Al,
Level III Expert Welder Is a Qualification/Certification linked to the SENSE program.
In it's current form it is a VERY comprehensive combination of Levels 1 and 2, Plus extensive pipe, stainless and aluminum performance qualifications with the addition of a very comprehensive written exam over multi-process welding, safety, inspection, fabrication and print interpretation.
It's a Qualification if done at a non ATF, it may ve viewed as a Certification with national registration, if done at an AWS Accredited Test Facility.
It takes some dedication to earn one of these.
Level 1 was newly revised in a modular format last year. Level 2 is on it's way to the presses with excellent revisions.. Level 3 will also be revised, but I think that one will take a bit more time to make modular.
Edits: for clairity
SENSE Level 1 Entry Level Welder EG2.0 Curriculum Guide QC10 Specification for Qualification
SENSE Level 2 Advanced Welder EG3.0 Curriculum Guide QC11 Specification for Qualification
SENSE Level 3 Expert Level Welder EG4.0 Curriculum Guide QC12 Specification for Qualification
How do I know this?
I sit on the AWS Educators Subcommittee for SENSE, under the excellent leadership of Ed Norman; putting many hours into work on Level 1 and Level 2 revisions over the last few years.
For those who were (reasonably) dissatisfied with the Level 1 & 2 test questions and drawings; I urge you to revisit the new revisions. I think they are much better. Plus the modular format was implemented especially to serve secondary schools who may not have all the equipment to do the full run of SENSE processes.
Also also;;;;;; The WPS's provided for SENSE participating schools are revised and much better. Thanks to Rich Depue!
For further info
http://www.aws.org/w/a/education/sense/?id=vgSb44ZZ