Earning your specialized welding certification can reward you in significant ways, including higher salary potential, more employment options, and better job stability.
Reinforced Thermoset Resin (RTR) – Installer
The AWS Reinforced Thermoset Resing (RTR) Installer Program is designed to build validated, hands-on training and performance evaluations for professionals responsible for installing RTR piping systems.
The RTR Installer qualification confirms the practical competency of personnel performing RTR piping installation and jointing operations in accordance with approved procedures and project specifications. This performance-based qualification—similar in concept to Welder Performance Qualification—focuses on the installer’s ability to produce acceptable joints in accordance with approved procedures and project specifications.
This program is expected to support major energy and infrastructure projects, particularly those requiring qualified personnel for RTR systems. It combines structured technical training followed by a performance-based assessment. Upon passing the exam, participants will be issued an AWS Performance-based Qualification Certificate (PQC).
Professional Development Hours (PDHs) will be granted upon completion of the training. The RTR Installer exam is scheduled and priced separately from the training, and its application and payment must be submitted through the AWS International Agent for scheduling.
AT A GLANCE
Training Options
In-Person for Companies, Organizations and Individuals
Training Length & PDH
4 Days / 32 Hours
32 Professional Development
Hours Granted
(Day 5 is scheduled for the exam)
Assessment
Performance-based
practical (hands-on) evaluation
Course Details
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Who It’s For
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Learning Objectives
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Training Structure & Materials
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Exam/Assessment
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Registration & Pricing
Eligibility for this course includes individuals who have:
- Minimum 6 months RTR installation experience
- Completion of approved RTR training
- Documentation of experience
Objectives of the program:
- For qualified installers to be able to perform RTR jointing operations in accordance with approved procedures
- Provide essential understanding of materials, procedures, and acceptance criteria
- Focus on hands-on skill development and workmanship quality
- Prepare candidates to successfully pass the Performance Qualification Test (PQT)
Participants completing the training should be able to:
- Read and follow approved RTR jointing procedures
- Perform proper surface preparations and cleaning
- Execute adhesive mixing and application correctly
- Assemble and align RTR joints
- Control curing and environmental conditions Identify visible defects and workmanship issues
- Produce joints that meet workmanship and project requirements/criteria
- Complete and pass a Performance Qualification Test (PQT)
In-Person, Private Group Training for Companies & Organizations
The RTR Installer Training structure is hands-on, practical over four days, and on the fifth day, candidates take their test, followed by an evaluation and qualification decision.
In-Person, Individuals
The RTR Installer Training structure is hands-on, practical over four days, and on the fifth day, the candidate takes their test, followed by an evaluation and qualification decision. Individual training offered in a group setting - upon request.
In the Middle East and North Africa region, in-person training with an exam will be Sunday–Thursday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, and will be conducted in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia (contact information: Bassam@eliteservies-int.com).For all other regions' training details, inquire at international@aws.org
Training Structure
Day 1 – Theoretical (essential knowledge only)
- RTR materials and system basics
- Jointing methods overview
- Approved procedure (step-by-step)
- Safety requirements
- Acceptance criteria
Day 2-4 – Practical Training (hands-on)
Focused on Adhesive Bonded Joint Qualification
- Participants will perform:
- Surface preparation (cutting, sanding, cleaning)
- Adhesive mixing and control (pot life) Joint assembly and alignment
- Application and curing control
- Repetition of joints under supervision
Day 5 – Performance Qualification Test (PQT)
- Practical test under controlled conditions
- Evaluation based on:
- Workmanship
- Joint quality
- Procedure compliance
- Feedback and qualification decision
Note: Training is focused on one selected jointing method (Adhesive Bonded Joint). Additional jointing methods (lamination/mechanical) can be provided upon request.
Materials
Participants will receive essential materials to support practical training and qualification:
- AWS–Elite RTR Installation Procedure (Adhesive Bonded Joint – Qualified Method)
- Simplified RTR Fundamentals & Safety Guide
- Jointing Procedure Sheet (step-by-step execution)
- Acceptance Criteria & Visual Inspection Checklist
- Sample PQT Evaluation Form
- Practical Training Log Sheet
Professional Development Hours (PDHs)
Participants, upon completing training, will receive 32 PDHs.
