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How to Verify a Welder Certification

Welding certifications in the U.S. fall into several distinct systems: AWS welder qualification tests, ASME-compliant welding procedure qualifications, API pipeline standards, and employer-issued performance qualification records. There is no single national database. Knowing which standard applies to your industry is the first step to verification.

· 9 min read

Quick answer

For AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): verify at aws.org using the CWI number. For welder performance qualifications (ASME, AWS D1.1, API): these are employer-held records — request the Welder Qualification Test Record (WQTR) and Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) directly. There is no public database for individual welder performance qualifications.

Understanding the welding credential landscape

Welding credentials serve two distinct purposes — and they are verified differently:

Credential Type What It Confirms How to Verify
AWS CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) Competence to inspect and evaluate welds against code AWS public lookup at aws.org
Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ) Demonstrated ability to produce acceptable welds under a specific WPS Employer-held records (WQTR / WPQ form)
AWS Certified Welder (CW) Third-party tested welder to a specific AWS standard AWS SENSE program lookup at aws.org
API Pipeline Welder Qualification Qualified to weld pipelines under API 1104 or API 650 Employer or contractor qualification records

AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

The AWS CWI is the most widely recognized inspection credential in the U.S. and is required or preferred on structural, pressure vessel, pipeline, and shipbuilding projects. The CWI demonstrates knowledge of welding codes (AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, API 1104) and inspection methods.

To verify a CWI:

  1. Go to aws.org
  2. Navigate to Certifications → Verify Certification
  3. Enter the CWI certification number or the inspector's name
  4. Confirm Active status, expiration date, and endorsements (if any)

CWI certifications are valid for 3 years and require renewal through documented welding-related work experience or re-examination.

AWS Certified Welder (CW) — SENSE program

AWS offers the Certified Welder (CW) designation through its SENSE (Schools Excelling through National Skills Education) program. CW testing is conducted at AWS-accredited testing facilities. This is a portable, third-party verified welder credential — as opposed to employer-internal performance qualifications.

AWS Certified Welders can be verified at aws.org using the same certification lookup as CWI. The record shows the welding processes and positions for which the welder is certified.

AWS CW certification is valid for 6 months and requires re-testing unless the welder can document continuous employment producing the same type of welds. Portability provisions allow the certification to transfer to a new employer under specific conditions.

Welder Performance Qualifications (ASME, AWS D1.1, API)

Most production welders are qualified through employer-administered performance qualification tests, not third-party certifications. These tests are conducted under a specific Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and generate a Welder Performance Qualification Record (WPQR or WQTR). The governing standard depends on the industry:

Key welding qualification standards by industry

  • ASME Section IX (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code): Required for pressure vessels, boilers, and piping systems regulated by ASME BPVC. Qualification records are held by the employer (ASME Certificate Holder). Request the WQTR and confirm it references the applicable WPS and PQR.
  • AWS D1.1 (Structural Welding — Steel): The dominant standard for structural steel construction. Qualification records are maintained by the fabricator or contractor. AWS D1.1 welder qualifications are not registered with AWS — they are employer documents.
  • API 1104 (Pipeline Welding): Governs welding on pipeline systems. Qualification records are held by the pipeline operator or contractor. Welder ID cards with stencil numbers are commonly used on pipeline projects.
  • API 650 / 620 (Storage Tanks): Tank welding qualifications; records held by tank fabricator.
  • AWS D1.2 (Aluminum), D1.3 (Sheet Steel), D1.6 (Stainless): Specialty structural standards for non-carbon-steel base metals; employer-held qualification records.

No national database for welder performance qualifications

Unlike CWI or CW credentials, performance qualifications under ASME, AWS D1.1, and API are internal records. They are legally documents of the employer or ASME Certificate Holder — not the individual welder. A welder changing employers typically must re-qualify under the new employer's procedures.

What to request when verifying a welder

When hiring or verifying a production welder for a specific project, request the following:

  • Welder Qualification Test Record (WQTR): Documents the test conditions, material, thickness, and welding process for which the welder is qualified. Should reference the applicable WPS number.
  • Welding Procedure Specification (WPS): The procedure under which qualification was performed. Confirm it is supported by a valid PQR.
  • Procedure Qualification Record (PQR): Confirms the WPS has been tested and approved.
  • Current employment or active qualification status: ASME Section IX and AWS D1.1 qualifications expire if the welder has not used that process within 6 months (ASME) or various periods (AWS D1.1).

Third-party welding certifications and badge programs

Several industry and union programs offer portable welder credentials that can be verified externally:

  • NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research): Issues portable welding credentials. Verify at nccer.org using the transcript number or individual's name.
  • IBEW / UA (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers / United Association): Union programs track journeyman welder qualifications internally. Verification requires contacting the relevant local.
  • Military welder qualifications (MIL-STD-2219, etc.): Service-branch records; verify through branch-specific documentation systems.

Red flags

  • CWI certification number that returns no result or shows Expired on the AWS lookup
  • WQTR that lacks a referenced WPS or PQR number
  • WPS unsupported by a valid PQR from the same organization
  • Qualification record showing a test date that would put the qualification outside the continuity period (6 months without that process)
  • Claims of "universal" welding certification covering all processes and positions — qualifications are always specific to process, position, and material thickness
  • NCCER transcript number that cannot be verified at nccer.org

Verification checklist

  • 1. Determine which credential is required for the project (CWI, AWS CW, ASME WPQR, API, etc.)
  • 2. For CWI or AWS CW: look up at aws.org — confirm Active, not expired, and endorsements match role
  • 3. For performance qualifications: request the WQTR and confirm it references a valid WPS/PQR
  • 4. Confirm the qualification covers the required process, position, and material thickness for your work
  • 5. Check the last-used date — qualifications expire if the welder has not used the process within the continuity period
  • 6. For NCCER credentials: verify at nccer.org using transcript number
  • 7. Retain copies of all qualification records for the project file — required by ASME, AWS D1.1, and API standards

Verify welder training school accreditation

Welders who completed formal training programs at vocational or trade schools should have attended accredited institutions. Use VerifyED to confirm whether a welding training program holds proper accreditation before accepting educational credentials.

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