How to Become a Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)

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Are you a good leader who enjoys welding? Consider becoming a certified welding supervisor (CWS)1. Not sure how this works? No problem. There are a few steps to becoming a CWS, but first, let’s look at what a CWS does.

What Does a Certified Welding Supervisor Do?

A certified welding supervisor is responsible for managing and overseeing productivity, quality, safety, and budget. They complete the following welding supervision tasks:

Personnel Management

The certified welding supervisor manages the welders working on a project. This can include both journeymen and apprentices that are completing welding tasks.

Safety

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The certified welding supervisor ensures that the welders they manage are working safely. This includes conducting welding in a designated location, wearing proper welding gear, maintaining welding equipment, ensuring the welding area is well-ventilated, and providing warnings to welders working on the project.

Welding Preparation

Part of the welding process involves cleaning metal surfaces to produce high-quality welds. This ensures that the metal is free of contaminants and imperfections.

Quality Management

The certified welding supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the welds are compliant and meet the design specifications. They will complete dimensions and cleanliness checks on completed welds.

Welding Processes

There are many different types of welding processes, from MIG and TIG to SMAW and FCAW. The certified welding supervisor will be well-versed in these techniques and able to train apprentices in the proper methods and procedures.

How to Become a Certified Welding Supervisor

You must complete a few steps to become a certified welding supervisor.

Step #1: Complete High School or Obtain a GED

The first step in becoming a certified welding supervisor is to gain a high school diploma or GED. This ensures you have the primary education required to perform your job as a welder.

Step #2: Complete the Welding Program at Tulsa Welding School

The next step in the process is to complete the Welding Program at TWS. This way, you get a complete education before working as an apprentice. Plus, TWS can help you find an apprenticeship after graduation.

Step #3: Gain Work Experience Prerequisites

To become eligible for the Certified Welding Supervisor exam, you must complete at least three years of practical work in fabrication, construction, or welding-related industries. You can also complete two years of practical welding work and three years of teaching in welding.

Step #4: Get Certified by the American Welding Society (AWS)

The last step is to pass the Certified Welding Supervisor exam. Once you have passed this exam, you are ready to take on the supervisory role and manage welding projects from start to finish.

Want to Learn More?

The Professional Welder program at Tulsa Welding School’s starts by helping you know what it’s like to be a welder in interactive workshop courses and welding booths. You’ll be trained in structural, flux core, and pipe welding in as little as seven months. You’ll also be prepared to excel in job interviews and welding tests for various certifications.

Read about the types of welding careers you can pursue with your skills. Ready to start a Professional Welding program? Contact us today about our welding certification preparation program.

  1. https://www.aws.org/certification-and-education/professional-certification/certified-welding-supervisor/?step=1