Certification's

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Hey guys..Could someone clarify "Certified Welder" for me?
Reply:"Certified Welder" is a pretty general term. There are many codes to be certified to. It depends on what you want type of work you want to get into.
Reply:Ok..Do you know where I might be able to see a list of codes?
Reply:I think AWS would be a good starting point. By codes i think he means "standards". There are many standards to meet. If you are able to weld to meet certain standards then you may be able to get "Certified" for that type of welding. Someone here will correct me if I am wrong but AWS provides guidance for minimum stadards of several different types of welding applications. After you feel like you can meet the standards for a specific type then you can go and test at a designated location that has an AWS examiner available. If he says you pass then you are "Certified" for that type of welding.But this is the AWS Standard. There is no government Regulated standard or certificate that I know of.Grant
Reply:Right..Ok. Got ya.  Just like the FAA has different standards than the military as far as inspections, procedures etc...Thanks a lot.
Reply:Go here:http://www.aws.org/certification/Certified WelderThe 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. The Certified Welder (CW) program test to procedures used in the structural steel, petroleum pipelines, sheet metal and chemical refinery welding industries. There is a provision to test to a company-supplied or non-code welding specification. Access the Accredited Test Facility to find a facility near you or call AWS at (800) 443-WELD, ext 448. How do I "demonstrate" my skill?During your scheduled appointment at an AWS Accredited Test Facility, you will deposit a sound weld that will be inspected by an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). Your ability to properly adhere to the Welding Procedure Specification, selected from available QC7 Supplements, includes fit-up, assembly, and positioning. What happens if I fail the test the first time?If you fail the test, you may retest at any time. It is best to discuss this with your AWS Accredited Test Facility representative, who will be able to assist you in scheduling a new test date. When do I get my card?You will learn if you passed the test immediately, however, AWS will receive your application, test results and $30 registration fee up to two weeks after your skill demonstration. (This varies; check with your selected AWS Accredited Test Facility). You should receive your qualification card and supply of certification maintenance forms from the AWS Certification Department in four to six weeks. How long is my certification valid?Your certification remains valid as long as you submit your certification maintenance forms every six months as required by the Code of Acceptance that governed your test. As long as you can verify (have your employer sign the form) that you are still performing the same welding as you originally tested for, your certification remains in effect. But remember, you must send in your certification maintenance form. What if I let my certification lapse?Why let your certification lapse? You've worked hard to become a top professional in a technically evolving industry, and you've proven it with AWS Certification. Every six months simply provide AWS with your updated certification maintenance form to ensure your certification status. CW InstructionsThe following instructions outline the requirements of the program. Read the QC7 Standard and its supplements. Contact the Accredited Test Facility representative nearest you to register for the test. Take your QC7 Standard with you at the time of the test. Once you have passed the test, the Accredited Test Facility will forward your application, qualifications test record and payment of $30 to the American Welding Society. The AWS Certification Department will process your application and will mail you your AWS Certified Welder Wallet Card along with renewal information. CW RequirementsThe following requirements must be met in order to participate in this program: QC7-93, Standard for AWS Certified Welders QC7-93, Supplement C, Welder Performance Qualification Sheet Metal Test Requirements QC7-93, Supplement F, Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping QC7-93, Supplement G, AWS Performance Qualification Test (generic supplement) Accredited Test Facilities For AWS Welders Certification Domestic International Maintenance of AWS National Welder Certification Certified Welder Application with Guide to Interpreting Abbreviations on Certified Welder CardLast edited by GWallace; 01-14-2007 at 06:47 PM.Grant
Reply:AWS is a good place to start. There is also ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers, API - American Petroleum Institute. There is also one for pressure vessels. Doesn't come to mind right now though. They all have several cert's each. It is though to keep of them all. Usually if you are certified by anyone be it AWS or to one of the other standards and are looking for work you will take another test for that company. Pipeline certs don't follow the welder but rarely if ever. You drive down the road to another company and pipeling job and they give you another test. I am certified to the NYSSCM - New York State Steel Construction Manual, bridge work basically. that one goes with me provided I work atleast 6 days every 6 months on a State job. The EIC - Engineer in Charge of the job will sign a card to certify that I have worked atleast the six days. It can get a little confusing when you are just starting out. Hope this helps
Reply:As far as getting a foot in the door a very basic set of certs will be your D1.1 G3 and G4 thats basic structrual vertical up and overhead.As stated above however different companies want diff certs so if your looking to hire at a specific place the best bet is to find out exactly what they want and whether they will be expecting you to have that cert or if it will be sponsered by the company.A call around to some welding contractors and or welding inspectors will usualy find ya an inspector willing to oversee your test or at least point ya in the right direction.Here in the dallas area alone i know of at least three inspectors that also teach their own welding classes part time and im sure theres more ,thats just chance meetings.Although a school may be a better choice if ya got the cash you can get legal with a good teaching inspector for far cheaper but a lot of the book knowledge will be up to you to find and learnJason