What pipe welding training should cover
Technique and progression
Look for a published progression from structural and fabrication fundamentals into pipe positions, materials, processes, fit-up, and preparation for qualification tests.
Time under the hood
Weekly and total training hours make programs easier to compare. Ask how much of the schedule is dedicated to welding practice and instructor feedback.
Testing access
AWS Certified Welder testing is performance-based and administered through AWS Accredited Test Facilities. KWI has operated as an AWS Accredited Test Facility since 2015.
Transparent outcomes
Placement claims should identify the program and reporting years. National labor figures describe the occupation; they are not school-specific graduate outcomes.
KWI Certified Pipe Welder facts
| Program measure | Published figure |
|---|---|
| Length | 26 weeks |
| Training time | 960 hours; 40 hours per week |
| Shifts | 6 AM–2 PM; 2 PM–10 PM; 10 PM–6 AM |
| Published total | $25,500 |
| Cost breakdown | $19,025 tuition; $1,200 gear; $5,275 metal and supplies |
| Credentials | 28+ certifications and credentials available; testing requirements apply |
| Placement | 100% for Certified Pipe Welder graduates in 2024 and 2025 |
Credentials in the published package
KWI publishes 28+ available certifications and credentials across AWS welding tests and supporting credentials from NCCER, NCCCO, OSHA, MSHA, ASHI, CCS, Basic Plus, and TWIC. Students must complete the applicable training and testing requirements to earn each one.
Review the complete test and credential list
Placement figure and reporting context
KWI reports 100% job placement for Certified Pipe Welder graduates in 2024 and 2025. KWI holds ACCET’s five-year accreditation term; its institutional review includes standards for student outcomes and job-placement reporting.
Read the scope and limitations of KWI’s published outcomes.
National career context
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $53,750 for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers, with about 45,600 openings projected each year from 2024–2034. Those national figures cover the occupation broadly; pay and opportunity vary by region, industry, experience, credentials, schedule, travel, and available work.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics