Pipeline Jobs - Welding Certification For a Pipeline Welder

Here are my 11 suggestions for getting a job as a pipeline welder:

1. Spend several hours researching welding forums searching on terms like "pipeline jobs", "pipeline welding", and "pipeline welding certification test." You need to get a feel for the pipeline welding industry.


2. If you still want to go for it, decide whether you want to joint a union or go the non-union route. (this is a subject for a whole article all by itself)


3. If you want to be a union pipeline welder, contact the pipeliners local 798 in Tulsa,OK and let them guide you or change your mind.


4. If you decide to go the non-union route, search job websites like monster and careerbuilder for terms such as "pipeline welder" or "pipeline welding."


5. Learn the welding test requirements by hook or by crook. Call the test supervisor and learn the welding test criteria. Every contractor is likely to administer different welding tests. For example, some require the pipeline welder to cut,bevel, and weld a typical connection. It has been my experience that some weld test supervisors are just looking for a way to fail you. Other weld test supers will actually give tips and advice. Every job is different and there is no one single welding test that is the standard. That is just the way it is.


6. Find a way to practice the test on mock ups that exactly represent what will be required. Practice enough to have confidence that you will be able to pass the welding test.


7. Arrange a pipeline welding test date and show up early.


8. Do not, I repeat ...Do not be cocky or arrogant. The test shop supervisor has you by the short hairs. This is the time to give him the respect he deserves as test shop supervisor and to say yes sir and no sir.


9. Ask questions. For example, Can I use a grinder? Will you fail me for grinding too much? Do you need to inspect the fitup? root pass? hot pass? Learning what will fly and what will not is crucial to passing the welding test.


10. Take your time unless there is a time limit. Relax and try not to be nervous. Keep all arc strikes and grinder marks within the bevel. Weld the joint or joints and chip brush and grind anything that needs it. (if allowed)


11. Pray. You might want to do this one first.

Learn more about pipe welding and welding certification at http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/

Structural Welding Certification Tests - Tips to Help You Pass

Structural welding certification tests are usually either 3/8" thick or 1" thick. Both thicknesses use a 1/4" thick backing strip and a 1/4" gap.

Unless you are lucky enough to be tested for a Fab shop, you will probably be required to weld 2 certification test plates, one in the vertical position (also known as the 3G position) and one in the overhead position (4G). When both vertical 3G and overhead 4G welding tests are passed, the welder is qualified for all positions.

The 1" thick test qualifies for unlimited thickness and the 3/8" thick welding certification plate test has a thickness limitation. Most people think the 3/8" is a bit easier.

Either way, there are a few things you can do that will improve your odds:

• The gap is usually 1/4", use it. Don't try to close the gap, remember that the bevels are only 22.5 degrees. You need that 1/4" gap to get a 1/8" rod in there.


• Clean the metal. That means the backing strip and both plates. Get all the mill scale off. Sure the stick will burn right through and sure you will not clean everything that well in the field but this is a test.


• Either chip and brush on every tie in or light right back up while things are still hot...one or the other.


• Keep all arc strikes within the bevel where they will be consumed with weld.

Ask the test shop supervisor what kind of things will fail you before the welding certification test begins. For example, how much grinding is allowed? What size rod is permitted on the root pass? Does he want to see the fit-up? It goes without saying that you need to have practiced before you even showed up. If it is allowed, get a piece of scrap metal and weld a little while to shake off the rust. Not off the metal, but off of you.

Try not to be nervous and focus.

Good luck Welder.

To read a very different perspective on welding certification along with plenty of welding tips and tricks read Jody Collier's page on Welding Certification and For TIG, MIG, STICK welding and a buttload of other stuff, visit http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/

Pipe Welding Certification Tests - UA Welding Tests

The United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) identifies their standard pipe welding tests with the letters UA, a dash, and then a number. Like UA-1, UA-2, etc.

There is a list available that goes all the way to UA-92. That does not mean there are only 92 tests ever given. There are many more possibilities but the Pipe fitters Union (UA) had to go all the way to # 92 to identify the most common pipe tests. However, this does serve as kind of an example to how many possibilities exist for pipe welding certification tests.

With 4 different welding processes used for pipe welding (Gas Metal Arc / GMAW, Flux Core Arc / FCAW, Shielded Metal Arc / SMAW, and Gas Tungsten Arc / GTAW) and several different metal groups being welded (like carbon steel, stainless steel, and even aluminum), its no wonder so many different pipe welding certification tests are required to certify welders for the scope of work being done on a job or job site.

ASME Section IX is a commonly referred to document in pipe welding used to determine welder certification requirements as well as qualification limitations.

Some of the common limitations are thickness, position, and diameter of pipe.

For example a welder passing a tig welding certification test on 2 inch schedule 80 pipe in a 6G position is qualified to weld 1 inch and greater diameter pipe, up to 436" thick and in all positions.

But a welder passing a test on 6" schedule 40 in a 6G position is qualified to weld in all positions but only up to.560" thick and only down to 2.875" pipe diameter.

If you are reading this and are wonder what rectal database they pulled these numbers from, I am with you on that. Its seems kind of silly that once you have.560" of filler metal deposited, that you are not qualified to put more.

I am just saying.

Read more about Welding Certification along with tons of Down and Dirty welding tips.

For TIG, MIG, and STICK welding tips along with a buttload of other welding information, visit http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/