What Does a Certified Welder Program Cover and Why Is It Important?
One of the best ways a welder can advance in his or her chosen career is to gain a recognized accreditation. The Certified Welder Program is one such certification and can open up many doors for welders looking to advance their career and improve their trade. The American Welding Society (AWS) offers welders the chance to earn a range of qualifications including supervisors, welding engineers, inspectors, fabricators and educators.
What are the Benefits of Certification?
When it comes to certification programs in the welding industry, AWS is the world leader. Since the program was started in the 1970s, AWS has certified thousands of welding professionals across all of its eight certification categories. That number just keeps on growing as more and more welders recognize the opportunities that the Certified Welder Program can bring.
Interested in AWS Certification? How to Choose the Right Certification Path
With eight different categories available under the Certified Welder Program, it can be hard to know where to start. Perhaps you are a welder looking for certification that will help you to gain employment, or perhaps you are a seasoned welding technician looking to become an inspector or educator. AWS has helped many people in the field of welding to take that vital next step in their career and prove that they have the competence and skills to work to the highest standard.
The eight AWS categories are as follows:
- Certified Welding Inspector Program
- Certified Welding Educator Program
- Certified Radiographic Interpreter
- Certified Welding Supervisor
- Certified Welding Sales Representative
- Certified Welding Engineer
- Certified Welder Program
- Certified Robotic Arc Welding
What to Expect Along the Way to Certification
Very often, people assume that experience in the field will be enough to grant them certification, but this is not always the case. Welding is a complex skill and it would be negligent of the AWS to award certification so easily. The certification process does require some careful preparation, even for those with many years of experience under their belts.
Here are some things to consider before applying for the Certified Welder Program:
- How much will I need to prepare? This largely depends on your skill set, knowledge and the category of certification you opt for.
- Is it worth it? The time invested in the Certified Welder Program will definitely bring some rewards, whether it’s a boost in earnings or being awarded the job you have always wanted.
At Freehold Welding Inc., we are proud of our involvement in the Certified Welder Program. Our team consists of AWS welders who have all proven their skills when evaluated by a certified AWS inspector. We continue to maintain and upgrade our skills so that we can maintain quality in all aspects of our welding and fabrication service.
Speak to Freehold Welding Inc. at (732)-577-1516 to find out more about our professional welding services or to find out more about our AWS welders and the Certified Welder Program. You can also use our contact form to get in touch.