How to Keep a Welding Certification Current

Welders complete their certification by taking an exam which requires a demonstration of their welding abilities. Once their work is approved by a Certified Welding Instructor, they become a Certified Welder (CW). In order to retain their certification status, welders must continue to practice welding procedures on a regular basis. This is verified through the submission of certification maintenance forms every six months, which can be completed with the aid of an employer or customer.

Instructions

Certification Maintenance

1. Look for your initial certification maintenance forms in the mail about four to six weeks after your complete your initial certification. They will be accompanied by your official qualification card. You can also go on the official website for the American Welding Society (AWS.org) to print off extra forms.

2. Fill out the certification maintenance form when you complete a job that requires the specific welding procedure for which you are certified, such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) or Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW). This requires the signature of an employer, test supervisor or customer to verify that you completed the procedure.

3. Complete the personal information section of the application, which includes your first and last name, email address, Social Security number and certification number.

4. Add the most recent date that you used the procedure. Your certification will be extended from the date you listed.

5. Write out your new address on the form if it has changed in the last six months.

6. Include a payment of $10 with your certification maintenance form. The fee is payable via check, credit card, or money order.

7. Mail your completed certification maintenance form along with the $10 renewal fee to the following address:

   American Welding Society
   Certification Department
   550 NW Lejeune Road
   Miami, FL 33126

Tips & Warnings

• Your certification status is viewable on the American Welding Society website (AWS.org).

• The AWS recommends that you send your certification maintenance form in via U.S. Mail-Return Receipt Requested.

• Your certification status may be removed if you fail to turn in a completed certification maintenance form every six months.

References

• American Welding Society: Certified Welder
• American Welding Society: Maintenance of Welder Certification