There are several types of welding qualifications, such as sheet metal, pipeline and structural steel, that can be earned by an experienced welder who takes the proper steps to become certified. From a basic welder to a certified welding educator, there are welding qualifications to cover nearly all areas of welding. Commonly administered by a recognized authority in the field of welding, acquiring most welding qualifications requires both a written test as well as an actual welding demonstration.
In most areas, welding examinations are overseen by a recognized authority on welding, such as the American Welding Society (AWS) in the United States. To become a certified welder, the welder typically must pass both a written test as well as demonstrate his or her actual welding ability by completing a series of welding exercises. Many of the welding qualifications tests are made more challenging for the welder by being timed. Depending on the type of weld being performed, the weld may be checked by X-ray, measured force required to break the weld or through pressure testing.
Some of the welding qualifications, such as that of a welder/fabricator, are primarily used by companies that not only design a product, but weld it together as well. This allows customers to be certain that the product being purchased is manufactured by a reputable manufacturer that also uses a quality production system. Pipeline welding qualifications are typically based on the ability to weld a petroleum pipeline to resist bursting under pressure or breaking due to bending or vibration. This welding test commonly includes an X-ray of the weld to verify that there are no gaps, hollow spots or other types of flaws present within the weld. There are also specific welding skills that pertain to the welding of stainless steel, aluminum and cast iron.
Vertical welding, upside down and even underwater welding qualifications are offered for the more experienced welders. Certified welding engineers are trained to make certain that the proper welding technique or weldment, is used on any given application. Contract requirements, local or other types of codes and other industry standards are commonly the basis for this judgment. Another of the many welding qualifications is that of a certified welding supervisor. This certification allows a welder to provide an assessment of a company's welding production and offer ways to both increase production as well as maintain the quality and integrity of the welds.
