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There are many different types of welding, and many different roles and specialties within the welding trade. Professional welders need to be able to prove they have the skills employers are looking for to get desirable welding jobs. One of the ways that they do this is by getting certifications. Today we’ll look at the certifications offered by the American Welding Society and how you can begin a career as a welder.
What is the AWS?
The American Welding Society (AWS) is non-profit organization that aims to “advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying.” The AWS is the main body which offers certification programs for welders in the US. These certifications document that welders have the necessary skills and expertise to qualify for different types of jobs in the welding field.
Welding Certifications Offered by the AWS
There are currently ten major types of welding certifications offered by the AWS.
Certified Welder Program
No prerequisite courses or foundation courses are needed for the Welder Program course. The final certificate in this program offers transferable credentials and skills that can be used in various industries.
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
This is a sought-after position for those interested in checking if weldment meets the acceptance criteria. There is also the SCWI (Senior Certified Welding Inspector) certificate, which is a higher level of certification for highly experienced CWIs, and the CAWI (Certified Associate Welding Inspector) credential for professionals who have the goal of becoming welding inspectors but do not yet have enough work experience to meet the CWI requirement.
Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)
This certificate proves your ability to effectively lead teams of welders to complete projects.
Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
Welding industry professionals who wish to teach welding principles in a classroom setting with practical instruction training should consider the CWE certification.
Certified Welding Engineer (CWENG)
This credential is for welders who combine welding knowledge with understanding of structural engineering.
Certified Resistance Welding Technician (CRWT)
This is a certificate that verifies your skills in resistance welding.
Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI)
The CRI certification indicates your ability to use and interpret radiographic images in industrial settings. X-rays and radiographs are used to determine cracks and the quality of the weld.
Certified Robotic Arc Welding (CRAW)
Welders with the CRAW certification have proven their ability to operate the robotic welding machines common in modern manufacturing plants such as those in the automotive industry.
Certified Welding Sales Representative (CWSR)
Welding sales representatives serve as a link between fabricators or manufacturers and buyers or distributors in the welding industry, keeping clients informed about new technology and providing technical support.
How Can You Start Working as a Welder?
If you have your sights set on entering the welding field, you belong in the welding program at ETI School of Skilled Trade. Learning in our 13,000 square foot welding lab, you can be ready to start pursuing certifications and applying for jobs in as little as seven months. Our graduate program has been successfully matching our students with local employers for over ten years, so studying at ETI can give you the best chance of finding a welding position fast. Enroll today or get in touch for more info.
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