AWS Welding Certification: WeldConnect Certification to AWS Standards Understanding AWS Welding Certification: Certified to AWS Standards with WeldConnect If you’re exploring career
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Types of AWS Welding Certifications
Complete Guide to Types of AWS Welding Certifications
Welders, educators, and industry leaders trust AWS certifications as the gold standard. WeldConnect makes them more accessible through our Accredited Testing Facility (ATF) and mobile testing services.
The American Welding Society (AWS) sets the global benchmark for welding excellence. Earning an AWS certification proves your welding skills, builds welder credibility, and opens new welding career opportunities.
At WeldConnect, we make these certifications more accessible through our Accredited Testing Facility (ATF) and mobile certification services. Whether you’re an individual welder, training institution, or employer, we bring AWS testing directly to you.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the different types of AWS welding certifications and share the full list of certifications WeldConnect offers.
What Are AWS Welding Certifications?
AWS welding certifications are credentials issued by the AWS to verify a welder’s knowledge, skill, and ability to meet industry standards. These certifications are recognized worldwide and serve as proof that a welder can perform specific welding processes safely and effectively. AWS welding certifications are standardized tests that prove a welder’s skill in specific processes, such as SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, or FCAW, ensuring compliance with industry codes and employer requirements.
Why Are AWS Welding Certifications Important?
When exploring the different Types of AWS Welding Certifications, it’s important to understand why these credentials matter. AWS certifications are not just pieces of paper – they represent skill, safety, and professionalism that set welders apart in the workforce.
- Industry Recognition – AWS certifications are respected worldwide
- Job Opportunities – Employers often require AWS-certified welders.
- Career Advancement – Employers prefer certified welders for high-value projects.
- Employer Confidence – Certified welders help companies maintain compliance with industry standards.
- Flexibility – Many certifications are portable across industries.
- Specialization – From structural steel to pipelines, AWS offers certifications for different processes and codes.
- Higher Earning Potential – Certifications often lead to better-paying jobs.
- Global Recognition – AWS certifications are valid and respected internationally.
In short, the Types of AWS Welding Certifications open doors to more than just employment – they create pathways to advancement, stability, and global opportunities. Whether you’re starting out or aiming to specialize, AWS certifications give you a competitive edge in the welding industry.
Types of AWS Welding Certifications
AWS offers a wide range of welding certifications that cover various welding processes and industry codes. Each certification validates a welder’s skills for specific applications, ensuring compliance with recognized standards. Here are the most common types of AWS Welding Certifications:
Core Processes
SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) Certifications
Also called stick welding.
Common in construction, pipelines, and repair.
Popular AWS code: AWS D1.1 Structural Welding – Steel.
GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) Certifications
Also known as MIG welding.
Widely used in manufacturing and automotive.
Great for projects requiring speed and efficiency.
GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) Certifications
Also called TIG welding.
Preferred in aerospace, piping, and high-precision industries.
- Known for clean, high-quality welds.
FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding) Certifications
Similar to MIG but uses a flux-cored wire.
Common in heavy fabrication and shipbuilding.
Great for outdoor welding with high productivity.
Specialized AWS Certifications
AWS D1.1 Structural Steel
AWS D1.2 Aluminum Structures
AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding
AWS D1.6 Stainless Steel Structures
NAVSEA/MIL-SPEC
API 1104 Pipelines
ASME Section IX
No matter which path you choose, the different Types of AWS Welding Certifications validate your skills and open doors to better opportunities. From structural steel and pipelines to aerospace and specialty codes, AWS certifications prove you can meet the highest industry standards. With WeldConnect’s accredited testing facility and mobile certification trailers, welders, schools, and employers can access these certifications with ease – bringing career growth and industry compliance within reach.
Which AWS Certification Should You Choose?
With so many Types of AWS Welding Certifications available, the best choice depends on your career goals and the industries you want to work in:
- Construction welders → SMAW, FCAW, D1.1 Steel
- Manufacturing & automotive → GMAW (MIG)
- Aerospace & precision welding → GTAW (TIG), D1.2 Aluminum
- Pipeline & oil/gas → API 1104, ASME Section IX
- Military/Defense → NAVSEA / MILSPEC welding
Choosing the right path from the many types of AWS Welding Certifications is key to advancing your welding career. Each certification highlights your expertise and proves your ability to meet strict industry standards. With WeldConnect’s accredited testing facility and mobile certification trailers, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. We make it simple to match the right certification with your career goals and earn credentials that set you apart.
AWS Certification Process at WeldConnect
Getting certified doesn’t have to be complicated. At WeldConnect, we make the process straightforward and accessible:
- Select Your Code – Based on your job or employer needs.
- Schedule Your Test – On-site or at our facility.
- Take the Test – Supervised by qualified inspectors.
- Get Certified – Certification issued to the selected code.
- Stay Current – We track your continuity and send reminders.
With WeldConnect, every step of the certification process is designed to be convenient, career-focused, and compliant with AWS standards.
Why Welders Choose WeldConnect
When it comes to earning the right credentials, welders have many options. But navigating the different Types of AWS Welding Certifications can feel overwhelming without the right support. That’s where WeldConnect makes the difference—simplifying the process from start to finish.
- We handle everything – streamlined process, no paperwork headaches.
- Multi-code authority – AWS, API, ASME, NAVSEA.
- Continuity tracking – We remind you before expiry.
- Mobile convenience – Testing at your shop, school, or jobsite.
- Trusted nationwide – Employers accept certifications issued by WeldConnect.
Whether you’re pursuing structural steel, aluminum, pipeline, or specialty codes, WeldConnect ensures that all Types of AWS Welding Certifications are within reach. With trusted inspectors, mobile testing, and continuity tracking, we make certification accessible, convenient, and recognized nationwide.
