How to Become a Certified Welding Inspector

Are you interested in a wielding inspector’s job? Welding inspectors use different types of electrical devices and visual tools in order to verify that the safety parameters have been adhered to. 

Apart from running an inspection on the field, carrying out examinations on various projects, another important aspect of a welding inspector’s job is to prepare reports based on their field works. In the following section of the article you will be informed on how to become a Certified Welding Inspector.

Job Requirements

If you wish to pursue a career of a welding inspector, then you must begin as a welder and gradually you will climb up the ladder. However, educational qualifications are required to qualify for this post, here they are:

· Degree Level: Diploma from High School 

· Degree Field: Technology and Engineering

· Certification: There are numerous certification courses available

· Experience: In order to be an inspector, you must have experience of 3 to 10 years in this field.

· Technical Skills: Must have expertise in blueprint reading. 

Prosecondary Education

Though form training from a vocational school or a community college is not required; however, there are employees who want prosecondary education. The certificate courses on welding lasts for 1 to 2 years where the following topic is being covered

·        Metallurgy

·        Reading Blueprints

·        ARC Welding, and

·        Fabrication

You may also opt for a degree program in welding technology, which lasts for 2 years. The courseware of these programs includes topics related to welding as well as general education.

Work Experience

As mentioned, in order to be a certified welding inspector, you need to have more than 10 years of experience under your belt. This is 100% technical job and you need to have a thorough understanding about the process. As an inspector, your work job is to find out the flaws in a wielding work. You would be able to achieve your objective only if you have the required technical expertise, which you will develop over a certain length of time. 

Welding Inspector Certification Exam

If you have a high school diploma under your belt or you have gained a postsecondary degree along with 3 years of documented work experience, then you are eligible to eligible to apply for the post of a CWI or Certified Welding Engineer. 

There are 3 segments in the certification exam, they are:

·        Welding Code Application

·        Practical Applications, and

·        Welding Fundamentals

These courses usually last for 3 years; however, it can be prolonged up to 9 years if you wish to incorporate additional modules into the course. 

Benefits of a Certifies Welding Inspector

Here are some of the benefits companies will derive by appointing you as a welding inspector

·   Safety: You would ensure that all the welding works are carried out adhering to the set standards and in compliance with the company, local and national safety legislation

·    Documentation: As a certified inspector, you need to do a lot of documentation work which includes the followings:

� Checking the Drawings

� Checking the Specifications

� Checking Welder Approval

� Checking the welding procedure

·  Welding Ancillaries and Process: You would be responsible to check all the welding equipment

Now that you know how to become a Certified Welding Inspector, it is time you look out for the options. It is very important to remember that competition is getting stiffer by day, so you need to be well equipped in terms of your technical know how and experience.

You simply cannot afford to ignore the formal trainings and the required certifications. A Welding inspector’s job is usually a full time job and there are enough opportunities to prosper in this field.