Welding Certificate of Proficiency SMAW

CERT - Occupational Certificate


Graduates will demonstrate skills in (1) basic knowledge in the welding field required of an entry level employee in the industry and (2) critical thinking skills in AWC’s General Education focus areas.

Program Purpose


Graduates will demonstrate skills in Shielded Metal Arc Welding which will prepare them to obtain an entry level position in the field.

Learning Outcomes


  • Demonstrate basic mathematical functions such as adding, subtracting, dividing and multiplying whole numbers, fractions and decimals, and explain their applications to the welding construction trades including geometry and some trigonometric functions for calculating angles for layout and fabrication of structural steel plate and pipe connections.
  • Demonstrate safe work practices associated with the OAW process.
  • Demonstrate welding/cutting techniques used for the OAW process.
  • Demonstrate safe work practices associated with the SMAW process.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the safe use of related welding equipment used to prepare metals for welding using the SMAW process.
  • Performs steel plate welding using the SMAW process in four basic positions.
  • Demonstrate structural steel shapes used in weld fabrication.
  • Demonstrate the correct weld techniques necessary to complete a weld test under the AWS-D1.1 Structural Welding Code using Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) with backing.
  • Demonstrate mastery of basic programing of robotic welding equipment using defined parameters.

Program Map


Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements

This program map has been updated for new students starting in Fall 2025 (or after). Students following previous catalogs can find corresponding program maps in Self-Service/Student Planning. For official requirements, refer to the AWC Catalog.

The recommended plan below meets all program requirements. If the classes listed as recommended don’t align with your schedule or interests, alternative options are available. Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan or schedule an appointment with your Faculty Advisor or the Advisement Services Office.

First Semester: Fall

Course Course Title Credits Area
WLD 105 Techniques in Oxyacetylene Welding and Cutting Major Requirement
WLD 106 Techniques in Shielded Metal Arc Welding 3 Major Requirement
DFT 100 AutoCAD 1 - Drafting 3 Departmental Requirement
    9  

Second Semester: Spring

Course Course Title Credits Area
WLD 127 Welder Certification and Code Application 6 Major Requirement
MAT 106 Mathematics for Welders  3 Major Requirement
    9  

Third Semester: Fall

Course Course Title Credits Area
WLD 125 Welding Design, Layout and Fabrication 3 Major Requirement
WLD 201 Automation for Metals Joining 4 Major Requirement
    7  
Open the program map above to view the recommended classes to complete the program. You can also print the program map using the button above.