What Are the Welding Education Requirements?

It’s good to know what the requirements are for getting into some type of welding program before you apply. This way, you’ll be prepared and you can start applying so your training starts sooner rather than later.

What welding requirements should I prepare for?

If you’ve decided to become a welder, you should congratulate yourself because welding can be a very lucrative career.

The welding salaries seem to be getting higher and higher all the time, in part because there is frequently a shortage of people doing it. Nevertheless, it’s good to know what the requirements are for getting into some type of welding program before you apply.

This way, you’ll be prepared and you can start applying so your training starts sooner rather than later.

Welding education requirements

5 things to look out for as a prospective welder

Though requirements can vary from one school to the next, there are still some requirements that remain the same every time. These include:

1. The right age

Most states require that you be at least 16 years old before applying to become a welder, although some states require that you be 18 instead. If you are interested in welding, check with your state to determine what the minimum age is there.

2. High School Diploma

While each state is different, many of them require that you have either a high school diploma or a GED before applying for welding school. If you don’t have a diploma, therefore, it’s a good idea to go ahead and get your GED.

Student in welding class

3. Certain Physical Requirements

Among most welding qualifications is a list of physical requirements, they can include:

  • Ability to communicate well with others, including orally
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly
  • Ability to see well and read LCD screens
  • Ability to stand for long periods
  • Ability to have dexterity and mobility so you can weld in numerous positions
  • Ability to read and understand instruction manuals Ability to diagnose mechanical failures

Some states may have more requirements than these, but most of these are basic requirements that most states require. Again, check with your particular state if you need additional information.

4. Basic Math Skills

If you’re going to become a welder, you don’t necessarily have to be a math genius, but you do need some basic math skills.

If you took basic math classes in high school and did well in them, you’re likely ready to be a welder. Particularly important are fractions, whole numbers, and converting numbers to decimals.

Unless you’re terrible at math, you likely already have the math skills you need to apply to a welding school.

Welding gear and tools to prepare for

5. Clothing and Tools

In some instances, the schools require that you purchase your special clothing and tools, which might include items such as face shields, helmets, hearing protection, gloves, and tools such as screwdrivers, tape measures, wrenches, pliers, blades, soapstone, grinder wheels, and others.

They’ll provide you with a comprehensive list of the types and sizes of equipment, tools, and articles of clothing you’ll need to complete the course. They might also require you to have a certain number of each of these.

Conclusion

Reading up on the welding certifications in your state is usually very easy, and you can often contact one of the schools offering the course to get the details you need. Welding is a fulfilling career and one where you’ll never have to worry about job security.

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