My Cert...

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So I've been looking for a new job and keep seeing ads for "certified welders". Most the time when I call and ask what kind of certification I get "stick, mig or tig". I think that most of the time the person doing the hiring has no idea what they're talking about. So one job in particular I keep seeing is advertising $25 for 3/4G certified welders. So I call and I try to get some more information about what exactly they're looking for... I manage to get the fact that it's "structural and stick" and if I'm certified they will forward it to the inspector and if it's what they are looking for I'll get the job.After seeing so many ads for "certified" welders" I've got myself set up with a CWI to take a D1.1 unlimited thickness w/7018. This is my first test and I've got some butterflies but I'm confident in my ability to pass. My questions are.... Is certifying myself a good idea? Am I making it harder than I need to? Should I just take a fillet test and start applying as a "certified welder"? Is $200 too much to pay for certification?
Reply:I usually supply certs for $100 + material for AWS Standard Welding Procedures.  Bear in mind that I am not a CWI, but a PE.  I've never had trouble with anyone not accepting a certification I've signed, but I suppose anything is possible.Weld test prices vary highly with location.  Be sure to get a competitive quote.  You never know if you will need to retest.
Reply:Every job that I ever had made you take your cert test with them.  Your prior certs only prove that you are capable of having passed a test somewhere before.Two turn tables and a microphone.
Reply:+1 for Pangea."The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government."  Teddy RooseveltAmerican by birth, Union by choice!  Boilermakers # 60America is a Union.
Reply:yup what Pangea said so pretty much if they are not going to look at you with out a prior cert get one for a 3g 4g plate test for the price you posted is not badMiller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:There are a few companies that will honor AWS supervised qualifcation testing. As long as the welding procedures that were used are the AWS supplied procedures. But as was said in other posts 90% of the companies will require you to take their tests or test as per the governing code. I would save my money and spend my time and money on practicing, JMO.A young green pipe welder asked an old salt one day...How can I make the weld on the bottom of the pipe look like the top.......The old salt replied....Screw up the top......
Reply:Pretty sure you will not be able to use your "personal" qualification on company work unless you are an independent subcontractor.  Presumably what they are asking for is performance qualification.  Unless the employer chooses to exercise the option of 4.2.2.1, your personal test will not meet the requirement of 4.2.2.2, which requires that "Each manufacturer or Contractor be responsible for the qualification of welders..."  (See definition of "Contractor" in 1.3.2).  Technically, you could be the representative of your own company, "Somethingoriginal welding" if you were hired as a sub.  If you are on the payroll and get bennies, you are probably not legally considered a contractor.Still, the company in question can make it a condition of employment that you show up with a performance qual.  It should not be used for fabrication unless 4.2.2.1 is exercised.  The liability exposure of this route could be significant, and I would be sure to work under the performance qualification of the employerIf you decide to test yourself, you will need a qualified WPS (pre-qualified or otherwise) before anything (see 4.22 of D1.1 2010)As always, most of this is coming straight out of my fundamental aperture, there are a bunch of guys on here that know lots more than me.
Reply:Hey I appreciate everyones advice. I did end up taking and passing the test. Although it may be useless in the field I think it will help me out with HR more than anything.
Reply:The way I look at someone with a prior cert if they come to apply for a job for me is this.  They must know just enough about welding to be dangerous as they must have just barely pass a welding test some where else.  Having your own cert just says your capable of passing the test we are going to send you to with out blowing $XXX to test you and only to have you fail at our expense.  So its not a wasted thing. It gives you a slight edge over all the other guys.Lincoln 300 Vantage 2008300 Commander 1999SA250 1999SA200 1968Miller Syncrowave 200XMT350MPA/S-52E/xr-15Xtreme 12vs Millermatic 251 w/30A  Millermatic 251 Dialarc 250 Hypertherm 1250 GEKA & Bantom Ironwokers