In this guide, we’ll walk through the different types of AWS welding certifications and share the full list of certifications WeldConnect offers.
WeldConnect | AWS Welding Testing, Certifications & Welder Jobs
AWS Welding Certification: WeldConnect Certification to AWS Standards
Understanding AWS Welding Certification: Certified to AWS Standards with WeldConnect
If you’re exploring career opportunities in welding, you’ve probably come across the term AWS Welding Certification. It’s one of the most searched credentials in the industry – but many welders don’t realize there’s more than one way to prove their skills to employers.
At WeldConnect, we recognize the importance of AWS in welding, but our approach is different. WeldConnect does not issue AWS certifications. Instead, we provide Performance Qualification Testing (PQT) certified to AWS standards – as well as ASME Section IX, API, and other codes. This means your welds are tested against the same benchmarks employers expect, while also preparing you for a broader range of industries. We provide WeldConnect certification tested to AWS standards, giving welders the recognition they need while expanding opportunities through other key industry codes.
What is AWS?
AWS stands for the American Welding Society, an international organization that sets the welding standards, publishes welding codes, and promotes welding practices , welding safety and welding education . Founded in 1919, AWS provides a range of certification programs to ensure welders meet specific industry requirements and performance standards.
What is AWS Welding Certification?
An AWS Welding Certification is an official credential issued by AWS that proves a welder has the ability to meet specific welding code requirements and welding standards set by the American Welding Society. These certifications are performance-based — meaning you must complete a weld test under inspection and pass visual or mechanical evaluations to AWS standards.
Example of AWS Welding Certifications:
- AWS D1.1 Structural Welding – commonly required for steel structures
- AWS D1.2 Aluminum Welding – for projects involving aluminum fabrication
- AWS D17.1 Aerospace Welding – critical for aviation and aerospace applications
These certifications demonstrate that a welder can consistently produce welds that meet code requirements. Unlike some certifications that are knowledge-based, AWS welding tests are performance-based. That means you’ll be required to perform a weld in front of a certified inspector under controlled conditions. Your weld will then be tested (visually and/or mechanically) to determine whether it meets AWS standards.
At WeldConnect, we make it easy for you to take that step – whether you’re looking to become a certified welder, hire a welder, or partner as a welding training or weld testing facility.
Types of AWS Welding Certifications
AWS offers a variety of certifications based on different welding processes, materials, and positions. Some of the most common include:
- Certified Welder (CW) – Entry-level certification focused on performance.
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) – For professionals overseeing welding quality and standards.
- Certified Welding Educator (CWE) – For those teaching welding courses.
- Certified Robotic Arc Welding (CRAW) – For those working with robotic systems.
- Specialized Certifications – Such as Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI) or Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI), for advanced roles.
Each certification is designed to meet the unique demands of industries such as construction, pipelines, aerospace, and shipbuilding. Whether you need AWS, ASME, or API credentials, WeldConnect can help you get qualified and maintain your certifications. Want to explore the different Types of AWS Welding Certification? Check out our blog article to learn more.
WeldConnect Certification: Tested to AWS Standards
AWS is a standards-setting body, not a certification provider. At WeldConnect, we certify welders to AWS, ASME, API, and other codes — and manage your records so you never lose continuity. Here’s the key distinction every welder should know:
AWS Certified → Credential issued directly by the American Welding Society.
Certified to AWS Standards → Your welds are tested against AWS codes, but the certificate is issued by another provider like WeldConnect
At WeldConnect, we provide Performance Qualification Testing (PQT) to AWS standards — with certifications issued by WeldConnect. This ensures your skills meet AWS code requirements while also expanding your qualifications to ASME Section IX, API 1104, NAVSEA, and other critical industry standards. .
Beyond AWS: Expanding to ASME, API, and Other Standards
Many projects require compliance with other critical standards — not just AWS. WeldConnect ensures you’re certified for multiple codes (AWS, ASME, API, NAVSEA, MILSPEC), so you’re always ready for the jobs that matter most.
ASME Section IX – required for boilers, pressure vessels, and power plants
API Standards – critical for oil, gas, and petrochemical projects
Other International Codes – depending on client or project requirements
WeldConnect’s new direction is clear: we test welders across AWS, ASME, API, and other standards, ensuring you’re prepared for the industries that matter most.
Get Started with WeldConnect Certification
If you’re searching for AWS Welding Certification, don’t stop there. WeldConnect offers certifications that prove your skills are tested to AWS standards – plus the added advantage of being qualified for ASME Section IX, API, and other key codes. This gives you:
- Proof of skill tested to AWS welding codes
- Expanded qualifications beyond AWS
- Stronger career opportunities across industries
Ready to get certified? Book your WeldConnect test today — and get qualified to AWS, ASME, API, and other codes the easy way.
What is WeldConnect? Certification to AWS Welding Standards
WeldConnect is a certification and performance qualification platform built to meet the highest industry standards in welding. Unlike the AWS, which serves as a standards-setting body, WeldConnect certifies welders and welding procedures tested to AWS standards – as well as ASME Section IX, API, and other codes.
Our focus is to help welders, fabricators, and companies prove their skills and compliance with the most in-demand qualifications in the welding industry.
By earning a WeldConnect certification, you show employers that your welding abilities meet recognized codes and standards. This not only demonstrates technical expertise but also opens doors to more job opportunities, contracts, and long-term career advancement.
Disclaimer: WeldConnect certifies welders to AWS and other industry codes. AWS is a standard-setting body and does not issue certifications directly.
Looking for Welding Certification?
Whether your next job requires AWS, ASME, API, or NAVSEA, WeldConnect has you covered.
We test, certify, and track your qualifications — so you stay current and employers know you’re ready.
Don’t just get certified. Get WeldConnect Certified!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is WeldConnect the same as AWS Welding Certification?
- No. An AWS Welding Certification is issued directly by the American Welding Society. WeldConnect provides certification tested to AWS standards, meaning your skills are evaluated against AWS welding codes — but your certificate is issued by WeldConnect.
Do employers accept WeldConnect certification?
- Yes. WeldConnect certification shows that your welds have been tested to AWS codes, ASME Section IX, API, and other standards. This makes it relevant across industries such as construction, oil and gas, energy, and aerospace.
What welding codes does WeldConnect cover?
- WeldConnect provides Performance Qualification Testing (PQT) to:
- AWS welding codes and standards
- ASME Section IX for boilers, pressure vessels, and power plants
- API standards for oil, gas, and petrochemical projects
- Other international codes as required
How do I get started with WeldConnect certification?
- You can begin by booking a Performance Qualification Test (PQT) with WeldConnect. Your welds will be tested to AWS standards and other codes depending on your career needs.
How long does a WeldConnect certification last?
- Your WeldConnect certification lasts indefinitely as long as you maintain continuity. We track your deadlines and send reminders so you never miss a renewal.
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