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Do you have an interest in welding and do you wish to get certified as a welder? Then this article is on how to get certified in welding without school.

If you will spare three minutes, you will learn how you can become a certified welder without going through the four walls of a school.

The welding industry is growing with opportunities by day.

Getting certified as a welder is a wonderful way to fast-track your welding career. 

Doing this will become your path to constant growth in knowledge and ability to withstand a job often full of exciting challenges. 

However, the process of becoming a certified welder is somewhat easy, if you follow the right steps.

This step also costs much less than other workplace certifications.

Though, it’s not always necessary to become certified. 

But you must obtain a certification to build a successful and valuable portfolio for gaining a rewarding position in your favorite welding industry. 

In this article, you will learn about how to get certified in welding without school.

Also, you will learn the skills and requirements involved in getting certified. 

Table of contents

What is welding? 

Welding is a chemical process of fusing two pieces of metal to form a permanent bond using intense heat. 

Welders work in all types of industries from construction to automobile manufacturing to aerospace and more. 

Their tasks include but are not limited to. 

  • Analyzing and understanding designs. 
  • Determining the proper tools for each weld.  
  • Preparing and mounting pieces of metal. 
  • Welding pieces of metal together in different positions according to blueprints and designs.  
  • Conducting quality control on metal to be welded and tools for welding before starting. 
  • Using the necessary tools and techniques to create the weld. 
  • Continually monitor tools and metals to avoid overheating or damage. 
  • Following all safety and health procedures to avoid accidents and injury. 

Related Post: How to Become a Professional Welder in Texas Within 12 Weeks

What Skills Are Needed To Be A Welder? 

As you know, welding is a skilled trade.

This is because it requires aptitude in critical skills like: 

  • Teamwork skills: 

They need to learn how to work as part of a team.

They must also be able to communicate well, follow directions, and lead when called upon. 

  • Mathematical skills

This is because they need to work well with numbers and measurements. After all, their work must be precise. 

They must also have a strong grasp of geometry, algebra, and working with fractions.  

  • Physical strength

They work with metal and heavy equipment, so they must have a degree of physical strength to get the job done.  

  • Paying attention to detail 

Another skill needed to work as a welder is paying attention to details. 

They must be Safe, and secure and thus require extreme attention to detail.  

  • Adaptability

Welders face challenges.

So, you must be able to rise to the circumstance, rebound, and roll with change.  

  • Commitment to safety: 

This job is rife with hazards. 

As such, you must be safety-conscious and go above and beyond when it comes to safe working practices. 

  • Reliability

You must have a strong work ethic, the ability to work promptly and accurately, and overall workplace reliability for success  

  • Commitment to learning

Also, you will have to maintain your certifications by keeping your skills sharp. Blooming welders are dedicated to growing and building their skills over time.  

Educational Requirements for Certified Welders  

When talking about how to get certified in welding without school, we’ll talk about the amount of education you need to have. 

This is because welding is a skilled trade that requires accurate work. 

So, you must be certified as a welder before landing a great job. 

Moreover, requirements for welders can vary from employer to employer. 

Some require certification and experience, while others offer apprenticeships and on-the-job training.  

However, a high school diploma is a minimum requirement for welders. 

Some welders attend vocational high schools and get trained to earn their diplomas while others attended specialized vocational training or degree programs after high school graduation. 

Meanwhile, you can earn a Welding Certificate, an Associate of Science in Welding, or even a Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering.  

In some of these programs, you’ll learn the art of heating and shaping metals to form permanent bonds. 

They ensure that their classes include advanced mathematics, blueprint reading, welding symbols, and hands-on welding practicums. 

Furthermore, you will learn arc welding, soldering, brazing, casting, and bronzing.

You will also be trained in oxyacetylene welding and cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and gas metal arc welding.  

How To Get Certified In Welding Without School

Most welding certifications are earned through the American Welding Society (AWS).

This society is the most recognized and required certification by employers.

However, you must meet the minimum requirement criteria and pass a certification exam to get certified.

Here are some of the available welding certifications with AWS and it doesn’t require a degree 

#1. Certified Welder (CW)

This Certification requires you to complete a $35 exam which must be taken at an AWS Accredited Testing Facility. 

Meanwhile, this is the first certification for new welders, so there are no minimum requirements.

#2. Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) 

As a welder, you must meet minimum education and experience requirements to her this certificate.

The certification costs range from $850 – $1065 to take the exam.  

#3. Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) 

To obtain this, you must meet minimum education and experience requirements.

However, the exam costs also range from $850 – $1065.

#4. Certified Welding Educator (CWE)

You must have a full or part-time job as a classroom teacher and must have a valid welding certification.

You must also complete an application and present a letter of recommendation supporting their teaching ability and qualifications which costs from $635-$850. 

#5. Certified Welding Sales Representative (CWSR)

The requirements for the certified welding state representative test vary.

However, candidates should consult with AWS. It costs between $275 and $355.  

Factors That Influence Getting Certified As A Welder. 

While you are learning how to get certified in welding without school, you must understand the various factors surrounding getting certified.

Here are the factors that influence your decision on getting a certified welder;

  • Duration of the Training

Some vocational schools offer welding programs for up to two years while other schools offer accelerated programs that move a little faster.  

  • Testing

Some certificates require you to pass some tests to get certified.

So, you may have to prepare for your testing, schedule, and pay for your exam. 

  • Certification

Another factor that influences how to get certified in welding without school is the certification.

Ensure that the certification is well and vastly accepted. 

How Long Does It Take To Start Work As A Welder After Getting Certified?

The faster you pass your certification test, the faster you can start to work as a certified welder. 

This means that the more thoroughly you prepare, the better your chances of passing the test on your first try. 

However, the American Welding Society recommends studying the QC7 Standard you’ll be tested on and its supplements. 

Ensure to bring your QC7 Standard with you on the day of the test.  

How Much Does a Certified Welder Make?  

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), says that the median annual salary for welders is around $41,000.

However, the government groups welders together with cutters, solderers, and brazers, so that number is relatively uneven. 

Meanwhile, keep in mind that these are averages earning as senior welders can make much more than new welders.

In addition, their pay can also vary by industry, geographic location, and potential safety hazards on the job.  

What is The Employment Rate for a Welder? 

According to the BLS, the employment rate for welders is expected to grow at a rate of six percent through 2026.

Recommended: 30 Best Jobs Without A Degree Or Experience 

Conclusion About How To Get Certified In Welding Without A School.

Obtaining your welding certification is an exciting part of entering the welding trade.

This also opens the door to vast opportunities for you within the industry. 

However, you need to have at least a high school diploma to apply for the welding certificate. More so, you need some analytical and mathematical skills to become a welder.

The most recognized welding certification is obtained from the American Welding Society. 

You need to take some tests to be certified.

Their test usually takes place in the AWS near you. 

Thank you for reading from us! 

We hope you can find the success you need to get welding certification this blog post on hope to get certified in welding without school. 

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