How to Become a Welding Inspector: Step-by-Step Career Guide

Welding inspectors examine the connections and bonds between metals. Inspectors use visual tools and electrical instruments to check and ensure the quality and safety of connections. These professionals begin as welders and can become certified inspectors through the American Welding Society (AWS) after meeting education and experience requirements.

Steps to Become a Welding Inspector

Step 1: Complete High School

Although a high school diploma isn't always needed to become a welding inspector, it can greatly reduce the amount of work experience needed to qualify for certification, which is required by some employers. For example, a candidate with a high school diploma and no additional formal training would need at least five years' work experience to qualify for certification, while a candidate who hadn't completed high school would need from 9-12 years' experience, according to the AWS (www.aws.org). High school students might consider courses in wood shop, mathematics and drafting to prepare for a welding inspection career.

Step 2: Earn a Post-secondary Education

Formal training through a community college or vocational school isn't required, but some employers seek welding inspectors with post-secondary education. Technical programs in welding typically last 1-2 years and result in a welding diploma or certificate. Topics generally include blueprint reading, metallurgy, fabrication and arc welding. Students also might consider 2-year associate's degree programs in welding technology. These programs often include general education coursework, as well as welding-specific classes in arc, gas tungsten arc and pipe welding.

Step 3: Gain Work Experience

Welders work in a variety of industries, including construction, aerospace and machinery manufacturing. Before moving into the role of inspector, welders might perform entry-level work, such as cleaning and degreasing parts; checking grooves, angles and dimensions for accuracy; inspecting equipment; and mixing and applying protective coatings.

As new hires gain experience, they might advance to reading blueprints and using their knowledge and skills in metallurgy and welding to join, bind and fuse two or more metals together. Skilled welders might move on to even more complex tasks, such as welding difficult angles or materials, like titanium or steel. Advanced welders also might develop templates and models, estimate parts and labor costs, and examine work for defects. Promotion to welding inspector might lead to duties like writing inspection reports; ensuring that equipment complies with engineering, welding and testing standards; and training other welding staff.

Step 4: Pass Welding Inspector Certification Exam

Welders who have attained a high school diploma or a post-secondary degree and completed three years of documented work experience may apply to become Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs). The certification exam covers three areas, including welding fundamentals, practical applications and welding code application. Certifications generally last three years; however, CWIs can take additional exams or courses in order to prolong recertification for up to nine years.

Step 5: Consider Attaining Endorsements

CWIs also can earn supplemental inspection credentials. While not required, these endorsements might allow CWIs to execute inspections that might have been excluded due to customer or jurisdictional requirements, such as inspections of bridges and railroads. Upon passage of a qualifying code book exam, inspectors are given a separate endorsement card and certificate of completion

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