Welding Inspector Training

Welding is a common career choice, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating 412,300 welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers holding jobs in the United States. While welding can provide a modest income, many welders choose to move up in their career to positions that require more responsibility, as well as garner a higher income, such as with a welding inspector.

Welding inspectors are trained and certified professionals who inspect the welding work in structures and other welding projects to ensure the work has been done correctly and meets all safety specifications. Welding inspectors use tests like ultrasonic nondestructive testing to help detect cracks or flaws in welds that could cause instability or destruction to a structure.

Candidates for welding inspection training have spent considerable time in the field, and have the skills and knowledge necessary to recognize good and safe welds. In most cases, at least four years of welding work experience is recommended before starting training to become an inspector. Beyond actual welding skills, a welding inspector must have great vision, wide knowledge of welding and materials, a clear understanding of specific building codes, and advanced communication skills for correcting welders, and instructing them on how to fix incorrect welds. If you have these skills, a welding training program might be right for you to help advance your career.

Welding inspector training is typically done through seminars, which are offered in cities throughout the United States through organizations like the American Welding Society. Seminars that are recommended before sitting for the certified welding inspector examination include a visual inspection workshop, a welding code clinic and a welding inspection technology seminar. Once you have completed these training seminars and have amassed enough knowledge through hands on experience, you will be ready to take the certification exam. In many cases, it’s important to first sit for the certified associated welding inspector examination for your CAWI certification, and spending time working underneath a senior welding inspector before sitting for the certified welding inspector examination for your CWI certification.

It’s important to study the material from your inspector training to ensure you have the knowledge necessary to pass the certification exams. You must pass with at least a 72 percent to become certified through tests like those provided by the American Welding Association. If you fail the test, you will not only be forced to pay the testing fee for your retake, but you may also be required to take an addition 40 hours of professional training before sitting for the test a second time. As such, inspector training is essential for ensuring success.

Taking training to become a welding inspector is not for everyone. However, if you’re ready for the next step in your career, and have the personality and knowledge to work in a more supervisory capacity, welding inspector training may be just what you need. Training allows you to continue challenging yourself, while significantly increasing both your value as an employee, as well as your overall earning potential.