The Difference Between a Welding Certificate vs a Welding Certification
What is the difference between a welding certificate and a welding certification? I know the two sound similar but they are totally different.
Here’s a breakdown of how the two differ:
Welding certificates are certificates to show that you satisfactorily completed a welding course to prove a welder’s ability and knowledge of the welding procedure conducted by a welding instructor. They are less expensive, you can work at your own pace, shorter class hours, only learn what you need to know to prepare you for entry level jobs, and provide you with a good general understanding of welding.
Welding certifications are certifications conducted by an authorized certified welding inspector that test a welder’s capability to create welds of acceptable quality following many well defined welding procedures done on multiple thicknesses of metal. They are more expensive, require more detailed skilled training, and can qualify for higher pay with a welding position.
However, there is a big misconception that you must be a certified welder to get a welding position and that’s simply not true.
Welding certifications are not always needed to start a welding job, it all depends on the company you are working with. Even in some companies, if you are already certified with the state, they will still want you to take a welding certification test with them to be certified in what you are working on with their company.
Welding certificates are good to show on your resume because that is your proof on paper you can weld. At your job interview, they will have you take a welding test at their company and position you in an area based on your welding test and training skills. Then if you need to be certified with the state, with their company, they will certify you based on what materials you will be welding for them.
We know how confusing this can be for some and wanted to clarify it a bit, hopefully this has helped you have a better understanding of the two. In our welding classes, we teach the basic welding skills needed, in a semi private setting with no bookwork, 100% hands-on welding to help you achieve your welding career journey a lot faster. We break our classes up into many different courses and receive a certificate of completion at the end of each 12 hour course. There is no need to wait to complete our whole program before you can receive your welding certificates.
Teaching a Trade That Never Fades
