NO.

jrw159

 

Yes, they do this at my kids high school every year. CWI comes in and inspects and issues certs.

 

Unless that CWI is tied in some way to an AWS ATF then it is not tied to AWS.

A little insight.

https://www.aws.org/certification/AccreditedTestFacilities

jrw159

 

no,,,,

 

Here is the current list.

https://www.aws.org/certification/page/atf-domestic-listing

jrw159

 

Say, an independent CWI is contacted by someone who needs a certification test performed, can he sign off on it (if the welder passes) and that welder rightfully say he carries an AWS Certification?



this is the question we said no to. the answer is simply "no"

 

what's your procedure/plan for testing the weld coupons? visual,bend,x-ray?

 

In canada no.
You must test in a certified and credited testing facility. The process and weld procedure in question must be registered and approved.
Then the testing must be witnessed and overseen by the licensed CWI.
Companies have the right to do their own in house testing and qualifying but their process and procedures must be qualified and approved.

 

A local community college did this as they advertised AWS welding certification tests, they supplied the test plate and equipment then did the guided bend test if they passed they got their "cert". They were charging $300 a test for this "service", needless to say when the people that bought into this took their "cert" to a local employer that they were trying to hired on at - they were told that is "useless". Sure it showed you passed that test but was there a WPS? How do we know you were the person that actually took the welding test? How was everything controlled during these test's? Needless to say there were quite a few "unhappy" people that paid for this "service" and they (local college) have never offered it again.

 

As an AWS CWI, I can provide a WPS and supporting PQR as well as a written Welder Qualification Procedure. I can retain and provide the actual test specimens along with a signed and stamped WQTR. In addition I may also provide a summary of the test that may include information pertaining to safety, additional skills shown during testing ect. I can also charge whatever the situation might command. Be it $30.00 or $3000.00.

If this is for an individual welder seeking employment with a variety of employers, it is not much good. I am not, nor do I work for an AWS ATF. So in this case I would advise the welder not to go this route.

Now, as an AWS CWI I can perform the same testing with the same documentation for a company that does not have the capabilities of testing their own welders and if done correctly, my testing will be no different in result than an AWS ATF. That is because I am going to do it all correctly just like they would. Here is the kicker. I am going to charge pretty much the same thing the AWS ATF will.

Welder Qualification is not cheap to do when done right (AWS D1.1 or ASME requirements). There is more to it than just welding a couple of pieces together and putting it in a vice, then beating it over a piece of round bar with a big hammer.

All that being said. Even if an independent welder goes to an AWS ATF for qualification they will still have to test at hire 8 out of 10 times, and that is best case numbers.

jrw159

 

The only weld test that has any value is the one a company gives you before they hire you. Anything else is just a piece of paper. It won't get you on a job without another test by the company.
If you're trying to get a cert for your own personal company, you may as well just pony up the bucks and get it done right.

 

TimmyTIG said it all ! thats the way it is ! I still have my card stating D.1 D 1.5 most people have no idea what these really mean . And most things in AMERICA are way over engineered and welded , but that,s why we don,t have the catastrophic failure of buildings and bridges and other critical things that most countries still have today !

 

Luke, i dont see this as so complicated in the working job reality. you get a copy of an aws cert w/ your personal name on it. you keep the back signed or stamped (no charge) w/in 6 mo. intervals, that shows your still actively welding, and keeps it current. it will serve you for a very long time.

 

It is not a bad thing to have but in reality all it will do in 98% of the cases is get you to the front of the line at the test booth. You will still have to pass that employer's test.

jrw159