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This question is about welder certifications.
How to get a welding certification
To get a welding certification, you need to take two exams, submit a Certified Welder application, and apply for a state license. Here are the details on these steps and other tips on how to get a welding certification:
Take two exams. You must first pass a written test to get an American Welding Society (AWS) certification. Then you must also pass a practical AWS welder performance exam.
The written test is multiple choice and is made up of three sections:
Part A - Fundamentals
Part B - Practical
Part C - Code Application
The fundamentals section has 150 questions based on the foundations of welding processes. It is a closed-book exam.
The practical section consists of 46 questions that give the applicant a chance to prove his or her welding knowledge hands-on using visual aids, such as actual tools and plastic replicas of welds or a sample code book.
In the code section, you must answer 46-60 questions which evaluate your familiarity with one of five codes. You get to choose which code you are tested on. Each section of the exam must be completed in two hours.
Finally, the second exam is a performance-based exam. Here you will have to complete certain supervised welding processes and be graded on your performance.
Submit a Certified Welder application. After you complete and pass the exams you must then submit a Certified Welder application.
This process can be done online, by mail, or in person. The status of your application is usually communicated to you by the AWS within a week.
Apply for a state license. This also depends on which state you are a welder in.
Certain states require welders to have a professional license, while others do not. Research your state to find out if you must complete this step.
In addition, if you plan on working on government-based projects, you need to check on exactly which certifications and licenses you might need.
Tips. The AWS offers the general Certified Welder certificate, as well as many other specialized welding certifications.
Depending on the type of welding work you plan to do, you might want to obtain one or more specialized welding certifications in addition to your Certified Welder certification.
Here are the other areas you can become certified in:
Robotic arc welding
Engineer
Inspector
Educator
Supervisor
Sales representative
Fabricator
Structural welding code for steel
Structural welding code for aluminum
Tubular structures
Light gauge steel
Reinforcing steel
Sheet metal welding
Chemical plant and petroleum pipe welding
Railroad welding
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