Best Welding Certification Programs

To become a welder, a student may choose to enroll in a certificate program or a degree in welding. A degree is much more comprehensive than a certificate, as it covers fundamentals and electives as well as general education coursework on the subject.

The coursework for a certificate program focuses mainly on getting the student prepared for working in the welding trade. A certificate has some added benefits in terms of time and money, as it usually costs less and is quicker to earn than a degree in a specialized field. Most certificates require fewer credits than a degree for a student to graduate. It is also a more flexible option and is often pursued while working full time. The certificate will prepare students with no prior experience for entry level positions in the field. The certificate may also be used as a transition into a diploma or apprenticeship.

A certificate program or professional certificate is different from a license. A certificate is usually distributed by an organization such as a trade school to indicate that the individual has completed educational requirements or demonstrated a level of understanding within their field. These are useful tools for marketing or getting hired.

A license is usually distributed by the government to demonstrate that the individual has permission to legally work in a particular jurisdiction. Some governments use the terms 'certificate' and 'license' interchangeably, but the distinctions between the two are very clear. For example, in some states the government requires licensure beyond the completion of a welding certificate program. The Certified Welder Card issued by the American Welding Society is a license that may sometimes be required to practice welding. In order to receive license, one needs to pass an examination that can cost between $800 - $1,100.

Also available are professional certificates that are not required by the government to practice but are useful for career opportunities such as a certified welding engineer certificate.

A certificate in welding can open doors for the unskilled worker, as it provides the skills to be hired into an entry level position as a welder after completion. This is a great option for those hoping to enter a well-paid and stable career without committing time and money to a four-year degree program. The flexibility of a certificate program may also allow the student to work in the field while pursuing a part time study option. For a person who finds gratification from working with their hands and perhaps desires a level of creativity, this could be a satisfying path to pursue. Welding suits those skilled at precision, mathematics and engineering, this certificate will provide a very enriching and rewarding career. Not looking for a desk job or loads of computer or paperwork? A certificate in welding may be worth considering.

Most graduates with a certificate in welding can expect to find positions in a number of areas including steel fabrication, mines, mills and refineries, nuclear power, aerospace, pipelines, welding shops, petrochemical industries, transportation and construction, and manufacturing. The certificate program in welding prepares graduates to work with mig welding, tig welding and laser welding.

Some common jobs held by graduates with a certificate in welding include electric arc welder, laser welding operator, production welder, spot welder, journeyperson welder, pressure vessel welder, welder-fitter, welding inspector and soldering machine welder. There are many different industries that employ welders and a variety of positions available for those holding a certificate in this trade.

Welder

Welders use handheld or remotely controlled equipment to repair, join or cut metal parts and products. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary of a welder in 2020 was $44,190 per year. The projected growth rate for job positions in this field is 3%, which is slightly slower than the average of 4%.

Boilermaker

Boilermakers install, assemble, maintain and repair boilers, closed vats and other large vessels and containers that hold gases and liquids. According to the BLS, the average salary of a boilermaker in 2020 was $65,360 per year. The work of a boilermaker can be physically demanding.

Assembler/ Fabricator

Assemblers and fabricators build products and their necessary parts. According to the BLS, the median salary of assemblers in 2020 was $34,970 per year. While the BLS projects a decline in the growth rate for jobs, many openings are still expected each year to replace those who leave the occupation.

Courses in the welding certification program will focus on providing the practical training necessary to work in a welder's job providing a comprehensive knowledge of all tools and technologies, industry standards and safety measures, as well as the skills to navigate and produce solutions. Some common courses in the program include

• Welding Technology and Blueprint Reading
• Advanced Blueprint Reading
• Oxyacetylene Welding
• Cutting and Brazing
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding
• Tungsten Arc Welding
• Gas Metal Arc Welding
• Flux Cored Arc Welding

Many of these courses offer basic and advanced levels and students can opt for the advanced courses after the completion of the basic level.

Welding Technology and Blueprint Reading

The Welding Technology and Blueprint Reading course teaches students all common welding processes including industrial applications of techniques, arc characteristics and advantages. It also provides a practical understanding of welding with regard to certain processes and auxiliary welding equipment. The course also presents information on welding safety, welding terms and definitions, metal properties and welding processes.

Oxyacetylene Welding

The Oxyacetylene Welding course offers practical, hands-on education whose topics include personal and shop safety, oxyacetylene torch setup, cylinder storage and care, and regular safety measures. Practical training includes braze and fusion welding and cutting. With the completion of this course, the student will be able to perform basic welding, cutting and heating procedures.

Typically, it takes one year to earn a certificate in welding. This time length varies depending on the course load and the specific institution. For example, at Hobart Institute of Welding the combined structural and pipe welding course requires 40 weeks, while the structural welding course only requires 24 weeks. Many programs also offer accelerated track that can be completed in a few months or a single semester. Other programs may require the student to take the coursework in a particular sequence with a regular course load that may not allow for an accelerated pace, so make sure to check with your program of interest to make sure it fits your schedule. There are also options for full-time or part-time coursework in many schools.

When choosing a certificate program in welding, make sure to find a program that offers basic courses required by all welders in the field. The program should teach basic welding, as all welders need to master the three basic processes of welding-stick, mig and tig. The school should ideally offer combination welding courses that teach about pipe welding and plate welding - a specialty within the field that is often used to repair metal pieces and which can be a great asset to have while applying for jobs. Lastly, the school should teach students to read blueprints.

Read reviews and research the school before selecting to determine whether it offers these choices and is accredited. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools offers a list of accredited welding programs. Accreditation just means that the institutions meets a standardized quality of education recognized by other educational organizations and employers alike. It comes with a number of benefits including the possibility of credit transfer to a degree program and an increased chance of employment. Of course, the cost of the program should also be kept in mind, and finding a program that fits into ones educational budget is very important.

After selecting a school, you'll have to apply to get into the program itself. Make sure to align any financial aid deadlines (see below) with application deadlines. To be eligible for entry into a welding certificate programs you just need a GED or high school diploma, as the program itself is completely performance-based. No per-requisite courses are required. Anyone 18 years or older can fill out an application as long as they pay any required application fees. If you are an international student, you may need to fill out a specific international student application, show a certification of finances, and have proof of English competency.

Once the program is completed, applicants will need to pass a test according to QC7 standards, and complete a performance qualification test at any AWS accredited test facility. Then, they will send in an application form to the American Welding Society online. Expect to pay $50 per certification.

The cost of a certificate program in welding starts at $5,000 and may go up to $15,000 depending on whether the program is hosted by a public or private institution and other fees. At Hobart Institute of Welding, a 24-week course costs $11,400. The cost of welding equipment and certification is generally not included in tuition, so keep this in mind when budgeting. If you are relocating to get your certification, remember to factor in the general cost of living in the area. If budget is a factor, you may need to select a part-time program so you can work through your education.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources for Certificate Programs in CAD Engineering

Students may apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify, as these are often better than applying for direct loans. Look into scholarships and grants as well, as these can greatly offset costs of a certificate. The American Welding Society offers several scholarships for students of welding as long as they live and will go to school within the boundaries of an AWS District.