Certified welder tests developed by welding trade authorities provide a definitive series of procedures that 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 welders and welding students in the Southwest Virginia region. The AWS test facility listing provides information about SWCC.
Southwest Virginia Community College’s Welding Department provides an Accredited Testing Facility for a variety of welding processes, including:
For more information or questions about welding classes, programs of study, and/or welding certification testing contact Allen Martin at 276-964-7253 or contact Angie Miller at 276-964-7277 or email beit@sw.edu.
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.
Please call 276-964-7277 to verify current pricing information.
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 Career Studies Certificate is a 12-credit, one-semester program.
The Welding Career Studies Certificate is a 28-credit, two-semester fast-track welder training program.
The Welding Fundamentals Career Studies Certificate is an 18-credit, one-semester program that provides a great first step into the welding career pathway.
The Manufacturing Fabrication Career Studies Certificate is a 1-2 year, 25-credit program that 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 of obtaining 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.
All Southwest locations are CLOSED on Friday, February 21, due to inclement weather.Day & Evening Classes are canceled.