How to Become a Certified Welding Inspector

Step 1Send in your certified welding inspector application form. Applicants must mail the form, found on the AWS website, at least six weeks prior to taking the exam. The application fee of $850 for AWS members and $1,065 for non-members must be included with the application. The application also requires applicants to choose a code test subject, which is the type of welding they plan to specialize in for inspections.

Step 2Choose your exam site. On the application, applicants should indicate their first, second and third choice for exam locations. AWS gives the exams throughout the year at cities throughout the country. After confirming the exam site through AWS, applicants can then make travel and hotel arrangements.

Step 3Fulfill education and work experience requirements. The number of years needed working as a welder depends on the level of education completed. Potential welding inspectors who hold an associate degree or higher need three years' experience, a high school education requires five years, at least an eighth-grade education needs nine years and anything below eighth grade needs 12 years of work experience.

Step 4Complete welding inspector training. Though not a requirement, welding inspector training helps prepare welders to pass the AWS exam. Vocational, technical and welding schools offer welding inspector classes that help prepare students to take the AWS certified welding inspector exam. AWS offers five-day seminars that help prepare applicants for the exam, and include the exam on the last day. Training classes cover topics such as code enforcement, application of documents governing welding inspection and qualification, safe welding practices, inspection documentation and destructive testing. Training classes also typically include a hands-on portion that allows students to use inspection tools.

Step 5Pass the AWS certified welding inspector exam and a vision test. The exam consists of three parts, and students must receive a grade of 72 percent or better to pass. Welding inspectors must pass the initial vision test to earn certification, and must also pass a vision test each time they renew. The test consists of three two-hour portions, including the 150-question fundamentals of welding inspection portion, a practical application section where test takers perform hands-on inspections and an open-book code application test. Welding inspectors need to be familiar with all the topics covered in the training classes to pass the exam.

Step 6Renew your certification every three years. AWS requires that all certified welding inspectors submit a notarized renewal application and the renewal fee of $445 for AWS members or $660 for nonmembers. AWS does not require renewals to take any tests except the vision test, and there are no continuing education requirements.


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