What is a Welding Certification?

Definition: Welding Certifications are technically a hands-on welder qualification test that is conducted by
certified welding inspector that will determine if the person or machine can produce a sound quality weld
up to the code or welding procedure needed for a Company, job site or a particular industry standard.

Bottom line, can you produce a sound quality weld by following the procedure/instructions?

1. Weld the metals given by the welding inspector in the position the test is designed for by following
the instructions provided.
2. Cut the metal welded according to the instructions and prepare them for a bend test or some
approved form of quality testing.
3. Test the materials welded according to the procedure. If they pass the test then you just earned your
welding certification. The testing ranges from a bend test to Radiographic (x-ray) or even just a
visual exam of the quality. In most cases a welding inspector will have a excellent idea if your
welds will pass just by visually inspecting them.
Welding certifications are designed to ensure the welders skills are up to the code they will be working
under. Welding certifications are also documented to prove that the welder is qualified under that code.
Welding codes vary a lot depending on the type of work being done. There are many organizations that
have different procedures depending on the type of work they oversee.

In the United States there are quite a few organizations that have certified welding procedures. The three
largest organizations are:

 The American Welding Society / AWS. www.aws.org They typically deal with structural codes
mostly involved with buildings and bridges.
 The American Society of Mechanical Engineers /ASME Section IX. www.asme.org They deal
with boiler and pressure vessel codes.
 The American Petroleum Institute / API. www.api.org They oversee pipeline welding codes for
the gas and oil industries.

Welding Certification Positions

The largest organization in America that certifies welders is the American Welding Society. The welding
certification procedures they have approved have been tested many time to ensure that if followed the
welder taking the welding certification follows the rules and has the skills will pass the test.

Welding certifications come in many positions, metal thickness, welding processes, and metal types. When
the term “Certified Welder” is used it only means that welder is certified under the welding procedures they
have tested under. There is not a single welding certification that covers all types of welding.

All welding certifications come in many positions. The positions are different depending if the welder will
be welding on plate or pipe. The terms properly used in the welding field refers to plate as “structural
welding” and pipe and “pipe welding”.

Plate Welding Certification Positions

For welding plate the positions typically come in two different joint types. Fillet welds and grove welds.
Most plate welding certifications are performed in groove welds. This is because in most welding codes,
grove welds will also qualify you for fillet welds, but fillet welds do not cover grove welds. Fillet welds
and grove welds also vary in different positions. The positions are flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead.
There is also a coding system to identify the welding position.

The coding system for plate and structural welding is as follows:

1 is for the flat position.

2 is for the horizontal position. F is for a fillet weld.

3 is for the vertical position. G is for a groove weld.

4 is for the overhead position.

The way this coding system works is the number stands for the position and then the letter identifies the
type of weld joint. For example if you take the number 3 for the vertical position and G is for a groove
weld. Then you put them together like “3G” then that is the code for a vertical grove weld. In the case of a
fillet weld you would simply replace the G with an F, then you would get a “3F” weld joint and that is a
vertical fillet weld
.When getting certified for structural welding it’s very common to take the 3G and 4G welding certification
together. These two tests usually cover all the positions and most codes allow fillet welds on pipes that are
a minimum diameter of 24″.

Pipe Welding Certification Positions

When it comes to welding pipe there are four main positions and again they are typically groove welds.
There is also a coding system to identify the positions and joint types.

They are as follows:

1 is for a pipe in the horizontal position that is rolled.

2 is for a pipe in the fixed vertical position.

F is for a fillet weld.
5 is for a pipe in the fixed horizontal position.
G is for a grove weld.
6 is for a pipe in a 45 degree fixed position.

R is for the restricted position.

2 & 5G Combo Pipe Welding Certification Positions
The 2G and 5G combo tests are sometimes done to qualify a welder for all pipe welding positions. It can
sometimes be substituted for the *6G position.

