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Welder — WLD
Total cost: $160-$450
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
State License Required
Accepted
AWS Certification
ASME IX Required
Pressure Vessel
$35-$50 per test position
Qualification Test
$830-$1,100
CWI Exam Fee
$160-$450
Total Initial Fees
Welding training programs are available through community colleges, vocational/technical schools, and union apprenticeships. Programs typically last 6 months to 2 years and cover various welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW). Programs typically cover SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW processes.
Registered apprenticeship programs are available through unions (United Association, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Ironworkers) and the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprenticeships typically last 3-4 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
The American Welding Society (AWS) certifications are accepted in Alabama. Key certifications: AWS Certified Welder (CW), AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), AWS Certified Welding Educator (CWE). Pass welding performance qualification tests. Common standards: AWS D1.1 — Structural Welding Steel, AWS D1.2 — Structural Welding Aluminum, AWS D1.5 — Bridge Welding Code, +2 more.
Alabama requires a state welding license. Alabama requires AWS or equivalent certification for structural steel welding on buildings and bridges per the Alabama Building Code. State certification fee: $100-$300.
ASME Section IX required AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Steel certification required for building and bridge work
Consistent with federal OSHA requirements applicable in Alabama
AWS renewal: Consistent with AWS CWI renewal policy State renewal: Varies by state — typically every 1-2 years with continued welding activity or retesting
Estimated Total Initial Cost: $160-$450
Includes AWS qualification test (~$35-$50/position), OSHA training ($25-$100), and state fees if applicable. Does not include training program tuition or CWI exam fees.
AWS CWI Exam Fee
$1,100 (non-members); $830 (AWS members)
AWS Certified Welding Inspector exam fee; includes Fundamentals, Practical, and Code portions
AWS Membership
$95/year
AWS individual membership — provides discounts on certification exams and access to welding standards
Qualification Test
$35-$50 per test position
Fee per test position at an AWS Accredited Test Facility; most welders test in 2-4 positions
State Certification
$100-$300
Alabama state welding certification/license fee
State-specific welding certification and licensing requirements
Mostly verifiedState License Required
Yes
Alabama requires AWS or equivalent certification for structural steel welding on buildings and bridges per the Alabama Building Code.
AWS Certification Accepted
Yes
Structural Steel Certification
Required
AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Steel certification required for building and bridge work
Pressure Vessel Certification
Required
ASME Section IX required
OSHA Training Requirements
Consistent with federal OSHA requirements applicable in Alabama
Welding certification is primarily managed through the American Welding Society (AWS) and ASME. Most states accept AWS certifications for structural welding and ASME Section IX for pressure vessel welding. Some states have additional state-specific certification requirements, particularly for structural steel welding on public works projects.
Education, Training & Apprenticeship Programs
VerifiedFormal Education Required
No
Recommended Training
Welding training programs are available through community colleges, vocational/technical schools, and union apprenticeships. Programs typically last 6 months to 2 years and cover various welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW).
Apprenticeship Programs
Registered apprenticeship programs are available through unions (United Association, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Ironworkers) and the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprenticeships typically last 3-4 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
Industry Certifications
No formal education is required to become a welder. However, completing a welding training program at a vocational school or community college (typically 6 months to 2 years) provides essential skills. Registered apprenticeship programs through unions offer paid on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction over 3-4 years.
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Performance Qualification Tests & Certification Exams
VerifiedQualification Test Required
Yes
AWS CWI Exam
The AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam consists of three parts: Fundamentals, Practical, and Code Book. Requires 5+ years welding experience or combination of education and experience. Exam fee: $1,100 (non-members) / $830 (AWS members).
Common Welding Code Standards
State-Specific Exam Requirements
Alabama requires welders to pass a performance qualification test per applicable code (AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, or state-specific standard).
Welders must pass a performance qualification test (also known as a “weld test”) to demonstrate their ability to produce sound welds per the applicable code. Tests are administered at AWS Accredited Test Facilities and cost $35-$50 per position. The AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam is a separate, more advanced certification for those overseeing welding work.
Insurance Coverage for Welding Contractors
Mostly verifiedGeneral Liability
General liability insurance of $500,000 to $1,000,000 is typically required for welding contractors. Coverage protects against property damage and bodily injury claims.
Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation insurance is required in most states for welding businesses with employees. Premiums for welding are higher than average due to the hazardous nature of the work.
Professional Liability
Professional liability (errors & omissions) insurance is recommended for welding inspectors and engineers. Not typically required for production welders.
Welding contractors typically need general liability insurance of $500,000 to $1,000,000. Workers' compensation insurance is required in most states for businesses with employees. Due to the hazardous nature of welding, insurance premiums tend to be higher than average construction trades.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
AWS Qualification Test (per position) Fee per test position at an AWS Accredited Test Facility; most welders test in 2-4 positions | $35-$50 per test position |
AWS CWI Exam Fee AWS Certified Welding Inspector exam fee; includes Fundamentals, Practical, and Code portions | $1,100 (non-members); $830 (AWS members) |
AWS Membership (Annual) AWS individual membership — provides discounts on certification exams and access to welding standards | $95/year |
State Certification Fee Alabama state welding certification/license fee | $100-$300 |
Total Initial Fees Includes AWS qualification test (~$35-$50/position), OSHA training ($25-$100), and state fees if applicable. Does not include training program tuition or CWI exam fees. | $160-$450 |
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Renewal Requirements & Ongoing Obligations
VerifiedEvery 6 Months
Welder Qualification Maintenance
Not Required
Continuing Education (CW)
Every 3 Years
CWI Renewal Cycle
AWS CWI Renewal
Consistent with AWS CWI renewal policy
State Certification Renewal
Varies by state — typically every 1-2 years with continued welding activity or retesting
Continuing Education Details
Consistent with AWS standards
Regulatory Board
AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance qualifications must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting. AWS CWI certification is valid for 3 years and requires 80 Professional Development Hours per cycle for renewal. State certifications, where required, typically have separate renewal timelines.
Alabama requires AWS D1.1 certification for structural steel welding on state-funded construction projects. The Licensing Board for General Contractors oversees welding contractor requirements.
Welding certification (not state licensure) is the primary credential for welders in most states. AWS (American Welding Society) certifications are the industry standard.
AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests must be maintained every 6 months through continued welding activity or retesting.
ASME Section IX certification is required nationwide for welding on boilers and pressure vessels regardless of state licensing requirements.
Alabama requires a state-specific welding certification or license for certain types of welding work. See details above.
OSHA hot work permits (29 CFR 1926.352) are required for welding in construction environments nationwide.
Welders operating as independent contractors in Alabama should verify contractor licensing requirements with Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
There is no interstate compact for welders. AWS/ASME certifications are project-specific and voluntary, not general state licenses.
Welder requirements in nearby states
See how Alabama compares: Welder License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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Welder Schools in Alabama
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for AWS CWI, structural welding, and ASME certification exams.
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Official Sources
Welder requirements in Alabama verified against Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, March 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
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Alabama requires a state-specific welding certification for certain types of work. Alabama requires AWS or equivalent certification for structural steel welding on buildings and bridges per the Alabama Building Code. AWS Certified Welder (CW) credentials and ASME Section IX certification are accepted nationwide. State regulatory oversight is managed through the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors.
Requirements vary by state and project type. Always verify current requirements with your state authority and the American Welding Society.