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How to Become a Certified Welder in North Carolina
Welding is a trade that requires talent, skill and precision. Welders primarily use tools to bond separate pieces of metal together. Many industries have use for this skill. Unlike many fields that require a very specific training or educational path to work within an occupation, the welding field offers many avenues for success. The most important thing that a welder can have is his welding certification. A welding certification indicates that a welder has proved his abilities to accurately perform certain welding skills and can also adhere to procedural guidelines.
Locate a vocational school, college or technical school that offers welding courses.
Inquire whether or not these institutions offer certification at their completion. Once you know who offers the certification, you can double check with the accrediting agency.
Enroll in a welding program or series of welding courses.
Complete coursework or training. The coursework will focus on teaching you the skills, theories and safety procedures that meet the requirements of the state of North Carolina and welding certification granting agency.
Schedule a testing date with a local welding certification testing facility that is approved by an agency such as the American Welding Society.
Submit your application and application fee. You may not be required to submit these items until your testing date.
Pass the certification test. The test will require you to demonstrate your welding skills. Your work will be thoroughly inspected.
Tip
Some organizations or societies that offer welding certification also offer welding certification programs. These programs may vary in length from the welding programs schools offer, but you will undoubtedly receive certification if you successfully pass the requirements.
Warning
Check with common North Carolina companies that hire welders. You may be able to forgo a formal welding program or not need certification. There are some employers that will hire a non-certified welder and provide him with on-the-job training that will help him pass their internal certification process (see Reference 3).
Check the accreditation of any program you are interested in before enrolling and paying any fees. This will avoid your wasting time and money on a fraudulent program that will not grant you certification.
Resources
Tips
- Some organizations or societies that offer welding certification also offer welding certification programs. These programs may vary in length from the welding programs schools offer, but you will undoubtedly receive certification if you successfully pass the requirements.
Warnings
- Check with common North Carolina companies that hire welders. You may be able to forgo a formal welding program or not need certification. There are some employers that will hire a non-certified welder and provide him with on-the-job training that will help him pass their internal certification process (see Reference 3).
- Check the accreditation of any program you are interested in before enrolling and paying any fees. This will avoid your wasting time and money on a fraudulent program that will not grant you certification.
Writer
Ashley Brown began writing in 2005 for “The Albrightian,” the student newspaper of Albright College. The same year, she began working as a writing tutor and editor for the school's writing center. Brown holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Delaware.
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