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How can I obtain a weld certification? I used to work with a guy who was "certified" by having a coupon sent to him....he then sent it back for a bend test and they sent him the cert. I knew that there is no cert that is readily interchangeable in the welding industry bc there are just too many subdivisions and processes...all with different levels specialized skill required. But all im am looking for is something that I can put on a resume to help get my foot in the door....you know.....something that can put some driving power in my resume. I was thinking of of getting the basics first.....carbon, stainless, aluminum.....then maybe try for a couple exotics like hastaloy and titanium....both plate and pipe for all for sick and tig. Is this possible? If so then how do I do it?
Reply:Hey Tigger,You have to understand that getting a cert is generally thru an employer who has a contract that requires certain parameters are met for a product/service. The cert, thru an employer, is generally held by the employer & doesn't necessarily have to be given to the employee. My company had a contract that required me taking a test every year to maintain that contract. The customer had a team that came to our location, provided the coupons, I did the test, the team checked the coupons & issued the cert to my boss. My boss(the owner) always gave me a copy for my own personal records.... he didn't have to.Those "mail-away coupon" certs are virtually worthless as the testing company really doesn't know WHO took the test. Having a cert isn't the absolute end to doing first class quality work for yourself or an employer. It may, at some point in time, be an issue if a liability lawsuit were initiated. Do some research on the AWS site as they & ASME have data for requirements for certification.DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Also keep in mind that many certs are not cheap. Both the 3g and 4g unlimited plate certs I looked at getting to work with a friend was going to run over $600 each for all the xray, bend and charpy tests to qualify IIRC. And that was just for mig. I'd need the same 2 certs for stick as well as tubing certs for both processes. Thats a big chunk of change for something that may or may not get me PT work. Then remember that the certs expire if they are not kept up to date. If I didn't keep them up, I'd need to recert all over again say next year..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:AWS D1.1 is one of the easier tests you can take, but like mentioned before most employers dont care about what certs you have unless its the exact one they need.In order to get any job your going to have to go in and take their test anyways.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:The only other thing to mention. I dont know first hand but I hear some states enter you into a database for certified welders. Then when companies need someone they search the database. But just getting the 1g test would get you into the database.I absolutely hate the schmucks locally who claim to be certified just to look fancy for the average joe. The stories always the same they have been certified for 25 years but they only tested once and never renewed.I got 2 certificates(not AWS) from night school technically I could claim in certified. All the jobs I do are small time repairs and I always get asked if I am certified by the customer who knows jack ****. I end up going off on a tangent about how most the people claiming that are blowing smoke. If they where certified they wouldnt be doing side jobs on craigslist for chump change thats for sure.I should hold my tongue with the customer and I am getting better but I wish people where more informed.
Reply:the UA has a weld certification program that is recognized by contractors. There are still plenty of contractors that make you take a gate test for their particular job, but the UA certs carry well enough. But you have to renew every 6 months or have your contractor sign you off. Im sure ironworkers locals have a similar program.
Reply:Originally Posted by citizen smiththe UA has a weld certification program that is recognized by contractors. There are still plenty of contractors that make you take a gate test for their particular job, but the UA certs carry well enough. But you have to renew every 6 months or have your contractor sign you off. Im sure ironworkers locals have a similar program.