Welding Certificate

Career Certificate
Cost
$11,462*

All-around welding & metalwork

Try your hand at multiple techniques. Bring your own projects to life with increasing skill and metal vision. Take those skills into a challenging and rewarding career, working with your hands, eyes and mind.

You'll earn credentials that stack towards the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Welding & Fabrication Technology. For this certificate, you develop fundamental skills in a range of welding and metalworking techniques:

  • gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
  • shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
  • gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)
  • oxy-fuel welding
  • thermal-cutting, industry math and blueprint reading
  • fabrication skills including metal forming, cutting, assembly and processing
  • metallurgy fundamentals

What can you do with this Welding Certificate?

You’re ready for an entry-level welding or metalworking position. You can advance quickly, especially with the range of techniques you understand and your extensive, hands-on experience.

See what students love about the welding and fabrication technology program at CLC. Picture yourself here:

Highlights

  • Career Certificate

    Earn a career certificate in 2 years to refine your skills into an in-demand career.

  • Accredited by the AWS

    Students can get certified by the American Welding Society (AWS).

  • Metallica Scholarships

    Heavy metal scholarships available.

  • Advanced Technology Center (ATC)

    State-of-the-art facilities to build career-ready skills

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Receive college credit for what you already know.

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

View more careers

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    WFT 170

    WFT 170 General Welding

    Class Description

    This course is designed to introduce students to common welding processes and the associated industry. A general and basic knowledge of common arc welding processes, safety and operation are studied and practiced. In addition to welding fundamentals; measuring, materials and plasma cutting as they pertain to industry are also studied and practiced. Primary and essential skills regarding safe and proper operation will be developed and practiced. Development of welding skill and technique is secondary to understanding safety and knowledge of welding processes and associated equipment. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
         		3
    WFT 270

    WFT 270 General Welding II

    Class Description

    This course is a continuation of WFT170. Additional welding theory in GMAW, SMAW, GTAW are studied and practiced. FCAW is introduced, studied and practiced. Additional thermal cutting processes including oxy-fuel and carbon-arc are also introduced, studied and practiced. Lab times are dedicated to developing techniques used on low carbon steel alloys in the flat position. Both qualitative and quantitative testing and inspection is introduced and practiced following AWS code and standards. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
         		3
    WFT 113

    WFT 113 Welding Blueprint Reading

    Class Description

    This course will cover the study and development of blueprint reading skills as they apply to the metals/welding fabrication trades. Skill and proficiency in understanding the make-up and interpretation of prints will include the study of associated materials, processing, dimensioning, weld joint designs and symbols, as well as fundamental drawing abilities. NOTE: Student must furnish basic required equipment.
         		3
    MTH 114

    MTH 114 Applied Mathematics

    Class Description

    This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra and practical geometry.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 170
      Course Title

      WFT 170 General Welding

      Class Description

      This course is designed to introduce students to common welding processes and the associated industry. A general and basic knowledge of common arc welding processes, safety and operation are studied and practiced. In addition to welding fundamentals; measuring, materials and plasma cutting as they pertain to industry are also studied and practiced. Primary and essential skills regarding safe and proper operation will be developed and practiced. Development of welding skill and technique is secondary to understanding safety and knowledge of welding processes and associated equipment. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 270
      Course Title

      WFT 270 General Welding II

      Class Description

      This course is a continuation of WFT170. Additional welding theory in GMAW, SMAW, GTAW are studied and practiced. FCAW is introduced, studied and practiced. Additional thermal cutting processes including oxy-fuel and carbon-arc are also introduced, studied and practiced. Lab times are dedicated to developing techniques used on low carbon steel alloys in the flat position. Both qualitative and quantitative testing and inspection is introduced and practiced following AWS code and standards. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 113
      Course Title

      WFT 113 Welding Blueprint Reading

      Class Description

      This course will cover the study and development of blueprint reading skills as they apply to the metals/welding fabrication trades. Skill and proficiency in understanding the make-up and interpretation of prints will include the study of associated materials, processing, dimensioning, weld joint designs and symbols, as well as fundamental drawing abilities. NOTE: Student must furnish basic required equipment.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 114
      Course Title

      MTH 114 Applied Mathematics

      Class Description

      This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra and practical geometry.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    WFT 171

