Welder certification: AS 1796 certificates 1 to 9

AWI has raised the standard for these important welding certification courses while remaining a cost effective alternative to other industry certifications. The scheme is designed to meet the needs of all stakeholders in the Australian welding and fabrication industry.

AWI has worked with industry leading training providers to create a nationally recognised training scheme catering to the AS 1796 certificates 1 to 9, the welding tickets.

AS 1796 specifies the required theory and practical welding skills for certification. Certification allows the applicant to weld high quality applications on:

• plain carbon steel
• low alloy steel plate
• pipe sections

Entry requirements

To qualify for the AWI welding certification scheme you must have either:

• completed a Certificate III in Engineering, or
• be an indentured tradesperson.

If you do not hold a Certificate III you may qualify through prior experience. Prior experience means a minimum of two years welding experience and completion of one or more entry level welding programs, including at least 300 hours of training and successful completion of the following:

• Perform manual heating and thermal cutting
• Select welding process
• Apply safe welding practices
• Interpret technical drawings
• Perform engineering measurements
• Use hand tools and hand held operations

Plus routine welding using the correct process (basic), welding using the applicable process (intermediate) and advanced welding using the applicable process (advanced).

Unit codes change between training package releases, so the titles are listed here and the codes are not. Check the current code on the national register at training.gov.au, or ask your training provider to confirm the code they are delivering.

Training components

Two training components are required to achieve welding certification: theory and practical. Both must be completed, followed by an exam through an approved training provider, before endorsement.

Theory

Applicants must complete MEM05026C, apply welding principles. It covers:

• interpretation of plans and specifications
• validation of fabrication and welding procedures
• assessment and interpretation of work health and safety requirements
• standards and specifications
• organisation of non-destructive testing procedures
• project management

Practical

Applicants must attend a minimum of 40 hours practical training in one of the following courses.

Certificates 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9 are also within scope of AS 1796. This table lists the five currently delivered through AWI approved providers.

Examination

A theory exam must be undertaken through an AWI approved training provider. The theory exam is common to all certificates and only needs to be completed once.

Practical exams must also be completed through an AWI approved training provider. Practical exams are specific to each certificate: the welder completes the exam corresponding to the type of welding certificate studied.

Endorsement by AWI

AWI can assess qualifications issued by training providers from around the country. Once the qualification is achieved, the appropriate forms are submitted to AWI. On endorsement the certified welder is issued with a certificate, acknowledged and verifiable across the Australian welding industry.

Successful submission of your application demonstrates that you have:

• met the entry requirements
• completed both theory and practical components
• at least one year of experience with the applicable welding process

To find out how to apply, call 1300 000 294.

Keeping certification current

AS 1796 certification is not permanent. Periodic renewal is mandatory and is demonstrated through a log book showing continuous development and continued work in the relevant process. Let a certificate lapse and it shows on the register as lapsed.