By Tony Carrick | Published Sep 26, 2022 2:38 PM
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Like many jobs in the trades, there is an increased demand for welders in a broad range of industries. Although other occupations may require years of training and schooling before one can enter the workforce, a person with little to no welding experience can become a professional welder in as little as 6 months. And since becoming a certified welder doesn’t require a certain number of classwork hours—students must simply pass a test to receive certification—aspiring welders looking to make a career change don’t need to quit their day jobs to begin training.
While hands-on training is necessary to learn, there are a variety of online welding courses that can provide additional instruction and guidance to prepare welders to enter the workforce or offer continuing education to those already working. Ahead, learn about some of the best online welding courses.
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When choosing an online welding course, it’s crucial to understand the importance of accreditation as well as the different types of welding that these courses teach. Read on to find out more about these and other attributes of online welding courses.
There are four different types of welding, and students can find courses on each of these types online. Different types of welding have different applications, so students will want to consider the types of welding available and what area they’d like to focus on.
When prospective students are selecting a welding course, it’s crucial to consider the course structure, length, and schedule. Some welding courses are instructor-led, requiring the student to attend virtual classes on a set schedule. Some self-paced courses allow students to complete the coursework on their own schedule. Instructor-led courses give the student greater access to teacher and student interaction. In contrast, a self-paced course is ideal for those with busy or variable schedules who may not be able to attend live classes.
How long a welding course lasts depends on the type of course it is. Professional development courses that focus on a specific skill may only require 4 or 5 hours of class time, whereas a full-length course can last up to 8 weeks.
Welding courses are designed for either beginners with little to no welding experience or for professionals looking to build on their existing skills. When searching for classes, students will want to make sure they choose a program that suits their needs.
Entry-level courses are designed for those with basic or minimal welding experience and focus on helping the student achieve certification by preparing them for the welding certification test. It is important to note that although an entry-level welding course will help the student prepare for this exam, it isn’t a replacement for in-person training. A student will need hands-on welding training to gain the skill required to become a certified welder. However, online classes can be a helpful supplement to learning the science of welding.
Welders seeking continuing education will want to look for online welding courses that focus on a specific skill they wish to add to their repertoire or classes that allow them to maintain their certifications.
While in-person training is necessary for learning a hands-on skill such as welding, an online welding school will enable students to get much of the training needed to learn how to weld on a flexible schedule from the comfort of their own home. In addition to being more flexible, online welding courses are typically more affordable than in-person courses, making them ideal for those on a budget.
A good online course will give students access to training videos, reading material, and various other coursework, as well as the ability to connect with the instructor. The course should also clearly state what equipment and supplies the student needs to purchase in order to practice new skills.
The cost of online welding courses varies depending on the length of the course and whether or not the American Welding Society (AWS) accredits the course. Accredited online courses designed for entry-level welders who want to become certified typically cost between $2,000 and $3,000 and last several weeks. This is less than the cost of in-person entry-level courses, which range from $5,000 to $15,000.
Nonaccredited classes that last just a few hours can cost as little as $20. Although there are free welding classes available online, students should be wary of them as they may teach unsafe practices.
When searching for an online welding course, prospective students will want to consider whether the program is accredited or not. An accredited program will allow the students to complete coursework that can be used to obtain or maintain various certifications needed to work as a professional welder. Welding certifications are given out by the AWS, which requires students to pass a written test and performance qualification exam to earn the certification.
The AWS offers the field’s most widely accepted welding certification. Students do not need to complete any specific coursework or prerequisites to achieve the AWS certification. Instead, students must pass a written test and performance evaluation to earn the certification. Students interested in becoming certified should look for an online welding course designed to prepare them for this test.
Up next, prospective students can explore the best online courses whether they want to earn welding certification online, are already in the industry and looking to continue their education, or want to learn how to weld as a hobby.
Why It Made the Cut: The AWS 8-Week Online Welding Seminar is the best way for those with welding experience to prep for the AWS certification test.
The AWS offers the most widely accepted certification for professional welding, so it only makes sense that its 8-week online seminar is the best remote learning option for aspiring welders. Students will want to be aware that this is not a program for those with no welding experience; they are expected to be familiar with basic welding processes and terminology prior to enrolling. The program consists of a series of 2-hour live online classes, which is ideal for students who may not have the time to commit to an in-person class but want the benefits of live instruction. In addition to the live classes, the course also includes study guides and practice tests designed specifically to help the student prepare for the AWS exam. It also includes a 3-year membership to the AWS, and the AWS offers discounts on the cost of tuition for members.
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Why It Made the Cut: Hobart Institute of Welding Technology offers individual welding classes focusing on specific skills that are are ideal for those looking to maintain their certifications.
Hobart Institute of Welding Technology offers a slate of classes for welding inspectors or instructors who need to maintain their certifications. While Hobart does offer many in-class courses for those who want to learn how to weld, it does not offer any online courses that teach entry-level welding. Its online courses are limited to classes for welding inspectors and educators. Hobart’s online welding institute offers seven classes focused specifically on assessing welds and identifying defects in order to maintain quality control. Hobart’s courses, each of which consists of five 25-minute videos, are also affordable, with each individual course costing $89. Once the courses have been completed, students take a final test to obtain a certificate of completion and earn continuing education credits. Course credits earned from these classes can be applied toward AWS recertification.