Dates of Training
Current in-person training is scheduled at Elite Engineering in Saudi Arabia: December 6 - 10, 2026
To register for an upcoming training in the Middle East and North Africa region, contact Bassam Abd Al Azeem, Elite Engineering, AWS International Agent at Bassam@eliteservies-int.com.
For training outside of the Middle East and North Africa region, send an inquiry to international@aws.org to be connected with an eligible AWS International Agent.
Performance Qualification Test (PQT)
Upon completion of RTR Installer training, candidates shall undergo a Performance Qualification Test (PQT) to evaluate their ability in:
- Surface preparation
- Adhesive bonded joints or laminated joints (based on selected method)
- Joint assembly and alignment
- Joint quality verification
- Workmanship and safety compliance
Exam Application
Submit your exam application and payment to the AWS International Agent portal that conducted your training.
Credentialing Issued
Upon a successful passing score on the assessment, the candidate shall be issued an AWS RTR Installer Performance-based Qualification Certificate (PQC), which will define:
- Qualified jointing method
- Pipe size range
- Material classification
- Qualification date
Current exam date scheduled at Elite Engineering in Saudi Arabia: December 10, 2026
Training Pricing
In-person private group training, for companies and organizations, and individual training (in a group setting) - pricing is upon request.
For training inquiries or to get registered for an upcoming training in the Middle East and North Africa region, contact Bassam Abd Al Azeem, Elite Engineering, AWS International Agent at Bassam@eliteservies-int.com.
For training outside of the Middle East and North Africa region, send an inquiry to international@aws.org to be connected with an eligible AWS International Agent.
Exam/Assessment Price
Pricing for the RTR Installer Assessment in the Middle East and North Africa region is $870 + 15% VAT.
For regions not mentioned above, please seek pricing directly from the designated AWS International Agent.
To register for the exam, submit your application and payment to the AWS International Agent portal that conducted your training.
For additional information, contact AWS International at international@aws.org
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is an AWS International custom-designed and private, group training?
The AWS Custom Training Program is a tailored training solution designed to meet the specific skill development and certification needs of an organization, rather than using a standard, one-size-fits-all curriculum.
It allows companies and organizations to work directly with Subject Matter Experts (SME) to modify course content, delivery methods (such as on-site or virtual), and learning objectives to address unique operational challenges, or industry standards, ultimately enhancing workforce competency and compliance.
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How can my company or organization schedule a private group training OR an AWS custom-designed training?
Simply send a request to our international team at international@aws.org detailing what training program you are interested in (for a private, group training program that is listed on our site) OR share your needs for an AWS custom-designed training program to meet your needs.
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What is the difference between an AWS Certification and an Assessment-based Certificate?
AWS Certification programs focus on assessments conducted by its program that are independent of a specific class, course, education/training program, and of any provider of classes, courses, or programs. Whereas, Assessment-based Certificate Programs focus on education/training with assessment(s) used to confirm participants have achieved the intended learning outcomes.
The assessments associated with certifications are not designed to evaluate accomplishments of the intended learning outcomes of a specific class, course, or other education/training program or event, and the certifier is not the sole provider of any education or training that may be required for its certification. Where the Assessment-based Certificate program is based on specific training and its learning outcomes.
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What is the difference between an AWS Assessment-based exam and a Performance-based Qualification exam?
An AWS Assessment-based is an exam evaluating your knowledge based on the training just received. An AWS Performance-based Qualification is an exam evaluating your ability to demonstrate the skillset. It’s performance based vs knowledge based.
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How do individuals get registered for a private group and/or custom designed training?
Currently private group and custom-designed training programs are exclusive to companies, organizations and government agencies.
If you work for a company that would benefit from our international training programs, suggest that they reach out to our international team to explore the opportunities.