CW Certified Welder
AWS Certified Welder (CW)
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The AWS Certified Welder (CW) is the entry point into AWS welding certification and is a performance-based program - AWS states there are no prerequisite courses or certifications required. Instead of a written exam, you weld test specimens, most commonly at an Accredited Test Facility (ATF), and the completed work is inspected to confirm it meets AWS standards.
The credential is deliberately narrow in scope: it records the specific welding process, the position, and the material and product form you qualified on. Plate tests cover flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions; pipe tests cover small- and large-diameter pipe, with the 6G fixed-pipe position widely treated as the most demanding. Because the qualification reflects only what you actually demonstrated, many welders stack several tests over time.
Passing earns a Certified Welder card documenting those qualifications, and AWS describes the credential as transferable - something you take with you between employers and job sites. Preparation typically runs through a welding school, technical training center, or employer-based program; online training and exam preparation exist, but certification itself cannot be earned online. Candidates should also note that AWS no longer accepts paper applications and requires submission through the My AWS Portal.
What you'll study
About CW Certified Welder preparation
What actually happens on test day for the CW?
You weld a specimen at an Accredited Test Facility using the specific process, position, material and product form you are testing for. AWS describes the exam as performance-based: there is no prerequisite coursework or prior certification, and your finished weld is inspected to confirm it meets AWS standards.
Which processes and positions can I qualify in?
The CW qualifies you in a specific process, position, and material. AWS notes certifications can cover plate welding in flat, horizontal, vertical or overhead positions, as well as pipe certifications on small- and large-diameter pipe. Structural welders commonly test under AWS D1.1 and pipeline welders under API 1104.
Is the CW hard to pass?
Difficulty tracks the test you choose. The 6G fixed-pipe position is widely regarded as one of the toughest because it covers all positions on a fixed pipe, while a flat plate test is far more forgiving. AWS points out there is no single "best" certification - fit the test to the work you intend to do.
How long should I plan to prepare?
AWS says Certified Welder training programs for early-career or student welders can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on your experience and the test. Formal training is not always required but is highly recommended, especially for early-career welders. Most candidates prepare through a school, training center or employer program.
What does the CW cost?
AWS states entry-level certifications like the Certified Welder often range from a few hundred to around a thousand dollars, including testing fees and materials. Cost varies with certification type, exam location and any training taken beforehand. AWS directs candidates to its Program Price List for current pricing.
Can I earn the CW entirely online?
No. AWS states you cannot earn a welding certification fully online. You can take online training and exam preparation, then schedule your certification test at an Accredited Test Facility. Many schools coordinate with ATFs so students can test as part of their training curriculum.
What happens if I fail - can I retest?
AWS does not publish retake terms for the Certified Welder on these pages, so the answer depends on your testing facility and the specific test taken. Ask the Accredited Test Facility where you test, and check the AWS Program Price List for associated fees, before you book.
How do I submit my application?
Online through the My AWS Portal. Beginning January 15, 2026, AWS will no longer accept paper applications for certifications or endorsements, so all applications must be submitted digitally. Create or log in to your account and follow the portal submission instructions and required-documents guide.
How does an employer check my certification?
Through the AWS National Registry of Certified Welders (NRCW). AWS describes NRCW Online as the fastest way to verify current AWS CW certification numbers - enter the certification number and get immediate results. How long a welding certificate stays valid depends on the specific certification, so confirm the rules that apply to yours.