    WFT 171 Gas Welding, Brazing and Thermal Cutting

    Class Description

    This course (formerly WLD 171) will present welding theory, safety, care of equipment, skill development and application with the oxy-fuel process. Students will study and practice fusion welding, brazing, and conditioning techniques. Various thermal cutting processes including oxy-fuel, plasma, carbon-arc and laser will be studied and practiced. Opportunity to practice and work with steel, cast iron, aluminum, and stainless steel will be presented. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
         		3
    PMT 140

    PMT 140 Metallurgy for Metalworking

    Class Description

    This course develops familiarization with the various ferrous and non-ferrous metals used in the metalworking industry. This is a study of metals and their properties, metallurgical concepts, steel numbering system, Iron-Carbon diagrams, various heat-treating procedures, Isothermal Transformation diagrams, and destructive and non-destructive testing. Students will prepare metallurgical samples for investigating grain structure and study how physical, chemical, and mechanical properties affect and impact metals when welded and machined. Practical application will provide experience in the use of laboratory equipment and methods for heat treating and studying and reporting microstructures of ferrous, non-ferrous and specialty materials.
         		3
    WFT 175

    WFT 175 Gas Metal Arc Welding I

    Class Description

    This course (formerly WLD 175) covers the fundamental theory and practice of gas metal arc welding and flux core arc welding in the flat and horizontal positions. Short circuit, spray transfer methods are studied and practiced. A variety of material thickness and joint designs will be covered implementing single pass and multi-pass techniques. Students will also learn to set up equipment for the various applications, troubleshoot problems and apply corrective measures. Welding of steel and its alloys is the primary focus. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
         		3
    WFT 275

    WFT 275 Gas Metal Arc Welding II

    Class Description

    This course is a continuation of WLD175 Gas Metal Arc Welding I. Students will be able to produce quality gas metal arc welds in the vertical and overhead positions on low-carbon steel meeting AWS standards. The single and multiple pass techniques will be further studied and practiced on pipe and plate. The study of GMAW with stainless steel and aluminum metals will be studied and practiced. Additionally, welding pipe and tube in all positions of both mild steel and stainless steel will be covered. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE equipment.
         		3
    • Course Code WFT 171
      Course Title

      WFT 171 Gas Welding, Brazing and Thermal Cutting

      Class Description

      This course (formerly WLD 171) will present welding theory, safety, care of equipment, skill development and application with the oxy-fuel process. Students will study and practice fusion welding, brazing, and conditioning techniques. Various thermal cutting processes including oxy-fuel, plasma, carbon-arc and laser will be studied and practiced. Opportunity to practice and work with steel, cast iron, aluminum, and stainless steel will be presented. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PMT 140
      Course Title

      PMT 140 Metallurgy for Metalworking

      Class Description

      This course develops familiarization with the various ferrous and non-ferrous metals used in the metalworking industry. This is a study of metals and their properties, metallurgical concepts, steel numbering system, Iron-Carbon diagrams, various heat-treating procedures, Isothermal Transformation diagrams, and destructive and non-destructive testing. Students will prepare metallurgical samples for investigating grain structure and study how physical, chemical, and mechanical properties affect and impact metals when welded and machined. Practical application will provide experience in the use of laboratory equipment and methods for heat treating and studying and reporting microstructures of ferrous, non-ferrous and specialty materials.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 175
      Course Title

      WFT 175 Gas Metal Arc Welding I

      Class Description

      This course (formerly WLD 175) covers the fundamental theory and practice of gas metal arc welding and flux core arc welding in the flat and horizontal positions. Short circuit, spray transfer methods are studied and practiced. A variety of material thickness and joint designs will be covered implementing single pass and multi-pass techniques. Students will also learn to set up equipment for the various applications, troubleshoot problems and apply corrective measures. Welding of steel and its alloys is the primary focus. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 275
      Course Title

      WFT 275 Gas Metal Arc Welding II

      Class Description

      This course is a continuation of WLD175 Gas Metal Arc Welding I. Students will be able to produce quality gas metal arc welds in the vertical and overhead positions on low-carbon steel meeting AWS standards. The single and multiple pass techniques will be further studied and practiced on pipe and plate. The study of GMAW with stainless steel and aluminum metals will be studied and practiced. Additionally, welding pipe and tube in all positions of both mild steel and stainless steel will be covered. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE equipment.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    WFT 172

