Credential Information

2025-2026 Academic Year

AWS SENSE Entry Welder Program - Thermal Cutting Process

Credential Name	AWS SENSE Entry Welder Program - Thermal Cutting Process
Credential Vendor Info	American Welding Society (AWS) SENSE sense@aws.org 800.443.9353 or 305.443.9353 ext. 225 https://www.senseonline.org When emailing, include first and last name, organization's name, and whether a student or an instructor is inquiring.
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	IM61 = Yes
Validation Artifact	AWS SENSE Entry Welder Program - Thermal Cutting Process Reporting and Accountability Verification Form
Credential Lead Consultant	Jim Pressly james.pressly@dpi.nc.gov
Course Number and Title	IM61 Welding Technology I
Credential as POL	IM61 POL = No
Pathway(s)	Welding (WELD)
Cost of Instructor Training	N/A
Instructor Training Requirements	Available
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	1.3.2.1 Continuation of Full Completers in the AWS SENSE certificate database. AWS QC10, Clause 11, indicates an individual with full completion as a Level 1-Entry Welder status shall remain in the AWS SENSE certificate database for three (3) years, after which time a permanent record shall be archived. https://www.senseonline.org/pluginfile.php/198640/mod_folder/content/0/EG20-2017_FinalPrint.pdf?forcedownload=1
Renewal Options	N/A No renewal https://www.senseonline.org/local/staticpage/view.php?page=program-faqs
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (51-4122)
Articulation	Yes Effective 2025-26 See Statewide Articulation Agreement: https://www.ncperkins.org/course/view.php?id=4
Sequencing	Yes AWS SENSE has Level I and Level II. It then would go to Certified Welder.
Employer Transferability	Yes The credential stays with the employee.
Delivery Format	On-line and Performance-based
Proctored Environment Required	Yes
Test Site Options and Requirements	The SENSE Program requires a one-time registration fee to be accompanied with the registration form. The SENSE registration fee varies depending on the level of implementation. There is no registration renewal fee. The student administrative fee for each level is paid through the school. Each SENSE participating location and campus must be registered and paid for separately. https://www.senseonline.org/local/staticpage/view.php?page=aboutsense-become
Testing Environment Requirements	N/A
Proctored Requirements	An individual employed by a SENSE Training Organization who is not engaged in the active training of trainees and who is responsible for administering all knowledge-based SENSE assessments. AWS SENSE Application, page 4: https://s3.amazonaws.com/docs.senseonline.org/SENSE-Application_202108.pdf
Exam Time Allotment	Varies. Student takes knowledge and performance assessments througout the semester.
Exam Passing Requirement	100% on safety module and 75% on other modules, plus pass performance test
Retakes	Yes 6.1.6 Trainees shall be allowed up to three (3) attempts to pass a knowledge exam. If a trainee fails to achieve a passing grade after three (3) attempts, they shall be retrained in that area. (AWS QC10:2017, page 5)
Student Accommodations	Yes The SENSE Program allows instructors to extend all exams by the number of hours as prescribed in an IEP or 504 plan for each student.
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	For workmanship samples and Performance Qualifications Tests, the instructor is allowed to be the inspector. For knowledge-based assessments an Assessment Coordinator is required. https://www.senseonline.org

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.