Credential Information

2026-2027 Academic Year

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AWS SENSE Entry Welder Program - Shielded Metal Arc Welding Process

Credential Name	AWS SENSE Entry Welder Program - Shielded Metal Arc Welding 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	IM62 = Yes
Validation Artifact	AWS SENSE Completion report
Credential Lead Consultant	Nolan Fahrer nolan.fahrer@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	IM62 Welding Technology II Honors
Credential as POL	IM62 POL = Yes AWS SENSE Entry Welder Program - Shielded Metal Arc Welding Process. Must pass all modules OR Certified Welder per Welding Code AWS D1.1 (SMAW)
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)	Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4022) Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters (51-2041) Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (51-4122)
Articulation	Yes See NC High School to Community College Course Articulation: https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/high-school-to-ncccs-course-articulation/
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
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
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
Exam Time Allotment	Varies. Student takes knowledge and performance assessments througout the semester.
Exam Passing Requirement	100% on the safety module and 75% on other modules, plus pass the 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

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

Credential Name	Certified Welder per Welding Code AWS D1.1 (SMAW)
Credential Vendor Info	American Welding Society (AWS) https://www.aws.org/about/page/contact
Implementation Year	Before 2022-2023
Credential Auto Collect	No
Diploma Endorsement	IM62 = Yes
Validation Artifact	Copy of AWS Certified Welder Card or documentation from AWS Testing Facility or any third-party that assures AWS code is met.
Credential Lead Consultant	Nolan Fahrer nolan.fahrer@dpi.nc.gov
Course Code and Title	IM62 Welding Technology II Honors
Credential as POL	IM62 POL = Yes 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 Training	N/A
Instructor Training Requirements	Available
Exam Voucher Expiration	N/A
Credential Lifespan	AWS 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 Options	Yes The Certified Welder must complete a welder performance qualification test and submit an application to AWS.
SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) Code(s)	Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4022) Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters (51-2041) Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (51-4122)
Articulation	Yes See NC High School to Community College Course Articulation: https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/high-school-to-ncccs-course-articulation/
Sequencing	Yes AWS has various levels of welding certification.
Employer Transferability	No The employee will most likely need to recertify for new welding process used by the employer.
Delivery Format	Performance-based
Proctored Environment Required	Yes
Proctored Requirements	Must be conducted through an AWS Accredited Test Facility with a CWI that did not train the student recently: https://www.senseonline.org/local/staticpage/view.php?page=program-faqs
Test Site Options and Requirements	Instructor must be a AWS Certified Welding Inspector or a Accredited Test Facilities. https://www.aws.org/certification/AccreditedTestFacilities
Testing Environment Requirements	Photo ID required
Exam Time Allotment	Varies depending on weld performed
Exam Passing Requirement	Performance test only
Retakes	Yes 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. https://www.aws.org/certification/CW_FAQs
Student Accommodations	Yes AWS ADA Accommodations Request Package: https://www.aws.org/library/doclib/1195-Certification-Examination-ADA-20170602.pdf
Multilingual Resources*	No
Directory Notes	Students 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

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.

^ 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.