The Basics of Welding Certifications and Test Positions
Welding certifications are procedures that a welder must follow to produce a sound weld according to the guidelines that are specified. The certification is a hands-on welding test, supervised by an individual that is trained and approved by the certifying organization. These tests or certifications only qualify the welder for a single process and position. There is not a single welding certification that certifies a welder for all processes, metals, or positions.
There are several good welding schools and vocational schools to learn the trade and receive a welder certification. At most vocational schools, the student will leave with an associate’s degree after completing the welding program. For those students wanting more in-depth education and greater employment opportunities, a welding engineering bachelor’s program is available.
Welding Certification Tests
Most welding certification tests are based on codes written by one of three organizations, depending on the type of work involved and what organization is overseeing the welding procedures. In the United States the three biggest organizations are the:
- AWS – American Welding Society
- ASME – American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- API- American Petroleum Institute
Even though the above organizations are the largest, there are many others like:
- ABS – American Bureau of Shipping
- MIL – STD – Military Standards
- The Canadian Welding Bureau
- D.O.T. – Department of Transportation
- State and Local Welding Certifications Codes
Knowing which code to be a certified welder in is essential, as welders are only certified to weld within the code parameters of the test they have taken.
Most of these codes certify the welder for a specified length or period of time. In most cases, the welder must have a logbook signed to show that they have welded with the process and in that position at a job site every six months. The reason behind this is that most welders lose their skills in as little as two weeks without consistent practice or use. Even after a weekend of not welding, most people find their appearance of a quality weld goes downhill. It takes consistent practice to keep your eye/hand coordination at its peak level at all times. Because of this, it’s important to focus on the certification for the type of welding you most frequently do.
One of the most common welding codes is AWS D1.1, which covers structural steel. Passing the test on a 3/8″ thick plate, with backing in the vertical position, you would then be qualified to weld in the flat, horizontal and, vertical positions.
Welding Certification Processes
The most four common types of welding processes used for certifying welders are:
- SMAW / Shielded Metal Arc Welding – Typically referred to as Stick Welding.
- GMAW / Gas Metal Arc Welding – Commonly called MIG Welding.
- FCAW / Flux Cored Arc Welding – Just another type of electrode for a MIG welder.
- GTAW / Gas Tungsten Arc Welding – Most people know it as TIG Welding.
There are many other welding processes that a welder or even a welding machine can get certified. Some examples include:
- Resistance Welding
- Brazing
- Soldering
- Plasma Welding
- Laser Welding
- Stud Welding
- Submerged Arc Welding
Welder Qualification Testing
Welder qualification testing consists of questions on the types of welding symbols, safety, welding processes and positions, types of welds, material handling, and more. The hands-on qualification test is conducted by a certified welding inspector who will provide a visual inspection and observe the welder’s skill level. Depending on the type of welding, it can either be a nondestructive test (NDT) or a destructive test.
Welding Certification Positions
Welding certifications come in many different positions depending on the type of structure that will be welded. In most cases, it is broken down between structural and pipe welding. Structural positions are for welding work plate and are the easiest to pass. Pipe positions are good for welding plate and pipe depending on what the structural welding code allows. Pipe certifications are much harder because it is an ever-changing position and never a simple straight line.
Structural positions have a coding system that identifies the position and joint type. The coding system is as follows:
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The way this system works is the position is first stated with a number, then right next to it the letter specifies the type of weld joint used. Here are some examples:
- 1F is a flat weld done using a fillet joint.
- 2F is a horizontal weld done using a fillet joint.
- 3F is a vertical weld done using a fillet joint.
- 4F is an overhead weld done using a fillet joint.
- 1G is a flat weld done using a groove joint.
- 2G is a horizontal weld done using a groove joint.
- 3G is a vertical weld done using a groove joint.
- 4G is a vertical weld done using a groove joint.
When it comes to structural certifications, in particular, groove welds will also qualify the welder for fillet welds. However, fillet welds do not qualify the welder for groove welds. Most codes allow a welder to take a combination of the 3 and 4G certification positions, which typically qualifies the welder for all position structural welding plus pipe that is a minimum of 24 inches in diameter.
Pipe welding certifications also have a coding system to identify the position and joint type. They are very similar to structural welding but are more difficult to pass. The positions have the following designations:
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Pipe welding test positions have the same coding system as structural positions with one main exception. That is the “R” or restricted position. The restrictions used for pipe welders are designed to make the test as difficult as possible and, at the same time provide the same types of obstacles that the welder will encounter in the field. Just like structural welding positions you simply identify the position with the number, then the joint type with the letter and finally if it is restricted there will be an R., For example, a 6GR test would be a pipe in the fixed 45 degree position with a groove joint that is restricted.
Combination pipe welding certifications are not very common these days, but there is one combination that is still used. The 2G and 5G combination welding certification is also considered a 6G certification. For most pipe welders, they will take the 6G welding certification, and that certifies the welder for all position pipe welding plus all position structural welding. For most welders, the metal that they certify in is carbon steel or A36 steel. For other metals like stainless steel and aluminum, it is more of a job-specific certification that in most cases their employer pays for.
For more information see: Welding Certifications and Tests
Once certified, students will have access to many good-paying employment opportunities with jobs such as a welder, welder technician, inspector, maintenance welder, production welder, and much more.
The Basics of Welding Certifications was written exclusively for Metal Web News and their readers by Go Welding.Org.
