Certified Welder Program

The AWS Certified Welder program is open to anyone with a talent for welding. This program was developed through input from volunteers throughout the industry and is designed to provide transferable credentials to professional welders who demonstrate the required skills. This means your earned credentials reflect an industry need.

Since the test is strictly performance-based, there are no prerequisite courses or certifications required prior to testing. If you are able to do the weld necessary to pass the test, then you are eligible to become an AWS Certified Welder.

Here’s what to know about application and renewal.

Certified Welder Maintenance Portal

Certified Welder Maintenance Portal

You can now upload a PDF copy of your Maintenance of Welder Certification application and pay your renewal fees using the new online portal. The new online portal improves your certification(s) processing time while also providing a convenient and secure payment option.

CW Initial Application

• How it Works
• Required Documents
• Testing Facilities
• Training

CW Renewal

• How it Works

Initial Application

Certified Welder Certifications

The AWS Certified Welder program allows for welders to obtain multiple certifications to expand their credentials. Every certification that a welder earns increases the number of skills needed to perform a wide range of welding jobs. See a list of certifications that a welder can obtain through the CW program.

The Certified Welder (CW) program tests welders on procedures used in the structural steel, petroleum pipelines, sheet metal, and chemical refinery welding industries.

CW tests are performed at AWS Accredited Testing Facilities (ATFs) located throughout the world, and candidates must make an appointment to participate. These testing facilities adhere to strict standards for welder testing and can test welders to AWS Standard Welding Procedures, industry standard specifications, and company-supplied or non-code welding specifications.

Certified Welder Requirements

The following requirements must be met to participate in this program:

1. Test in accordance with one of the QC7 standards below (whichever is applicable):
   • QC7, Standard for AWS Certified Welders
   • QC7, Supplement C, Welder Performance Qualification Sheet Metal Test Requirements
   • QC7, Supplement F, Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping
   • QC7, Supplement G, AWS Performance Qualification Test (generic supplement)
2. Complete a welder performance qualification test at an ATF for AWS Certified Welder Certification (domestic or international).
3. Submit a completed Certified Welder Application for certification.
4. Submit Maintenance of Welder Certification prior to expiration, which verifies that the welding process was used.

Instructions

The following instructions outline the requirements of the program.

1. Read the QC7 Standard and its supplements.
2. Contact the ATF representative at a facility near you to register for the test.
3. Perform welding test with the ATF.
4. Once you have passed the test, the ATF will forward your application, qualifications test record, and payment to AWS.
5. Read the QC7 Standard and its supplements.
6. AWS will receive your application, test results and the registration fee up to two weeks after your skill demonstration. (This varies; check with your selected ATF.) You should receive your welder certification card and maintenance form from the AWS Certification Department two to three weeks from the date your application is received.

Applications

Technical Documents

Other forms and documents:

• Candidate Attestation Agreement
• AWS Bank Information
• Policies and Fees
• Certification Duplicate Order Form
• Training Hours Upload Requirement Waiver
• Photo Upload Requirement Waiver
• Visual Acuity Upload Requirement Waiver
• Education or Other Upload Requirement Waiver

Exams

Welder testing must be scheduled with an AWS Accredited Testing Facility (ATF). During a scheduled appointment, the welder will deposit a sound weld that is inspected by an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). The welder’s ability to properly adhere to the Welding Procedure Specification includes fit-up, assembly, and positioning.

If a welder fails any test, they can retest at any time. It is best to discuss retesting with the ATF representative, who will be able to assist in scheduling a new test date.

To contact an ATF near you, select one of the links below or call AWS at 800.443.WELD or outside the U.S. at 305.443.WELD.

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Renewal

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 have it verified on the maintenance form that you are still performing the same welding as you originally tested for, your certification remains in effect.

A 60-day administrative extension period is allowed. During this time your certification will be considered expired. If the Maintenance Form is received within the administrative extension period, and the renewal requirements have been met, your certification will be renewed from the date of its expiration. An additional late fee of $50 will be asset if the Maintenance is submit after the expiration day and between the administrative extension period.

1. Certification issued, June 1, 2023
2. Certification expires, December 1, 2023
3. Administrative extension period, December 1, 2023 to February 1, 2024, a $50 late fee will be charged.
4. After February 1, 2024, welder must re-test, to regain certification

Note: Most codes require maintenance every (6) months. Check the requirements of the standard that governs your certification to assure that maintenance is received by AWS at the proper intervals.