How to Get A Welding Certificate: A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Career

Welding is one of those creative skills that brings metal to life. The idea is simple: melt, join, and build. As a hobbyist, you can experiment as you like without any paperwork.

But once you step into professional work, the story changes. Companies want assurance that you can do the job right and safely. That assurance comes in the form of a welding certificate. A challenge for newcomers is figuring out which certificate to get, from where, and how to prepare for it.

To simplify this, we have put together a step-by-step guide on how to get a welding certificate, covering available options, how to earn one, and the costs involved.

What is a Welding Certificate and Why Do You Need One?

Welding is a vocational skill, and even if you have practical experience joining metals, that doesn’t automatically qualify you to work in industrial settings. Professional welding is governed by standardized codes to ensure safety and consistency. So, while you may know the craft, you still need recognized proof of your ability.

A welding certificate provides that proof. Unlike a degree, which focuses on theory, or a license, which grants legal permission, a welding certificate is a performance-based credential. It confirms that you can carry out a specific welding process according to industry-approved standards and proven procedures.

Why does it matter? Employers rely on these certificates to decide who is qualified for the job. They are often required on construction sites, fabrication shops, and oil and gas projects. Beyond mere compliance, a certificate can open doors to better opportunities, higher pay, and long-term career growth.

Understanding the Different Types of Welding Certifications

Welding certifications come in several forms. First, they are usually grouped by the organization that issues them. These credentials are nationally and internationally accepted, making them transferable between employers and even across borders.

Second, companies may issue their own in-house certifications, though these are typically limited to internal projects and do not carry weight outside that organization.

Third, certifications can also be divided by career path or specialized technology. For example, some are designed for supervisory roles, others focus on educational expertise. There are also specialized options, including Resistance Welding and Robotic Arc Welding,

Welding Certification Organizations

The most widely recognized body is the American Welding Society (AWS), whose certifications are accepted across industries in the U.S. and abroad. Another important authority is the American Petroleum Institute (API), which issues certifications mainly for inspection roles in the oil and gas sector.

Outside the U.S., two major names stand out internationally. The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) regulates welding qualifications in Canada under CSA standards. In the United Kingdom, The Welding Institute (TWI) provides certifications aligned with ISO standards.

Another important point: all certifications are backed by industry codes, primarily those from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and AWS. For instance, ASME Section IX focuses on qualifying welding and brazing procedures. At the organizational level, ASME also issues the Boiler and Pressure Vessel (BPV) Certification. 

Popular Welding Certifications

There are plenty of welding certifications out there – but to keep things simple, let’s go through the ones that are the most recognized and in demand. You may go through the AWS Certifications page for the full list.

The 5-Step Path to Earning Your Welding Certificate

So, you know the options, here’s the outline of the path you need to follow to get certified:

Step 1: Meet Basic Prerequisites

Prerequisites vary from course to course, but the most basic requirement is knowing how to weld. For instance, the AWS Certified Welder (CW) program requires no prior coursework or degree. It’s performance-based. If you can weld to the standard, you’re eligible to apply.

However, higher-level certifications do have prerequisites. For instance, the CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) requires a mix of education and work experience. They have a sliding scale: the more formal education you have, the less experience you need. A bachelor’s in welding engineering can reduce the requirement to one year, while a high school diploma alone means you’ll need around five years of experience.

Step 2: Pursue Proper Training 

Even if a certification doesn’t require formal coursework, we recommend getting structured training first. Apprenticeships, workshops, or community college programs can give you a strong technical foundation.

Certification authorities like AWS now provide prep programs and even online self-paced courses to help candidates prepare for exams. If your time and budget allow, going through these resources before sitting for the test will definitely boost your chances.

Step 3: Gain Hands-On Practice 

Welding is a craft that only improves with practice. A course or degree might teach you the theory, but consistent hands-on work is what makes you test-ready. Without it, passing a performance exam is nearly impossible.

If you’re just starting, we would recommend experimenting with small welding projects. We’ve shared some DIY welding project ideas in another post, all made using the xTool Metal Fab, a versatile, advanced tool based on laser welding. We suggest beginners and professionals try it too.

Step 4: Select the Most Suitable Certification Body and Test

You will notice there are multiple certifications offered by different organizations, but you’ve to choose one that aligns with your career goals, or employer requirements. If you’re a beginner, you should start with the Certified Welder (CW) program. It’s the foundation and opens doors to entry-level jobs.

Once you’re established, you can move into more specialized areas. Certifications in Robotic Arc Welding or Resistance Welding are becoming increasingly popular as industries adopt automation. If your path leans toward inspection or quality control, a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is highly valued and can lead to supervisory or technical roles.

Step 5: Prepare for and Pass the Certification Test

Preparation is the make-or-break step. Each certification has its own exam structure, so first review the official test pattern and requirements. Understand how many parts the exam has, what codes you’ll be tested on, and what practical skills you need to demonstrate. 

Certifying bodies like AWS provide guides, code books, and seminars to help candidates get ready. Beyond that, look for mock exams, practice welds, and even mentorship from someone who has already gone through the process.

There’s plenty of material already available on the web. You may find YouTube tutorials and Facebook communities, with people who have similar certifications – their guidance can be a big help too. 

What Happens After You Pass? Maintaining Your Certification

A certification isn’t permanent. It needs to be renewed from time to time with documented proof, and in some cases, you even have to sit for recertification after a few years. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common timelines/validation of each common welding certification:

- AWS Certified Welder (CW): Valid as long as you submit a maintenance form every 6 months confirming you’re still welding with the process you tested on.

• AWS Certified Welder (CW):  Valid as long as you submit a maintenance form every 6 months confirming you’re still welding with the process you tested on.
• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): Requires renewal applications at year 3 and year 6 to stay active. At the 9-year mark, recertification is required.
• API 577 Welding Inspection & Metallurgy: Valid for 3 years, then you must reapply and pay renewal fees to extend.
• CWB (Canadian Welding Bureau) Certifications: Valid for 2 years, after which welders must retest under CSA standards

Certification Costs and Budget Planning

Costs vary widely depending on the certification level, training route, and even the test facility. Entry-level certification can be done for a few hundred dollars, but if you’re aiming for advanced roles like inspector or engineer, expect costs to climb into the thousands.

We have also noted that membership in the certifying organization can save you a good amount, especially if you aim to get multiple certifications. In some cases, employers may also sponsor their staff, so it’s always worth asking if that option is available.

Conclusion

Even if you’re naturally good at welding, getting certified is the key to proving your skills in a professional setting. A certificate validates your ability, builds employer trust, and helps you grow into better-paying roles. Over time, stacking higher-level certifications is how you climb the career ladder.

And while you focus on building your credentials, the right tools can make the learning curve easier. That’s why xTool introduced xTool Metal Fab, a compact laser welding solution designed to give creators and welders more precision and flexibility.

If you’re starting your welding or are in search of advanced welding tech, we would recommend you try our xTool Metal Fab and see for yourself how it unlocks multiple creative possibilities.