Welding is a career as old as our industrialized world. And as long as we continue to make things, we will continue to need welders. Not only do we need welders – we need skilled and well-trained welders. As technology advances and the manufacturing industry grows, so does the welding profession. If you are considering pursuing this exciting and ever-evolving career, you will want to be prepared and ready to take on the competition.

Welders must have physical strength, dexterity, and stamina in order to work with machines and equipment on the job. Those are givens. But it is also important to have the right kind of qualifications, such as education and certification. If you are considering a welding career, you likely already understand the importance of having a great education and certification in welding. But you may be wondering about the different types of welding certifications available to you. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Read on as we explore 9 types of welding certifications that you can pursue today.

1. Certified Welding Inspector

According to the American Welding Society (AWS), a career as a welding inspector is one that is both “rewarding and lucrative.” This certificate may be earned through AWS.

2. Certified Welding Educator

Do you have an interest in welding, but also consider teaching as a possible career choice? You can become a Certified Welding Educator. This welding certification ensures that knowledgeable welders can demonstrate skills, know-how, and experience to the next generation of welders.

3. Certified Resistance Welding Technician

Resistance welding is a highly competitive and high-production industry. This type of certification may be obtained after some education and training in the welding field, by the AWS.

4. Certified Radiographic Interpreter

This certification is for the welders who read and interpret weld radiographs. With this type of welding certification, professionals learn:

• Characterization of indicators
• Correct selection of image quality indicators
• How to identify proper film exposure
• Use of acceptance criteria as expressed in the AWS, API, and ASME codes

5. Certified Welding Supervisor

Just as supervisors are valued in just about every industry, welding supervisors are critical members of the welding process within manufacturing, construction, or fabrication of products. Welding supervisors know how to oversee welders in order to ensure higher quality work; which factors influence quality; and the factors that maximize productivity.

6. Certified Welding Sales Representative

If you have a flair for sales, you may be interested in pursuing a welding sales representative certification. According to the AWS, this certification has the power to position you as one of the industry’s top professionals. Earning this certification ensures that you can:

• Provide value-added expertise to customers
• Help them improve their welding quality and productivity
• Support them with newer or better solutions
• Work with them to ensure a safer workplace

7. Certified Welding Engineer

Welding engineers are a crucial part of the welding process, from pre-production through to the final completion. Those who are certified in welding engineering can demonstrate their skills for preparing or reviewing written instructions to produce welded joints. They have a solid understanding in:

• Various Codes
• Specifications
• Standards and other aspects of fabrication and assembly

8. Certified Robotic Arc Welding

With this certification, Operators and Technicians (CRAW) can prove their skills and familiarity of working with various codes, standards and specifications are up to par within the occupation. This type of welding certification is required to be renewed every three years to stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving industry.

9. Certificate in Welding Technology

A certificate in welding technology can help launch your career in a variety of welding roles. At a career-focused manufacturing school, such as Goodwin University, you can get valuable hands-on training and technical experience that employers today are looking for. The 24-credit program covers everything you need to jumpstart your new career, such as:

• Welding safety
• Welding fabrication
• Common welding methods (I.e. shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux core arc welding, thermal cutting)

The welding certificate at Goodwin will prepare you to pursue certification or entry-level employment in the field as a welder or cutter. Classes are offered full-time or part-time and can be completed in as few as eight months!

If you would like to learn more about the welding program at Goodwin University, call 800-889-3282 or visit us online to request more information.