    WFT 172 Shielded Metal Arc Welding I

    Class Description

    This course (formerly WLD 172) covers the fundamental theory and practice of "stick" electrode welding in the flat and horizontal positions. Safety, equipment set-up and adjustment, materials preparation, techniques and electrode selection are studied and practiced. Opportunity to work with a variety of material thicknesses, joint designs implementing single pass and multi-pass techniques will be covered. Welding of steel and its alloys is the primary focus. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
         		3
    WFT 272

    WFT 272 Shielded Metal Arc Welding II

    Class Description

    This is an advanced study in "stick" electrode welding theory and practices. It features the opportunity to develop out-of-position welding abilities on plate and pipe, study methods of weld testing, certification procedures, and welding of stainless steel, cast iron and aluminum with the SMAW process.Note: Student must furnish basic required equipment.
         		3
    WFT 178

    WFT 178 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I

    Class Description

    This course (formerly WLD 178) covers the fundamental theory and practice of gas tungsten arc welding (TIG) in the flat and horizontal positions. A variety of material thickness and joint designs will be covered implementing single pass and multi-pass techniques. Students will learn to properly set up equipment and utilize various sub-features. Students will also learn to troubleshoot common problems and apply corrective measures. Welding of steel and its alloys is the primary focus. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
         		3
    WFT 278

    WFT 278 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II

    Class Description

    This course (formerly WLD 179) is a continuation of WFT 178 (formerly WLD 178) Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. Study and practice will include welding of low-carbon steel plate in vertical and over head positions using single and multi-pass techniques. Additionally, low-carbon steel pipe/tube welding will be introduced and practiced in various positions. The continuation of aluminum GTAW will be further studied and practiced. Stainless steel GTAW will be introduced and practiced with both plate and pipe/tube in various positions. Other metals and techniques including titanium, nickle alloys and "tig brazing" will be studied and practiced. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
         		3
    • Course Code WFT 172
      Course Title

      WFT 172 Shielded Metal Arc Welding I

      Class Description

      This course (formerly WLD 172) covers the fundamental theory and practice of "stick" electrode welding in the flat and horizontal positions. Safety, equipment set-up and adjustment, materials preparation, techniques and electrode selection are studied and practiced. Opportunity to work with a variety of material thicknesses, joint designs implementing single pass and multi-pass techniques will be covered. Welding of steel and its alloys is the primary focus. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 272
      Course Title

      WFT 272 Shielded Metal Arc Welding II

      Class Description

      This is an advanced study in "stick" electrode welding theory and practices. It features the opportunity to develop out-of-position welding abilities on plate and pipe, study methods of weld testing, certification procedures, and welding of stainless steel, cast iron and aluminum with the SMAW process.Note: Student must furnish basic required equipment.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 178
      Course Title

      WFT 178 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I

      Class Description

      This course (formerly WLD 178) covers the fundamental theory and practice of gas tungsten arc welding (TIG) in the flat and horizontal positions. A variety of material thickness and joint designs will be covered implementing single pass and multi-pass techniques. Students will learn to properly set up equipment and utilize various sub-features. Students will also learn to troubleshoot common problems and apply corrective measures. Welding of steel and its alloys is the primary focus. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 278
      Course Title

      WFT 278 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II

      Class Description

      This course (formerly WLD 179) is a continuation of WFT 178 (formerly WLD 178) Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. Study and practice will include welding of low-carbon steel plate in vertical and over head positions using single and multi-pass techniques. Additionally, low-carbon steel pipe/tube welding will be introduced and practiced in various positions. The continuation of aluminum GTAW will be further studied and practiced. Stainless steel GTAW will be introduced and practiced with both plate and pipe/tube in various positions. Other metals and techniques including titanium, nickle alloys and "tig brazing" will be studied and practiced. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    WFT 117