6g pipe test position front view

*Then there is the 6G pipe

welding certification. This is a pipe that
is in standing on a 45 degree angle and
cannot be moved. This test incorporates
all of the positions. What makes this
position so hard is there is an easy side
and a hard side. This all depends if you
are right handed or left handed and the
welding processes being used. This one
test will qualify the welder to weld pipe
and plate in all positions. This is the
hardest of all welding positions and the
test typically given for the higher paying
jobs. If you need to get one welding
certification this is the position to go
for!
Restricted Pipe Welding Certifications and Test
Positions
Restricted pipe welding positions are the most difficult type of welder qualification or welding certifications
a welder can pass. These welding certifications and test positions are designed to test your ability to weld
in tight and confined spaces.

Access to the weld joint is limited in three ways:

 Forcing the welder to find unusual stances and body position.

 Other pipes, a ceiling or walls, and restrictive rings are some of the various obstacles used to block
access to the weld joint.
 Blocking visual access of the welding area by forcing the welder to use a mirror to see the weld
joint.

Many times it is a combination of the obstacles and visual restriction that the test will incorporate. Restricted
tests come in the 2G, 5G, and 6G positions but most of the time it will be a 6GR or 6G restricted test
positions.

6GR Restricting Ring Pipe

Welding Certification Position
The 6G restrictive ring test position is typically an 18″
restrictive ring placed 1/2″ above the weld joint. I have
seen this illustrated in welding books and the AWS
code. The picture is of a practice test I took and was
going to get this welding certification. Unfortunately
when looking for a welding procedure this test is not
available. It was shown but not tested. Other codes
may use it and have a procedure that is tested.

6GR Restricted Boiler Tubing Test Position

The 6GR boiler tubing test is restricted by placing a boiler tube on each side of the coupon to be welded.
You have exactly 1 inch of clearance to weld on the side of the tube. This is probably the most difficult
tests to pass. Boiler tubing tests are typically TIG welded and must be free-handed at all times.
You are also required to weld half of the tube right handed and the other half left handed. Walking the cup
is not allowed and will cause an instant failure of the weld test!

Another type of boiler tubing test I took had only has 1/2 of an inch of clearance and all I could say is
“Wow that was tight”.
6GR Box Type Restriction Pipe Welding Certification Position
Shipyards typically test pipe welders using a box type restricted position. There restricted 6G test does not
use a ring or other pipes to block access. Instead it’s more realistic for the type of work being done in a
shipyard. The pipe is put into the 6G position inside of a welding booth that has a steel grading ceiling. The
pipe is placed on the right side of the booth (if you are right handed) 12″ from the right wall. Then 12″ from
the ceiling and 12″ from the back wall. If you are looking at the pipe straight on, the right side of the pipe
from the 3 to 12 o’clock positions is almost inaccessible. 12 inches of clearance sounds like a lot, but that
is 12 inches to the center of the weld joint. So a 6″ pipe has only 9″ of clearance. The restricted area is too
tight to put your head in there or too see anything.

I recently passed this type of test for my current job using a TIG root and hot pass with the rest Stick welded
out. The hardest part of this test is the TIG welding part. To pass you need to weld the first quarter of the
pipe right handed, the second quarter left handed, then the third quarter right handed using a mirror, and
finally the last quarter left handed using a mirror. Finally the weld had to pass an x-ray test. Unfortunately
I could not get permission to take any pictures.

Welder Certification Backing Bar vs. Open Root Weld

As with all welding certifications many offer two types of root openings. The first is typical of plate or
structural welding certifications and that a backing bar is used. The second is an open root type of weld that
is commonly used on pipe welding certifications. These two types of roots both have advantages depending
on the type of work being done.

