About Certifications in Welding, including Cast Iron Welding Certs

We hear it often: “I’d like to understand from a broad based perspective why certifications matter at all with welding on cast iron?”

“Should I not prioritize the welder’s actual skills, instead of some test they took? Isn’t it more important to deprioritize things like certifications when I need something like an important cast iron piece to look right after welding, in favor of prioritizing the welder’s actual skills and portfolio of welding projects?”

Certifications can serve as a testament to a welder’s skills and knowledge, and can be an important factor to consider when hiring a welder for a project. Welding is a complex task that requires a great deal of skill and practice to master, and a welder who holds relevant certifications has demonstrated their ability to meet certain standards of knowledge and skill.

That being said, it is certainly MOST important to also consider a welder’s actual skills and portfolio of work when hiring them for a project. A welder’s past work can give you a good idea of their level of experience, attention to detail, and ability to produce high-quality welds.

It is generally a good idea to look for a welder who has a combination of both certifications (when necessary), and a strong portfolio of work. This can help to ensure that the welder has the necessary skills and knowledge to handle your project, as well as the ability to produce high-quality results.

Tell me about the approximate skills tested on a cast iron welding certification as well as some of the recognized, respected cast iron welding certifications that a professional welder might try to attain?

There are several skills that may be tested on a cast iron welding certification, including:

1. Knowledge of the properties of different types of cast iron: The welder should have a thorough understanding of the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and welding characteristics of different types of cast iron.
2. Ability to properly prepare the cast iron for welding: The welder should know how to clean and prepare the cast iron surface for welding, and how to properly clamp or position the workpiece.
3. Skill with different welding techniques: The welder should be proficient in the techniques that are commonly used for welding cast iron, such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).
4. Ability to properly heat and preheat the cast iron: The welder should know how to properly heat the cast iron to the recommended preheat temperature, and how to maintain the preheat temperature during the welding process.
5. Knowledge of the types and properties of welding filler materials: The welder should be familiar with the types of filler materials that are suitable for use with cast iron, and should know how to properly select and use them.

As for recognized, respected cast iron welding certifications, some options include:

1. Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) from the American Welding Society (AWS)
2. Certified Welder (CW) from the AWS
3. Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) from the AWS
4. Certified Welding Educator (CWE) from the AWS

Cast Iron Welding is generally graded or proven through actual work. The portfolio of a welder who specializes in cast iron is MUCH more indiciative of their ability to perfrom world class work on your project invlving cast iron antiques, tooling, infrastrcuture or other crucial jobs.

This is because a certificate tests theory and basic implementation – only actual work can show discoloration intensity, poor heat management, subsequent cracking risk, etc. with regards to cast iron welding. 

Can you also go more in-depth about the actual skills tested and the testing environment and skills tests that are evaluated when trying to obtain a cast iron welding certification?

To obtain a cast iron welding certification, a welder typically must pass a skills test that is designed to evaluate their knowledge and ability to perform various welding tasks related to cast iron. The specific skills that are tested can vary depending on the certification program, but may include:

1. Knowledge of the properties of different types of cast iron: The welder may be tested on their understanding of the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and welding characteristics of different types of cast iron.
2. Ability to properly prepare the cast iron for welding: The welder may be tested on their ability to clean and prepare the cast iron surface for welding, and to properly clamp or position the workpiece.
3. Skill with different welding techniques: The welder may be tested on their proficiency with the techniques that are commonly used for welding cast iron, such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).
4. Ability to properly heat and preheat the cast iron: The welder may be tested on their ability to properly heat the cast iron to the recommended preheat temperature, and to maintain the preheat temperature during the welding process.
5. Knowledge of the types and properties of welding filler materials: The welder may be tested on their familiarity with the types of filler materials that are suitable for use with cast iron, and their ability to properly select and use them.

The testing environment for a cast iron welding certification can vary depending on the program, but it is typically a simulated shop or workshop setting in which the welder is given a set of tasks to perform. The welder may be required to use various welding equipment and materials, and may be observed and evaluated by a certified welding inspector or other qualified evaluator.