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Certified Welder Tests & Training

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder Tests and Training

welding

Certified welder tests developed by welding trade authorities provide a definitive series of procedures which specify how to correctly execute various weld processes. By gaining a welding credential through testing at our AWS ATF (American Welding Society Accredited Test Facility) , you are demonstrating proficiency in meeting a specific weld process requirement. Your welding credentials received at Southwest's AWS ATF are nationally recognized and can benefit your salary increase and employment prospects.

The AWS Accredited Test Facility -ATF provides welding training and process certification testing at a facility that is convenient to the welders and welding students in the Southwest Virginia region. The AWS test facility listing provides information about SWCC.

test welder

List of Welding Processes

Southwest Virginia Community College's Welding Department provides an Accredited Testing Facility for a variety of welding processes, including:

  • GMAW Spray Arc Transfer (M.I.G. Spray Arc)
  • FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding)
  • SMAW (Stick Welding)
  • GTAW Carbon Steel (T.I.G.)
  • 6″- 6G SMAW pipe (Stick Welding)
  • Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
  • Gas Metal Arch Welding (GMAW) MIG
  • Shield Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Stick
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) TIG
  • Pipe Welding
  • Others as requested, inquire for details
For more information or questions about welding classes, programs of study, and/or welding certificastion testing contact Allen Martin at (276)964-7253 or contact Angie Miller at (276) 964-7277 or email beit@sw.edu.

Free skills evaluation available before taking certified welder tests

A free welding skills evaluation is available (2 hour maximum) for you to determine your certification test readiness before you pay the welding test registration fee. The on staff Certified Welding Inspector can help identify training and coursework you may need to reach a readiness level to pass the welding test and become certified in that process.

Download the Certified Welder Test Pricing Information

Please call (276) 964-7277 to verify current pricing information.

Welding degrees available at Southwest

Being credentialed in one or more welding processes provides Southwest students in the program and other welders in our area a way to become more employable,

The Welding Diploma program prepares you to fill higher positions in industrial welding. You will also qualify as a welder, fitter-welder or shop foreman.

The Semi-Automated Welding CSC is a 12 credit, one semester program.

The Welding Career Studies Certificate is a 2 semester 28 credit fast track welder training program.

The Welding Fundamentals CSC is a one semester, 18 credit program which provides a great first step into the welding career pathway.

The Manufacturing Fabrication CSC is a 1-2 year,  25 credit program which provides many opportunities for welding training.

Fastforward Welding is a Workforce Career-based training offered in a 7-week format focusing on a specific welding process with the main goal to obtain an American Welding Society Certified Welder certification.

Coming Soon! The Advanced Welding and Fabrication Career Studies Certificate takes the students beyond entry-level skills and fills the gap in industrial manufacturing between welder/fitter/fabricator/welding quality control and welding shop foreman. Building on the traditional welding programs, the advanced classes will take the student to the next level and include welding aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, metallurgy, welding testing and codes, robotic welding, and layout and fabrication.