How much does a certification cost and how long will it take to get certified?
The answer to this question depends on several variables. First, a student must determine what type of certification they’d like to earn. There is no “standard” welding certification — different applications of welding (structural, automotive, manufacturing, pipe fitting, etc.) require different certifications, and different employers often require specific ones as well.
An employee does not need a certification to work at most welding shops; however, having one can improve your chances of getting hired and typically leads to higher pay. Since welding is a hands-on skill, everyone learns at a different pace. There isn’t a set time line for how long it takes to develop enough skill to pass an AWS D1.1 Structural Welding certification, for example.
A student starting with no prior experience can generally expect to take 10–15 welding classes or more before being ready for a certification test. Results and pricing will vary depending on prior experience, at-home practice, and natural ability.
Welding certifications are completely merit-based, meaning there is no minimum experience requirement. That said, the performance standards for passing are strict, and it takes significant skill to meet them.
Ironheart Welding School can arrange for a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to conduct your AWS D1.1 or ASME Section IX certification test. Each test costs around $1,000 (pass or fail), not including materials or training leading up to the test.
Will you help with job placement?
Ironheart Welding School helps students create custom resumes and provides information about local welding shops in the area. After that, it’s largely up to the student to contact employers and apply to jobs.
We do have some businesses that recruit from our student base, and Ironheart Welding will typically look to hire from our own welding school before seeking outside help — if the skill sets and experience align. However, job placement opportunities are inconsistent and competitive, so we do not advertise guaranteed placement as part of the class.
Can I Only Take TIG Welding Classes?
In short, no. Each student here at Ironheart Welding School has to take at least two classes or either MIG or Stick welding prior to taking a TIG welding class. TIG welding equipment and consumables are much more expensive than MIG or Stick welding consumables, and the equipment is much more fragile.
A student must understand the general concept of welding, and how we take care of our equipment here at Ironheart Welding Corp.
Why should I go to Ironheart Welding School instead of Lincoln Tech or BOCES?
That depends on your individual goals. Ironheart Welding School is designed to offer the lowest possible cost of entry for people interested in welding, or a solid option for established welders to build on a specific skill. Since classes are held once per week, students get the most value if they practice independently between sessions and come to class with specific questions for the instructors. We cover as much as possible, but building a solid foundation for a career in welding takes time and repetition beyond class hours, or a very long distance time outlook.
If a student is seeking full-time, regimented, or more intensive training, programs like Lincoln Tech or BOCES might be a better fit — though they are typically more time-consuming and expensive.
How do I know when the classes will be held?
All upcoming classes are listed on the calendar on our Welding School Home Page. Each listing includes up-to-date information about the class. You can hover over a class (or tap it on mobile) to see full details.
How does the class calendar work?
Hover your mouse over the class you’re interested in (or tap it on mobile) to view all class information.
Each class has six seats available, and the calendar will show how many remain (for example, “4 of 6 seats remaining” means two students are signed up and four spots are open). Under the seat count, you’ll see a list of student initials and payment methods:
- PD – Paid Deposit
- GC – Gift Card
- PF – Paid in Full
- NP – No Payment
I can't find the welding class, where do I go?
Two days before your first welding class, you’ll receive an email with detailed directions to the shop. If you haven’t received that email by then, please contact us at (845) 519-7972.
We ask that people not drop by during the week, unless absolutely necessary (i.e. leaving a cash deposit), as Monday through Friday we are an active steel fabrication shop, and the environment can pose safety hazards to visitors.