Certified Welder Program

The following instructions outline the requirements of the program.

1. Read the QC7 Standard and its supplements.
2. Contact the Accredited Test Facility representative at a facility near you to register for the test.
3. Take your QC7 Standard with you at the time of the test. 
4. Once you have passed the test, the Accredited Test Facility will forward your application, qualifications test record and payment to the American Welding Society.
5. The AWS Certification Department will process your application and will mail you your AWS Certified Welder Wallet Card along with renewal information.
6. AWS will receive your application, test results and the registration fee up to two weeks after your skill demonstration. (This varies; check with your selected AWS Accredited Test Facility). You should receive your welder certification card and maintenance form from the AWS Certification Department two to three weeks from the date your application is received.

The following requirements must be met in order to participate in this program:

1. Test in accordance with one of the QC7 standards below (whichever is applicable):
   • QC7, Standard for AWS Certified Welders
   • QC7, Supplement C, Welder Performance Qualification Sheet Metal Test Requirements
   • QC7, Supplement F, Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping
   • QC7, Supplement G, AWS Performance Qualification Test (generic supplement)
2. Complete a welder performance qualification test at an AWS Accredited Test Facility for AWS Certified Welder Certification (domestic or international)
3. Submit a completed Certified Welder Application for certification
4. Submit Maintenance of Welder Certification prior to expiration, which verifies that the welding process was used.

Applications

Certified Welder Application
Maintenance of Welder Certification

Guide to Interpreting Abbreviations on Certified Welder Cards

Technical Documents

QC7, Standard for AWS Certified Welders
English

QC7, Supplement C, Welder Performance Qualification Sheet Metal Test Requirements
English

QC7, Supplement F, Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping
English

QC7, Supplement G, AWS Performance Qualification Test (generic supplement)
English

AWS SENSE vs. ATF

General Forms

AWS Bank Information
Certification Duplicate Order Form
Price List

Welder testing must be scheduled with an AWS Accredited Testing Facility (ATF). During a scheduled appointment at an AWS ATF, the welder will deposit a sound weld that is inspected by an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). The welder’s ability to properly adhere to the Welding Procedure Specification, selected from available QC7 Supplements, includes fit-up, assembly, and positioning.

If a welder fails any test they can retest at any time. It is best to discuss retesting with the AWS Accredited Test Facility representative, who will be able to assist in scheduling a new test date.

To contact an Accredited Test Facility (ATF) near you, select one of the links below or call AWS at 800.443.WELD or outside the U.S. 305.443.WELD, extension 273.

AWS ATF List – USA

AWS ATF List – International

AWS Ironworkers ATF List

AWS ITI Sheet Metal ATF List

Your certification remains valid as long as you submit your certification maintenance forms every six months as required by the Code of Acceptance that governed your test. As long as you can have it verified on the maintenance form that you are still performing the same welding as you originally tested for, your certification remains in effect.

A 60-day administrative extension period is allowed. During this time your certification will be considered expired. If the Maintenance Form is received within the administrative extension period, and the renewal requirements have been met, your certification will be renewed from the date of its expiration. An additional late fee of $50 will be asset if the Maintenance is submit after the expiration day and between the administrative extension period.

For example,

1. Certification issued, June 1, 2020
2. Certification expires, December 1, 2020
3. Administrative extension period, December 1, 2020 to February 1, 2021, a $50 late fee will be charged.
4. After February 1, 2021, welder must re-test, to regain certification

Note: Most codes require maintenance every (6) months. Check the requirements of the standard that governs your certification to assure that maintenance is received by AWS at the proper intervals.

The maintenance form can be found under the Documents tab of this page.

There is no recertification for the Certified Welder, only renewal maintenance of the certifications held.