AWS Certified Welder Guide (2025)
Updated July 6, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
If you're serious about a career in welding, becoming an AWS Certified Welder is one of the most important steps you can take. Issued by the American Welding Society (AWS), this certification proves you have the skills to weld according to nationally recognized standards—and that you're ready for job sites, shipyards, pipelines, or wherever metalwork needs to be done right.
In this guide, we'll walk through:
- What the AWS Certified Welder Program is
- How the test works and where to take it
- What it costs and how to prepare
- How certification affects your career
- How it compares to other welding certifications
- Common FAQs
- What to do next after getting certified
What Is the AWS Certified Welder Program?
The AWS Certified Welder Program tests welders on their ability to perform procedures used in structural steel, sheet metal, pipelines, and chemical refinery welding. It’s a performance-based certification—meaning you're tested on your hands-on welding ability, not written knowledge.
This certification is not tied to a specific education level, apprenticeship, or job. It’s open to anyone who can pass the welding test.
The program is administered by the American Welding Society, a nonprofit organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and widely respected across construction, manufacturing, and industrial sectors 1.
How the Certification Process Works
Here’s how to become an AWS Certified Welder:
1. Choose a Welding Code
You’ll test according to a specific Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)—for example:
- AWS D1.1 (Structural Steel)
- AWS D1.3 (Sheet Steel)
- API 1104 (Pipelines)
- ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
2. Schedule a Test at an Accredited Test Facility (ATF)
AWS certification tests must be taken at an Accredited Test Facility, which you can find at:
https://www.aws.org/certification/page/find-a-test-center
3. Take the Hands-On Test
A Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) evaluates your weld to the selected code—either visually, through bend tests, or radiography.
4. Get Certified
If you pass, you'll receive a Certified Welder ID Card. You must renew it every 6 months with documentation of ongoing welding work.
Cost of AWS Welder Certification
| Expense | Estimated Cost (2025) |
|---|---|
| Test Fee (per WPS) | $150–$350 |
| Retest (if needed) | $50–$150 |
| Registration/Card Fee | $35–$75 |
| Prep Course (optional) | $200–$1,000 |
Some employers or union programs cover testing fees for apprentices.
Do You Need to Go to School First?
No. AWS does not require formal schooling. However, most successful candidates learn through:
- Trade schools or vocational programs
- Union apprenticeships
- On-the-job training under journeyman welders
Hands-on experience with specific joints and positions is essential.
Is AWS Certification Required by Law?
It’s not a legal requirement in most states, but many employers and federal contracts require AWS-certified welders—especially for structural steel, bridges, and pipelines.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also recognizes AWS as a qualifying standard for welding work on regulated job sites 2.
AWS vs. Other Welding Certifications
| Certification | Issuing Body | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Certified Welder | American Welding Society | General construction, pipelines, structural welding | Widely accepted, hands-on test, portable | Requires 6-month maintenance |
| NCCER Welding | NCCER | Apprenticeship programs, entry-level positions | Includes both written + performance exams | Less recognized outside of NCCER networks |
| ASME Section IX | Company-based testing | Pressure vessels, nuclear and industrial settings | Code-based, highly technical | Not portable across jobs |
| Union Journeyman Certs | Local unions (e.g. UA, IW) | Infrastructure, bridges, high-rise steel | Access to top pay + union benefits | Requires full union membership and apprenticeship |
Impact on Career and Pay
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, certified welders earn 15–20% more on average than uncertified peers—especially in roles involving pipe welding, refineries, aerospace, or defense 3.
Certified welders are also more likely to qualify for:
- Union jobsite access
- Prevailing wage projects
- Federal or state contracts
- Leadership roles or welding inspector pathways
FAQs About AWS Welding Certification
How long does AWS certification last?
AWS certifications must be renewed every 6 months through documentation showing you’re still actively welding using the qualified process.
Can I take the AWS welding test without going to school?
Yes. As long as you can perform the weld to specification, formal training is not required.
What’s the hardest AWS welding test?
Many consider the 6G pipe weld (a fixed pipe at 45°) using SMAW or GTAW to be the most challenging.
Where do I take the AWS welding test?
Tests are administered at Accredited Test Facilities (ATFs). Search by zip code at:
https://www.aws.org/certification/page/find-a-test-center
What’s Next?
If you’re serious about welding as a career, here’s what you can do next:
- 🔎 Explore trade schools that offer AWS test prep
- 📚 Compare AWS with NCCER and union certifications
- 🛠️ Learn how to become a pipe welder or welding inspector
- 📍 Check welding license requirements in your state
Want a step-by-step guide tailored to your state? Contact us here.
References
-
American Welding Society. AWS Certified Welder Program Overview. https://www.aws.org ↩
-
OSHA. Welding, Cutting, and Brazing Standards. https://www.osha.gov/welding-cutting-brazing ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm ↩
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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