• For a welder to practice his craft on various job sites he will need to have certification. There are a variety of certifications a welder can earn, but each may only be good in certain circumstances. A welder could narrow his skills and get only the certifications he needs. He also can widen his focus and earn all possible certifications to work on any job offered.
  
  

AWS Certification

• The main certification is that of the American Welding Society (AWS). For any welder who intends to work on a construction site or on buildings, this is the needed certification. AWS certification gives welders access to work on high-rise office buildings, dams, power houses and other large structures. Even if certified, a welder may still face a welding test before gaining permission to work on the job site.
  
  

API Certification

• A second welding certification is through the American Petroleum Institute (API). This certification dictates standards for welders who work on petroleum storage tanks. Jobs range from welding oil storage tanks (both on land and in the belly of tanker ships) to seams on carbon dioxide spheres. API certification is what a welder should have for one of these jobs.
  
  

ASME Certification

• The last common form of welding certification is from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This is the certification necessary for welders to work on mechanical engineering projects.
  These include boiler and steam drum welding. Just because a welder has one type of certification it does not mean he can work on any kind of project. Welders must earn each certification separately.