What every employer screens for
- Current AWS certifications (D1.1, D1.5) with position and process
- ASME Section IX qualifications if you've worked code piping
- Processes: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, SAW
- Tested positions: 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G plate / 1G–6G pipe
- Base materials: carbon steel, stainless, aluminum, Inconel
- Years on pipe vs structural vs plate
Certifications to list
Technical skills section
Example bullets that get callbacks
- Tested and qualified to ASME Section IX 6G on 6" sch 80 carbon steel; ran 180 production welds with zero rejects on radiograph.
- Welded out 220 LF of stainless food-grade tubing (TIG, purged) for a dairy processing line; passed borescope inspection.
- Repaired structural members on 480 ft pedestrian bridge using AWS D1.5; coordinated with CWI on every PJP joint.
Apprenticeship application note
For Boilermaker, Ironworker, or Pipefitter apprenticeship applications, lead with shop welding hours, any cert tests passed (even practice plates), and physical work history. Coordinators want to see you can hold a stinger for 8 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Do I list expired AWS certs on my resume?
Only if you can re-test on the same procedure quickly. Mark them as 'Eligible to re-test' rather than hiding them.
How do I show position experience without dropping current certs?
Two sub-sections: 'Current certifications' (active papers) and 'Positions tested' (all positions you've passed, with dates). Recruiters use the second for matching.
Pipe welder or structural — which pays better on a resume?
Lead with whichever is your current path. If you've done both, put pipe first — code-pipe jobs almost always pay more and rate-of-pay screens are common.
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