The AWS Certified Welder test is a hands-on weld: there are no written questions on it. These questions cover what you need around it: OSHA welding safety, each with the official rule, and the shop math welders use every day.
Question of the day
AWS certification
How often must an AWS Certified Welder submit maintenance documentation to keep the certification active?
About the test
In the official pages' own words, checked October 30, 2026. Confirm on the linked page before you register.
“A Certified Welder (CW) has successfully passed a performance-based welding test administered by an AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF).” AWS ↗
“Unlike certifications that require written examinations, the AWS Certified Welder Program focuses on demonstrated welding skill.” AWS ↗
“The certification process is designed to verify practical welding skills rather than classroom knowledge.” AWS ↗
“During the welding certification test, you will weld according to a qualified Welding Procedure Specification (WPS).” AWS ↗
“Your work may include fit-up, assembly, positioning, and welding requirements that reflect real-world job conditions.” AWS ↗
“After the weld is completed, it is inspected and evaluated according to the acceptance criteria of the applicable code or standard.” AWS ↗
“The specific requirements depend on the welding process, base material, welding position, and code under which the test is administered.” AWS ↗
“There are no educational prerequisites, certification requirements, or minimum experience requirements to become a Certified Welder.”
OSHA 10-Hour card. Many contractors ask for one. It's a course completion card, not a license or certification, and only an OSHA-authorized trainer can give it, in a class or online. OSHA's list of authorized online trainers ↗ includes CareerSafe ↗, for one.
What the job is like
The work, the training and the pay nationwide, in about 90 seconds.
Welders Cutters Solderers and Brazers Career VideoCareerOneStop · YouTube · plays from youtube-nocookie.com
Video from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Tap CC on the player for captions. On CareerOneStop ↗
Free study videos
They help you study but don't count toward a license, card or certification. Picked by us from YouTube; nothing loads until you tap play.
A Students Guide on How to Pass a Bend TestWeld.com · YouTube · plays from youtube-nocookie.com
What a bend test looks for and the common reasons coupons crack, from a welding instructor.
3g Weld Test Stick Welding Tips Vertical 7018weldingtipsandtricks · YouTube · plays from youtube-nocookie.com
Vertical-up 7018 plate test, the most common structural test, with technique tips from a long-time welding teacher.
Stick Welding Tips for a 4g Overhead Weld Testweldingtipsandtricks · YouTube · plays from youtube-nocookie.com
The overhead plate test, often taken together with the 3G.
The 6G Welding Certification Test ExplainedWeldTube · YouTube · plays from youtube-nocookie.com
What the 6G pipe test is and what to expect before you sign up for one.
Keep Yourself Safe: 6 Welding Safety Hazards & How To Avoid ThemWeld.com · YouTube · plays from youtube-nocookie.com
Shock, fumes, arc flash, fire and more: the hazards behind the OSHA questions in this set.
Welding Safety: Fire and ExplosionsLincoln Electric Retail · YouTube · plays from youtube-nocookie.com
A welding maker on fire and explosion hazards: combustibles, fire watch and containers.
Prueba de Soldadura 3G con Electrodo 7018 | D1.1 (Español)AmeriArc Welding Academy · YouTube · en español · plays from youtube-nocookie.com
A welding school walks through a 3G 7018 plate test in Spanish.
Seguridad y Salud | Riesgos y Medidas Preventivas en Trabajos con Soldadura Eléctrica | FLCFundación Laboral de la Construcción -Canal You Tube · YouTube · en español · plays from youtube-nocookie.com
Arc welding hazards and how to prevent them, in Spanish, from Spain's construction training foundation (Spanish rules, same hazards).
“AWS provides a directory of Accredited Test Facilities to help welders find a testing location near them.” AWS ↗
“There is no limit on the number of times you may attempt to earn your welding certification.” AWS ↗
“Because testing fees are established by individual facilities, candidates should contact their preferred testing location directly to obtain current pricing for AWS Certified Welder testing, retesting, and related fees.” AWS ↗
“To keep your welding certification active, you must submit certification maintenance documentation every six months confirming that you continue to perform the welding process for which you were certified.” AWS ↗
“Failure to maintain continuity may result in the certification becoming inactive, requiring you to requalify through testing.” AWS ↗
“While AWS Certified Welder certification focuses on demonstrating welding performance to an approved Welding Procedure Specification (WPS), safe work practices are a critical part of professional welding and career success.” AWS ↗
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