What Is Welding Certification?
Welding certification is proof that you passed a performance test on a specific welding procedure and code. The most widely recognized is AWS welding certification through the American Welding Society's Certified Welder program, which is open to anyone who can pass the test, with no education or experience prerequisites. You test at an AWS Accredited Test Facility and file maintenance paperwork every six months to keep the certification active.
How to Become an AWS Certified Welder
1. Build the Skill
Many people train first in a college welding certificate or degree, which gives them supervised booth time in the process they plan to test in.
2. Pick the Test
AWS certifies welders for specific industries, including structural steel, sheet metal, petroleum pipelines, pressure vessels, and chemical refinery construction.
3. Test at an Accredited Test Facility
AWS runs its welder tests through Accredited Test Facilities across the U.S. Cost varies by facility, process, and qualification requirements.
4. Keep It Current
A certified welder submits maintenance documentation every six months confirming they still perform the certified process.
Welding Certification Programs With on-Site Testing
These colleges build testing or certification preparation into their welding programs, according to their own pages.
| College | Location | Testing or certification |
|---|---|---|
| St. Philip's College | San Antonio, TX | AWS Accredited Testing Facility since 2010 |
| Los Angeles Trade-Technical College | Los Angeles, CA | On-site welding test center |
| Mt. San Antonio College | Walnut, CA | Licensed Los Angeles City structural welding test site |
| Sierra College | Rocklin, CA | Qualification test records in certain skills paths |
| Houston City College | Houston, TX | Degree built on AWS SENSE standards |
| Lee College | Baytown, TX | Welding Inspection certificate with CWI exam preparation |
Welding Inspector Certification (CWI)
Welding inspector certification is the next step for experienced welders. The AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential requires a vision test and a mix of education and experience: at least five years of welding-based work experience with a high school diploma, or one year with a bachelor's degree in welding engineering. Candidates pass three exams, Part A (fundamentals, 150 questions), Part B (practical), and Part C (code book, 50 to 65 open-book questions), with at least 72% on each. The CWI is valid for nine years, with renewals at years three and six.
If you're heading that way, Lee College near Houston offers a Welding Inspection certificate that ends with CWI exam preparation.
Certified Welder vs. a Welding Diploma
A college certificate or degree shows you completed a training program. A certified welder has passed a specific performance test. Employers often ask for the second, and many test you on their own procedure before hiring. The best path for most people is both: train at one of the best welding schools in Texas or another state, then earn the AWS welding certification your target job asks for. See welder salary data to set expectations.
Welding Certification FAQ
What Is the Best Welding Certification to Get?
For most new welders, an AWS Certified Welder test in the process, position, and code your target job uses, such as structural steel or pipe. Employers name the procedure they want, so check job postings before you test.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Certified Welder?
There's no minimum. AWS says its welder program has no educational prerequisites or minimum experience, so you can test as soon as you can pass. Many people train first, in a college certificate program of a few months to a year.
How Much Does a Welding Cert Cost?
AWS doesn't publish one price. It says the cost varies by Accredited Test Facility, the welding process being tested, and the qualification requirements.
How Do I Become a Certified Welding Inspector?
AWS requires a vision test plus education and experience; with a high school diploma you need at least five years of welding-based work experience. You then pass three exams, Parts A, B, and C, with at least 72% on each. The certification is valid for nine years.
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Sources
Reviewed September 24, 2026.
- American Welding Society, welder certification program
- American Welding Society, Certified Welding Inspector
- College welding pages linked from each profile and guide above