By S J 
Date 11-06-2014 03:52
Edited 11-06-2014 22:21
Please be aware that the term "certification" and/or "certified welder" has many different meanings and qualification requirements.
Typically, the test requirements are determined by the material, welding process, product(s), and code that you will be providing welding support to.
Some welding codes state that welding certs expire if a particular process has not been used within 6 months, and retesting is then necessary to maintain the cert.
Then too, many employers prefer to perform their own weld testing anyway -rather than accepting certification papers provided by walk in applicants; however, copies of prior cert papers are wise to maintain because they document your track record for successful qualifications.
And, the advice offered by others is wise to heed. Most employers do pay for the test expenses - that said, your desire to pursue certification through an AWS ATF is commendable, and it might show ambition to potential employers that could put you ahead of the pack when applying for a job - especially if that job uses an AWS code, or requires a CWI stamp on your papers.
The AWS website has a database which should list the ATF sites in your area.
As you learn to search the web some more, you may encounter some employers who offer work-study programs as well as on the job training. And, the more you know about the various processes, materials, and welding parameters, the more likely you will be to pass welding certifications. And, if you are wise when just starting out, you might consider giving priority to those employers with existing WPS documents to guide you during the qualification process.
If you search farther on this website, you may encounter weldors who have their own business, and who maintain their certs through ATFs.
DeltaWelder,
WELCOME TO THE AWS WELDING FORUM!!
Great advice by both Lawrence and S J.
I would mainly like to ask a couple of questions:
1) Did you only qualify through Delta or did you take courses there and get some form of degree, certificate, or...?
2) Did they qualify you to AWS or some other code, specification, ....?
3) What welding process did you qualify with?
4) What are your goals? Type of work: pipeline, structural, equipment repair, automotive, aerospace, ...?
5) What led you to believe you desired to be qualified/certified and listed on the AWS Welder databank?
6) Where do you live? So we can maybe advise on a location close to you. (Just because you went to Delta doesn't mean you live anywhere close to there)
Good luck.
He Is In Control, Have a Great Day, Brent
