How to Become a Welder

A professional welder fuses the metal joints that can be found in everything from massive structures like ships and skyscrapers to tiny parts found in computers and medical devices.^[1][2] Large or small, a professional welder’s work must be strong and sound to ensure the satisfaction and safety of its users. Formal welding training and welder certification are two credentials employers typically look for to confirm whether a welder has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job correctly.^[3] What does earning these qualifications entail and what else is needed to become a welder?

What Do You Need to Become a Welder?

While many of the skills necessary to work as a welder can be learned in welding classes, certain personal traits can also be helpful on the job. Since welding requires strength and precision, these tradespeople can benefit most from a combination of physical and mental qualities.^[4]

Mental Qualities	Applications	Physical Qualities	Applications
Attention to Detail	Visually Detecting Defects & Performing Precise Work	Manual Dexterity: Steady Hands & Good Eye-Hand Coordination	Guiding Handheld Welding Equipment Along Metal Surfaces with Precision
Spatial Orientation	Interpreting Multi-Dimensional Diagrams	Physical Strength & Stamina	Lifting Heavy Equipment & Standing While Performing Repetitious Tasks for Long Stretches of Time
Critical Thinking	Logically Troubleshooting Problems	Near Vision	Seeing Work a Few Feet Away
Problem Sensitivity	Recognizing Problems	Operation & Control Precision	Controlling System & Equipment Operations with Precision
Monitoring	Assessing Personal & Peer Work Performance to Make Improvements	Multi-Limb Coordination	Coordinating Movement of Two or More Limbs While Standing, Sitting, or Lying Down

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What Training & Education Does It Take to Become a Welder?

The skills for a welding career are often learned in a welding training program and validated through welder certification tests. This is because employers typically prefer to hire welders with technical training. A high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) are usually requirements for admission into welding schools.^[7] Work experience is also helpful to becoming a welder because it may entail on-the-job training or help with career advancement or specialized certification.^[8][9][10]

High School or GED

Helpful Classes or Study Focuses: ^[11]

• Shop Math
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Computers

Welding School

Example Welding Classes ^[12]

• Metallurgy
• Basic Math
• Welding Processes with Production Applications
• Metal Cutting Techniques
• Metal Properties
• General Safety Training & Safety Procedures for Craning & Rigging

Welding Certifications

Type	Test	Requirements	Applications
Welding School	Core Production Welding Processes (SMAW, GTAW, FCAW & Others)	Enrollment in Welding Program & Passage of Test	Positions in Maintenance, Construction & Manufacturing
Employer	Welding Processes Needed for the Job	Job Interview & Passage of Test	Welding Job
American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder	AWS Standard Welding Procedures (SWPSs), Non-Code or Company Supplied Welding Specifications, or Industry Standard Specifications	Pass a Test at an AWS Accredited Test Facility & Submit Completed Application & Fee	Welding Jobs in the Petroleum Pipeline, Chemical Refinery, Structural Steel & Sheet Metal Industries
Specialized Industry: AWS, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Petroleum Institute (API) & Others	Varies	Usually a Combination of Work Experience, Welding Training & Other Requirements	Professional Certifications like Certified Welding Inspector or for Working in the Petroleum or Boiler & Pressure Vessel Industries

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Where to Learn How to Weld

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that there are a few options of where to receive formal welder training: vocational schools, community colleges, and welding schools.^[17] A welding program can take between 7 months and 2 years to complete. Community colleges can take longer, especially if seeking an associate degree.^[18] Vocational and welding schools tend to offer a more career-specific, hands-on course of study, which can result in shorter program lengths.^[19]

Delta Technical College offers a welding training program that can be completed in 7 months at its campuses in Horn Lake and Ridgeland, Mississippi. Graduates of the program typically find employment in the maintenance, manufacturing, and construction industries as pipefitters, boilermakers, structural welders, and other positions.^[20] If you have further questions about becoming a welder, our admissions staff can help.