Just an opinion here.

Employers typically drive which credential is most desirable.

Also typically, employers will not accept any outside cert. (welder performance qualificatin test record) without testing again themselves.

So from a students perspective it's most important to have the "skills" to pass a variety of tests, and to "study" by reseach the differences between the tests and balence that with the needs of the employers they intend to approach.

Having a "cert" is a good thing to get your foot in the door to take more tests!  Welders are professional test takers, so you need to understand this and get used to that part right up front :)

I believe WABO certs. (Allen correct me if I'm wrong) are managed at a centeral location so that employers have a way to check to make sure somebody who shows up with a WABO card actually has continuity and is who he/she says they are.  Similar to the Canadian Welding Bureau.  The AWS only does this if the test has been conducted at an ATF (accredited test facillity).

Edit:
There is never a disadvantage to passing a weld test :)
and
You will note in Clause 5 that WABO welder tests when side bends are used is a little more rigorous (at least in my opinion.)
https://wabo.memberclicks.net/assets/pdfs/Welder/std%2027-13%20sixth%20edition%20november%202013.pdf

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Hello Firechicken, when you are considering WABO testing, this testing is based on a system that is managed by a non-profit organization to promote welder training and certification procedures and qualifications. The WABO card holder "retains" their card although WABO ultimately "owns" the card as they can renew/revoke it as they see fit according to the bylaws that they are governed by.

When you start a job you will likely be tested in-house by the new employer and when they determine that you have the necessary skills they will request to see the card and use your number to provide documentation on any WABO covered work performed while in their employ. Inspectors performing QC on any work in the shop that you are working in can request to see your card and if you cannot physically produce it they can curtail current and future work until you can produce this documentation.

If you change employers your card goes with you and when you have passed an in-house test for them or they have accepted the card at face-value(not likely to happen), you will supply them with the number and be "qualified" to work to WABO requirements for the new employer.

Many certifications that are "required" by employers for their employees are "company specific" and if you leave the employ of that company you are no longer considered certified/qualified. You might physically have possession of your card, yet, you are not allowed to apply this card to work for any other employer.

Common Arc testing is utilized by some union jurisdictions and my understanding of this is somewhat similar to that of WABO with the main difference being that individuals who have the common arc qualifications are observed during testing by a number of the major employers in that area and if the individual goes to work for any of these folks their welding qualifications will be accepted without further testing.

Hope this helps a bit with your question. I am located in SW Washington and we have WABO in place, there is also AWS, ASME, API, and other systems in place for various fabrication and welding purposes. Best regards, Allan

Firechicken,

One thing to remember clearly, the guys alluded to but didn't get specific, WABO is Washington specific.  It will be required for many, but not all, jobs you may hope to work on there.  AWS, is much broader, like, world wide; especially national in the US.  At least, as was stated, when given through an ATF or if you work for the same company travelling the country. 

Personally, if you live in WA and want that kind of work, get both.  Then you won't be held back if you go somewhere else.

Have a Great Day,  Brent

I think one of the best things about WABO, and one of the reasons for its success, is that comparably speaking there is less opportunity for fraud compared to non-AWS accredited test facilities issuing test records claiming testing to AWS standards.

WABO testing can only be done at a WABO accredited facility, by a WABO Approved Welder Examiner.  Qualifying to become and to maintain standing as WABO AWE requires current standing as an AWS CWI, and employment at a WABO accredited testing facility.  A prospective Examiner must also pass the WABO AWE exam which is a written test on the WABO Standard 27-13.

WABO site accreditations are good for 3 years.  The site inspections (which I just had yesterday) follow a punch list for record keeping procedures, approved base metal and filler metal accountability, test administration procedures, test sample processing procedures and accountability,  positive ID of the test taker, possession of suitable WPSs, and appropriate testing facilities, equipment, and inspection capabilities.  The last 6 months worth of test samples and specimens must be kept for correlation with the site's test records.  The records must be kept for 3 years at the accredited test site.

WABO is a fairly widely recognized standard in Washington.  The test site and inspector have a lot to lose if they ever got sideways with WABO and lost their accreditations.

The test site does not issue the welder a certification.  Rather the test site produces a test record that is forward to WABO.  WABO issues plastic certification cards, like a credit card, that is printed with the welder's qualifications,  The card would be quite difficult to fraudulently reproduce.  The certs are good for one year and require the welder to submit a completed WABO sign off card with the signers' phone numbers to serve as proof of continuity, in order to renew.  WABO also includes written penalties for all welders concerned in the case of identified fraud, even if the legitimately qualified welder claims to have "lost" or had their card stolen, if the loss or theft was not reported to WABO before the fraudulent use of the card by a third party is discovered.  WABO grants confiscation authority of WABO cards by inspectors or anyone working on WABOs behalf if fraud is discovered.

All in all, it is in my opinion a worthwhile organization in regards to welder certification testing.

*Note:  WABO does use the term "certification" regarding their "certifications", so it IS the right term to use here.