2023-2024 Credential Information

The North Carolina Office of Career and Technical Education provides multiple opportunities for students to obtain Industry-Recognized Credentials during their high school career.
Industry-recognized credentials hold immense value as they not only validate student skills and knowledge in a specific field but also serve as a powerful stepping stone toward future careers.

They provide a competitive edge in the job market, making students more attractive to potential employers and increasing their earning potential.
Moreover, industry-recognized credentials often lead to more job opportunities and pathways for advancement, helping students embark on successful and fulfilling career journeys.
Beyond the immediate benefits, these credentials instill a sense of accomplishment and confidence, motivating students to pursue higher education or dive directly into the workforce with the skills and certifications needed to excel.
Ultimately, industry-recognized credentials empower high school students to bridge the gap between education and real-world employment, setting them on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Access the NCDPI Credentials and Reporting website to submit a credential application and to view the latest Credential Attainment Report.

Footnotes:
^ Indicates the pathway is an approved Local Course Option (LCO) pathway.

* Where multilingual exams are indicated, please be advised that the state of North Carolina adheres to general statute as follows:
G.S.§115C-81.45(a) requires classes (silent on exams) to be conducted in English "[e]xcept when a board authorizes teaching in a foreign language to comply with federal law."
Therefore, NC CTE will abide with the Accountability guidance that LEAs are not required to provide exams in other languages. If they choose to do so, it will be at local discretion.


Certified Welder per Welding Code AWS D1.1 (SMAW)

Credential NameCertified Welder per Welding Code AWS D1.1 (SMAW)
Credential Vendor InfoAmerican Welding Society (AWS)
https://www.aws.org/about/page/contact
Credential Auto CollectNo
Diploma EndorsementYes
Validation ArtifactCopy of AWS Certified Welder Card OR Documentation from AWS Testing Facility OR Any third-party that assures AWS code is met.
Credential Lead ConsultantJim Pressly james.pressly@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and TitleIM62 Welding Technology II
Credential as POLIM62 POL = Yes     Note: AWS SENSE Entry Welder Program - Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). Must pass all modules OR Certified Welder per Welding Code AWS D1.1 (SMAW)
Pathway(s)^Welding (WELD)
Cost of Instructor TrainingN/A
Instructor Training RequirementsAvailable
Exam Voucher ExpirationN/A
Credential LifespanAWS Certification remains valid as long as Certification Maintenance Form is submitted every six months as required by the Code of Acceptance governing the test. Visit the Certified Welder page on the AWS site for renewal pricing. As long as verification is provided (employer signs the form) that the same welding is performed as originally tested for, certification will still be valid.
https://www.aws.org/certification/CW_FAQs
Renewal OptionsYes
The Certified Welder must complete a welder performance qualification test and submit an application to AWS.
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (51-4122)
ArticulationNo
SequencingYes
AWS has various levels of welding certification.
Employer TransferabilityNo
The employee will most likely need to recertify for new welding process used by the employer.
Delivery FormatPerformance-based
Proctored Environment RequiredYes
Test Site Options and RequirementsInstructor must be a AWS Certified Welding Inspector or a Accredited Test Facilities.
https://www.aws.org/certification/AccreditedTestFacilities
Testing Environment RequirementsPhoto ID required.
Proctored RequirementsMust be conducted through an AWS Accredited Test Facility with a CWI that did not train the student recently, see:
https://www.senseonline.org/local/staticpage/view.php?page=program-faqs
Exam Time AllotmentVaries depending on weld performed.
Exam Passing RequirementPerformance test only
RetakesYes
If a student fails the test, they may retest at any time. It is best to discuss this with the AWS Accredited Test Facility representative, who will be able to assist in scheduling a new test date, see:
https://www.aws.org/certification/CW_FAQs
Student AccommodationsYes
Please see the AWS ADA Accommodations Request Package:
https://www.aws.org/library/doclib/1195-Certification-Examination-ADA-20170602.pdf
Multilingual Resources*No
Directory NotesStudents must be able to pass SMAW welding requirements per AWS D1.1. Students should collect pass/fail documentation from the testing facility utilized.
https://www.aws.org/certification/page/certified-welder-program