    WFT 117 Applied Welding Fabrication I

    Class Description

    This course enables the student to study supplemental machining skills required in the weldment fabrication industry. Students will gain experience on various machine tools such as: drill press, horizontal saws, vertical saws, pedestal grinders, brake press, and shears. The identification of various types of ferrous and non ferrous structural materials will also be visited. Students will continue the study of welding blueprint reading as well as advanced measurement and layout procedures. Final inspection of both welds and weldment dimensions are stressed along with metal finishing processes and the heat treatment of ferrous alloys. Note: Student must furnish basic required equipment.
         		3
    WFT 217

    WFT 217 Applied Welding Fabrication II

    Class Description

    This course is a continuation of WLD117-Applied Welding Fabrication I. Study and practice is continued in various metal forming and machining techniques including bending, rolling, turning and milling. Emphasis on blueprint reading, advanced measuring, layouts and assembly will be practiced. An introduction to machine programming will allow students to execute projects from idea to completed fabricated and welded assemblies. Advanced quality control, inspection and analysis will be studied and practiced. Supplemental post-fabricated processing will also be studied and practiced including metal conditioning and finishing. Note: Student must furnish required PPE.
         		3
    WFT 176

    WFT 176 Welding Certification and Testing

    Class Description

    This course (formerly WLD 176) prepares students to complete performance qualification testing in GTAW, GMAW and SMAW processes. American Welding Society structural welding codes will be used. In addition to qualitative welding tests, students will study and practice various methods and procedures for non-destructive testing and the associated equipment. Students will also study the importance of welding regulations in industry and associated applications. Note; Individuals or groups with special requirements and/or requests may enroll with the consent of the department chair and designated CWI. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
         		3
    • Course Code WFT 117
      Course Title

      WFT 117 Applied Welding Fabrication I

      Class Description

      This course enables the student to study supplemental machining skills required in the weldment fabrication industry. Students will gain experience on various machine tools such as: drill press, horizontal saws, vertical saws, pedestal grinders, brake press, and shears. The identification of various types of ferrous and non ferrous structural materials will also be visited. Students will continue the study of welding blueprint reading as well as advanced measurement and layout procedures. Final inspection of both welds and weldment dimensions are stressed along with metal finishing processes and the heat treatment of ferrous alloys. Note: Student must furnish basic required equipment.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 217
      Course Title

      WFT 217 Applied Welding Fabrication II

      Class Description

      This course is a continuation of WLD117-Applied Welding Fabrication I. Study and practice is continued in various metal forming and machining techniques including bending, rolling, turning and milling. Emphasis on blueprint reading, advanced measuring, layouts and assembly will be practiced. An introduction to machine programming will allow students to execute projects from idea to completed fabricated and welded assemblies. Advanced quality control, inspection and analysis will be studied and practiced. Supplemental post-fabricated processing will also be studied and practiced including metal conditioning and finishing. Note: Student must furnish required PPE.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code WFT 176
      Course Title

      WFT 176 Welding Certification and Testing

      Class Description

      This course (formerly WLD 176) prepares students to complete performance qualification testing in GTAW, GMAW and SMAW processes. American Welding Society structural welding codes will be used. In addition to qualitative welding tests, students will study and practice various methods and procedures for non-destructive testing and the associated equipment. Students will also study the importance of welding regulations in industry and associated applications. Note; Individuals or groups with special requirements and/or requests may enroll with the consent of the department chair and designated CWI. Note: Student must furnish basic required PPE.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

47

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.



Female student taking notes in class

Welding & Fabrication Technology at CLC: Get the bigger picture

An Advanced Welding-Fabrication Certificate is just one possible way to study Welding & Fabrication Technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Welding and Fabrication Technology program overview

Frequently asked questions

  • Photo of student in welding and fabrication class

    Kyle Thorne

    Graduate

    "While I love the space and equipment, it was the instructors that kept me at CLC. They helped make sure I learned the right way, and I had fun doing it."

    Kyle took welding and fabrication classes at the CLC Grayslake campus and Advanced Technology Center in Gurnee. He then started his own mobile welding business. Kyle is one of many CLC graduates bringing their skills to the world of manufacturing.

    Read Kyle's story

    Photo of student in welding and fabrication class

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Paying for college

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

Send me info

Visit us

Get a feel for life on campus when you register for a tour. We'd love to show you around. Oh, and bring family and friends along for the fun, if you want!

Take a tour

Get started

Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

Start today!
1/4