Root with a Backing Bar

Structural welding is typically done using a backing bar so in this situation a backing bar is appropriate.
With a backing bar in place it makes the root of the weld easier to do. At the same time this is the way most
structural welding jobs will test their welders.
Open Root Weld
When it comes to pipe welding certifications even though they offer a backing bar, it is not very common
in the field. In some rare cases they may use a chill ring or backing ring. With pipe it’s always best to go
with the open root. As with all open root welds the inside or back of the weld must have full penetration as
if it were welded from the back side or inside of the pipe. In the field most welds done on pipe are open
root groove welds. Open root welds are harder to do! If you are certifying with SMAW most likely it will
be an E6010 root and an E7018 fill and cap. This will typically qualify you for more welding electrodes
then say a backing bar using a E7018 electrode alone .Another common combination for a open root pipe
welding test is a GTAW root and hot pass with a SMAW fill and cap. This is considered a combo type of
test because it certifies you in two welding processes.
Welding Certification Processes
All welding certifications come in different process and procedures. The most widely used welding
processes are:

 Stick welding properly known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding or “SMAW“

 TIG welding properly known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding or “GTAW“
 MIG Welding properly known as Gas Metal Arc Welding or “GMAW“
 Flux Core Arc Welding or Wire Wheel Welding

These are the most common but there are many other types of welding processes that you can get certified
in. The only catch with the other types of processes is that they are so specialized that getting a job might
not be easy to do. If you don’t weld using the process you are certified in they usually expire worthless after
six months. Making the time and money spent wasted.

For someone new to the welding field the three best welding certifications to get that will pay off the fastest
are an AWS D1.1 3G and 4G SMAW combo done on carbon steel and a 3G MIG Welding Certification.
Most employers will be more than happy with someone who has passed these qualification tests. These
certifications open the door for shop work and field work.
Destructive Testing vs. Non Destructive Testing
When it comes to welding certifications and job site testing there are two methods for testing the quality of
the weld. Destructive Testing or “DT” and Non Destructive Testing or “NDT”. Both methods have their
advantages and disadvantages!

Destructive Testing or “DT”

For most welding certifications given at a welding school the method used is typically destructive testing.
This is a low cost and accurate way to find out if the welding student is making good quality welds. The
most common is a coupon bend test. This is done by taking the weld test and cutting it up into strips, then
bending them to see if the weld holds up. There are many rules concerning the amount the weld coupon
can open up or even break. The ideal bent test coupon should show no signs of defects or opening up. There
are many other destructive testing methods but the bend test is the most widely used!
Non Destructive Testing or “NDT”
When it comes to job site testing many welding shops use different methods depending on the type of work
done. When it comes to Non Destructive Testing or “NDT” there are many ways to test the quality of the
weld. The three most common methods are:

 Visual weld inspection.

 Liquid dye penetrate testing
 Radiographic testing or x-ray

Visual weld inspection is the most cost efficient of the NDT methods but at the same time it relies on the
sole discretion of the inspector. This method is mostly used for non critical welding inspection and cannot
detect internal weld defects.

This is a welding inspection camera used to find visual defects that are difficult to get too.

Visual weld inspection is the most cost efficient of the NDT methods but at the same time it relies on the
sole discretion of the inspector. This method is mostly used for non critical welding inspection and cannot
detect internal weld defects.

Liquid dye penetrant testing involves the cost of the dye but it is excellent at detecting surface defects. All
this method does is high light any surface defects.

When it comes to Radiographic testing or x-ray weld inspection the cost is much higher and there are also
associated risks with this type of weld inspection. This type of weld inspection will show any type of weld
defect and is the most accurate way of inspecting weld quality. The down side is x-ray weld inspection is
it uses radioactive materials. Do Not Enter an Area that is labeled X-Ray or Radiographic Testing! Just the
slightest bit of exposure to gamma-rays and or x-rays will cause death in the near future! This type of weld
inspection is only used when the safety of the public is at risk and the people conducting it are extremely
qualified to do this type of work!

