What’s the American Welding Society (AWS) licensed welder program?
The development trades welders like pipefitters, boilermakers, and ironworkers are all routinely required to cross welding certification exams each time they enter a brand new job. For development staff, that may be a number of occasions a 12 months. Typically the welders even take the identical precise check a number of occasions a 12 months. So somebody on the AWS thought they might eradicate all this pointless testing by establishing the AWS licensed welder program.
How does the AWS licensed welder program work?
The AWS has a program for welding faculties and welding certification check retailers to develop into what is called an AWS accredited welding certification check facility. By way of an auditing course of and an on website go to, the accredited check facility certificates is awarded if the factors is met. Welders who want to develop into licensed by the AWS licensed welder program can seek for accredited check amenities on the AWS web site.
As soon as an accredited check facility is chosen, the welder contacts the AWS accredited check facility and arranges a date for the welding certification check occasion.
What sort of welding certification check is offered?
It depends upon the capabilities of the AWS accredited check facility. A number of varieties of welding exams could possibly be administered by one facility relying on supplies accessible and testing gear.
Welding certification exams are often given utilizing a professional welding process or one that’s prequalified and accessible for buy from the AWS.
How lengthy is the welding certification good for?
A welder that certifies utilizing the AWS certifications welder program is licensed indefinitely offered she or he gives acceptable proof of welding exercise at required intervals. The report of welding exercise have to be auditable and documented.
What are the drawbacks?
There are plenty of drawbacks. A ten greenback cost per cert each 6 months? I’d name {that a} disadvantage. Particularly when you’ve got 10 or 12 certs.
Along with the expense, this system has not achieved widespread acceptance. In different phrases, contractors nonetheless wish to check welders as an alternative of counting on earlier certification…even it the welding certification is with the AWS. My guess is it’s as a result of the contractor is liable for the standard of their welds , not the AWS.