Frequently Asked Questions​

Delivery time varies depending on the volume of applicants we receive within the week of your exam. The bend tests are typically performed the day following your exam, and upon receiving a passing grade, certificates and WPQRs could take a few days to complete and send to the applicant, so you should receive your new certificate/WPQR within a week after your exam.

Prices vary depending on the specifications required for the certification you wish to test for. The most common plate test we provide under the AWS D1.1 structural code starts at $350 per test.

The most common test we provide is a 3G(vertical position) plate test under the AWS D1.1 structural code

There are many factors to consider when deciding what is right for you. A few of the most important factors you need to consider when deciding on specifications for your test are the following: What material do you typically weld on, or plan on welding? What welding process do you currently use, or plan on using? What positions do you typically weld in, or plan on welding in? For instance, if you plan on applying for a job at a company that mostly performs welds for structural applications, you may consider a test in the 3G(vertical position), SMAW(welding process) and A36(Carbon Steel material) which is what most structural welders obtain to start.

The “3” represents the position in which you weld while the “G” represents the type of connection. For instance, 4G represents a groove weld welded in the overhead position, while 2F represents a fillet weld welded in the horizontal position.

You can weld in the following positions: 1 Flat(f), 2 horizontal(h), 3 vertical(v) and 4 overhead(oh).

The Certified Welder (CW) exam is a performance-based test used to verify a welder’s ability to produce sound welds in accordance with specific standards and procedures. The CW exam is a crucial step for welders looking to validate their skills and advance their careers.

There are no formal prerequisites for taking the CW exam. It is open to anyone who has the skills and knowledge required to produce a sound weld according to the specified procedures.

As your local Accredited Testing Facility (ATF) for AWS, you can register for the CW exam by contacting us through email or phone to complete the necessary application forms and schedule a test date.

The specific materials and equipment depend on the welding process and procedure being tested. Typically, we will provide the test materials for your exam, but you will need to bring your own personal protective equipment (PPE).

The CW exam can cover various welding processes, including but not limited to: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW).

The CW exam is evaluated based on visual inspection, followed by destructive testing methods of the test coupon such as bend tests. In some cases, non-destructive testing methods may be used such as ultrasonic tests. These tests are done to ensure the weld meets the criteria specified in the applicable AWS code book.

If you fail the CW exam, you can retake the test. Full price for the exam will need to be paid again.

The CW certification is valid for six months. To maintain certification, the welder must submit a maintenance form to AWS every six months along with a $35 processing fee, which verifies that they have continued performing the welding process for which they were certified.

Yes, you can get certified for multiple welding processes. Each process requires a separate test, and you must pass the performance test for each specific process to be certified in that process.

The CW exam uses various standards and codes, such as AWS D1.1 (Structural Welding Code – Steel), AWS D1.3 (Structural Welding Code – Sheet Steel), and other applicable AWS codes depending on the material and welding process.

Study materials for the CW exam can be found through AWS publications, welding textbooks, and training courses offered by welding schools and training centers. AWS also offers various resources and guides to help prepare for the exam.

Becoming a Certified Welder demonstrates your skills and knowledge to employers, increases job opportunities, and can potentially lead to higher wages and career advancement in the welding industry.

Yes, you can take the CW exam even if you are already certified under a different welding code. Each certification is specific to the process, position, and code tested, so additional certifications can broaden your qualifications and job prospects.