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Why It Made the Cut: At just $19.99, the Udemy Certification in Welding Technology class is an excellent introduction to those considering the welding profession.
Welding courses can cost thousands of dollars in tuition, which doesn’t make sense for anyone who wants to learn to weld but isn’t interested in becoming certified. Those looking to get started in welding on a budget will want to look no further than the online class aggregator Udemy, which offers an in-depth Certification in Welding Technology class at the low price of $19.99. Prospective students will want to know that the program is not accredited and therefore can’t be used for AWS certification.
This course provides an overview of the history of welding, consumable and nonconsumable welding methods, and the types of welding joints. There’s no prior knowledge required, and students can complete the course on their own schedules. Students can also check the class reviews and ratings directly on the web page so they can decide if the class is right for them.
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Given that the American Welding Society is the pre-eminent welding certification group in the country, it makes sense that the organization offers the best welding classes online to help students prepare for the AWS certification test. Those who want to dip their toes into welding but don’t want to spend much money can consider Udemy’s Certification in Welding Technology.
When reviewing the best welding courses online, we considered various factors. It’s important to note that online welding classes are not a replacement for hands-on instruction, so we looked for classes that could serve as an introduction or complement to real-life training or work experience. Since most students who pursue welding do so with the goal of becoming employed as a welder, we first looked for the online courses that would best prepare students for the American Welding Society’s certification test. Online courses are also a convenient option for those in the welding industry who may be looking to maintain an existing certification, so we also included institutions that offer continuing education courses. We also considered cost and included some courses that may appeal to those who are interested in learning welding but don’t want to pay the higher price of an accredited program.
Online welding classes are no substitute for hands-on welding training and experience. While online classes are excellent supplements for students who want to obtain a better understanding of welding principles, welding is not something that can be taught theoretically.
Before signing up for a welding course, it’s essential to first understand what certifications and licenses one needs to work professionally in this field. Many employers require one to become certified with the American Welding Society. While this process doesn’t require specific courses, the student must complete a written test as well as a performance exam in order to obtain the certification. Some states may also require students to obtain licensing to work as a welder.
Online welding course prices vary depending on length and whether or not the course is accredited by the AWS. Generally speaking, accredited welding courses cost between $2,000 and $3,000 for an intensive 2- to 8-week course. Accredited online welding courses are more affordable than accredited in-person classes, which can run from $5,000 for a 3- to 7-month course and up to $15,000 for courses that last more than a year. However, students who take a welding course online will likely still need in-person instruction and guidance to earn a certification.
Nonaccredited courses are much more affordable at about $20 for an online video that ranges from as little as 40 minutes to 4 hours. Prospective students will want to remember that nonaccredited courses cannot be used for continuing education credits and won’t prepare them for the AWS certification test as effectively as an accredited course.
Online welding courses offer convenience, as they don’t require the students to commute to a campus and instead allow them to take the class from the comfort of their own home. Some of these courses are also self-paced, which is key for those who may need a flexible schedule.
For those wondering if they can complete a welding degree entirely online or how long it takes to complete a welding course, here are the answers to these and other commonly asked questions about the trade.
It typically takes a beginner with little or no prior welding experience up to 6 months to complete a welding program that allows them to become certified and ready to start work.
Although the ideal way to learn to weld is through in-person training, there are now some sophisticated welding courses available online. These courses allow students to attain the skills needed to pass the AWS certification test.
The average welder pay rate in the United States is $22.64 per hour. Welders with more than 10 years of experience make $25.87 per hour. Some companies, such as automakers and engineering companies, may pay significantly more for skilled welders. Also, welders proficient in advanced types of welding can command a higher salary.
Some welders drink a lot of milk because they believe the calcium in milk helps to counter toxic carcinogens created when welding certain types of metals (including zinc, lead, and cadmium), causing a condition known as metal fume fever. Metal fume fever causes fever, chills, nausea, headache, and dizziness. Some welders will also hold milk in their mouths to filter out the fumes. Unfortunately, this is an old wives’ tale, and drinking milk does not prevent metal fume fever.
The hardest welding process, according to most welders, is TIG welding due to the high level of dexterity and surgeon-like precision it requires. TIG welders must use a foot pedal to adjust the amperage sent to the welding torch while manually feeding a rod of tungsten to the torch tip with their nondominant hand and controlling the torch with their dominant hand. The level of hand-eye foot coordination required to do those proficiently is why skilled TIG welders make significantly more than average welders.
You will need to pay to take the test to become certified by the AWS; however, you will only have to apply and pay for a license in states that require them.
Welding certifications are good for anywhere from 6 months to 3 years. Most employers test their job applicants on specific welding processes and certify them for that process for 6 months. The AWS provides a Certified Welder certification to those who pass a written test and performance evaluation. After earning the certification, welders must submit a maintenance form every 6 months to show they are still performing that welding process to maintain their certification. Certain specialized welding services, such as those for boilermakers or welders working in the petroleum industry, can receive certifications of up to 3 years from associations that focus specifically on those industries
Sources: Water Welders, New England Institute of Technology, Indeed, Tulsa Welding School
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