Pursuing a Welding Career: Eligibility for AWS Certified Welder Exams Without Engineering Background

If you're a student pursuing your final year of an engineering degree with a specialization in mechanical engineering, you may wonder whether you can write the Certified Welder exams conducted by the American Welding Society (AWS). The answer depends on your work experience in a welding engineer role.

AWS Certified Welder Program Overview

The AWS Certified Welder program is designed for individuals with a talent for welding who can pass a performance-based test. There are no pre-requisite courses or certifications required prior to the test, as long as you can perform the necessary welding techniques safely and accurately. This makes it an accessible option for aspiring welders, regardless of your background.

Eligibility Criteria

While the AWS Certified Welder program welcomes anyone with welding talent, the reality is that candidates need to have gained hands-on experience in a professional welding role. This means that you, as a mechanical engineering student, cannot directly sit for the exam without accumulating relevant work experience. The primary requirement is the demonstration of practical skills through job-related tasks and duties.

International Certification Agencies for AWS Welding Exams

For those wishing to take the AWS Certified Welder exam, a list of agencies contracted by the American Welding Society operates international certification exams. These agencies are responsible for organizing and conducting the tests in various regions, ensuring that candidates have access to the necessary certification regardless of their geographical location.

Important Contact Information

To register for the AWS welding exams, you must follow the registration procedures set by the specific agency in your region. Please find below a list of international representatives along with their contact details.

BETZ Engineering Technology Zone

Address: 49-Vellalar Street, Near St Thomas Mount Railway Station, Chennai India- 600088 Phone: 91-44-65364123/22441234 Fax: 91-44-22441234 Email: betzzone@

CUTECH Solutions India Pvt. Ltd.

Address: 152 SP Tap Turbo Park 2nd Floor 4th Lane, First Main Road, Ambattur Industrial Estate, 21st Phase, Chennai - 58, Tamilnadu, India Phone: 044-43023170 Fax: 91-8870557699 Email: enquiry@

Eurotech Assessment and Certification Services Pvt Ltd.

Address: 4FCS-67, 4th Floor, Ansal Plaza Sector-1, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, Delhi NCR 201010, India Phone: 91120-3838500-09 Contact: Nidesh Khatri Email: @

Industrial Quality Concepts

Address: IQC Training Services Pte Ltd, 40 ECR Shivani 1, Thiruvanmiyur near RTO, Chennai 600041, India Phone: 91-44-42158714 / 42158715 / 24451009 Fax: 91-44-5215-8715 Email: iqc@ or iqcadmn@ Contacts: Sundaram Baskaran, Shyam Baskaran

Intertek India Pvt. Ltd.

Address: E-20 Block B1, Mohan Co-operative Industrial Estate, Mathura Road New Delhi 110044, India Phone: 91 11 4159 5447 Contact: KK Gupta Email: @

Note: In some cases, programs may be tentative and subject to rescheduling. You must contact the event sponsor for proper registration procedures, fees, confirmation of event schedules, locations, and general information. Do not send registration applications to AWS directly.

Conclusion and Next Steps

While mechanical engineering students may not meet the immediate eligibility criteria for the AWS Certified Welder exams, there are several strategies you can employ to transition into a welding career. Consider interning or securing a part-time job in a welding firm to gain the necessary experience. This will not only help you meet the eligibility criteria but also provide valuable hands-on experience that will make you a more competitive candidate in the job market.