Welding is a highly skilled job, and certification can show potential employers what level of welding skill you possess.
A common type of welding certification you can get in Tulsa is administered by the American Welding Society (AWS). AWS offers different levels and specialties of welding certification. Let’s talk about welding certification and what it takes to get certified.
What Is a Certified Welder in Tulsa?
Some states, cities, or municipalities require welders to be licensed with the local government. Check your city’s guidelines.
In Tulsa, the term “Certified Welder” often refers to anyone who has passed the AWS entry-level welding exam.
An AWS Certified Welder can have multiple certifications across different types of welding skills, such as SMAW or FCAW welding processes.
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How Do I Become a Certified Welder in Tulsa?
The Certified Welder exam is the first level of AWS certification, so no prerequisites are required. This means anyone can sign up to take the exam.
However, you’ll need to be able to pass the welding test, which means you’ll probably want to have some training.
The first thing to do is to get technical training in welding. In other words, you need to learn how to weld.
This may include using specific welding machines, learning to weld in different positions, and learning to weld different materials.
Tulsa Welding School (TWS) offers a variety of welding training programs for anyone interested in learning the trade.
After you’ve finished your welding training and you’re confident you can pass the AWS welding exam, you’ll want to find an accredited AWS testing facility near you and set up an appointment to take the test.
Tulsa Welding School’s campus in Jacksonville, Florida, is an AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF).
How Much Does a Welding Certification Cost?
It costs $50 (for both members and non-members) to apply to take the AWS Certified Welder exam. Interested parties will need to contact the test facilities to find out about specific rates for each location.
At Tulsa Welding School, it costs $500 for non-student/graduates to take the AWS Certified Welder test, and only $200 if you are a student or graduate from a Tulsa Welding School program.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Welder Certificate?
After you’ve passed the AWS Certified Welder exam, it could take 4-6 weeks to receive your official card in the mail.
If you end up not passing the exam the first time, you can retest at any time.
Is It Worth It to Get Certified?
Becoming a Certified Welder is not required by an employer or local government. It’s a personal decision, but a good one.
Those who decide to get AWS certified may do so because they want to show potential employers they are serious about their career path and are willing to invest in credentialing.
Having a certification on a resume is an immediate signal to a potential employer that you, a welder, have a verifiable skill set.
Certification helps employers, too. Employers could cut down on the costs of retesting when a welder maintains their own certification, which is often attractive.5 Employers might also worry less about their workers’ skills and productivity if the workers are certified welders.
As you progress on your welding career, additional certifications could also be in the cards for you if you wish to continue advancing your skills and qualifications. AWS offers a range of other welding certifications. Here are a few popular ones:
- Certified Welding Inspector
- Certified Welding Educator
- Certified Welding Supervisor
Ultimately, the choice to be certified in Tulsa is up to you, unless a local government or employer makes it a prerequisite.
Curious for more knowledge. Learn more about welding certification in Oklahoma.
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