Proficient pipe welders must be willing to work hard and spend time at their trade. Good physical condition, eyesight, and mechanical aptitude are also required.

Emphasis is on making X-ray quality welds. Pipe welding students spend 90% of the day in welding lab and 10% in classroom instruction.

To achieve a Pipe Welding certificate, students must complete all required competencies and related processes. This is a total of 450 contact hours.

Certification

Students must successfully complete the ASME 6G pipe certification test to graduate as a Certified Pipe Welder.

National certification is available through the American Welding Society, an independent agency. This testing is an additional cost, and is performed in Anchorage. It is the student's responsibility to make transportation arrangements to the testing site. Contact the instructor for exact costs. In addition to earning the AVTEC Certified Pipe Welder certificate, students can also prepare for and earn the following industry certification:

Pipe Certification to ASME section IX, 6G Pipe

Entry Requirements

TABE tests scores for this program must be:
   Reading - 552
   Combined Math - 552

For specific information on entry guidelines in reading and mathematics for this program, contact the Admissions Office at (800) 478-5389.

Physical requirements of the occupation are the ability to lift 100 pounds, carry 50 pounds, stoop, kneel, crawl, walk, and stand continuously. The student must have the ability to manipulate various types of welding equipment and welding processes, which require the ability to feed filler metal and manipulate the torch head for temperature or arc length. Have the ability to manipulate welding fixtures, place material in fixtures above your head and weld in various positions for extended periods. Welding requires good hand-eye coordination and eyesight corrected to 20/20 with excellent depth perception. We strongly recommend an eye examination prior to enrollment so that corrective lenses or glasses may be obtained prior to the start of class.  

Students must meet the following:

1.  Be an AVTEC graduate as a Structural Welder.

OR

2.  Have 2 or more years of structural welding field experience.

AND

3.  Be certified to the AWS D1.1 structural steel code all position plate; within the last 2 years.

Documentation that you have worked in the welding field shall be provided by the applicant.  The welding instructor will review your certification and experience for approval.

Prerequisites

Proficient pipe welders must be willing to work hard and spend time at their trade. Good physical condition, eyesight, and mechanical aptitude are also required.