Our welding certification program database operates as an on-line, web based system. This system eliminates the need for never ending paperwork and instead offers a fast, efficient method for the transfer of information. This shortens the waiting period needed for our members to get their certification card in hand and access the jobsite. The system also offers our employers a quick-check method for verification of all qualifications/certifications issued through the National Training Fund Office.
IMPACT contributions fund the costs for each certification so there are no out-of-pocket costs to our members. If you’re interested in becoming an Ironworker or if you have any questions about the welding certification program please contact General Organizer Ed Abbott in the Apprenticeship and Training Department Office at 202 383-4802
Getting Your Welding Certifications
All of the California Apprenticeship Training Centers are AWS accredited testing facilities. The basic certifications offered are the International A1 (SMAW 1/8" 7018 rod welding 3G and 4G on 1" plate), B1 (FCAW welding 3G and 4G on 1" plate), and A7 (spot welding galvanized sheet metal to 1/2" A36 steel). Other certifications may be available upon the need of the local contractors. Some jurisdictions will require special city of county certifications to weld on the job. All ironworkers are encouraged to attain your welding certifications. Apprentices that attain all three of the above referenced certifications may be eligible for a pay advancement.
If you would like to get certified you can practice at your training center. There are usually training classes scheduled. You must bring your own PPE, welding shield, and tools in order to weld. Check with your training center to see when the shop is open for you to practice. You may be asked for your dues receipt before being allowed to weld. You must follow all of the shop rules and requirements.
Keep Your Certification/s Current
When you get your International certification you will need to keep it current. You will receive a welding certification card and a log book. You must fill out your log book every six months in order to keep your certification/s current. From the date that your certification was issued to the day six months from that date you will have to fill out the “First Six Months” page in your log book. All information entered in the log book must be legible and correct. The dates must match the time period. The same rules apply to the second six months. You must enter the date between the start and end of the second six months of the certification.
Your log book can be signed by a superintendent on the job, a job inspector, or a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). The CWI must apply his or her stamp to the book. It is best to get your book updated on the job if you can. If you cannot get your book signed on the job you can go to your training center when a CWI is available to update it. You should bring your welding gear at that time as you will be asked to weld in the process before the CWI can update your certification.
When you get your second six months updated you will have to send a copy of your book to the International to get your certification updated.
The best method to renew a welding certification is to either take a picture of the continuity log with a smart phone and send the picture as a text to mailto:wpc@ironworkers.org or, make a copy of the log book and email it to the same email address. The address is on the back of each certification card.You can send your copy to the International by mail if you do not have email or a smart phone. (I would recommend certified mail to assure delivery). Faxes will no longer be accepted.
Ironworkers National Welding Committee, 1750 New York Avenue NW · Suite 400 · Washington, DC 20006
Get your copy submitted before the expiration and preferably no more than 30 days prior to expiration. Be sure that all information is correct and that you have listed a phone number.
If Your Certification Expires
If you allow your certification to expire you will have to test again and you will be required to pay a $25.00 retest fee. You will need to check your training center’s policy before you test. You will likely have to provide a money order.
It is not good to let your certification expire. You will have to practice before you test and there is a chance that you could fail the test. If you fail a test it is likely that you will be required to spend eight hours in practice before you are allowed to test again. Welding testing is very expensive. You should not let your certification expire as it will cost you precious time and will cost your training center the additional and unnecessary expense to retest you.
Welding Tutorial
Tutorial for new welding students
This tutorial is for apprentices and Journeymen with little to no welding experience.
Welding is a major part of the ironworking trade. Every journeymen ironworker should be able to take a basic welding call. California District Council apprentices and journeymen are encouraged to attain their welding certifications.
