What is the Fastest Way to Get a Welding Certification?

welding a tire

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Did you know that you can complete a technical school welding program in as little as 7 months? American Welding Society (AWS) states that technical schools are the fastest way to become a welder. And AWS is the standard in welding certification.

Are Technical Schools the Fastest Way?

“Fastest” is subjective, but training at a technical school can get you where you want to be a bit sooner than a traditional four-year education.

A Focused Curriculum

The Welding Specialist program at The Refrigeration School (RSI) focuses only on what you need to know to start working as a welding apprentice. Unlike associate degrees from two-year welding programs, you won’t have to complete electives or any other needless classes.

The welding program at RSI will focus only on welding. In addition to classroom theory, you will also get hands-on training to build your confidence when starting work as an apprentice welder right after graduation.

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Job Focused

Technical schools focus on the job of a welding specialist.

Whether you are ready to learn the skills to become a successful welder or need help finding a job in the industry, RSI can help. We help our graduates identify jobs that are a good fit, preparing you for interviews and employer networking. We put you in the same scenarios you will find on the job, giving you a focused view of what you can expect when you start a welding job.

Small Class Sizes

Many 2- and 4-year colleges have classes with large class sizes where students get lost in the mix. RSI offers small class sizes, so you get personal attention. This lets you learn faster and more succinctly, preparing you to get a certification in welding.

How Do You Become a Welder?

There is a standard path to becoming a licensed welder. The steps include:

Step #1: Completing a Diploma Program

RSI offers a 7-month Welding Specialist program that will train you in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). You are awarded a diploma after successful completion of RSI’s welding program, which is also designed to prepare you for the American Welding Society welder certification.

Step #2: Get AWS Certified

Once you have completed the Welding Specialist program at RSI, you can take the AWS welder certification exam.

The welder certification exam tests your welding technique to AWS Standard Welding Procedures (SWPSs), industry-standard specifications, and company-supplied or non-code welding specifications.

Step #3: Complete an Apprenticeship

The next step in the process to become a fully licensed welding specialist is the completion of work experience as an apprentice welder.

You will work under the strict supervision of a licensed welder and get many years of experience that will prepare you to take the State of Arizona Welding Licensure exam.

Step #4: Pass the State of Arizona Welding Licensure Exam

Once you have completed the necessary work experience and education, you are ready to take the Welding Licensure exam administered by Gmetrix and issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. You must get a passing score of 70% or better on the AZ Statutes and Rules Training Courses and Exam (SRE) and successfully pass the welding licensure exam.

Want to Learn More?

That path to welding certification starts by enrolling in RSI’s Welding Specialist program. We offer hands-on training with classroom lectures to prepare you for entry level job opportunities in structural, alloy, and pipeline welding. To learn more, contact us.