Welding Inspector Qualifications
A welding inspector is a highly trained professional who is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of a variety of welding projects. While a college degree isn't generally required to become a welding inspector, these professionals must have many years of hands-on welding experience and pass a professional certification exam. Welding inspectors can earn several different types of welding inspecting certifications through the American Welding Society (AWS). Learn more about welding inspector qualifications here.
Duties
Welding inspectors are responsible for analyzing and evaluating welding jobs to make sure that measurements are exact and proper welding codes and safety standards have been followed. Welding inspectors must inspect a variety of metal structures, including ships, bridges, factories, plants and oil refineries. While most of the inspection process is done visually, the welding inspector can also use X-ray machines for more exact measurements. Welding inspectors are typically in charge of overseeing specific welding projects from beginning to end.
Education
Aspiring welding inspectors must first train to become professional welders. While a formal education isn't required for the welding profession, holding a certificate or a degree can increase employment opportunities. Many technical colleges and vocational schools offer training programs that result in an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Welding Technology. Typical courses include blueprint reading, welding equipment, introductory metallurgy and welding layout. Students also gain hands-on experience in different welding techniques and processes, such as flux core welding (FCAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc (TIG) welding and pipe welding. A majority of welding educational programs include a welding inspector certification prep course in the curriculum.
Certification
The American Welding Society (AWS; see Resources section) offers certification training courses and exams for individuals wishing to become a Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI), a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or a Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI). In order to sit for the SCWI exam, an individual must have worked as a certified welding inspector for at least six years. Most AWS certifications are valid for nine years, and renewal requires AWS continuing education (CE) credits or successfully passing a practical examination.
Other Qualifications
Because there are more than 80 types of welding methods, a welding inspector is required to be a true master of the welding trade. Welding inspectors must know the various welding procedures and materials as well as the numerous welding codes and standards. Successful welding inspectors have excellent math, communication and problem-solving skills. They must also have expert skills in reading blueprints and welding plans in order to ensure that welding jobs have been done in accordance to quality specifications and safety standards.
Career Outlook and Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the expected job growth for all types of construction inspectors should increase through 2016. Certified inspectors have the best employment opportunities, particularly in urban areas where bridge and large building construction is more common. A majority of welding inspectors are employed at structural or civil engineering firms, construction companies, government safety regulating agencies, manufacturing organizations and construction companies. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for inspectors was recorded at about $47,000 in 2006.
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