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Best welder certifications
Welder certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an welder to employers. However, not all welder certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a welder are Certified Welder, Certified Welding Engineer, and Certified Welding Fabricator (CWF).
Below is a list of the best welder certifications. Obtaining an welder certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for welders
20 best welder certifications
1. Certified Welder
The Certified Welder program is a performance-based program with no prerequisite courses or certifications required. Final certification will provide "transferrable" credentials that you may take with you wherever you go.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
2. Certified Welding Engineer
The AWS Certified Welding Engineer is for individuals who have demonstrated education, experience, and knowledge as defined by this information and who successfully passes the required examinations is considered qualified as an AWS Certified Welding Engineer ,CWEng). The CWEng is capable of directing those operations associated with weldments and other types of joints that are completed in accordance with the appropriate contract documents, codes, and other standards to produce a satisfactory product. The welding engineer-s activities begins before production or construction welding and continues through the production process then ending when the production process is complete.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
3. Certified Welding Fabricator (CWF)
Convey your expertise to customers and other industry professionals as a designated AWS Certified Welding Fabricator (CWF). The CWF program was developed in response to industry demand: it's designed to recognize those select companies who prove they have the resources, procedures, and personnel to apply a quality management system to the welding fabrication activities.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
4. Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
The Certified Welding Inspector certification is widely recognized, both nationally and internationally. Successful companies have come to rely on this AWS certification when ensuring the highest level of quality workmanship.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
5. EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA)
A comprehensive, equipment specific safety program designed to provide operators and their employees with a thorough understanding of best risk management practices. Industry accidents, which serve to put a spotlight on potential issues, can often be avoided through the utilization of proper risk management techniques.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
6. Structural Welding Special Inspector
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
7. Welding Maintenance Technician Certificate
Certificates are awarded upon successful completion of each class. Students are required to pass 8 courses to earn a Welding Maintenance Certificate.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
8. Operator Certification
Operator Certification is an intensive six-day training program that educates operators in the correct applications and techniques for safe, competent operation of sawing and drilling equipment.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
9. Welding Inspection and Metallurgy Professional (API)
The API 577 Welding Inspection and Metallurgy certification exam tests the individual's knowledge and expertise in the field of welding and metallurgy.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
10. Certified Robotic Arc Welding Technician
The AWS Certification Program for Robotic Arc Welding - Operators and Technicians (CRAW) allows many welding personnel employed in various welding sectors to measure themselves against standards for their occupation. It also signifies that the CRAW Operator or Technician has demonstrated the capability of working with various codes, standards, and specifications.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
11. Master Engine Machinist
The Engine Machinist Series includes three tests: Cylinder Head Specialist, Cylinder Block Specialist, and Assembly Specialist. Candidates will be tested on the tasks associated with the teardown, cleaning, inspection, repair, machining, and reassembly of both gasoline and diesel engines.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
12. Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
The AWS program for the certification of Welding Educators has been developed to define minimum standards for welding educators and to provide respected recognition for those who demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to be a welding educator.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
13. Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI)
The SCWI is an individual who is in a supervisory position and has attained a higher level of experience than a CWI. The successful applicant also has professional education which has provided the opportunity to solve problems with a scope and level of difficulty beyond those experienced as a CWI.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
14. Certified Mine Safety Professional (CMSP)
To be eligible an applicant shall be primarily engaged in the practice of mine safety or one of its related specialties, andShall have been certified as competent within the broad practice of safety or one of its relevant specialties by an organization recognized as qualified by the Society and shall have a minimum of five (5) years in the mine safety profession, orShall have been registered or licensed by an approved agency as a Professional Engineer and shall have a minimum of five (5) years in the mine safety profession, orShall hold a baccalaureate or higher degree from a recognized college or university, and shall have a minimum of seven (7) years in the mine safety profession, orShall have a minimum of ten (10) years in the mine safety profession.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
15. Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI)
Take the first steps towards a prosperous career in welding inspection as a CAWI. You'll get hands-on experience as you work alongside a Senior Certified Welding Inspector or Certified Welding Inspector. The decision to become a CAWI signals employers that you're serious about your career.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
16. Overhead Crane Operator
The purpose of CCO is to set standards for measuring the knowledge and proficiency required for the safe operation of cranes.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
17. Certified Healthcare Safety Professional - Fire Safety Management (CHSP-FSM)
The International Board for Certification of Safety Managers, also known as BCHCM, is proud to announce the new healthcare Fire Safety Management (FSM) designation. The FSM is a specialty endorsement designation to the existing Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) credential. Applicants for the new FSM designation must hold the CHSP and be in good standing with the Board. Any CHSP member can apply to sit for the FSM exam by completing an on-line application and paying the current examination fee of $150. There is currently no application fee. The Board does not need any supporting documentation such as reference forms or transcripts. The FSM exam is comprehensive in scope and contains from 80-100 multiple choice questions. The exam is challenging but does not contain questions requiring math or engineering calculations. The exam content has been developed with the assistance of practicing professionals and subject matter experts. The Board statistically analyzes each exam to ensure the validity of all questions. The Board also uses analytical techniques to ensure the reliability of each exam version to access the competency of each candidate. Each exam may contain 5 to 10 "trial questions" that are being validated for use on future exam forms.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
18. NDT-Radiographic Film Interpretation of Pipeline Welds (NDT)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
19. Rigging Equipment Inspector
Participants will learn how to inspect all types of rigging equipment in accordance with OSHA and ASME requirements. Inspector certification will ensure that the inspector is competent and qualified.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
20. Managing Crane Safety (OCSI)
For operators, inspectors and other personnel who require a thorough knowledge of overhead and gantry cranes, monorail systems and hoists. This program enables companies to perform their own in-house crane inspections, which include the OSHA required Monthly and Periodic Inspections. Training and certification also ensure that operators and inspectors meet the OSHA and ASME competency and qualification requirements.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a welder?
The best welder certification is Certified Welder. The Certified Welder is awarded by the American Welding Society. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this welder certification:
- To become a certified Certified Welder, you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 5 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for welders?
The most in-demand welder certification is Certified Welder based on all active job postings. Having this welder certification will give you access to more welder jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a welder career and salary?
The Certified Welding Inspector certification will help you to secure a certified welding inspector position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A certified welding inspector's average salary is $53,601 whereas welders make an average salary of $39,696.
The most common combination of welder certifications include: Certified Welder, Certified Welding Engineer, and Certified Welding Fabricator (CWF).
Online courses for welders to earn certifications
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