Demystifying The Process Of Valid Welding Certification Tests For Professional Growth

By Author: coding4welders
Total Articles: 7
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certification is important in every kind of profession. However, for technical fields it is important to keep up with certain tests and certification levels to meet the consistent demands of the particular industry. Welding is one of the most demanding technical industries today with a high demand of professionals in the field. However, without certification, it is next to impossible to be hired for quality jobs or included in consistent teams for civil or other engineering sectors. Fortunately, it is possible to obtain the correct welding certification through valid tests from responsible institutions. Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding the process of welding certifications, which can often mislead professionals, particularly those migrating t a different state or district for new welding projects.

Here is an overview on the procedure of Welding certification Tests and demystifying some of the common myths to help you make the right choice regarding the tests that best suit your circumstance.

Myth 1 – Welding certifications are transferrable

Welding certifications are non-transferrable and ...
... are only valid for each project that invested in certifying the professional. Often big projects will bring in high-level certification experts to create tests for bespoke welding techniques that are relevant to the project. These certifications are usually non-transferable which means you cannot use the certification for any other project except the one that certified you. There are some exceptions to this rule, for instance, if the company invested in your testing with an accredited facility, you might keep up the certification by investing subsequent fees to the facility for your certification.

Myth 2 – Welding tests are similar for every certification

Nothing can be farther from the truth in this case. It is impossible to clear a certification test by simply assuming all previous tests and this one are going to be the same. If you are used to testing with different projects of the same type of welding techniques, this might perpetuate the myth for you. However, current standards and evolving certification test codes allow companies to bring in customized code testers to prepare for the certification tests that concentrate on the particular project rather than you overall welding skills. Depending on the nature of welding requirements of the project, you might need to take tests according to any level from BS4872 to the BS EN287-1. You might also need testing under ASME or BS EN ISO 9606 standards.

Myth 3 – All testing needs to be completed in the testers’ premises

The testing location will depend upon the type of certification and the sponsor of the tests. Often employers call in expert welding test coders in their own premises to conduct bespoke testing for specialized welding techniques. Basic welder tests are also available in many facilities for new professionals looking to make their career in this field.

Myth 4 – you have to take several certification tests for different levels of the same project

The basic concept of the exams for certification is to test the potential of the professional for all levels of the project. However, if each level of the project required different tests it will eat in to the time of actual work on the project. Instead, most employers book tests for the more complicated levels so that the professional does not have to test for lower levels of the technique. In this scenario, a single test suffices for the entire project. For instance, if the test is for groove joint welding for overhead or vertical positions, the certification will be approved for both 3G and 4 G levels and any certifications for lower levels will be exempt for the professional.