Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Welding Technology Certificate

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

The certificate curriculum in welding technology is designed to provide comprehensive occupational training in all common types of welding methods relating to the needs of today’s welding fabrication industry. The program provides students with the practical skills and technical knowledge required to operate Oxy-Fuel cutting equipment, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). In addition, students will be prepared for certification as required by employment in the welding industry. Employment opportunities available are Welder, Welder Technician, Inspector, Maintenance Welder, Pipe Welder, and Shipbuilder. The Santa Ana College Welding Program is a Los Angeles Certified Testing Lab Facility. The program offers training and testing for the following certifications: SMAW, FCAW, GTAW, and GMAW.

Demonstrate knowledgein welding processes that apply to the welding industry.

Apply welding theory to ensure proper welding practices.

Demonstrate weldments in out of position welds.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

9 units
WELD 101
Introduction to Welding
This is a basic course designed to introduce students to shop safety, the proper use of tools and basic equipment, and basic fundamentals through the introduction of various welding processes currently used in the welding and metal fabrication industry. Processes will include Oxy-fuel cutting, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).
    WELD 125
    Intermediate Electric Arc Welding
    This is an intermediate course designed for students who want to progress in their welding skills through the application of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and Oxy-fuel Cutting. The course will emphasize proficiency in welding in the flat, horizontal, and vertical positions. Continuing emphasis on safety, theory, and practical skill development.
    • Recommended Preparation: WELD 101
    WELD 153
    Math/Blueprint Reading for Welders
    This course focuses on math used in welding and blueprint reading . Emphasis will be placed on welding blueprint symbols along with industry mathematics. The student will be able to read and interpret shop, field drawings, and blueprints related to the welding industry.

      Second Semester

      6 units
      WELD 232
      Advanced Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
      This is an advanced welding course using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process. This course is intended to challenge the students with welding out of position on various alloys. The students will weld in the horizontal (2F/G), vertical (3F/G), and overhead (4F/G) welding positions on plate and pipe. This class is designed to prepare students for the certification tests in structural, pipe, and aerospace industries.
      • Recommended Preparation: WELD 132
      WELD 181
      Pipe Welding Fundamentals
      This course is an introduction class to pipe welding with the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process. Students will focus on safety, theory, preparation, and welding. Emphasis will be placed on welding in the flat (1G) and horizontal (2G) positions using various size pipe with E6010 and E7018 electrodes.
      • Recommended Preparation: WELD 101

      Third Semester

      5 units
      WELD 240
      Structural Welding SMAW
      This is an advanced course designed to provide students with specialized instruction in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) for the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) welder performance examination and/or the welder performance examination in accordance with the American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 Structural Steel Code. Simulated examination plates will be issued to students, who will have to complete them in vertical (3G) and overhead (4G) positions, in order to evaluate their progress. Upon completion of the class, students should be prepared to schedule, take, and pass the welder performance examination for structural steel welding (AWS: D1.1).

      Students will need to show knowledge of electric arc welding in accordance with the student learning objectives. Subject to the Instructor's discretion.

      • Recommended Preparation: WELD 101 - Students will need to show beginner's knowledge of electric arc welding in accordance with the student learning objectives. Subject to the Instructor's discretion.
      • Recommended Preparation: WELD 125 - Students must demonstrate intermediate knowledge of electric arc welding in accordance with the student learning objectives. Subject to the Instructor's discretion.
      • Recommended Preparation: WELD 225 - Students must demonstrate advanced knowledge of electric arc welding in accordance with the student learning objectives. Subject to the Instructor's discretion.
      WELD 244
      Welding Certification D1.1 Code Clinic
      This course is designed for welding students looking to achieve their certification in the written portion of the American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 Structural Steel code book. Emphasis will be focused on understanding and navigating the D1.1 Structural Steel code book. Students will cover prequalified/qualified design, prequalified base/filler material, procedure/welder qualifications, fabrication essentials, and testing as specified by AWS D1.1 Structural Code specifications leading to Los Angeles City or AWS welding certifications.