Welding is not nearly as easy as some people think. There is more to it than just sticking a sparking rod between two pieces of metal. To become a professional Welder, candidates must first complete their high school diploma before continuing with a specialized program at an accredited academic institution or vocational school. These courses are often three years long and involve as much theory as practice. Students learn to distinguish the different types of metal that can be used or welded together for construction purposes. These courses can also be in apprenticeship programs, emphasizing practice by shadowing an already certified Welder.   
   
For a Welding certificate, aspiring Welders may look to the AWS Certified Welder certification. The AWS program is a performance-based program with no prerequisite courses or certifications required. Final certification will provide "transferrable" credentials that you may take with you wherever you go. Also, choosing to obtain the certification allows Welders to work throughout the country without limitations, serving as a stamp of quality for the work they do.  
   
Welders may acquire other certifications to work with specific materials or under unique conditions (e.g., underwater, high altitudes, or enclosed spaces).  
 

Important Things to Know Before Becoming a Welder
Making a start in any career requires a great deal of thought and research. This is as true for Welding positions as any other profession, given the variety of Welder specialty careers and extra training required to get there. We mentioned this before, but one of the first things to cross off your list before getting started is your high school diploma or GED. Next, you'll want to move on to postsecondary education or an apprenticeship, but some high schools or vocational schools offer welding courses of their own. There is plenty to learn from the professionals in any way or context you decide to take on Welding as a career option.  Here are some more must-have's we've identified:  
  

• Interpersonal skills. Communicating clearly with coworkers, as well as being able to interpret and use hand signals when working in environments with high noise levels.  
• Reading and interpreting technical documents. This includes safety rules, blueprints, welding manuals, and metallurgic documents.  
• Self-reliant. Capable of working independently and without the help of others.  
• Time management skills. Prioritizing and planning work activities to manage time efficiently while handling a high volume of work and multitasking to perform in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.  
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Approaches tasks in a reliable, resourceful, and safety-oriented manner, identify issues or critical hazards and promptly resolves problems.  
• Manual dexterity, motor coordination, and physical strength. Displaying excellent hand control and a high regard for expert artistry.