Common Welder Qualification Test for Jobs

When it comes to job site testing there are a few common combinations of tests. The tests vary in positions,
welding processes, and the type of welding inspection to be used. Some job sites may only do a visual
inspection, others might conduct a bend test, and for most pipe welding jobs it is likely your weld will be
x-rayed. Do not get the impression that a welder qualification test is easier than a welding certification. In
many cases the welder qualification test is harder than passing a welding certification. On top of that even
if you are certified in a processes and position you will still need to retest to the company’s standards!

Structural Welder Qualification Tests for Industrial Construction

For most construction jobs you will most likely encounter a 3 and 4G combo welding test. Most of the time
the test will be either Stick or Flux Cored Arc Welding test or both at the same time. In some cases you
might be asked to do a 3 and 4G combo MIG welding test.

Structural Welder Qualification Tests for Shipyards

Shipyards jobs typically test Stick welders in the 3 and 4G combo welding positions and do not allow weave
beads. The tests are usually done with a backing bar. When it comes to Flux Cored Arc Welding the tests
are a combination of 2G, 3G, and 4G positions, but it is almost always assumed it will be a open root weld
using ceramic backing tape. If you have never used ceramic backing tape to weld then get some and practice
before testing!

ceramic backing
tape profile view
Pipe Welder Qualification Tests for Power Plant Construction
One of the typically welding test for pipe welders in a power plant construction is a pipe in the 6G position
using a TIG root and hot pass with the remainder of the pipe Stick welded out with either a E7018 or a
E8018″. The most common test is a 6″ heavy wall schedule 80 in the 6G position with a TIG root and hot
pass then the rest is Stick welded with a E8018. Typically this test will be x-rayed and no grinding is allowed
but you can use a wire wheel to clean the slag! Any porosity, rough restarts, or trouble spots cannot be fixed
when taking this test! If your weld cap is more than 1/8 of an inch high then you have failed based on the
visual and weld reinforcement criteria! The pictures below are of a practice test I did and it took me about
4 hours to weld this pipe out. That is 4 hours if you rush the test. The pipe got so hot I needed to use a vice
grip to lean on it.

When it comes to nuclear and coal fired power plant construction there are commonly three welding tests
you must pass for the job. The first test is a 2″ double heavy wall schedule 160 carbon steel pipe in the 6G
position with a TIG root and hot pass then the rest is Stick welded with an E8018“. The second test given
is also a 2″ double heavy wall schedule 160 carbon steel pipe in the 6G position but it is TIG welded all the
way out. Finally, a 4″ thin wall schedule 5 or 10 stainless steel pipe TIG welded all the way out.
Where to Get a Welding Certification
Before you decide to become a certified welder you should think about the type of work you want to do
and what you were trained to do. In the United Stated the most common and excepted welding certifications
are from the American Welding Society.

Typically most vocational schools offering a welding program also offer AWS welding certifications.
Otherwise you can locate an accredited testing facility and take the welding certification test there. The
downside to using an accredited testing facility is the cost could be more! But these accredited testing
facilities usually offer many more welding procedures and codes to choose from. If you are working under
a code like ASME or API these testing facilities may be the only available option.

I contacted the welding school I was trained at for some basic prices. These prices are from an AWS
accredited testing facility. The school is the Welder and Training Testing Institute in Allentown, PA their
web site is www.welderinstitute.com. For a plate test the cost is $143.00 and for a 6G pipe welding
certification it is $299.00 plus if you need to practice the booth rental is about $23 an hour. Again the upside
to an accredited testing facility like the Welder Training and Testing Institute is they can certify or train
you under almost any code or process including procedures for exotic metals.

The cost of taking a welding certification at a vocational school vary. Most vocational schools require
signing up for a class that is about $175.00, test plates run about $20.00 and pipe coupons are around
$30.00. The prices do go up much higher depending on the type of metal. The upside to a vocational school
is that most will allow you to take as many welding certifications as you want during the class duration.
The only extra cost is the price of the testing coupons.