Certified Welder (CW)
Credential: Certified Welder (CW)
Credentialing Agency: American Welding Society (AWS)
Renewal Period: 6 months
The American Welding Society (AWS), Certified Welder (CW) is a performance-based certification with no prerequisite courses or certifications required. The CW program tests welders on procedures used in the structural steel, petroleum pipelines, sheet metal and chemical refinery welding industries. There is a provision to test to a company-supplied or non-code welding specification. Tests for CW are performed at AWS Accredited Testing Facilities located throughout the world and are performance based. Final certification will provide candidates with a "transferrable" credential.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Certified Welder (CW)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 6 months
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
American Welding Society (AWS)
8669 NW 36 Street
# 130
Miami, FL 33166-6672
Phone: (800) 443-9353
Contact Page
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Certified Welder (CW) credential has the following other requirements:
- The CW program is open to anyone with a talent for welding. The CW test is strictly performance-based and there are no prerequisite courses or certifications required prior to testing.
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Candidates will test in accordance with one of the QC7 standards below (whichever is applicable):
Performance Exam Requirements
A performance assessment will be administered. The candidate will deposit a sound weld that will be inspected by an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). The candidate will be evaluated according to their ability to properly adhere to the Welding Procedure Specification, selected from available QC7 Supplements, which includes fit-up, assembly, and positioning.
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Certified Welder (CW) examination:
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Best Sources
- AWS Accredited Test Facilities
- AWS Certification FAQs
- QC7, Standard for AWS Certified Welders
- QC7, Supplement C, Welder Performance Qualification Sheet Metal Test Requirements
- QC7, Supplement F, Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping
- QC7, Supplement G, AWS Performance Qualification Test (generic supplement)
- General References
RECERTIFICATION
Certified Welder (CW)
Renewal Period: 6 months