Why Pursue AWS Certifications Through WeldConnect?
Earning the right credentials is easier when you have the right partner. WeldConnect makes pursuing the different Types of AWS Welding Certifications simple, accessible, and designed for long-term value:
Convenience & Reach: WeldConnect’s mobile testing facilities deliver easy, hands-on access to AWS programs—no need for extensive travel.
Flexible Options: From practical performance-based testing for CW to exams and renewals like those for CWI, WeldConnect supports every step.
Lifetime Value: Many AWS certifications are recognized nationally (and often internationally). For CW, maintenance is required every six months, while typical recertification spans three to nine years.
With WeldConnect, pursuing AWS certifications is not just about passing a test—it’s about building a career advantage that lasts.
WeldConnect AWS & Specialty Certifications
AWS certifications don’t just validate your welding skills – they elevate your career trajectory. Whether you’re stepping into the industry through the Certified Welder program, advancing to inspection roles, or pursuing engineering and specialist tracks, AWS certifications mark your commitment to excellence.
With WeldConnect’s seamless access to these certifications—especially through our ATF and mobile testing services—you’re empowered to learn, earn, and achieve recognition wherever you are.
At WeldConnect, we provide hands-on access to a wide range of AWS and specialty welding certifications. Below is a full catalog of qualifications available through our Accredited Testing Facility and mobile certification services:
- AWS D1.1 – Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- 1F, 2F, 3F (Uphill & Downhill), 4F, 1G, 2G, 3G (Uphill & Downhill), 4G, 5G (Uphill & Downhill), 6G (Uphill & Downhill), 5GR, 6GR
- AWS D1.1 – Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
- 1F, 2F, 3F (Uphill & Downhill), 4F, 1G, 2G, 3G (Uphill & Downhill), 4G, 5G (Uphill & Downhill), 6G (Uphill & Downhill), 5GR, 6GR
- AWS D1.2 – Gas Metal Arc Welding, Aluminum (GMAW-AL)
- 1F, 2F, 3F (Uphill & Downhill), 4F, 1G, 2G, 3G (Uphill & Downhill), 4G, 5G (Uphill & Downhill), 6G (Uphill & Downhill), 5GR, 6GR
- AWS D1.1 – Flux Cored Arc Welding, Self-Shielded (FCAW-S)
- 1F, 2F, 3F (Uphill & Downhill), 4F, 1G, 2G, 3G (Uphill & Downhill), 4G, 5G (Uphill & Downhill), 6G (Uphill & Downhill), 5GR, 6GR
- AWS D1.1 – Flux Cored Arc Welding, Gas-Shielded (FCAW-G)
- 1F, 2F, 3F (Uphill & Downhill), 4F, 1G, 2G, 3G (Uphill & Downhill), 4G, 5G (Uphill & Downhill), 6G (Uphill & Downhill), 5GR, 6GR
- AWS D1.1 – Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
- 1F, 2F, 3F (Uphill & Downhill), 4F, 1G, 2G, 3G (Uphill & Downhill), 4G, 5G (Uphill & Downhill), 6G (Uphill & Downhill), 5GR, 6GR
- ASME Section IX Certifications
- SMAW 2G + SMAW 5G
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- SMAW 5G + GTAW Root + SMAW Fill/Cap
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- GTAW Root + SMAW Fill/Cap (6G)
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- GTAW Root + FCAW Fill/Cap (6G)
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- GTAW Root + GMAW Fill/Cap (6G)
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- SMAW Root + GTAW Fill/Cap
- API 1104 Pipeline Welding Certifications
- SMAW 5G (Downhill), SMAW 6G (Downhill)
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- GMAW 5G (Downhill), GMAW 6G (Downhill)
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- GTAW Root + SMAW Hot Pass/Fill (Downhill)
Take the Next Step with WeldConnect
Understanding the different Types of AWS Welding Certifications is the first step toward advancing your career. These certifications are more than credentials – they’re a gateway to higher-paying jobs, industry credibility, and long-term success. With WeldConnect, achieving certification is simple, accessible, and designed around your needs.
Whether you need structural steel, aluminum, pipe welding, or specialty code certifications, our Accredited Test Facility (ATF) and mobile testing trailers bring training and testing directly to you. That means no wasted travel, no unnecessary delays – just a clear path to success.
At WeldConnect, we make AWS welding certifications convenient and career-focused. Whether you’re a student preparing for the workforce, an educator supporting your welding program, or an employer certifying your team, we deliver testing at our facility or on-site with our fully equipped mobile trailers.
Ready to earn your AWS welding certification? Take the next step with WeldConnect today.
Disclaimer: WeldConnect certifies welders to AWS and other industry codes. AWS is a standard-setting body and does not issue certifications directly.
Ready to get certified? Contact WeldConnect today and take your welding career to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many types of AWS welding certifications are there?
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AWS offers dozens of certifications, but the most common categories are SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, and specialized codes like D1.1, D1.2, D1.5, and API/ASME standards.
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Welders certify by process (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW) and/or by code (D1.1, API 1104, etc.). WeldConnect covers them all.
How long does a WeldConnect certification last?
Indefinitely, as long as you maintain continuity. WeldConnect tracks your deadlines and sends reminders so you never lapse.
Is AWS directly involved in my certification?
WeldConnect certifies welders to AWS and other industry codes. Our role is to provide the testing, certification, and record management.
Do employers accept WeldConnect certifications?
Yes. Employers care that you’re certified to the correct code, and WeldConnect ensures those certifications meet the standard.
Can I get certified to multiple codes?
Yes. Many welders combine tests (e.g., SMAW D1.1 + API 1104) to expand opportunities. WeldConnect makes it easy.
What happens if I miss a renewal?
You’ll need to re-test. WeldConnect’s reminders help you avoid lapses.
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