Welding Certifications Explained: What’s Needed and When

Welding is more than just joining metal, it’s a highly skilled trade that offers career opportunities across industries such as construction, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive and beyond. Whether you’re just starting your welding journey or looking to specialize, certifications can help validate your skills, expand your knowledge and strengthen your resume.

At Universal Technical Institute (UTI), our Welding Technology program, developed in collaboration with Lincoln Electric, is designed to help students build a strong foundation in the craft. Through hands-on, real-world training, the program helps prepare students for an entry-level welding role and to pursue certain welding certifications, such as the American Welding Society’s (AWS) Certified Welder Program (CWP).¹ Some advanced certifications featured in this guide may require additional education or industry experience beyond the scope of entry-level training. This guide brings together a welding certification list worth exploring, highlighting the purpose of each credential, who it's best suited for, and how much industry experience is needed to test. If you’ve ever wondered how many welding certifications are there or which ones match your career goals, you’re in the right place. Whether you're a hands-on welder, aspiring educator or experienced engineer, there's likely a certification path that aligns with your goals.

Certified Welder Program (CWP)

The Certified Welder Program (CWP), offered by the AWS, is a performance-based certification that allows welders to demonstrate their ability to perform welding procedures used in real-world industries, such as structural steel, sheet metal, petroleum pipelines and chemical refineries. Testing is conducted at AWS Accredited Testing Facilities (ATFs), which follow strict guidelines to ensure welders meet industry standards.

Welders can test for AWS Standard Welding Procedures, industry-standard specifications, or even company-specific procedures. As welders pass different tests, they earn individual certifications that expand their qualifications and showcase their ability to handle a wider range of welding tasks.

Who it's for: This program is ideal for welders at various levels — including students and entry-level professionals — who want to validate their hands-on skills and begin accumulating certifications that can grow with them throughout their careers. There’s no required coursework, but strong foundational training and practice are essential to pass the tests successfully.

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) 

The Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification, also offered by the AWS, is a respected and advanced credential that qualifies individuals to inspect welds for safety, structural integrity and code compliance. The exam covers topics such as welding processes, symbols, inspection methods, destructive and nondestructive testing, and applicable codes and standards.

Who it's for: This certification is designed for experienced welding professionals. Candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, including a minimum of five years of industry experience, to qualify for testing. For those with a strong attention to detail and a deep understanding of welding, the CWI can help prove they have the skills needed for more advanced roles like inspection, quality control and leadership positions.

Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI)

The Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) is an advanced credential for experienced CWIs who want to take on greater leadership and technical responsibilities, including procedure development, compliance review and mentoring junior inspectors.

Who it's for: This certification is designed for veteran inspectors seeking leadership roles or advanced technical responsibilities. It’s a good fit for professionals ready to mentor junior inspectors and make high-level decisions in welding projects.

Certified Resistance Welding Technician (CRWT)

The Certified Resistance Welding Technician (CRWT) certification focuses on the unique processes and quality control involved in resistance welding, often used in the automotive and electronics industries.

Who it's for: Ideal for technicians or welders working in manufacturing environments who want to deepen their understanding of resistance welding. This credential can also benefit quality assurance and maintenance professionals working with resistance welding equipment.

Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI)

The Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI) certification is designed for professionals who analyze and interpret radiographic images of welds to assess their quality and detect flaws.

Who it's for: This is a great option for those with technical minds and a desire to work behind the scenes in industries like aerospace, nuclear energy or structural engineering. A background in welding, combined with analytical skills, is helpful for this role.

Certified Robotic Arc Welding (CRAW)

The Certified Robotic Arc Welding (CRAW) certification focuses on programming and operating robotic welding systems, combining traditional welding skills with modern automation.

Who it's for: Welders who enjoy working with cutting-edge technology and want to specialize in automation or robotics. This certification is especially useful for those seeking jobs in high-tech manufacturing or automotive production lines.

Certified Welding Sales Representative (CWSR)

The Certified Welding Sales Representative (CWSR) certification equips sales professionals with a deep understanding of welding processes, products and customer needs.

Who it's for: Great for welders looking to transition into technical sales or for sales professionals who want to better understand welding processes and speak the language of their clients. CWSR-certified individuals often work for manufacturers or distributors of welding equipment and supplies.

Certified Welding Engineer (CWENG) 

The Certified Welding Engineer (CWENG) certification is a high-level credential for professionals involved in welding design, procedures, specifications and problem-solving.

Who it's for: Engineers or technically focused welders who want to move into planning and design roles. If you’re interested in influencing how welding processes are developed and executed on a structural level, CWENG is worth considering.

Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) 

The Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) certification targets productivity and quality in welding operations. It focuses on safety, cost control and personnel supervision.

Who it's for: Experienced welders or managers who oversee teams and want to improve operational performance. It’s a strong credential for those pursuing leadership or managerial roles in fabrication, manufacturing or construction environments.

Certified Welding Educator (CWE) 

The Certified Welding Educator (CWE) certification allows experienced welders to formally teach and train others in welding techniques, safety and theory. Candidates must demonstrate both welding skills and teaching capabilities.

Who it's for: This certification is best suited for experienced professionals who have both a deep understanding of welding and a passion for teaching. While not a path typically pursued immediately after technical training, it can be a rewarding next step for seasoned welders seeking roles in education or workforce development.

Take a closer look at the welding courses offered as part of UTI’s Welding Technology program to see how each one teaches the skills needed to pursue certifications.

Fire Up Your Welding Skills With UTI

Whether you're aiming to become a fabrication welder, welder fitter or wirer, UTI can help you build the skills needed to pursue your career goals.

UTI’s comprehensive welding training equips students with practical skills that align with industry standards. Graduates who meet the performance benchmarks may be eligible to test for the Certified Welder Program (CWP) through an AWS Accredited Testing Facility. While our training lays the groundwork for various certifications, more advanced credentials, such as Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Certified Welding Educator (CWE), require additional experience in the field.

Want to know more about how many welding certifications are there, or which ones are right for your path? Request more info to learn how UTI can help you prepare for industry-recognized credentials. Ready to take action? You can fill out an application today!