Important D1.1 Exam – Code Edition Guidance
  • • Effective August 1, 2025, candidates may use either the 2020 or 2025 edition of the D1.1 code when taking the exam.
  • • All exam questions are designed to be answerable using either edition, so candidates will not be disadvantaged based on the version they study from.
Code Edition Recommendations by Exam Date:
  • Before August 1, 2025 (Prometric): Candidates should study the 2020 edition.
  • Between August 1 and December 31, 2025 (Prometric): Candidates may study either the 2020 or 2025 edition.
    • Note: Starting October 1, AWS Seminars will begin using the 2025 edition for instruction, though the 2020 edition remains valid for the exam through December 31.
  • After December 31, 2025 (Prometric): Candidates must study the 2025 edition.
Important:
It is recommended that candidates testing toward the end of 2025 use the 2025 edition of the D1.1 Codebook. This will help ensure a smoother transition in the event of a retest in 2026, when only the 2025 edition will be accepted.

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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

  • Recognition of Excellence
  • Validation of Skills
  • Strategic Advantage
  • Better living
  • Culture of Development
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Benefits to the Industry

Standard of Distinction
Evidence of Expertise
Industry Leadership
Enhanced Standards
Commitment to Advancement

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