How To Become A Certified Welder Online
Welding is an extremely in-demand trade, and it’s not one that you can just learn through on-the-job training. Welders must be certified by the American Welding Society (AWS) to ensure the quality of their work. So if you’re interested in welding but never had the opportunity to get into it, then an online welding certification program may be the perfect solution for you. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about becoming a certified welder online, including what type of welding certifications are available, how much they cost, and more!
Welding Certification Basics
The first thing to know is that AWS offers a few different types of certifications, all of which require a different amount of time and money. Some people may only want to get their basic certification, while others may want to get certified in multiple areas.
There are three levels of welding certification: the beginner level, the intermediate level, and the master level. The beginner or “entry” level certification doesn’t really require much schooling – you simply need to take an entry-level exam. The cost for this exam is $150 USD.
At the intermediate level, you’re required to take an introductory course plus pass one AWS exam. This will cost you $225 USD total.
Finally, at the master level, you’ll need to take four courses plus two exams (for a total of six) for $695 USD.
Different Types of Welding Programs
There are several types of welding programs available to choose from. These include certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees.
While certificates are typically shorter, vocational programs are ideal for those who are looking to enter the workforce as soon as possible or who don’t have time for a long-term commitment. If you’re looking for a higher level of education to become a welding engineer or supervisor, then an associate degree or bachelor’s degree may be the best option.
For those who have just completed high school but aren’t quite ready for college yet, a certificate program can provide them with valuable skills that they’ll need to land their first job in the field after graduation. Aside from this type of certificate program being available online, many schools offer them on-campus as well!
What About Tuition?
When considering an online welding certification program, there are two main factors that should be considered. The first is the length of the course, which ranges from 5-12 months. The second is tuition, which varies based on the type of certification you’re looking to attain. For example, a basic level welding certificate costs around $1,000 while a more advanced level certificate can cost upwards of $5,000!
**Take note that some schools offer scholarships.
How Much Do I Need to Save?
It’s best to estimate your costs before you start any online welding courses.
One of the most common questions we get from potential students is “How much do I need to save?” To give a rough estimate, most AWS certifications range from $165 to $375. This includes a one-time fee for the certification and a yearly membership fee.
So how can you prepare yourself financially?
First, calculate your monthly expenses.
Next, choose an amount that you’re comfortable working towards each month.
Then, divide that amount by 12 to determine the monthly minimum that you’ll need to add to your account each month in order to meet your goal!
Keep in mind that this amount may change depending on what type of welding certification you’re going after. For example, some types of welding certifications cost more money than others. But if you want a good rule of thumb, make sure you have at least a few hundred dollars saved up for these courses. Then, when it comes time to pay for them, it won’t seem like such an unaffordable cost!
The Time Commitment
The time commitment for an online welding certification program is going to depend on what type of certification you’re looking to get. The process of becoming a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) will take about 20 hours, while those interested in an AWS welding instructor certification should plan to dedicate at least 10 hours.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to devote all of your time towards this goal. You can set aside as much or as little time as you need each day to complete the courses and assignments, and then work on it until you’re done. If you’re working full-time, then it may take longer than someone who is working part-time or doesn’t work at all.
Conclusion
You’ve heard that you can become a certified welder online, but how does that work?
When enrolling in a welding certification program, it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for. In terms of time, the amount of time you need to commit to a welding certification program can vary from 18 to 36 months. In terms of money, expect to pay an average of $5,000 for tuition and associated fees. The good news is that there are a lot of different welding certification programs to choose from.
1. Why should you invest in a welding certification?
2. What are the different types of welding programs?
3. Is tuition going to be a problem?
4. How much time will you have to commit?
5. How much will it cost you?
6. What do you need to know before enrolling in a welding certification?
7. What are the best welding certification programs to choose from?
8. What should you do if you have difficulty finding a program?
9. What kind of welding certifications are available online?
10. What should you do if you want to return to school?
11. What else should
Comments are closed.