Benefits of Certification

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Benefits of Certification

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Earning a specialized welding certification can reward you with higher salary potential, stronger employment demand, and better job stability. A specialized certification displays your commitment to professional growth which can lead to success as an industry expert and leader.

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WHY CERTIFY?

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Benefits to You

  • Mark of accomplishment
  • Proof of achievement
  • Competitive edge
  • Better living
  • Commitment to growth
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Benefits to Your Employer

  • Mark of accomplishment
  • Proof of achievement
  • Competitive edge
  • Better living
  • Commitment to growth
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Benefits to the Industry

Mark of excellence
Proof of impartial validation
Competitive edge
Better living
Commitment to growth

Certification Management

  • AWS Certification QuikCheck
  • National Registry of Certified Welders
  • Certified Welder Maintenance Portal

Online QuikCheck is your fastest way to verify current AWS Certification credentials. Enter an individual’s certification information and get immediate results

AWS CERTIFICATION QUIKCHECK

FREE Online AWS National Registry of Certified Welders (NRCW) Verification Service

NRCW Online is your fastest way to verify current AWS CW certification numbers. Simply plug in an AWS CW certification number and get immediate results.

VERIFY AWS CERTIFIED WELDER NUMBER
VERIFY CERTIFIED WELDERS | IRONWORKERS UNION
VERIFY CERTIFIED WELDERS | SHEET METALS WORKERS UNION 

You can now upload a PDF copy of your Maintenance of Welder Certification application and pay your renewal fees using the new online portal. The new online portal improves your certification(s) processing time while also providing a convenient and secure payment option.

CERTIFIED WELDER MAINTENANCE PORTAL

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Welder Performance Qualification and Welder Certification

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Clarifying 'qualified' versus 'certified' welders through AWS standards, emphasizing terminology's role in welding professionalism.
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Facility Accreditation

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Facility Accreditation

A Competitive Advantage

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AWS offers a number of facility accreditations to help organizations show that they operate at a higher standard. These include Accredited Test Facilities, which play an integral part in the AWS Certified Welder program; Certified Welding Fabricators, which show an organization’s dedication to quality; and Certified Robotic Arc Welding Testing Center accreditations, which let organizations test the capabilities of individuals in this area.

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International agents

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International agents

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Since 1919, American Welding Society standards, services, and programs have supported the men and women of welding in the United States.

Today AWS is proud to say that our influence spans the globe, and we support thousands of welding professionals worldwide. To assist our international members, AWS contracts with organizations in countries throughout the globe to facilitate certification exams.

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Qualification & Certification Committees

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Qualification & Certification Committees

Driving Continued Welding Quality

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The Qualification & Certification Committee is responsible for overseeing all AWS Certification Programs. This includes:

  • Creating and approving new certification programs 
  • Providing guidance on all programs by issuing governing standards
  • Enforcing ethics rules violations
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What do I need to know about computer-based testing when it comes to taking AWS exams related to certifications?

    Computer-based testing, or CBT, is a method of proctored in-person exam delivery using a computer at an AWS Exam Center. You can learn more about what that means here. We’ve also created a tutorial to help with all things CBT. You can view it here.

  • What are “endorsements” and what do I need to know about them if I’m interested in becoming a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI)?

    Endorsements are supplemental inspection credentials available to all CWIs and SCWIs. They’re meant to enhance a welding inspector’s credentials, not supplant them. Learn more about Endorsements

  •  I have questions about a specific certification. Where can I find answers?

    The best place to look is on the page of our site that’s dedicated to the particular certification you’re considering. Each of those pages has a collection of specific FAQs to help answer your questions. If you still can’t find the answer, feel free to contact us—we’re happy to help.

  • I’m a military veteran. Are there programs in place to help me with certification?

    Yes! If you’re a veteran with G.I. Bill benefits, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a licensing and certification benefit that could help. This can help you obtain reimbursement for tests for a license or certification, such as some of those offered by AWS. These tests must be specifically approved for the G.I. Bill. Note: VA can pay only for the cost of the test and not other fees connected with obtaining a certification. You can learn more here, or check gibill.va.gov, where you’ll find a link to the Licensing and Certification page.

  • Is there other information available to help me learn about my options?

    Yes! AWS has produced a number of articles that provide more details about certification, including test-taking tips. Check them out below.