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Welder — WLD
Total cost: $60-$150
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
No
State License Required
Accepted
AWS Certification
ASME IX Required
Pressure Vessel
$35-$50 per test position
Qualification Test
$830-$1,100
CWI Exam Fee
$60-$150
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 South Carolina. 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.
ASME Section IX required
South Carolina operates a State OSHA Plan. Welders must comply with state-specific occupational safety regulations, including OSHA 10/30-hour training as required by employers.
AWS renewal: Every 9 years — AWS CWI certification is valid for 3 years, renewable twice (3+3+3=9 years total before retesting required)
Estimated Total Initial Cost: $60-$150
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-specific welding certification and licensing requirements
VerifiedState License Required
No
No state welding license listed on LLR professions page; industry certifications (AWS, ASME) are the operative credentials.
AWS Certification Accepted
Yes
Structural Steel Certification
Not Required
Pressure Vessel Certification
Required
ASME Section IX required
OSHA Training Requirements
South Carolina operates a State OSHA Plan. Welders must comply with state-specific occupational safety regulations, including OSHA 10/30-hour training as required by employers.
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
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 |
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. | $60-$150 |
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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
Every 9 years — AWS CWI certification is valid for 3 years, renewable twice (3+3+3=9 years total before retesting required)
State Certification Renewal
Not applicable — no state welding license required
Continuing Education Details
No formal continuing education required for AWS Certified Welder (CW). AWS CWI renewal requires 80 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) per 3-year cycle. Welder performance qualifications must be maintained through continued welding activity every 6 months.
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.
South Carolina does not require a state welding license. BMW, Boeing, and other manufacturers drive welding demand.
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.
South Carolina does not require a separate state welding license. AWS and ASME certifications serve as the primary credentials.
OSHA hot work permits (29 CFR 1926.352) are required for welding in construction environments nationwide.
Welders operating as independent contractors in South Carolina should verify contractor licensing requirements with South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
There is no interstate compact for welders. AWS/ASME certifications are project-specific and voluntary, not general state licenses.
Welder requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (you) | $2,060–$15,150 | 26–104 wks | |
| Georgia | $2,060–$15,150 | 26–104 wks | → |
| North Carolina | $2,060–$15,150 | 26–104 wks | → |
See how South Carolina compares: Welder License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Compare welder requirements across all states →
Welder licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does South Carolina compare to other states for welder? See the full comparison →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Carolina.
Welder Schools in South Carolina
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 South Carolina verified against South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, March 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
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Transfer your Welder license from South Carolina to: Georgia → | North Carolina →
South Carolina does not require a separate state welding license — AWS and ASME certifications are the primary credentials. No state welding license listed on LLR professions page; industry certifications (AWS, ASME) are the operative credentials. AWS Certified Welder (CW) credentials and ASME Section IX certification are accepted nationwide. State regulatory oversight is managed through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
Requirements vary by state and project type. Always verify current requirements with your state authority and the American Welding Society.