 

Understanding the different testing methods and what each evaluates gives your quality control team options for ensuring your weld is fit for service. Whether used for failure analysis, welder performance qualification, or sample or research inspections, destructive weld tests detect crack initiation and other defects before it's too late. ​

We've compiled a list of the most common weld discontinuities and how to correct them. A discontinuity is a flaw in the weld, but they are only considered to be weld defects when they exceed the limit allowed by the welding code. Learn more about welding codes here. Each code determines the extent of the discontinuity before it is classified as a defect and must be repaired. 

For example, if a welding code acceptance criteria allows for undercut up to 1/32" deep and the welding inspector measures undercut that is 1/16" deep, then that weld is rejectable. If the undercut measured was 1/32" or less, then the weld is acceptable. 

All defects are discontinuities, but not all discontinuities are defects. Understanding this forms the key to the proper analysis of any weld performed in accordance with the requirements of a welding code or specification. 

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Concave root surface is a groove weld exhibiting underfill at the root surface.

Possible Causes
Too Much Current
Arc Length Too Long
Root Face Too Small
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Possible Cures
Reduce Current
Maintain Proper Arc Length
Use Proper Joint Fitup ​

Overlap is extra filler metal that spreads out beyond the weld bead.

Possible Causes
Travel Speed Too Slow

Possible Cures
Use Proper Travel Speed​

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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 American Welding Society (AWS) has established a program to help with this requirement in some industries.

Under this program, referred to as the Accredited Test Facility (or ATF) program. 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. 

If you did not take your test through an ATF center, or elected not to take the ATF upgrade, you will not need to submit maintenance forms. However, you still must keep an auditable record of welding activity within every 6 month period. 

Not sure if you took an ATF test? An easy way to check is if you received a wallet card from AWS . If necessary, call the center that you tested with to verify. 

Unlike the plumbing or electrical crafts, welding certification is not a "license". There is not a single welding certification test that will certify you to weld everything. In order to become a certified welder, you need to take a welding test to a specific code. This test is a practical exam that explores your ability to make sound welds. There is no written test for any commonly used code.*

In the US, most organizations accept and operate under the codes written by AWS (the American Welding Society). The first step is to identify which welding code to be certified to, as welders are only certified to weld within the code parameters of the test they have taken. For more information on how to select a welding code to test to, please visit our other blog article, What Welding Certification Do I Need?

AWS has accredited test facilities (commonly known as ATFs) throughout the US, where a welder certification test can be taken. For more information on the ATF program, as well as where to find one in your area, please visit AWS's website-AWS ATF Program. Earlbeck Gases & Technologies operates Maryland's only ATF center.

A certification test can also be administered at a test center that is not accredited by AWS, however, they do not have the ability to issue AWS certified welder ID cards and your certifications will not be listed under the national AWS certified welder registry. These certifications done by non-ATF facilities are still valid under audit, however they are not portable between employers.
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Once you have selected your testing center, call to set up an appointment. When you arrive, they will give you instructions on the fit-up required for your test. Once the piece is in position and welding begins, it must remain in that position until completed. This includes grinding. Though none of the Codes impose a time limit on the welding of a test piece, most qualification tests can be completed by a skilled welder in less than 4 hours. When completed, the weld will be visually inspected as well as bend tested. If the test passes, you will receive your certification for that code.

* No AWS or ASME code requires a written exam for welder certification. The only commonly used code that does is the Department of Denfense's military publication NAVSEA S9074-AQ-QIB-010/248 which is typically used for welding machinery on military shops.

Though you can work as a professional welder without ever becoming certified, there are quite a few reasons to become a certified welder. There is no single certification that certifies a welder for all process, metals or positions. However, even having one certification can expand opportunities for the welder.
By becoming a certified welder, you will open more career opportunities. Certified welders are in demand in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and more. 

Many employers will hire certified welders because it is a tangible record of skill. Certification is a great way to demonstrate the welders level of training and experience while job hunting. A certified welder is also more appealing to an employer because statistics have shown that those that are certified have a lower rate of on the job incidents and injuries in comparison to non certified welders. 
Once you've acquired a job, you will be able to command a higher rate of pay. Bureau of Labor statistics indicate a certified welder can earn up to 60% more than non certified welders. You will also have better job security. When companies reduce their welding staff, they're more likely to retain a certified welder because their certification makes them harder to replace in the future. 

Most importantly, a certification may be required if it is called out in a contract or project blueprints. If this is the case, it is imperative that the welder doing the work is certified to the correct code specified. If awarded a project, make sure you have read all requirements and you are in compliance with the requirements. 
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