Here are the nuts and bolts of the various LA certs.
http://www.ladbs.org/faq/info%20bulletins/building%20code/IB-P-BC%202002-045-Welder-Certification-rev-12-14-02.pdf
There are an abundence of community colleges and tech schools in the LA and San Diego area that train for that testing. Maybe some of the LA welders can pitch in and help you find out which may best suit your need