With more than 1,500 volunteers serving on over 300 boards, our committee of volunteers epitomizes the AWS mission to move welders and their work forward.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
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Benefits of Certification
Benefits of Certification
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 to success as an industry expert and leader.
Why Certify?
Benefits to You
Mark of accomplishment
Proof of achievement
Competitive edge
Better living
Commitment to growth.
Benefits to Your Employer
Mark of accomplishment
Proof of achievement
Competitive edge
Better living Commitment to growth
Benefits to the Industry
Mark of excellence
Proof of impartial validation
Competitive edge
Better living
Commitment to growth
Certification Management
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AWS Certification QuikCheck
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National Registry of Certified Welders
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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
AWS PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
CWIs determine if a weldment meets acceptance criteria, handle qualification records, oversee non-destructive testing, and ensure proper materials are available during testing. The AWS Certified Welding Inspector credential is one of the welding industry's most recognized certifications. In fact, CWIs are highly regarded and sought after throughout the welding industry.
Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI)
The SCWI credential is for experienced CWIs who have a deeper understanding of advanced NDE topics, quality systems, procedure qualifications, and other areas of expertise. The SCWI is the highest level of certification offered by AWS and recognized industry-wide.
Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)
The CWS Program gives supervisor candidates the ability to demonstrate their skills, training, and knowledge to be able to lead their team to work even more productively and successfully.
Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
The CWE Program was developed for welding industry professionals who seek to demonstrate the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to direct and perform operations associated with welder training and classroom instruction.
Certified Welding Engineer (CWENG)
The CWENG credential is granted to a candidate who has documented training and qualifying work experience per requirements of AWS B5.16:2006 – Specification for the Qualification of Welding Engineers, and who has received a passing exam score.
Certified Resistance Welding Technician (CRWT)
The CRWT credential is a benchmark for the evaluation of demonstrated skills and abilities in resistance welding principles, processes, and equipment through a combination of education, experience, and examination.
Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI)
The CRI credential validates the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to utilize radiographic film and related media for welding indications, and use acceptance criteria as expressed in the AWS, API, and ASME codes.
Certified Robotic Arc Welding (CRAW)
The CRAW certification program allows operators and technicians in various welding sectors to measure themselves against occupational standards and signifies their capability of working with various codes, standards, and specifications.
Certified Welding Sales Representative (CWSR)
Welding Sales Representatives are the conduit between manufacturers and distributors and their customer base. The CWSR credential indicates an individual is a valued source of technological, welding product, and sales distribution information.
Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI)
The CAWI credential was developed for young professionals who aspire to a career in welding inspection but still need to meet the minimum work experience requirement to become a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).
Certified Welder Program
The Certified Welder program is a performance-based program with no prerequisite courses or certifications required. Final certification provides “transferrable” credentials that you may take with you wherever you go.
Welder Performance Qualification and Welder Certification
Clarifying 'qualified' versus 'certified' welders through AWS standards, emphasizing terminology's role in welding professionalism.
Facility Accreditation
Facility Accreditation
A Competitive Advantage
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 Welding 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.
International Certifications
International Certifications
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.
Qualification & Certification Committees
Qualification & Certification Committees
Driving Continued Welding Quality
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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What do I need to know about computer-based testing when it comes to taking AWS exams related to certifications?
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.