Who is the American Welding Society?

The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a nonprofit organization to advance the science, technology and application of welding and related joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering and thermal spraying.

Headquartered in Doral, Florida, and led by a volunteer organization of officers and directors, AWS serves more than 73,000 members worldwide and consists of 22 districts with 250 sections and student chapters.

What every Welder needs to know about the American Welding Society

One of the primary goals of the American Welding Society is to develop and publish standards that ensure the quality and safety of welded products. These standards cover a wide range of topics, including design, fabrication, installation and inspection of welded products. By adhering to the American Welding Society standards, welders can ensure that their work meets industry requirements and is of the highest quality.

The American Welding Society also offers several certification and training programs to help welders and other participants in the welding process increase their skills and knowledge. These programs formally recognize competency and expertise, which can provide opportunities for career advancement and improved job prospects. Overall, the American Welding Society plays a vital role in the welding industry, setting standards, providing resources, and promoting the growth and development of welders worldwide.

Certification and Traing programs offered by the American Welding Society

The American Welding Society offers a variety of certification and training programs that are essential for welders looking to improve their skills and knowledge. These programs formally recognize a welder's competency and expertise, opening opportunities for career advancement and better job prospects.

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
One of the most popular certification programs offered by the American Welding Society is the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) program. This program allows welders to become qualified inspectors who can ensure the quality and safety of welded products. By obtaining a CWI certification, welders demonstrate their knowledge of welding regulations, standards and inspection techniques.

Certification programs for individuals
The American Welding Society also offers training programs that cover a wide range of topics, including welding safety, welding metallurgy and advanced welding techniques. These programs are designed to equip welders with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their careers.

One of the best ways to advance your welding career is to earn an AWS certification. Professional welding certification can enhance your career and lifetime earning potential and provide you with the opportunity to leverage your extensive knowledge and expertise in your current and future professional roles. AWS offers multiple certification categories designed to appeal to all segments of the welding and joining industry and meet your goals.

Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
Certified Welding Engineer (CWEng)
Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)
Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI)
Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI)
Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI)
Certified Welding Sales Representative (CWSR)
Certified Resistance Welding Technician (CRWT)
Certified Robotic Arc Welding Technician/Operator (CRAW-T/CRAW-O)

Overall, the certification and training programs offered by the American Welding Society are critical for welders who want to stay current with industry standards, expand their skills, and increase their job prospects. By participating in these programs, welders can increase their expertise, improve their earning potential and contribute to the growth and development of the welding industry.

Digital library
This cloud-based library provides designers, engineers, welding supervisors and welders with quick and easy access to welding technology and related content. With an easy-to-use platform, you can access standards, journals, journals, references and videos anytime, anywhere, including on mobile devices.

Basics of the Welding Curriculum
The curriculum provides integrated activities and resources for teachers and students and provides the flexibility and customization for in-person or virtual learning. This resource includes both printed materials and an extensive digital resource with 74 learning modules and 18 instructional videos.

Online educational library
The American Welding Society Online Educational Library is a comprehensive, subscription-based collection of AWS online courses delivered through an innovative, easy-to-use platform. This versatile e-learning library complements existing real-time training programs, distance learning, blended learning and flipped classroom models. Subscribers receive 24/7 access to the range of welding courses.

Developed by industry experts and learning professionals.
Interactive, self-paced modules that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.
Easy-to-use, cloud-based platform with courses on welding basics and related topics.

Recommendations
Recommendations are additional inspection data available to all AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWIs) to enhance an individual's qualifications. The exams offered in support of the CWI/SCWI programs are also offered as stand-alone exams to non-CWIs/SCWIs who wish to strengthen their educational background.

Below are the available endorsement certifications that AWS offers as of 2020.

D1.1 Structural steel
D1.2 Structural aluminum
D1.5 Welding
D15.1 Railway
D17.1 Aerospace
API 1104 pipeline
Reading structural drawings
Structural bolt inspection
ASME pressure lines B31.1 and B31.3
ASME Pressure Vessel Section VIII, Div. 1