By Kentucky Welding Institute ·
When researching welding schools, you've probably come across terms like AWS certification, AWS accreditation, and Accredited Testing Facility. But what do these actually mean, and why should they matter when choosing where to receive your welding training?
Not every welding school offers the same training, testing opportunities, or industry credentials. Understanding the American Welding Society and its accreditation programs can help future welders make more informed decisions about their education.
What Is an AWS Accredited Testing Facility?
An AWS Accredited Testing Facility (ATF) is a facility that has met the American Welding Society's requirements for conducting welder qualification testing.
The AWS Accredited Testing Facility program establishes requirements for the facility, its personnel, equipment, and quality assurance procedures. (See the official AWS Accredited Test Facilities program.)
Accredited facilities play an important role in the AWS Certified Welder program by providing an approved environment where welders can demonstrate their skills through performance-based testing.
AWS accreditation is not simply a designation a welding school can give itself. Facilities must meet the applicable requirements established by the American Welding Society.
What Does AWS Accreditation Mean for Welding Students?
For someone considering welding school, AWS Accredited Testing Facility status is an important credential to understand.
An accredited facility has demonstrated that its welding qualification testing operations meet AWS requirements.
This matters because welding is a skilled trade where practical ability must be demonstrated. Employers need welders who can perform according to applicable welding procedures and quality requirements.
Training and certification are two different things, but having access to appropriate qualification testing can be an important part of preparing for a welding career.
What Is the Difference Between AWS Accreditation and AWS Certification?
Although these terms are often used together, they mean different things.
AWS accreditation applies to a facility or organization that meets the requirements of a particular AWS accreditation program.
AWS certification applies to an individual who meets the requirements of a particular AWS certification program.
For example, an AWS Accredited Testing Facility is recognized for meeting requirements related to administering welding qualification tests.
An AWS Certified Welder has demonstrated the ability to produce acceptable welds through performance-based testing under the applicable program requirements.
An AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) is an individual who has earned a professional inspection credential through AWS.
A welding school being an AWS Accredited Testing Facility does not mean that every student automatically becomes AWS certified. Students must successfully complete the applicable certification requirements.
How Do You Become an AWS Certified Welder?
The AWS Certified Welder program is based on demonstrated welding ability.
Unlike certifications that require extensive classroom examinations, this program focuses on a welder's ability to perform a specific welding procedure successfully.
Candidates complete a practical welding test at an AWS Accredited Testing Facility.
During testing, welders must follow the applicable Welding Procedure Specification and produce welds that meet the required acceptance criteria.
After successful testing, the required documentation is submitted to AWS for review and certification.
The AWS Certified Welder program does not require candidates to attend a particular welding school before testing. However, many individuals choose formal welding training to develop the skills needed to pass performance qualification tests.
Why Does AWS Accreditation Matter When Choosing a Welding School?
When comparing welding schools, students should look beyond tuition prices, program length, and advertising.
It is also important to understand the training and certification opportunities available.
An AWS Accredited Testing Facility designation provides information about the facility's ability to administer welding qualification tests according to AWS requirements.
Students researching schools should ask:
- Is the school an AWS Accredited Testing Facility?
- What welding certification opportunities are available?
- Are welding tests included in tuition or charged separately?
- How much hands-on welding time will students receive?
- What qualifications do the instructors and testing personnel hold?
- What welding processes and materials will students learn?
- What credentials can students pursue before graduation?
These questions can help students better understand what they are receiving from a welding program.
AWS Accreditation at Kentucky Welding Institute
Kentucky Welding Institute (KWI), located in Flemingsburg, Kentucky, is an AWS Accredited Testing Facility.
KWI offers a 26-week Certified Pipe Welder program designed to provide intensive, hands-on welding training.
In addition to its AWS Accredited Testing Facility status, KWI has seven AWS Certified Welding Inspectors on staff.
KWI instructors Bobby Pease and Ashley Applegate are both AWS Certified Welding Inspectors and have served as instructors for the American Welding Society's Train the Trainer Welding Educator Program.
KWI has also hosted AWS welding educator training, supporting the professional development of welding instructors.
This involvement reflects KWI's work in welding education beyond its own student training program.
To learn more about KWI's accreditation, instructors, and involvement with AWS, visit our AWS ATF page.
Does AWS Accreditation Guarantee a Welding Job?
No welding school accreditation or certification guarantees employment.
Employers consider multiple factors when hiring welders, including practical welding ability, experience, safety awareness, attendance, work ethic, and the requirements of the position.
Some employers also require applicants to complete company-specific welding qualification tests, regardless of certifications previously earned.
AWS credentials can help welders demonstrate their qualifications, but developing strong practical skills remains essential.
What Is the American Welding Society?
The American Welding Society (AWS) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing welding and related technologies.
Founded in 1919, AWS develops welding codes and standards, provides professional certification programs, accredits qualifying facilities, and supports welding education.
AWS serves welding professionals, educators, inspectors, employers, and others involved in the welding industry.
Its programs help establish recognized expectations for welding quality, testing, and professional qualifications.
Learn more at American Welding Society.
Choosing the Right Welding School
Choosing a welding school is an important decision, and students should take time to research their options.
Consider the amount of hands-on training, the experience and qualifications of instructors, available certifications, total program costs, and the types of welding careers the program prepares students to pursue.
AWS accreditation is one important factor to consider, but it should be evaluated alongside the overall quality and structure of a school's training program.
At Kentucky Welding Institute, students in the Certified Pipe Welder program complete 26 weeks of intensive training designed to prepare them for opportunities in the welding industry.
Interested in welding school?
Explore Kentucky Welding Institute's Certified Pipe Welder program or contact our admissions team to learn more about training, certifications, and enrollment.