How to be a self employed "certified" welder

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If have been certified under many codes over the years ASME sec. IX, AWS B31.1, B31.3, etc. but I understand none of that does me any good with my own rig. I'm just starting this biz and want to be able to take on any job that I'm capable of. How does one certify themselves.
Reply:Go sit a test. Then keep the paperwork up to date. Big jobs will make you do their test. Little jobs don't know how it all worksG
Reply:Do you have any formal welding training?For small jobs you will be the boss but that does not mean you would not be liable.Just do your homework before you do the job.Cover all the bases. Building codes etc.,.As far as certs for larger jobs this is how it works.And keep in mind they are all a little different.You see the job ad. You go to the job site and are given a welding test which is usually a welding coupon or two or three.IF you pass the test the company will call you or tell you on the spot if you are hired.They may ask for your resume.If they do not call you or notify you it does not mean you failed. It just means they have all the welders they need.Take your resume. Show the certs and companies worked for.Many welders have very diverse backgrounds , training, and experience.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:With rare exception (B31.1 for example will permit acceptance of your quals and continuity logs from a previous employer with the owner's/engineering approval), any ASME work you do requires you to be qualified by the contractor under their own procedures.  As a one man band working under someone else's program, you would have to requalify to their procedures.  If you're acting as an independent subcontractor, assuming it's not stamp work,  you would have to qualify your own procedures and test to them.  You can technically supervise your own test, but any client reviews would likely question or reject it, and would also want to see third party NDE/mechanicals.
Reply:I carry AWS, ASME, and API certs. If I get a big job I usually have to cert for the job.Last edited by TozziWelding; 05-26-2011 at 12:39 PM.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Tozzi, Ok you carry AWS, ASME and API certs...how did you obtain them as a private contract welder? I have spent years in powerplants welding P91 alloy heavywall steam piping, inconell tubes, stainless, carbon, large bore to socket welds, but none of that helps me prove anything to a client that wants certifications. I currently work full time with a mechanical contractor welding chillwater pipe under ASME sec. IX, this required passing a 6G bend test on 5" sch.40 pipe, again doesn't help me with the side welding biz I'm starting.
Reply:Teehee, you are obviously a qualified weldor. Certified means you have passed a test, with specific criteria, and met specific requirements (ie a UT exam or bend). Certs will always have documentation. They also expire regularly. If you dont have documentation right now signed by an inspector or otherwise, you are not _certified_. I am a qualified crane operator, field medic and Type IV incident commander, as well as structural weldor. Just so happens right now, I am not certified in any of those...Weldanpower 225 G7Ironworkers Local #24
Reply:There are plenty of places that host cert. tests for anyone who is willing to pay a fee. Call your local welding school and ask.The school here sucks, like notoriously useless welders coming out of there, but even they offer AWS, ASME, API, and NYSDOT certification testing. The more common tests are scheduled monthly, something less common you will have to schedule individually.They do expire if not maintained, and it IS expensive to keep unused certs active. I wouldn't bother maintaining random certs unless it's for bread and butter work that you perform regularly, or I was really really expecting to use them in the future.People get hung up on titles and things they hear, like "certified welder." The general public and most industry not relating directly to welding really has no clue as to what that means or how it applies to the work at hand. They just know they want a "certified welder" to do the work.Used out of context of a particular application "certified welder" really conveys no meaningful information anyway, it's just a catch phrase at that point. With that in mind, if you want to use "certified welder" in an advertising manner, I don't think it would be an issue. It's obvious you know your way around tube and pipe and have held various certs in the past. I would just run with it.A well written "limitations, disclaimers and exclusions" form can definitely help shield you from liability. But I would recommend having an attorney draft it for you, or perhaps modify an existing generic form and have them look it over for major flaws. And be certain that you know what type of work needs to be certified, even if the client doesn't.When someone who DOES know what they are talking about walks in your door and needs a certain cert, I would just go out and certify, and then work the expense into the price. IMO it's much more reasonable for a one man band to bill it to the job rather than include a whole slew of random certs into your overhead.mens agitat molem
Reply:I just put myself through an ASME section IX pipe test as i had a small job coming up that required it."they " wernt going to send me for the test. They would just get someone from outside the area.Probably cost me half of the job that i needed it for!!I did it as i can keep the certification up by keeping the correct paperwork as i work for myself.call your nearest, or favorite certified testing facility and ask them what test would cover you for the most applications.i needed to weld 3" sched 80, but i did a "monster" coupon, 1/3/4" ID 5/8" wall. tig root n pass 7018 out.this covers me for 1" diam pipe and bigger. Unlimited wall thickness. in two processes.was worth the extra $50 i thought.G
Reply:In washington state we have wabo.   I got messed around because I got my structural certs on my own, but the company renewed for me.   I got a card though from the initial and it has  signature and date spots for each quarter.   The individual is suppose to be a company representative, welding inspector, or a customer.   It also explains this is not to be signed by the individual welder.   You only need a signature per each 6 mos.   I went for a structural steel field cert with is identical to the aws 4G cert.   If you have a legitimate business, have your wife or secretary or other business official sign off.   Good luckIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:I quit worrying about paper a long time ago. In all my years on my own, I have only needed papers one single time. I have since let everything go. If I need them again, I spose I'll have to start getting current again....but until then, I won't bother.QamuIs Heg qaq law' lorvIs yInqaq puS
Reply:Originally Posted by ncfh "certified welder" really conveys no meaningful information anyway, it's just a catch phrase at that point. With that in mind, if you want to use "certified welder" in an advertising manner, I don't think it would be an issue. It's obvious you know your way around tube and pipe and have held various certs in the past. I would just run with it..
Reply:Originally Posted by tenpinsadvertising as a certified weldor, when in fact you are not, is fraudulent. Just like telling a client you are insured, when you are not.certifications are about liability. Something fails, they look at who did the weld, who signed his/her papers. In other words, who is going to PAY for this...I advertise as an experienced and qualified structural weldor. Knowledgeable in structural codes, local codes and AWS codes. Im not aware of being passed over for a certified weldor.
Reply:I used the qualified welded instead of certified.  The difference as explained to me and how I have used it means, I have successfully tested and am competent in the position and process I am applying for.  Certified means I have proof of said abilities.  I quit carrying paper to show due to not needing it and having to test anyhow.  I would roll up on a job and apply.  I would show my paper and they said that's not needed, "all applicants need to test."  That was fine.  Some guys got pissy for being asked to test.  I couldn't care less.  What was another weld?  They are all going to have to be good aren't they?  What makes a test any different?As it was explained to me, if I am welding as a sub then they pay for and hold the certifications.  If I am the top contractor, then I pay for and hold the welding certifications.  As for the little stuff, I held an unlimited plate with fcaw-s, smaw, fcaw and I held a gmaw cert with whatever my 3/8 plate got me too.  I don't remember.  It made my insurance man happy.  Basically, If I welded on junior's trailer with mig I was covered or if I was welding on bubba's tractor or bushhog out in a field with a portable, I was covered.  If I was taken to court, I wanted to be able to show, I held current insurance coverage and certifications for the process I was using.  I hate lawyers. (just thought I would throw that in somewhere)
Reply:[QUOTE=ncfh;513796]There are plenty of places that host cert. tests for anyone who is willing to pay a fee. Call your local welding school and ask.The school here sucks, like notoriously useless welders coming out of there, but even they offer AWS, ASME, API, and NYSDOT certification testing. The more common tests are scheduled monthly, something less common you will have to schedule individually.Im pretty sure I went to that school. While they offer all of the above Certs, they tell you IF you pass, they usually only get your foot in the door. Not all students pass- period. I was one of 2 guys out of 8 to pass the ASME pipe test, Other guys bombed... In my time their, I never witnessed a welder pass the NYSDOT cert...That being said, Local 7 offers 2nd year apprenticeship to the Grads of said school, but they also break everything you learned, and re-teach you their way.Notoriously useless, yes. Some or too many who Graduate are in fact- Useless, through their own fault....Its on State St, right?Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP ( boat anchor )Lincoln Weld-Pac 100 HDHobart IronMan 230Cutmaster 42Jackson NexGenSumner Ultra ClampsDWM120
Reply:Originally Posted by MadMax31Im pretty sure I went to that school. While they offer all of the above Certs, they tell you IF you pass, they usually only get your foot in the door. Not all students pass- period. I was one of 2 guys out of 8 to pass the ASME pipe test, Other guys bombed... In my time their, I never witnessed a welder pass the NYSDOT cert...That being said, Local 7 offers 2nd year apprenticeship to the Grads of said school, but they also break everything you learned, and re-teach you their way.Notoriously useless, yes. Some or too many who Graduate are in fact- Useless, through their own fault....Its on State St, right?
Reply:Hello . I am a CWI in the new york area with a newly opened Accredited Testing Facility (ATF). By Monday June 25 , 2011 my ATF license number will be issued to me. I am looking to expand nationwide with the help of other CWI's where if you have any individuals or companies that have welders or welded materials that need to be certified in any and all welding procedures that my company can do the testing of the materials for you. I can also write all your Welding Procedure Specs (WPS) as well.I'm willing to pay and hourly rate and will cover all shipping costs to my facility.If interested please email [email protected] with any and all questions. [email protected]
Reply:Originally Posted by gordfraserSo you used the word " qualified"How was that done?