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American Welding Society

AWS ATF

Kentucky Welding Institute is an American Welding Society (AWS) Accredited Testing Facility with seven AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) on staff. Beyond training future welders, KWI works with AWS to support the development of welding instructors and strengthen welding education.

Certified Pipe Welder Program

AWS Accredited Testing Facility

An AWS Accredited Testing Facility (ATF) meets American Welding Society requirements for conducting welder qualification testing. Kentucky Welding Institute holds AWS Accredited Testing Facility status and has operated as an AWS ATF since 2015.

Accreditation vs. certification

Accreditation belongs to the facility. Certification belongs to the welder. An accredited facility can administer AWS qualification tests, but each student earns a certification only by passing the test. Attending an accredited facility does not guarantee a certification.

Why standardized testing matters

Standardized qualification testing gives employers a consistent way to judge a welder's ability against published codes, no matter where the welder trained.

Search the official AWS ATF directory

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AWS Certified Welding Inspectors on staff

Seven AWS Certified Welding Inspectors

AWS Certified Welding Inspectors have demonstrated knowledge of welding inspection, applicable codes, procedures, and quality requirements.

Having credentialed inspectors in the training environment means students learn what a passing weld looks like from people who understand how welds are inspected and judged against code.

Training the Next Generation of Welding Instructors

KWI has hosted sessions of the American Welding Society's Train the Trainer Welding Educator Program. Bobby Pease and Ashley Applegate, both AWS Certified Welding Inspectors, have served as instructors in the program.

The program supports professional development for welding educators, covering instructional methods and hands-on welding education. That means KWI's involvement reaches beyond its own students — it helps other welding instructors build their skills, too.

AWS Train the Trainer program

A KWI representative holding a gold AWS award trophy alongside a colleague at an awards ceremony

AWS Educational Recognition

KWI was named AWS Educational Facility of the Year for the Excellence in Welding Awards with WEMCO.

Advancing Welding Education with AWS

KWI collaborates with AWS on welding education initiatives, including AWS SENSE welding education and instructor development, and has hosted instructor training on its campus. KWI's work was recognized in the April 2024 AWS Welding Journal.

Strong welding education depends on both levels: well-trained students and well-trained instructors.

Read the April 2024 AWS Welding Journal

Supporting Students Through AWS Scholarships

2024 AWS Foundation scholarship results

43

Scholarships in 2024

$53,500

Awarded to KWI students in 2024

AWS Foundation scholarships can help eligible students pursue welding education. These are 2024 figures, not an annual guarantee, and not every student receives a scholarship.

Why This Matters for Future Welders

  • You train at an AWS Accredited Testing Facility, where AWS qualification testing can be administered.
  • You learn in an environment with seven AWS Certified Welding Inspectors on staff.
  • You have access to welding qualification testing opportunities during your program.
  • Your training is supported by instructors involved in AWS educational initiatives.
  • Hands-on welding education prepares you for the expectations employers bring to the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Start Your Welding Career at KWI

Explore Kentucky Welding Institute's 26-week Certified Pipe Welder program and learn how our hands-on training prepares students for opportunities in the welding industry.

Explore the Certified Pipe Welder ProgramRequest Information